Love Travel, Love Writing, Want to Sell? Pitch like a Pro.

Follow the Shepherd ©Solange Hando

Pitch before you Jump

Why?

All professionals do, act like a pro. and you'll  be treated like one

The editor may have a similar piece in the pipeline so don't waste your time or theirs

A good pitch will catch anyone's attention, that's enough for a commission

How Do you Do it?

*Focus on a specific angle

*Select the most suitable market for your idea

*Check the travel editor's name (correct spelling) 

Don't

*Don't phone editors, they're busy, only interrupt if highly  topical

*Don't include a biography, all the editor wants is your idea

*Don't offer anything vague or general

*Don't request guidelines, you checked the market, you should know

Don't ask about rates, far too early 

Do

*Allow plenty of time to craft your query 

*Show you are familiar with the publication by writing in similar style

*Be enthusiastic, brilliant but keep it brief,  just enough to whet the appetite

* If you have great images,  send 1 or 2 low res. but mention high res.

*Contact by email, keep the subject line short and specific

Would you like to read more?

Tips, examples, practice and everything you need to know on the road to success

Enjoy and good luck

2020 Visit Nepal Year

Kathmandu Bodhnath Stupa ©Solange Hando

Following the 2015 earthquake work is still ongoing around the city but this magnificent stupa has been fully restored, thanks to donations. 

One of the largest in the world, it is in the Tibetan district and at dawn and dusk, you can join devotees of all ages walking around the shrine, meeting friends and spinning prayer wheels. 

The Way to Swayambhu in Kathmandu ©Solange Hando

Aptly known as the 'monkey temple', Swayambhu is the other main Buddhist site in the capital with its own stupa and shrines on a hilltop. A taxi can take you to the entrance but walking up through the trees is much more atmospheric.

On a clear day, you can see the snowy peaks of the Himalayas rising above the Kathmandu valley.

On the edge of the city ©Solange Hando

Kathmandu is a bustling place, full of traffic and people, yet you can enjoy the natural world just on the edge of town.

These lovely forested hills are above Bodhnath, close to the Kopan monastery which you can reach on foot or road if you'd rather. No crowds up there, just walking trails though the trees leading to forlorn villages and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Pokhara, Phewa Lake ©Solange Hando

A short flight from Kathmandu, Pokhara is a must-see, a scenic lakeside resort framed by the Annapurna, including the iconic Fishtail in the centre of this picture.

The nearby town is a popular base for trekkers on their way to the Annapurna but the lake delights everyone whether you walk along the banks, sail across the water or head for the Holy Island to relax with the locals and gaze at the view.

The Shanti Stupa in Pokhara ©Solange Hando

Rising on a ridge above the lake, this is one of many pagodas built under the guidance of a Japanese monk to promote peace around the world.

Take a taxi to the gate or walk up through the forest then follow the trail along the hill top to enjoy magnificent views of the lake, the Annapurna range and far beyond (see previous image).

The View from Sarangkot ©Solange Hando

On the other side of the lake, Sarangkot is another attractive spot for close-up views of the Annapurna, just a short drive from Kathmandu and up to the hilltop. Accommodation is available so you can enjoy sunset and sunrise.

Paragliding base nearby.

Sunset on Everest ©Solange Hando

Kathmandu and Pokhara are easy to combine in a short space of time but if you have plenty, then trekking to Everest Base Camp is a true adventure. This image was taken  from the top of Kalapatar, the 'Black Rock' (18209 feet) rising above Gorak Shep, the original base camp.

2020 is Visit Nepal Year so special events will be organised across the country.

Spring is a great time to visit for rhododendrons but for clear views of the Himalaya, mid-October / early November are best. 

2020, New Decade, New Travel, Want Ideas?

India ©Solange Hando

Adventure

This is Ladakh, India with a difference, a high altitude desert with challenging treks ( Zanskar-Indus confluence above) but you'll find adventure all the way. Explore 'moonland' or drive to Khardung La, the world's highest road pass.

You can fly to the capital  but most dramatic is the legendary road from Manali to Leh.

* Suggested alternative: trek to Everest Base Camp...

Namibia ©Solange Hando

Wildlife

Amazing throughout this vast country, the first in the world to include conservation in its constitution.

Most exciting is the Etosha National Park up in the north. Best time to visit is near the end of the dry season when animals gather around the water holes for survival and scarce vegetation allows superb sightings.

* Or for wildlife of another kind, head for environment-friendly Costa Rica.

Brazil ©Solange Hando

City with a View

You can't beat Rio de Janeiro for scenery, go up Corcovado on the cog railway or take the cable cars up the Sugar Loaf jutting out on a peninsula (above). Then, enjoy the beach, the botanical gardens, the nightlife and bustling streets but if you are there for the carnival, that's definitely something you will never forget.

* My other favourite: Bangkok for waterways, markets and temples.

Canada ©Solange Hando

Slow Travel

Take the train from Toronto to Vancouver and don't worry about time. Goods trains always have priority so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Dining car with gourmet meals, glass-domed observation car and if you fancy a break on your four night journey, you can book a hotel for a couple of nights in Winnipeg and Jasper.

*Alternative: Qinghai to Lhasa on the world's highest railway. 

South America ©Solange Hando

Iguazu Falls

Out in the jungle these are my top waterfalls stretching on the Argentina-Brazil border. Argentina has more falls and you have to walk across marshland to see the Devil's Throat but the most extensive panorama is from the Brazil side with its famous Santa Maria' fall  and a long 'jetty' for a close up look, if you don't mind getting wet.

* Or see the Victoria Falls, in  Zambia or Zimbabwe (the quieter side).

Bhutan ©Solange Hando

Nature and Culture

Up in the Himalaya, this is my own Shangri La, a remote kingdom where 'gross national happiness' is enshrined in the constitution. The Buddhist culture ensures respect for all living things, from people to the pristine natural world. The image shows you Punakah 'dzong', one of the traditional monasteries, framed by mountains at the confluence of two rivers.
* Or why not go to Japan? Superb mountainous interior and ancient traditions.

Images of Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca

Cusco, Main Square ©Solange Hando

At 3400 metres, the former Inca capital is a lovely place with a mix of ancient remains and Spanish colonial buildings. Mountains, flower beds, colonial balconies and arcades, it's all there, around the spacious square or along the steep narrow lanes of the old town.

Santa Domingo in Cusco ©Solange Hando

The church/and convent were built on the site of an Inca temple -to ensure it could never be used again- but remains of the original walls survived earthquakes and are still visible.

The Incas always kept their way and in the cathedral, the Last Supper image is not bread and wine,but Andean cheese and guinea pig (their favourite meat). 

Weaving ©Solange Hando

This lady got it right, beautiful work, so much colour and the best tourist spot around, with great views of Cusco and nearby mountains... Who could resist?

Arriving in Aguas Calientes ©Solange Hando

Cusco is the start of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, just 40 km or so but 4 challenging days across the Andes.

The alternative is train or road with stunning panoramas and a chance to visit several Inca sites along the way.

Machu Picchu ©Solange Hando

Unless you trek, access to Machu Picchu is from the lively little resort of Aguas Calientes where a shuttle bus takes you to the site, totally hidden in the mountains.

It simply takes your breath away but be sure to book your ticket well ahead of time for visitors' numbers are restricted.

Pachacutec ©Solange Hando

The 9th Inca Emperor holds pride of place on the square in Aguas Calientes.

One of the most important leaders, he started building Machu Picchu, the work of 50,000 labourers and crafstmen which lasted 50-70 years. 

Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands ©Solange Hando

Shared between Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca (the'puma rock') is the highest navigable lake in the world  and said to be the birth place of the Incas.

It is 190 km long, 80 across at its widest, fed by 25 rivers and dotted with islands.

Traditional Boat on Floating Island ©Solange Hando

Close to the shore but most amazing of all are the floating islands, built with reeds and reshaped  as need be by the indigenous Uros Indians. 

The water is usually calm and perfectly blue and sailing on one of these magnificent reed boats, home- made like islands and huts, is out of this world.

My Friends, the Uros Indians ©Solange Hando

Bangkok, City of Angels

Wat Po ©Solange Hando

This 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha' is my own favourite in Bangkok, the city's first university now specialising in traditional Thai massage, wonderfully relaxing and energising.

The temple claims 91 stupas (see a few on this picture), over 1000 Buddha images and most revered of all,  the Reclining Buddha, 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf.

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok ©Solange Hando

They call it the River of Kings and its is as busy today as it has always been, river buses and ferries, cargo and tourist boats, including the long tail speed boats ready to cool you down on a hot day.

There are 34 piers altogether, so make sure you know where to get off, but if you end up on one of the canals, you will discover plenty of traditional life along the banks.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha ©Solange Hando

In the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the most auspicious statue, finally brought back to Thailand in the 18th century.

 It measures only 66 cm, possibly made of jasper or jade rather than emerald, and clad in golden clothes which are changed according to season. It is so precious no photographs are allowed so the image above is one of the guardians.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ©Solange Hando

There are at least 10 floating markets in the capital but most popular is this one, 80 km away but usually including another attraction or two on a morning trip.

Colour and fragrance is what it's all about it, plus local crafts, souvenirs galore and plenty to eat and drink as you gaze at the incredible traffic jam, only boats of course, punting their way across the water.

Spirit House in Bangokok ©Solange Hando

As pretty as doll houses, these traditional shrines are found all over the city, providing a home for local spirits who may be disturbed by new buildings or people. You find them outside homes, offices, schools and so on.

Incense is burned and offerings are laid out every day, orchids, lotus, water and more. They ensure good luck, prosperity and peace for everyone.

Wat Arun, Bangkok's Landmark ©Solange Hando

Named after a Hindu goddess said to radiate sunrise, the iconic Temple of Dawn is a must see, beautifully lit up after dark though equally stunning during the day when coloured glass and Chinese porcelain glint on the slender spires.

You can climb up part of the central spire -very steep steps, both up and down,- but worth it for the views across the river, from the Grand Palace to nearby temples.

Now can you read Thai?

Don't worry, help is always at hand...

©Solange Hando

Kathmandu Funny Signs

Best cold drinks around, perfect on a hot day

Enjoy...

Well 

You know what to expect

Bit small but they loved it...

Today they have a brand new one, so much bigger and just for them

Are you ready to try? Wishing you luck...

I didn't so can't advise

Or perhaps this one's more to your taste...

Mine, definitely

No pictures of angels but they were there

We had a giggle and a lovely chat...

No Pepsi for them

Just blowing bubbles (with water) to strengthen their lungs

So when they're big, they can play the temple horns

©Solange Hando

Images Kathmandu and beyond 

Phone numbers likely to have changed over time

Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel