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You have a dream to become a published travel photographer or writer, but how do you actually do it?
Uncover the plan you need to kickstart your travel storytelling career
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I had no idea how to get my foot in the door in the travel media industry
I had the dream, yes. And I quit my job to go after that dream. Except, months went by and I had zero clue about what to do next. I had no connections in the travel media industry and no knowledge of how this industry works.
The problem is that the travel publishing industry, like many industries, has very little transparency. There are no guideposts that could help us map out exactly how to start developing stories, approaching publications, and getting published. This means that as we try to break into this industry, there is really no one to show us the way.
You have this dream of pursuing travel photography and writing, but something’s stopping you…
Well, so many things are stopping you. How do you start? What do you actually do? Where do you find the confidence, time, and resources needed to pursue this path?
Do you actually have what it takes?
Maybe it’s too late?
And who will believe that this path is possible for you, anyway?
I do. I believe.
The travel storytelling path is calling you, but you have doubts.
You’re short on time.
Your confidence is lagging.
You wish you had more money and more resources to be able to do this one day.
And sometimes you think you should just forget it all and give up on this hopeless fantasy…
With so much uncertainty—and lack of clarity—surrounding our dreams, it’s no wonder many of us give us hope
When I started on this path, I had no idea what to do.
I had no idea how to approach travel publications or where to even start figuring this out. That meant I wasn’t able to get closer to my dream (after I’d just quit my job!), let alone be successful at it.
To make things worse, I felt terrible because I was paralyzed by inaction and wasn’t actually doing anything to get closer to my dream.
I felt even worse because I thought I was just supposed to know how to figure this out on my own, but I was getting nowhere. I wasn’t approaching publications or putting my stories out there. I felt like a failure.
That’s when I decided to become systematic in my approach.
Instead of having a foggy idea of what I wanted to do, I created a clear vision for what I want my career to look like. Instead of sending out cold emails to random editors, I became strategic. I took the time to think about my own values and the types of stories that I’d like to be working on. I scoured the web for information on what makes a good story and what kind of stories editors are looking for. I found a technique for producing ideas, consistently, and used it on my own stories. I tried a lot of different approaches; some worked, some didn’t.
I thought that if I could demystify and break down this process of getting my stories published, I’d be more successful at it. I pitched strategically to the publications I wanted to work with and I used my approach to get the stories published. As more of my stories were getting out there, editors started reaching out to me with assignments.
As a result, after many dead ends and nonstarters, four years after quitting my corporate job, I became a published travel photographer and writer with stories in magazines like The New York Times, National Geographic Traveller, AFAR, Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and more.
Now I want to share what I learned with you.
That’s why I created…
INTRO TO TRAVEL JOURNALISM program
The limiting-belief-smashing system for creators ready to break into the travel industry and start claiming their creative dreams by actually completing and sending a pitch out to a publication.
Perfect for you if you’re tired of not taking any action on your dreams and aspirations!
Photographers • Writers • Bloggers • Travel Media Creators
ENROLLMENT ENDS IN
Get A Look Inside Our INTRO TO TRAVEL JOURNALISM Program
You Will Learn…
What I've discovered coaching aspiring travel journalists, photographers, and writers about the strategies you need to get your travel stories published
I’ll take you inside the program and introduce you to three participants who are getting their travel stories published right now
The six-system framework that our Intro To Travel Journalism program is built on: we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look so you can determine if this program is right for you
What’s Included In INTRO TO TRAVEL JOURNALISM?
Module 1: Shape Your Mindset
Before we can act in the world, we need to ground ourselves in the mindset that will help us take action. We’ll spend time digging into the reasons why your voice needs to be heard and we’ll work on visualizing our dreams, managing your fears, and preparing for rejections.
Module 2: Know Your Worth
We’ll understand how to market what you bring to the table and look at your values, experiences, skills, and passions for a 360 view of your worth. You’ve got stories to tell and in this module, we’re going to prove it!
Module 3: Learn Travel Journalism Basics
In this module, we’ll learn more about the travel media industry and learn how to find publications to work with, choose potential publications you’ll want to send your pitch to, and dive into the finances side of the equation.
Module 4: Find Your Story Idea
In this module, we’ll develop our storytelling skills (including looking at angles, Front-of-Book and Feature pitches, and more). We’ll also choose the idea you will use for your pitching challenge and demystify the process of working with editors.
Module 5: Write Your Best Pitch
In this module, we’ll analyze several pitches and look at what makes them work and we’ll get to crafting our own—with the guidance and support of our community. We’ll also send our pitch to the pub we’ve identified in Modules 3 and 4!
Module 6: Keep Momentum
In this module, we’ll set expectations for the road ahead, tap into resources (there are many!), and discuss a way to get ongoing support after the program is over. We’ll also go over the unsexy process side of being a freelancing storyteller and learn what habits and practices keep us moving forward and gaining momentum.
GET SUPPORT INSIDE OUR MEMBERSHIP, THE CIRCLE
Join our program and get six months of support inside The Circle
You hang out inside a dedicated website and a discussion forum (NOT Facebook). Pop in once a day, once a week, however often you want. Get to know other members in The Circle and ask questions. Each month is dedicated to a specific theme and all the content is recorded so you’ll never miss a thing.
Monthly Focus Workshop, first Monday of every month at 2 pm EST. We’ll reveal a theme we’ll be focusing on throughout the month, like getting to know your strengths or finding your worthy.
Monthly Ideas Brainstorm Call third Thursday of every month at 2 pm EST with an opportunity to get input on your ideas and brainstorm pitches, topics, angles, and publications to pitch.
Weekly check-in calls every Monday at 1 pm EST where we dig into and get support on your specific challenges of the moment.
On-demand Pitch Review, where you get to share your pitches with our community and get feedback that makes your pitch stronger
An accountability process. Bring your dreams, get clarity, set goals, get input, and keep moving forward with a WhatsApp group dedicated to making progress.
Brilliance workshops with The Circle Founder Yulia Denisyuk and guests. Impromptu workshops where Yulia teaches new content or brings onboard an amazing guest you’ll want to hear from on topics ranging from becoming an entrepreneur to building your creative path.
A community of women creators and storytellers that are working on the same thing as you. This is where the magic of The Circle really happens!
PROGRAM BONUSES
Six months inside The Circle (Valued at $1,482)
Get the support of our amazing community to apply all the program knowledge during your six months.
Our Online Community (Valued at $300)
Connect with other students and alumni in this community centered around storytelling, creativity, and our love for travel. (We are not meeting on Facebook!)
One 1:1 Session (Valued at $250)
Get direct access to Yulia and ask all your travel journalism career-related questions!
A Pitching Template (Valued at $250)
Get the actual pitch I used to get a story published on National Geographic and understand how to craft your own winning pitches. With an acceptance rate of 30% in an industry with an average of ~10%, I know what works :)
The Trip Funding Method Workshop (Valued at $100)
Learn three primary methods for paying for your travels, so that you don’t let lack of finances hold you back from pursuing this career path.
The Work Only You Can Do Workshop (Valued at $100)
Understand ways in which you can boost your confidence to go after your dream creative career.
Widen Your Work Week Workshop (Valued at $50)
Get a deep understanding of where your time goes and how you can widen spaces in your workweek that will allow you to do the work you actually want to do.
INTRO TO TRAVEL JOURNALISM Program
Our Students Get Results!
Check out a few of the publications our students have worked since joining us
See what others are saying about our program
❝ This is one of the best programs I've ever invested in.
It has not only helped me to find out how to pitch and where, but it has reframed my mindset about the travel writing industry, and what I need to do in order to succeed. But above all, it has helped me to have confidence in myself, and to not be afraid of rejection.”
— Elizabeth B.
❝ I progressed from wanting to write but having no idea how to approach a magazine, to having the confidence to know how to write a pitch and get it in front of editors.
I had taken a few travel writing courses in the past, but none of them instilled any confidence that I could actually do it. They were mainly vague step-by-step instructions, but without the details of "how". They made the industry sound like a very hard place to break into, with exclusive gatekeepers that only let in the deserving. They also only promoted the well-known magazines, there was no mention of smaller or online publications to build your portfolio. It felt very out of reach.
Since starting, I wrote a pitch! Something I have never done before in my life. I left feeling like this was something I could actually do. It feels like a realistic path, rather than just a far-off dream.
I highly recommend it. It clears up the mystery of breaking into the travel writing industry. It also covers areas I wouldn't have expected, like acknowledging your fears and exploring the ways you view the world, which, of course, go hand-in-hand with traveling.”
– Kimberly W.
❝Absolutely do it! It will change your life, and that is no exaggeration.
When I signed up for the class, I was terrified about taking this leap of faith and leaving my current industry behind for the sake of what I feared was a hopeless fantasy. But I truly believe now that it isn't just a pipe-dream: it is entirely achievable and within touching distance. I feel full of excitement, anticipation, curiosity and wonder for the future.”
— Hannah F.
❝ Do it, absolutely do it.
The most valuable part of the course for me was the process of making a pitch and the fact that that is actually the first step in travel journalism or any journalism career. I was waiting to finish a perfect piece of writing, something worthy of submission. This was holding me back.
Now, I not only see how the process works but actually understand how to do it for myself.
It completely pulls back the veil on how this industry works, and how to open the gates for yourself.
I can't say it enough, you truly made the impossible feel possible, and left not only me, but I'm sure the whole group with a fully stocked toolbox to launch a writing career. Bravo!”
– Ashley B.
Imagine what it would feel like to know with certainty that your creative dreams are absolutely within your reach
Imagine if you could…
✅ stop procrastinating and make tangible progress toward your dream of becoming a travel photographer or writer
✅ (finally) approach publications and start putting your travel stories out there, so that you can start earning some income with these stories.
✅ find a community to help you keep the momentum going
✅ get a full download of how a travel journalism career works
This knowledge isn’t really taught anywhere but it is absolutely, 100%, learnable.
⭐ Visualize your dream scenario down to the smallest details so that you know exactly what vision you’re trying to work towards
⭐ Uncover the through line that guides your life to help guide your decisions going forward
⭐ Get a deep understanding of your gifts, experiences, values, passions, and skills—all the elements that give you the mandate to do the work only you can do
⭐ Adopt the smart tiered publications approach so that your efforts are targeted, strategic, and effective
⭐ Learn what makes pitches successful (trust me: with an acceptance rate of 30% in an industry with an average of 10%,I know what works and what doesn’t) and actually craft your own pitch
⭐ Get the run down on the industry’s pay structure: print versus online assignments, photography versus writing—you’ll be an insider in no time
⭐ And so much more!
❝ Joining the program was one of the best investments I’ve made in myself and my writing.
I was hesitant to sign up after other hum drum online programs, but can’t imagine my life had I not signed up. Intro to Travel Journalism got me way ahead of where I would have been at this point on my own. And the community is so amazing & genuinely supportive! This is all said with utmost earnestness”
— Joliene A.
ENROLLMENT ENDS IN
Yulia Denisyuk is an award-winning travel photographer and writer with work in National Geographic, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, and more.
Yulia was a US Navy Sailor and a corporate brand manager for over a decade at the world’s biggest consumer goods companies. After getting an MBA and spending years on this path, she left this lucrative career to pursue her dream of becoming a travel photographer and writer. She has since worked with her dream publications—National Geographic Traveller, AFAR, BBC Travel, and more—and traveled on assignments to incredible places like Mongolia and Rwanda.
Today, Yulia is kickstarting a movement with the Travel Media Lab community to help you publish your travel stories.
❝ It gives me butterflies when I think about digging deep and making this creative life my reality.
Learning practical information and actual steps to pursuing this career has changed my perception of the possibilities. It has changed everything about how I will act to create this in my life. Most of all, it has changed my mind. Before...this career was something I deeply admired in others, while fully believing it was 'too little, too late" to pursue it myself. After...I can do this.”
— Toni P.
Worried about another course collecting dust on your digital shelf? No more!
Take Intro To Travel Journalism on the go with you & listen anywhere in your private podcast feed!
Hey friends, Yulia here. I’m a creative professional, just like you. I understand the risk you feel when deciding to invest in a digital product. You work hard for your money and don’t want to waste it on something that should have been a blog post.
I’m very proud of the products I create and I know anyone who buys them and does the work will be thrilled with their purchase.
That’s why I’m offering a 14-day money back guarantee. While I can’t guarantee that the Intro To Travel Journalism program will secure you a New York Times placement right away, I can guarantee your satisfaction with the quality of the materials and the time and questions it will save you.
Of course, If you’re not happy with the program, I will refund your money within 14 days of your purchase. Just email us and we’ll happily refund you, no questions asked.
See what others are saying about our program
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
❝ Yulia truly made the impossible feel possible, and left not only me, but I'm sure the whole group with a fully stocked tool box to launch a writing career.
I was waiting to finish a perfect piece of writing, something worthy of submission. This was holding me back. Now, I not only see how the process works, but actually understand how to do it for myself."
— Ashley B., Storytellers In Action
❝ Everything in the course is clearly laid out and so organized. I love it!
And your presentation was wonderful in so many respects. They say when you really know something you can explain it simply. That's what I think you did. You made hard concepts accessible. I loved it and I am sure everyone did too! Thank you."
— Milana D., Storytellers In Action
❝ Game changer.
After Storytellers in Action, I felt so motivated to continue on this creative path. Game changer. I also realized I had to back up the bus a bit and gain more skills to be able to tell my stories well. My photography needed a refresher, and editing is a big hurtle for me in my competence and confidence. One brick at a time.
— Toni P., Storytellers In Action
“After the class, I’m no longer afraid. Someone’s going to get those gigs. Why shouldn’t it be you?”
Hear travel writer Hannah Foster-Roe describe her experience in the class. Right after the class, Hannah got a scholarship to work with a publication to publish her first travel story, followed by another story here!
Let's get real...
If you keep doing what you’re doing now, will anything change in your life?
With my Intro To Travel Journalism program, you can get the full download, dig into the process of becoming a travel journalist, develop your pitch and send it out, all during the course of the program.
It's time to stop putting off your dreams and ideas, and instead, finally send your story pitch out into the world (plus: find a community that will stay with you long after this program is over).
ENROLLMENT ENDS IN
Think of the lifetime earnings potential you can get by learning how to get your stories published!
If you join us today, you will:
Stop feeling like your dreams are not something that can actually happen because you’re not talented enough, or because you don’t know what to do, or because it’s too late, or because…
Learn how to create a highly detailed vision of your dream creative life through our visualization and songline practices
Create a plan to reach out to publications and start working on your first pitch
Start changing the way you approach your dreams and start believing that YOU are in control of your life, your dreams, and your creativity
If you wait, you’ll still be unsure, unclear, and not taking action towards your dreams when next year comes around.
Six months from now, you’ll wish you joined us today!
ENROLLMENT ENDS IN
❝ It’s so much more than a travel journalism program…
You get friends, you get community, you get an enduring little support bubble that will last way beyond the course. And also the momentum that it gives you… For anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or ready to get back into it… just do it!”
— Hannah F.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have a good understanding of the travel journalism space or a story that I could pitch to a publication–is the Intro To Travel Journalism program right for me?
Yes. we’ve designed the program to support different starting points into this industry. If you're a beginner, you'll learn how this industry works (i.e. the actual mechanics of approaching publications, going on media trips, pitching, etc) and work on identifying stories you could pitch based on your own unique viewpoint and gifts. If you've been in this industry and know it, but have been struggling to make progress on your pitching, then this is for you as well: through our weekly homework assignments and challenges, we'll make sure that we all leave with a sent out pitch by the end of the program.
Is this program right for me if I’m a photographer, not a writer?
Yes! Even if you don’t plan on writing much, you still need to get your ideas across as a photographer approaching travel publications. This is where we come in: we guide you with which ideas are a better fit for the publications you want to work with, how to craft a winning pitch, and how to become the champion for your ideas that will propel your work forward. We have several photographers in our program and they've been able to get published successfully after joining our community.
When does the program start?
As soon as you join! The video lessons are on-demand and you get access to them as soon as you join. The regular weekly and monthly calls are ongoing, so you can join the very next call that’s happening on the schedule (and you’ll get access to our Circle platform where our Calendar lives and all other discussions take place).
How much time will this program require?
The lessons we teach inside the program are self-paced, so you can go through them as quickly or as slowly as you want. I recommend progressing through one module a week so that you build momentum and use the rest of your time in the program to get support on your pitches. Expect each module to take 1-2 hours (including homework). Inside the membership, we have a weekly 30-min call every Monday, and monthly 60-min pitch brainstorming calls. Our WhatsApp group is a resource as well – post any questions you may have there. ALL the calls get recorded too so you don’t even have to show up live. We’ve designed our program and the membership this way so that it fits into your life, no matter how busy your life gets.
And don’t forget: you don’t have to keep in front of your laptop to do the work! As part of this program, we are offering a subscription to a private podcast feed. Listen to the modules on the go, while you’re taking a walk, exercising, or cooking dinner!
I’m worried about committing to a six-month-long program? (Other versions: What if something happens and I stop participating? I’m afraid to commit to a six-month-long payment plan!)
We’re there for you no matter what happens in these six months! The goal of the program is to build sustainable practices and habits that will take you forward long after the program is over. That’s why, as part of our Circle membership, you get access to 26 weekly 30-min calls every Monday! We know you might not be able to show up to every single one of these calls, but we’re there for you once you do. Beyond these weekly calls, we have our monthly pitch brainstorming calls (you get six of them!), our online community, our active WhatsApp group, and more. You will never feel like you’re on your own when you’re inside our program. And no matter how far behind you may feel, we will be there for you, gently encouraging you to get back into it with us!
What if I can’t make the live calls? (Other versions: I live in XX time zone, so when are the calls? I’m super busy, so I probably can’t make the calls.)
Inside our program, we teach you how to create the space in your schedule to prioritize what you want and need to have a successful journalism career. Then we support you through implementation!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: When you prioritize yourself and your dreams, things start to happen for you. The universe listens and the universe responds. I don’t mean to get all woo-woo on you, but it’s a fact: what you prioritize makes progress. Technically, you don’t have to make it live to any of the calls – all of them are recorded and you can listen to them in your own time. Yes, you will get all the knowledge of travel journalism from my video lessons, but when you come to our calls, we’ll make you feel supported, empowered, and emboldened to go out there and make things happen for yourself! And that’s where the magic of our program and our community truly lies.
Will you be teaching writing in this program?
Short answer: no. We teach the how, not the what. Many of our students have mentioned this in the past: they really appreciate that we teach the actual mechanics of how to get into this industry. If you’re looking for a class on becoming a better writer, this is not a good fit. If you’re looking to get your stories published in incredible travel and other magazines, you belong inside our program!
Is the program worth the investment in time and money?
In this program, we'll cover every aspect of a travel journalism career and come out with a completed pitch that we'll send to a publication. PLUS give you six months of unparalleled support. This is a good deal and in this time, you will not only be able to make progress on your dreams and stories but also find a community of engaged people who care about similar things. How much value would you put on that?