Matador Network is hunting for fresh, fearless travel stories to drop in June. Think bold, first-hand adventures, deeply-reported pieces, and sharp op-eds that resonate with 20- to 40-somethings—especially US-based readers.

They’re vibing with:

• Experiential narratives that make us feel like we’re there
• Reported stories digging into culture, community, or identity on the road
• Unique places, experiences, and destinations the algorithm hasn’t ruined yet
• Well-researched, opinion-driven travel takes

Hard pass on:

• Promo fluff (“Why XYZ is the perfect getaway…”)
• Hotel reviews/roundups
• Diary-style trip logs
• Anything that could be Googled from a desk in five minutes

💰 Rate: USD $200-$300 per piece (varies by reporting depth, interview scope, your byline weight, and photo game). Assignments go out ad-hoc, tied to pitch fire + budget vibes.

🔑 How to Pitch (Read This, Then Shoot Your Shot)

1. Show receipts: Drop 3-4 relevant clips (URLs or a slick portfolio link) plus a mini bio.
2. Sell the story, not the topic: One-liner pitches flop—spell out the angle, characters, and why it’s a must-read now.
3. Craft a headline: Match Matador’s punchy, curiosity-driven style.
4. Stick your email in the body.
5. One form submission only. Got multiple ideas? Separate them with ***** breaks.

No need for word counts, deadlines, phone numbers, or photo links on first contact. No email follow-ups—the editor’s juggling 200-300 pitches per call.

Submit via webform:
https://creators.matadornetwork.com/paid-gigs/6w5k9xg6/

Check Matador’s site (https://matadornetwork.com/) to be sure your idea isn’t déjà-vu—and stay clear of partnership or PR pitches.

Good luck, and go make some travel magic happen.