Publication: Insider
Topic(s): Travel writing, personal essays, unconventional living, relocation stories, experiential travel, lifestyle features
Rate: From $230 for 600 words (~38+ cents per word)
Deadline: Not specified (rolling pitches)
Name of Editor: Stephanie Pitera Statile, Lifestyle/Entertainment Editor
Submit Via: Pitch form

Insider is currently seeking freelance writers and journalists to submit pitches for first-person stories, travel features, and lifestyle essays. This is a solid opportunity for writers looking for paid travel writing jobs, personal essay publications, and first-person lifestyle features with a major international outlet.

Rates start at $230 for 600 words, with higher pay possible depending on scope and complexity. Writers with strong personal experiences, unusual living setups, or distinctive travel angles are a strong fit. ✈️

Stories can focus on personal experience, unconventional arrangements, or practical travel guidance.

What They’re Looking For:

Personal essays about:

• Moving to, from, or within the US
• Unconventional living situations (off-grid living, unique homes, living with in-laws or parents, separate homes from a spouse, sailboat living, etc.)
• Unconventional travel arrangements (traveling with an ex, parents, or in-laws)

First-person experiential pieces about:

• Ferry rides
• Flight upgrades
• Cruises

Travel features and service pieces:

• Packing guides for popular destinations
• Stories from widely traveled individuals
• Favorite destinations and underrated travel gems
• Location-based travel recommendations 🌍

Practical, experience-driven angles perform best. Specificity beats general advice. First-person reporting and clear takeaways improve acceptance odds.