Musings on the Difference Between Bloggers & Journalists

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In an age where journalism has been whittled down to top 10 lists and meme heavy “articles,” it can be tricky to draw a line in the sand between a formal journalist and a blogger. As someone holding both a journalism degree and Wordpress blog, in my opinion the difference between the two titles comes down to this: creative freedom.

The Honest Guide to Making Money as a Freelance Writer/Blogger

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Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed for the Zero to Travel podcast to share my tips on getting paid to travel as a freelance writer (if you missed it, you can take a listen here). Talking travel with Zero to Travel host and founder, Jason Moore, was a real treat because in the year since I’ve launched The Pin the Map Project, I hadn’t really sat down and discussed with anyone the whirlwind adventure of going from point A of launching a blog to point B of traveling on assignment and earning money from my writing.

travel writing

Zero to Travel: How to Get Paid to Travel as a Freelance Writer

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Recently, I was interviewed by Jason of the Zero to Travel podcast for an episode on how one gets paid to freelance write and how to start a travel blog. If you have ever pondered these questions yourself, than take a listen to this episode where I not only share my experiences but also my secrets to getting paid to see the world, reviewing hotels and running The Pin the Map Project.

travel instagrams of 2015

Travel Instagrams to Follow in 2015

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Of the hundreds of thousands of Instagram users who upload photos of everything from a delicious looking meal to an idyllic sunset, the following 10 Instagram users both inspire my own photography, have managed to generate a following and share gorgeous snapshots that fuel my wanderlust and remind to appreciate the simple things in life.

On assignment in Paris

A Guide to Landing Free Travel Perks

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Welcome to the world of travel perks. As I navigate the world of travel writing, freelancing and travel blogging; I have officially crossed over into that funny realm where my bank account can afford me a hostel yet I’ll find myself staying at a gorgeous hotel and dining at a Michelin-star restaurants. So, how do I do it? From getting published to approaching brands, below I share my tips to landing travel perks of your own.

The Hustle of Travel Writing

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Underneath the 400 word blog posts of idealistic imagery and description there is a real drive and hustle unfolding—especially for budding travel writers (like yours truly) that are caught somewhere between the constraints of routine and the freedom of travel writing. While most of my posts will regale my readers with details of freshly baked empanadas in Buenos Aires or visiting native tribes in Panama, that really is showing only one fraction of the larger picture.

Confessions of a Travel Writer

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My desk today is a tray table, my office is a Delta flight and the view from my window is 30,000 feet up in the sky with an endless vista of clouds and sunshine. I am en route to the Sunshine State for a press trip that will take me on a tour of Miami’s local restaurants and ethnic neighborhoods.

Breaking into Travel Writing 101

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Even with a degree in journalism and a travel writing course at MatadorU under my belt, I am always learning new tricks when it comes to pitching editors, networking with other travelers and getting published. Here, I share my best tips on breaking into the wonderfully unpredictable, inspiring and beautiful world of travel writing.

A Collection of Travel Quotes to Live By

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During some of the darker moments of my life, quotes have acted like a port in the storm offering up a sort of safe haven to garner confidence from. When in love, quotes seem to resonate with every emotion from falling head over heels to standing the test of time; and in traveling my favorite sayings push me outside my comfort zone and inspire me to see the world. Rather than carry around a book of proverbs, today I simply have an ongoing note in my smartphone where I jot down quotes that catch my eye. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Pin The Map Project Liebster Award Nomination!

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  The traveling community never ceases to amaze me with how supportive, responsive and endlessly interesting it can be! Each time I turn towards my RSS or blog feed, I come across stunning photos, interesting travel articles, helpful planning tips and heartfelt accounts of experiences abroad.

What is The Pin the Map Project?

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Having lived in New York City for almost 5 years, my fiance and I have decided to save money, break routine and travel the world long-term in 2016 before we hit the age of 30. Our plan, dubbed The Pin the Map Project, will eventually take us from the busy streets of Manhattan to the mountains of Nepal to the streets of Vietnam.