2025 travel writing mentoring scheme open!

The Talking Travel Writing mentoring scheme is back thanks to sponsorship from TravMedia - find out how to apply here.

We’ve been running this newsletter, and our mentoring scheme, for five years now and we are thrilled to say the fifth round of mentoring for aspiring travel writers is now open. Here are the basics of what you need to know:

• We have lined up 11 mentors, from editors to freelancers and authors

• The 1-2-1 mentoring is free for aspiring travel writers and will consist of four, hour-long remote sessions with a professional travel writer

• Applications close at midnight BST on 14 September 2025

• Mentoring sessions will begin from 1 October 2025

• Find out how to apply below

We believe in collaboration over competition, something we’re doing a whole newsletter series on later this year, and so we launched this travel writing mentoring scheme to help new writers get into an industry that can, more often than not, be confusing, competitive and closed off to newcomers.

This year, the scheme is sponsored by TravMedia, a platform that connects travel journalists with PRs and tourist boards in the travel industry. A company dedicated to helping us network better and more efficiently, it feels like a natural partnership for us to work together to connect aspiring writers with proper pros and help them make their first moves in this industry.

Lucy Peoples at TravMedia said: “At TravMedia, we’re passionate about connecting industry professionals with talented writers. That’s why we’re proud to support the mentoring programme, which helps open doors for people from all walks of life. We believe the travel industry should be diverse and inclusive, and we’re committed to backing initiatives that create opportunities for those who may not come from a traditional travel background.”

The company has funded ten places on this year’s mentoring scheme and is committed to offering each mentee a profile on the TravMedia platform, as well as a place at IMM UK in 2026. An eleventh, bonus mentor is funded by Travel Writing Webinars run by Meera Dattani.

How does the mentoring work?

Aspiring travel writers will be paired with a mentor who matches, as much as possible, their experience, background and skillset. Mentors will lead four sessions via remote video call, phone call, or, where possible and suitable for both parties, in person. We will offer guidance on discussion points, but mentees will be encouraged to ask their mentors whatever burning questions they have about the business of travel writing.

Who can apply for the mentoring scheme?

This mentoring scheme is for new or aspiring travel writers. That means you might be a journalist in another field looking to get bylines in travel publications; maybe you’re a student looking to get into the travel media when you graduate; or perhaps you’re completely new to the writing game and would like guidance on where to get started.

There are no real entry requirements, but you must be new(ish) to the industry and must be aiming to pursue a career as a professional travel writer. We’re passionate about helping diversify the travel press, so Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers are absolutely encouraged to apply.

How much does it cost?

This mentoring programme is completely free for mentees. Our mentors will be paid £35 per session for four, hour-long mentoring sessions.

How do I sign up?

We’re taking applications through this Google form and will choose mentees based on their current experience and how well they match with our chosen mentors.

We’ll need your applications submitted by 14 September so we can pair you up and introduce you to your mentor before sessions begin in October.