Fed up with guessing what editors want?

Most travel writers don’t struggle because they lack ideas, but because they don’t know where those ideas belong or how to shape them so editors say yes.


The Travel Pitching Index is a database analysing the content published by 37 of the world's top travel publications. 

Its creator, prolific UK-based freelance travel writer Sarah Gillespie, has spent hours reading and analysing the stories published both online and in print by 37 different publications around the world, making this a comprehensive map of where you can pitch your travel stories. 

Read first-hand pitching insights and detailed breakdowns of publications

Gain clarity on which sections are open to freelancers

Understand the types of stories that resonate with editors at each publication 

Learn typical rates for publications so you can avoid those that don't pay what you're worth

 What's inside the 
Travel Pitching Index

The practical tool for writing fewer wasted pitches, landing more commissions and securing higher-paying work

You'll have access to:

Publication insights for 37 top international travel publications

Pitch with clarity by using a database covering top travel titles across 12 countries, with insights from the creator's pitching experience that reveal what tends to land and what often doesn’t.



Easy-to-understand publication overviews

Read a clear summary of who the publication is for, what it prioritises, and how it frames travel stories, distilling hours — or hundreds of pounds — of reading back catalogues. Instead of vague assumptions (“this feels quite luxury”), you will get a practical understanding of what editors actually commission for each publication.

Detailed publication breakdowns showing sections open to freelancers and the types of stories published within them

The real meat of The Travel Pitching Index. Get your hands on a breakdown of recurring sections that regularly accept freelance contributions, including typical word counts, tone, structure and story angles. Stop pitching vague ideas and start pitching commission-ready stories that slot neatly into existing formats.



Quick-reference guide to current rates

See at a glance how much 37 of some of the world's most prestigious travel publications pay. No more pitching to discover there's "no budget" or rates that aren't worthy of your work. All of the included publications pay at least £0.20 (US$0.27) per word — while some pay up to £1.50 (US$2).

Editor mastheads and email formats for 37 publications

Ready to pitch? Remove the friction of LinkedIn detective work, bounced emails or pitching the wrong desk with access to a list of relevant travel editors and email formats for 37 publications.

Quarterly updates as the media landscape changes

Stay current as editors, rates and formats evolve, without constantly rechecking or rebuilding your research. 

Just £8.33 per month*

*based on a 12-month subscription

Sarah Gillespie

Meet your expert

I’m Sarah Gillespie, a Glasgow-based freelance travel writer.


I started my career in 2019 with no journalism training or experience, yet have since written for most major UK travel publications and international titles such as Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveller and The Times of London. 


I put my success down to the hundreds of hours I’ve spent researching publications’ house style, audience, preferred topics and formats, and sending pitches based on that knowledge. The Travel Pitching Index is the formalised version of those rudimentary notes.

Pitch with confidence, not guesswork

Know what editors want before you hit send - watch your commission rate skyrocket

Expertly match ideas to  publications

Understand how to shape each story for a specific section or format at a publication, rather than pitching generic features editors struggle to place.

Understand subtle editorial differences

Understand how publications differ in tone and style and learn how small adjustments can significantly improve your pitch acceptance rate.

Streamline your pitching

Pitch with clear intent and direction, cutting down on second-guessing, endless redrafting, and the mental load that comes with pitching blindly.

Repudiandae

A sneak peek at The Travel Pitching Index

Say goodbye to rejections
Earn more from each trip
Identify multiple commissionable angles for different publications, with less unpaid pitching and fewer dead ends, and watch your commissions stack up
Pitch commission-ready ideas
Approach editors with confidence with tailored story angles that already fit, instead of hoping editors can see their potential
Target better-paying publications
Earn higher per-word rates by knowing exactly what publications pay and understanding what top titles commission
What other writers say

"An incredibly useful resource that helps to demystify the pitching process, packed with time-saving intel and practical advice."

Shafik Meghji
Award-winning journalist, travel writer and author of Small Earthquakes and Crossed Off the Map
"This is such a handy resource for travel writers - all the contacts in one place for easy reference with current sections to pitch and rates. Saves me hours when getting my pitching on - I wish I’d had it years ago."
Phoebe Smith
Award-winning travel writer, photographer, broadcaster and author of Wayfarer
"So much of the modern travel writing business is conducted in strange, unpredictable and occasionally clandestine ways. Having this information to shine a light and improve transparency can only be a good thing for the industry – especially its freelancers."
Jamie Lafferty
Award-winning travel writer, photographer and author of An Inconvenience of Penguins
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    FAQs
    • Who is the Travel Pitching Index for?
      The Travel Pitching Index is for freelance travel journalists who want to get more commissions, pitch more strategically and earn more from each trip. It’s suited to both early-career writers building bylines and established freelancers targeting higher-paying domestic and international publications.
    • How does the subscription for the Travel Pitching Index work?
      You subscribe to ongoing access to the Travel Pitching Index. The subscription includes all current publication profiles plus quarterly updates, reflecting changes to editors, formats, rates and editorial focus. You retain access for the duration of your active subscription.
    • How often is the Travel Pitching Index updated?
      The Travel Pitching Index is updated every quarter, or sooner if a publication undergoes a significant change. Updates may expand existing profiles, amend rates or sections or add entirely new publications.
    • How is this different from a list of publications?
      This isn’t just a directory. Each publication includes an analysis of tone, formats, sections open to freelancers and commissioning patterns, alongside personal insight from real pitching experience. The aim is to help you pitch ideas that already fit.
    • How many publications are included?
      It includes 37 international travel publications across 12 countries. This number will grow over time as new titles are added and the database expands.

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