Publication: BBC Travel
Topic(s): Travel, Culture, Food, Discovery, Adventure, Human Interest, Sustainability, Local Traditions, Destinations
Rate (in USD): Up to $1,000 per Article
Deadline: No deadline
Join Sure Media Agency for submission details
BBC Travel is commissioning original travel features that go far beyond destination guides and listicles. If you’re searching for travel writing jobs, freelance travel writing opportunities, or paid writing gigs for travel magazines, this is one of the world’s most prestigious publications accepting pitches.
BBC Travel publishes immersive feature stories that reveal the people, traditions, cultures and hidden histories that make destinations remarkable. Editors are looking for stories that surprise readers, challenge assumptions and create an emotional connection with a place.
Successful pitches should answer questions such as:
- What is the unexpected angle?
- Why does this story matter now (without relying on seasons or events)?
- Who are the compelling local characters?
- What makes readers smarter after reading it?
- Why are you uniquely positioned to tell this story?
Your pitch should include:
- A title of no more than 39 characters
- A 50–100 word synopsis
- The story’s unique angle
- Its non-seasonal “why now” hook
- Why it will resonate with BBC’s global audience
- Why you’re the right writer for the assignment
- Whether you can provide high-quality photos or video
BBC Travel is particularly interested in 800–2,000-word feature articles with vivid storytelling, emotional depth and a strong sense of place. Stories should transport readers through rich descriptions of sights, sounds, tastes and local experiences rather than simply recommending attractions.
They are especially interested in stories covering culture, food traditions, discovery, adventure and fascinating local perspectives that have not already been widely reported.
Avoid pitching:
- Destination guides
- Top 10 lists
- Roundups
- Venue reviews
- Event or festival coverage
- Seasonal stories
- Generic travel ideas
- Weak travel angles
BBC Travel also encourages contributors to strive for balanced sourcing by including diverse voices and aiming for gender parity among expert sources whenever practical.
If you have access to unique communities, untold cultural traditions or remarkable local characters, this is an excellent opportunity to pitch one of the world’s most respected travel publications.
