Love Travel, Love Writing, How to Sell? Spread your Wings...

 Up and Away ©Solange Hando

Is the market shrinking in your corner of the world?

Think global

Over 80 countries use English as their official language

Check them out on the web

See what they publish

Lifestyle, in-flight magazines and more

Are glossy travel magazines just for famous writers?

Big names sell copies but no editor will turn down a brilliant idea

So if you have a riveting story to share, with images, go for it

Pitch before you write

Get off the destination track 

Most publications include travel of one kind or another

Choose a specific angle to increase your chances:

Interview, history, festival, hotel review, local transport, market, temple, visiting a school

Wherever you go, there's always a winning story

The tighter the focus, the better

Like to hop on? Cuba ©Solange Hando

Explore every niche

Look out for specialist publications

 Spa, honeymoons, health, outdoor activities, property
Heritage, hobbies, food and wine

                          

Families, seniors, singles, business, disabled, students

Vintage travel, railway magazines, cruising, canal boats

All have scope for a travel-related piece

Study general interest magazines

Top of the list, women's weeklies which need a lot of copy to fill their pages

Be sure to write for the readers

Add newspapers, county magazines, trade publications.

I could be tempted to throw in a few names but the publishing world is always changing, in with the new, out with the old at a moment's notice.

Got an idea?

Great but it's like the stock exchange 

Check the current market then go for it 

but remember to spread your wings in all directions and think small as well as big.

Would you like to know more?

We can help you 

Be a Travel Writer

Bhutan, great but how much does it cost?

Punakha Valley ©Solange Hando

How much ?

From US$200 a day, depending on group size and season

Expensive or value for money?

You decide
Here's what's included:

Bhutanese Guide (included)  ©Solange Hando

qualified guide 24/7

full board in traditional comfortable hotels

all internal transport in private vehicle

all entrance fees / festivals 

trekking staff  / equipment if applicable

all taxes

Traditional Bhutanese Hotel (included) ©Solange Hando

Any extras?

supplement for 5 star accommodation

drinks (other than water and tea)

personal purchases, tips at your discretion

Now, consider the cost of one night -room only- in London

What do you think?

Traditional Festival (included) ©Solange Hando

Basics aside, what else do you get for your money?

An amazing insight into a unique culture:

Where else is Gross National Happiness enshrined in the Constitution?

Where else would a king stop his car to chat to a farmer?
Or join in an archery contest on his coronation?

Bhutan's National Sport ©Solange Hando

Add

a pristine natural world

gentle people

superb arts and crafts

and to top it all

unrivalled views of Everest along the way

Everest /Himalaya on the way to Bhutan ©Solange Hando

Tempted?

After four visits, I can't wait to return

For more information, see other blogs on this site or check Blue Poppy Bhutan for tailor-made trips.

Images of Tenerife

Shepherd's Leap in Tenerife ©Solange Hando

Not so long ago in the Canaries, shepherds would keep ahead of their flock or rescue stray sheep by jumping with a pole from rock to rock. The pole is made of wood with a metal tip and can be up to four metres long.

Today shepherd's leap is a highly competitive sport and as well as entertaining visitors, it keeps traditions alive.If you fancy a go, just let your man know, when he's back on the ground...

Moonscape on the Island ©Solange Hando

The Teide National Park is one of the top places in the world to study the sky, sun, stars and moon, but there's no need to crane your neck to marvel at a lunar landscape.

It's all around, rocks, craters, volcanic bombs and Mount Teide towering above it all.

Heading for the Surf, North Tenerife ©Solange Hando

But when you want to escape, there's always the ocean, beaches stretching for miles, coves and creeks and if you like to be active, there's every water sport you would expect, including surfing for all levels.

Teide National Park ©Solange Hando

If rambling is your thing and you like a challenge, it's hard to beat Teide, at over 3700 metres the highest point on the island, or its neighbour, Mount Viejo where the difficulty level is marked 'extreme'.

There are easier options however like this gentle Samara route winding its way through lava flows between two volcanoes. There are great views of the peaks and when you come down, you can see the smaller islands of Hiero and La Gomera which seem to float between ocean and sky.

Wow, what did she see? ©Solange Hando

Dolphins or pilot whales? Probably both for Tenerife is rich in marine life and in season sightings are almost guaranteed. 

There's great diving and snorkelling too or you could just relax and enjoy the breeze, or wait for the most spectacular sunset over the ocean, the drifting clouds and the nearby islands.

Tenerife Sunset ©Solange Hando

Thimphu, Bhutan's Capital

Thimphu, Bhutan's Capital ©Solange Hando

Nestling in the hills at over 2000 metres, Thimphu is a capital like no other. No traffic lights, no airport, the former were promptly removed by popular demand, the second just wouldn't fit into this hemmed-in valley, Visitors land in Paro, 54 km away.

Thimphu replaced Punakha as capital in the mid-1900s and the population has now reached around 70,000 with ongoing developments striving to accommodate rural migrants . But at the heart of the Himalaya, Thimphu still has the 'wow' factor as an endearing example of traditional Bhutanese values.  

Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu

On the bank of the Thimphu River, all red roofs and gilded pinnacles, the 'fortress of glorious religion' is the most important building, a civic and religious centre all in one. Renovated and extended by the 3rd King, it's the summer residence of the monk's body and still retains some of the earlier structures, notably the central tower and temples.

Surrounded by roses and lawns, the dzong is just steps away from the Royal Cottage, home of the current king, and faces the National Assembly across the river. Major events have included the 2008 Coronation and the annual tsechu festivals.

Tsechu Festival in Thimphu Dzong ©Solange Hando

For any visitor, a festival is the highlight of the trip. For the Bhutanese, it's a chance to earn merits, meet family and friends and have a good time as you watch lay and religious dancers, listen to ancient tales and laugh at the antics of medieval-style jesters.

Everyone wears their finest traditional clothes and from the crowds tightly packed in the courtyard to  the masked dancers twirling on the flagstones, it's a dizzying kaleidoscope of colours when the deep chanting of monks mingling with drums, horns and bells sends shivers down your spine.

Clocktower Square in Thimphu ©Solange Hando

The town may have grown but as capitals go, it's still modest, relatively quiet and lined with traditional buildings. Even the new hotels follow suit whether it's the shape of the roof, the Buddhist symbols painted on the walls or carvings along the eaves or around doors and windows.

There are fine bakeries and restaurants, small shops and emporiums brimming with arts and crafts, including textiles, jewellery, carvings, paintings and other religious items.

Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts in Thimphu ©Solange Hando

Arts and crafts are important in Bhutan since creating beautiful things is akin to an act of worship, a way of showing appreciation for the gifts of nature. The 13 arts and crafts were defined by the 17th century Shabdrung who unified the country and talented youngsters can further their training in specialised institutes, one in East Bhutan and other in Thimphu.

The Golden Buddha ©Solange Hando

But wherever you travel, you cannot doubt that Buddhism is the mainstay of Bhutanese culture and Thimphu is no exception. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, prayer wheels tinkle here and there and from the Memorial Chorten to the Cheri monastery, traditional values continue to thrive.

The latest witness is the newly-built giant Golden Buddha, rising on a hill above town to 'bestow blessings, peace and happiness to the whole world.'

Bhutan, Farmhouse Stay in Paro Valley

Traditional Farmhouse in Paro Valley ©Solange Hando

Bhutan has excellent hotels, in lovely traditional style, but for anyone who would like to get close to the 'real thing' for a day or two, a farmhouse stay is truly rewarding. Simply request it at the time of booking.

It may not be luxurious but accommodation is clean with basic facilities and definitely a warm welcome. It's a genuine chance to live with a Bhutanese family and experience something different.

Heating up Stones for the Bath ©Solange Hando

After a long flight or a day's trek , there's nothing more relaxing than a hot stone bath and most farmhouses will have one. Stones from the river bed are heated on an open fire then carried with pincers and dropped into the small compartment of a wooden tub. The water steams and sizzles and more stones can be added if needed.

No need to worry about emptying the bath for when guests have finished, family members may well follow to make full use of the hot water.

Dinner Farmhouse-Style ©Solange Hando

After the bath, time for dinner, home cooked of course and based on local produce, seasonal vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms, crispy potatoes, cheese sauce and rice, which can be the tasty red variety said to be the best in Bhutan.

Then, there is time to help the children with homework or listen to your host playing a traditional lute before gazing at the stars or retiring to your cosy room draped in colourful rugs and blankets

Smiling Hosts in Farmhouse ©Solange Hando

In the morning, you might wake to the call of a cockerel as your hosts start their working day, milking the cows, putting fresh water in the bowls around the family shrine and cooking breakfast.

Meanwhile, the mountains glow pink in the rising sun, prayer flags flutter on the edge of the paddy and the river tumbles over the stones, mingling its crystalline sound with the twittering of birds.

The Paro Valley ©Solange Hando

Tenerife South Five Star Iberostar Anthelia

One of Three Pools at the Anthelia Tenerife @Solange Hando

If you love water, you'll love the Iberostar and its choice of seawater pool and two fresh water pools, one of them heated. 

Then of course you can swim in the Atlantic and if you feel like a change, you can always head for the mountains in the background and the awesome Teide National Park.

The Iberostar Anthelia @Solange Hando

Overlooking the beach on Costa Adeje and voted 'best inclusive in Spain', the Anthelia has a wide choice of rooms catering for couples, families and business clients, Some rooms enjoy super priority location but most sought after are the seaview suites.

Although this is a large resort where you might need a day to get your bearings, it never feels crowded as buildings are clustered in village-style units around plaza and lawns, palm trees, flowers and shrubs.

Archways, balconies and pastel colours complete a traditional picture.

Superior Room at the Anthelia @Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious, pleasantly furnished in soothing colours with all the amenities you would expect from a five star venue, including free wifi, bathrobe, slippers, and chocolate on your pillow.

Best rooms are those on the upper floors, some with double sea view.

Fresh Food for Breakfast @Solange Hando

The Zeus buffet restaurant offers continental, full American, Spanish and healthy breakfasts as well as evening meal with show cooking.

Other eating venues include Poseidon, a gourmet restaurant for innovative Canarian cuisine (reservations essential), Portofino for Italian cuisine à la carte, the Beach Club Barbecue and the Mirador Terrace if you fancy a gourmet breakfast.

Reception Area and Bar @Solange Hando

The Anthelia certainly has a touch of class from marble floors to majestic staircases, from cool water features to elegant period furniture in the bar.

But looks aside, you will find plenty to do, fitness, tennis and more, plus children and teenage clubs, boutique selling beachwear and jewellery and the tantalizing Spa Sensations where experts will pamper you in true Thai Zen fashion.

The Anthelia Right by the Sea in Tenerife @Solange Hando

Love Travel, Want to Write? Pitch and Sell

Ladakh ©Solange Hando

Pitch is Best

Why?

It saves you time for you don't know what an editor has in the pipeline

It saves editors time, they're more likely to read a pitch than a whole attachment

Pitch well and you should sell every article you write

Pitch to Sell

Brief and Brilliant

Got an idea? Choose the right market, consider the readers age, budget, interests

Show, don't tell the editor you are familiar with the publication

Write your pitch in a similar style

Go straight to the point

Keep it brief

Editors want your ideas, not your life story

Finer Points

Email, don't call 

Keep your subject line precise and clear

If you try to be clever, it may look like spam

Contact the correct editor, if unsure, phone the switchboard

Make sure you have the correct spelling

Address editors as they would address their readers 

Always offer images

Finally

Don't mention payment at this stage, wait until your idea is accepted

Don't ask for guidelines

Why not?

Either they're on the web and you should have checked

If not, study the magazine and you'll have the answers

Would you like to read more?

Check this out
Ten steps is all it takes on your way to success

Be a Travel Writer

Good luck

and see you on the road...