Cool Job: Travel Writer

Lisa Loverro has snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, toured ancient ruins in Cambodia, tracked leopards in Africa, and slept under the stars in the Arabian desert. It's all in a day's work for the travel writer from New York, whose been to more than 50 countries and visited every continent at least twice, "except Antarctica, but it's on my list!" she says. Loverro spoke to Kidult about the fascinating places she's visited, her career, and her advice for teenagers who want to trek the world.

Tell us about your job?

As an independent travel writer, I produce travel stories for magazines and websites about different events and cultures from around the world. I get to fly off to exotic destinations to research and write my stories. I've also recently begun to shoot travel videos and have my own channel on Youtube (youtube.com/lloverro).

What projects are you currently working on?

I just returned from Africa. I was covering "Indaba," one of the biggest travel conferences in the world. I'm also working on a piece called "Walking Safaris" for a consumer magazine. I flew to Zambia for the story and walked with elephants, giraffes and lions!

What interests you about the places you visit?

I'm a foodie so I always have culinary slants to my pieces. I also like to seek out off-the-beaten path stories. For instance, when most people go on a safari, they ride in a jeep. But how many walk in the footsteps of elephants or hide behind trees so as not to be noticed by a lion?

What’s the most beautiful country you’ve visited?

In terms of landscape, Bali. Their terraced rice fields are amazing. The desert in the Middle East is also a thing of beauty. The Great Barrier Reef is definitely up there; so is Machu Picchu in Peru and the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. But it’s hard to say because sometimes it's the people that make a place beautiful. I've found the people in Colombia, Bali and Oman to be some of the warmest on the planet.

What challenges do you face in your job?

Traveling around the world sounds glamorous, and to a degree it is, but it's hard work and takes a toll on your body. Last year in South Africa I contracted an intestinal infection which almost landed me in the hospital. To make matters worse, I was also the victim of credit card fraud while there. I found myself alone, with no credit cards, sick as a dog, and then had to fly to the Middle East for 3 weeks on another assignment.  I had to use my resources to travel around the Middle East alone. As a writer, it’s all part of the adventure and gives your story some color.

What opportunities led you to where you are today?

I worked in the publishing industry for many years before becoming a freelance travel writer. I was the Production Director for Elle magazine for many years, and I worked with JFK Jr. to produce his magazine, George. Most recently, I was the Managing Editor for Latina magazine. While I was at Elle I realized I could marry my passion for travel with a career in publishing. I used my connections to start my career as a freelance travel writer. Social media has also started to play a huge role in my success as a travel writer. I was just named the Africa and Middle East Correspondent for a trade publication based on a posting I saw on Facebook; Linkedin has gotten me gigs in Africa, and Twitter has helped me find places to stay when I travel.

What kind of experience do you need to succeed as a travel writer?

It helps to be in the publishing industry. Connections play an important role in getting you work. Of course, you'll need to have a passion for travel and be okay with traveling alone.

What advice would you give teenagers who want to follow your career path?

Get an internship in publishing and let your goals be known. Let them know that you want to contribute travel-related pieces. Volunteer to fact check travel stories and build your social network by getting to know the names of the players in the industry. Most importantly, know that this job is hard and exhausting. My friends think I am going on vacation when I travel. I have to remind them that it's work and that my office just happens to be the world!