Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Travel Writer Roles – 2025

Preparing for a travel writer job interview? This guide provides a list of important questions and answers that will demonstrate your writing skills, experience in the travel industry, and creativity in capturing unique travel experiences. Whether you're applying for a role as a freelance travel writer, magazine travel writer, or online travel content writer, these questions cover all essential aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about yourself and why you're interested in travel writing.
  I'm a passionate traveler and writer with a degree in journalism. I've always been drawn to exploring different cultures and sharing my experiences through words. Travel writing allows me to combine my two passions and create meaningful content for others to enjoy.
• 2. What inspired you to become a travel writer?
  I've always been an avid reader and was particularly drawn to travel writing. I love how it can transport you to different places and inspire you to see the world in new ways. I wanted to use my writing skills to share my own unique travel experiences and inspire others to explore the world as well.
• 3. How do you develop ideas for travel articles?
  I draw inspiration from my own travels, as well as researching popular destinations and trending topics in the travel industry. I also like to read other travel writers to see what's already been covered and think about how I can add my own unique perspective.
• 4. How do you deal with writer's block when working on a travel piece?
  I take a break from writing and do some physical activity or explore my surroundings. I find that getting out of my own head and experiencing the destination can often spark new ideas and perspectives for my writing.
• 5. Can you give an example of how you've utilized social media in your travel writing?
  On my last trip to Thailand, I used Instagram to document my journey and share real-time updates and photos. I also used it to connect with local influencers and get insider tips on lesser-known spots to visit. I then incorporated these experiences into my final travel piece.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What travel writing experience do you have?
  I have been writing for various travel blogs and websites for the past three years and have also had my work published in a few print publications. I have experience writing destination guides, personal travel narratives, and hotel and restaurant reviews.
• 7. How do you approach researching and fact-checking for your travel writing?
  I always start by verifying the credibility of my sources and cross-checking information with reputable websites and guidebooks. I also make sure to cite all my sources in my writing and include any relevant statistics or data that can add depth and validity to my content.
• 8. How well do you adapt to different writing styles and tones?
  I am comfortable writing in a variety of styles and tones, from informative and educational to fun and quirky. I believe it's important to adapt my writing to fit the publication or client's needs and audience.
• 9. How do you approach collaborating with photographers or including visual elements in your travel pieces?
  I value the importance of visuals in travel writing and always work closely with photographers to ensure our work complements each other. I also enjoy finding creative ways to incorporate images and multimedia elements into my articles to enhance the reader's experience.
• 10. Are you familiar with SEO and how it applies to travel writing?
  Yes, I am well-versed in SEO and understand the importance of using relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines. I also ensure that my writing remains engaging and informative for readers, rather than simply focusing on SEO tactics.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell me about a challenging experience you've had while on assignment as a travel writer?
  While traveling in Japan, I encountered a language barrier when trying to conduct interviews for a piece on local cuisine. However, I was able to adapt by finding alternative ways to communicate and ended up having unique dining experiences that I wouldn't have been able to have if I had spoken the language.
• 12. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges while traveling?
  I always make sure to have backup plans and options in case something goes wrong. For example, if a flight gets delayed, I have a list of alternative transportation options or activities to do in the meantime. I stay calm and adapt to the situation to ensure my trip and writing still go smoothly.
• 13. How do you handle criticism of your writing?
  I see criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. I take any feedback constructively and use it to enhance my writing for future pieces. I also welcome constructive criticism from editors and peers to ensure my writing is constantly improving.
• 14. Can you give an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline for a travel assignment?
  On a recent trip to Europe, I had to complete a piece on the top 10 things to do in Paris within two days. Despite the tight deadline, I managed my time effectively and was able to submit the piece with high-quality content and photos. It was a challenging but rewarding experience.
• 15. How do you prioritize and manage multiple writing projects while on the road?
  I use a calendar and to-do lists to keep track of deadlines and prioritize tasks accordingly. I also make sure to plan my time efficiently and not overcommit to projects while traveling. Communication with editors and clients is also key in managing multiple projects successfully.

Situational Questions

• 16. If you were assigned to cover a destination that you were not personally interested in, how would you approach the project?
  I would do thorough research on the destination to understand its appeal and popular attractions. I would also find unique angles or lesser-known aspects of the destination to make the piece more interesting for readers. I believe every destination has its own unique and interesting qualities, and it's my job to discover and showcase them.
• 17. How would you handle a disagreement with a client or editor regarding the direction of a travel piece?
  I would approach the situation professionally and try to understand their perspective and reasoning. If I strongly believe in my approach, I would communicate my ideas and provide evidence or examples to support my argument. Ultimately, I would respect the client or editor's final decision.
• 18. How would you ensure that your travel writing remains ethical and respectful to the destination and its culture?
  I always do thorough research before traveling to a destination and make sure to follow any cultural or ethical guidelines. I also make sure to be mindful and respectful when taking photos or including cultural elements in my writing. If necessary, I will also consult with local experts or guides to ensure my writing is accurate and respectful.
• 19. How would you handle a negative experience while traveling, such as getting sick or encountering bad weather?
  I would communicate with my client or editor to keep them updated on any changes in my itinerary or potential impacts on the assignment. I would also prioritize my health and safety while still trying to make the most out of the experience. If necessary, I would also find alternative ways to cover the destination or collaborate with local writers or photographers.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to be resourceful while on assignment?
  During a trip to Peru, my camera battery died while I was in a remote area. Instead of panicking, I found a local photography shop and asked to borrow a battery or rent one. Not only did I successfully complete the assignment with great photos, but I also made a connection with the shop owner, who provided valuable insights and perspectives for my piece.