While initiatives like Intrepid’s are not the only route in, they’re a sign the industry wants to be more inclusive. “They’re opening up conversations that need to be had,” says Lottie. “Programmes like this and the Travel Media Awards Step Up scheme are giving early-career writers a way in,” adds Nori.
Of course, they’re often over-subscribed, so start work way before that application form. For starters, read read read. And I’ll die on that hill. Reading is how you instinctively learn about pace, structure, tone, what you like—and don’t like—about a story. As Nori says, “Read widely and don’t try to emulate someone else. Find your voice—authenticity will make you stand out.”
And if you don’t have bylines? “Use your Instagram, a blog, Substack etc. to write up travel stories and show off your talent,” suggests Lottie. “This goes down well with editors, but also with judges—if we can see you’ve made the effort, we’ll be confident the DTM press trip will be beneficial.”
Bringing in new voices, while championing longstanding writers, is something this publication has always tried to do; And once again, it’s been a joy to work with mentees from Intrepid’s second DTM initiative. I hope you enjoy reading their stories about Portugal’s Côa Valley as much as I have.
– Rewild, restore and connect: How a trip to Portugal brought solace to a traumatized firefighter – JD Murphy
– Far from the crowds: A guide to Portugal’s lesser-known Côa Valley by Jessica Heather
– Ancient Banksy in Portugal: Were the Neanderthals the first champions of public art? by Liseli Thomas
– Portugal for slow foodies: How one cook in the Côa Valley is helping preserve rich traditions by Toyo Odetunde