Late Checkout is actively seeking short, sharp freelance pitches that tap into the latest trends at the intersection of food, drink, and travel. They pay around 75 cents per word, and they’re not just looking for typical destination writeups — they want stories with a cultural edge, a reason why now, and a clearly defined hook.

Senior Editor Daria Smith has updated their pitching playbook, giving writers more clarity and creative space. This means every column has fresh examples, format tips, and voice guidance. The editors publish 24 stories per month and are open to discovering new voices — especially ones who actually read the guidelines.

What They’re Looking For:

• Trend-driven ideas in food, drink, or travel
• Pitches that are short and punchy (50–100 words max)
• A solid “why now” + a cultural tie-in
• Clear connection to one of their recurring columns (like Having a Moment or Well, Then)
• Visuals + booking links for travel/design stories
• No commerce content — that’s handled in-house

🔗 Full pitch guide: Click here

✍🏾 How to Pitch

Send your 50–100 word pitch to Daria Smith at daria@latecheckouttime.com.
Make sure your pitch clearly aligns with one of their columns, is culturally relevant, and hooks the reader within the first sentence. Bonus points if you include links to visuals and reference your sources.

This one’s ideal for US-based African writers who know how to spot a global trend and twist it with local insight. Think food scenes in Nairobi with international buzz, new hotel designs with African flair, or drink movements making waves beyond the continent. Let them feel your voice — then let them pay for it.