Here are some travel writing tips to keep in mind:

Research your Destination: Before you travel somewhere, read about the place as much as you can. Once you arrive at your destination, lay your hands on local newspapers. Newspapers truly give a flavor of that environment.

Research Your Writing Market: Never approach an editor with an unclear or inappropriate story. Target small markets first (the internet is good starting point — lots of travel e-zines) to build up a body of work.

Become an Avid Reader: The more you read about a destination, the better you can write about it. Also, your writing style becomes more interesting then. study your history books and your guidebooks. The library is a great place to borrow travel books.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Very few travel writers support themselves entirely on their writing — and those that can support themselves rarely get rich in the process. Find (or keep) a "real world" job that pays the bills. Especially during this tough economy, it is tremendously difficult to support yourself on travel writing assignments alone.

Be Informed About Current Trends in the Field: Read articles and books about how to become a successful travel writer. Meet other travel writers who have actually achieved something and not just talk great tales about their travels. Traveling is one thing; writing about it and getting a decent paycheck is another. Marketing your travel pieces is a whole different story altogether.

Travel a Lot: Get a basic sense for what life on the road is like. Travel a lot (if you can afford it). Travel in a dynamic way rather than going on a package tour where everything has been taken care of. Plan your itinerary by yourself. This opens yourself up to the unknown and interacting with the local cultures.

Write Extensively: Write well and write often.  The more you write, the better you become at the art of writing. It is like practicing the piano.

Patience is a Virtue: A travel writing career is something that develops over many years. Get used to having your stories rejected or ignored. Remember that editors are extremely busy people, and don't take their indifference as a personal insult. Once you establish a relationship with an editor, don't let it slide. Be friendly, show your competence, work hard and don't take things for granted.

Posted on August 02, 2009, Preethi Burkholder, Editor and Founder, Gifted Hands Writing