Dear writer,
If you feel like you've been knocking on the door of the world of publication, trying to get in, then this certificate course will give you the keys.
As editors, we will show you exactly what the gatekeepers at top travel writing publications are looking for today.
Across four engaging live workshops, you'll deconstruct what makes a successful travel story. You'll learn how to hook both reader and editor, avoid mistakes that lead to rejections, pitch like a pro, and tell the stories that only you can tell.
Throughout the course, you'll work on your own professional-level travel story. You'll get personal feedback, refine your story, and submit to to earn the Intrepid Times Craft of Travel Writing Certificate.
Your certification
As an emerging travel writer, it's particularly hard to break through, especially when you don't have many (or any) clippings to your name. The Intrepid Times Craft of Travel Writing Certificate is your shortcut. Our certificate sends a signal to editors that you have taken the time to learn the craft. It's a vote of confidence in yourself, proof that your work has been read and critiqued by experienced editors and found worthy of certification.
Here's What You're Getting
Four live workshops (including recordings). Bonus materials you can access immediately. Personal feedback. Certification and more. You get instant access to your student area immediately upon registration. (Be sure to click the little down arrow at the bottom to see all the bonuses!)
- Editor's Welcome - How to Make the Most Of This Course and Graduate with Confidence
- AI and Travel Writing - Our Policy and the Truth Travel Writers Need to know
- Essential Skills PDF Guide: Captivate Readers and Editors with a Perfect First Paragraph
- Essential Skills PDF Guide: Travel Stories vs. Travel Guides - Know What You're Writing
- Essential Skills PDF Guide: The Magic of Storytelling for Travel Writers - Enchant Your Readers
- Essential Skills PDF Guide: Building Your Platform - Create a Following for Your Travel Stories
- Bonus Workshop: Find Your Irreplaceable Voice [December 10, 12 PM New York, 5 PM London] (73:44)
- Workshop #1: The Art and Tactics of Irresistible Travel Storytelling. [Wednesday, September 2, 12 PM New York, 5 PM London] (63:37)
- Workshop #2: Relevance, Newsworthiness, and Making Your Stories Matter. [Wednesday, September 9, 12 PM New York, 5 PM London] (59:54)
- Workshop #3: Writing that Compels; Mistakes to Avoid and How to Edit Like a Pro. [Wednesday September 16, 12 PM New York, 5 PM London] (62:42)
- Workshops 4: Professional Practice - Pitching, Getting Published, and Building Your Brand [Wednesday, September 23, 12 PM New York, 5 PM London] (70:47)
- Bonus: Kurt Caswell Workshop [Recording] (79:44)
Your instructor
Nathan James Thomas is the founding editor of Intrepid Times as the Editor of Exisle Publishing. He is the author of two books including "Untethered - Living the Digital Nomad Life in an Uncertain World" which The Times praised as "well written." He has written for Lonely Planet, Roads & Kingdoms, Success Magazine, the New Zealand Herald, and numerous other outlets. Originally from New Zealand, Nathan now spends much of his time in a small village in Greater Poland.
Bonus: Get Free Access to the Workshop "Find Your Irreplaceable Voice"
Learn how to write and publish the travel stories that only you can tell.
While direct registration for this event cost $75 at the time, it is included free of charge for all certificate students. The bonus includes both registration for the live event as well as access to the full recording and notes. You will find this information, alongside many other bonus resources, in your student area immediately upon registration.
Your Roadmap to Certification
We’re thrilled to welcome travel writers to the Intrepid Times Craft of Travel Writing Certification Course. Enrollment is open now, with classes beginning September 2. Here’s what to expect:
Immediately: Enroll and Access Your Student Area, Welcome Workbooks, Bonuses, and Networking
Register today to unlock all bonus materials, download quick-start welcome PDF guides on essential travel writing skills, and join our private WhatsApp group. Connect with fellow students, share ideas, and get encouragement as you prepare for the course.
Wednesdays, September 2 - September 23, Live Online Workshops (12 PM New York / 5 PM London). Notes and Recordings Provided for Self-Paced Learners
Join four interactive workshops in a small group setting, each focused on a different aspect of the travel writer’s craft (see curriculum above). Allow one hour per session, including Q&A. Notes and recordings [video and audio] will be uploaded within 48 hours so you can easily catch up even if you miss the live session
Wednesday, September 30 Initial Story Submission & Personal Feedback
Submit your first travel story (up to 1,800 words) and receive detailed editorial feedback within seven-10 days.
One Week After You Receive Your Feedback: Final Submission
Incorporate feedback, polish your story, and submit your final draft for certification.
One Week Later (Early September) Graduation, Certification, and Priority Publishing Opportunities
Celebrate your achievement! Successful students receive their certification, provided their story meets our professional standards. You may also submit your final story to Intrepid Times for priority publication consideration - while this is optional, many of our past graduates have gone on to (paid) publication on our platform and elsewhere.
Common Questions
Am I Qualified for this Course?
Yes. No prior publications are required, just a love of travel, a passion for storytelling, and openness to feedback.
What Are the Requirements for Certification?
Graduation requires completing all four workshops (live or via recordings) and submitting a final travel story that meets Intrepid Times’ editorial standards. You’ll receive ample feedback to help you reach this level.
What if I Can’t Attend the Live Workshops?
Attendance is encouraged for the interactive experience, but full recordings and notes will be available in your student area after each session.
What if I Need More Time for My Story?
We understand life gets busy. If you need an extension, email editor@intrepidtimes.com and we’ll work with you.
How Much Time Will I Need?
Plan for around three hours per week: one for the workshop and two for writing and editing. Bonus materials are provided if you’d like to go deeper.
Student Feedback
Read published stories by past students.
“I'm gaining a lot from the course, it's excellent.”
“Having a deadline is really making me write which is also an amazing plus.”
— Liz
“The course did not just help me produce better travel articles but also enabled me to become a better writer overall.”
“If you want to have success in this business, you do not just need intriguing travel experiences and an imaginative voice, but you also need to know the system and be good at marketing yourself.”
“The course can guide you through all of this – even make you a better, more perceptive traveller.”
— Jens
“You explained so many things that I simply would not have identified, let alone considered.”
“You demonstrated with everything you said the difference between experience and knowledge.”
“I'm so glad I enrolled for the workshops.”
— Philip
“Breaking down story-writing technique using real-world examples through live lessons, writing a story with the knowledge that it will receive feedback to help me improve, and being part of a WhatsApp group of fellow writers...all these provided the tools and confidence I needed to take the leap into the world of travel writing.”
“A huge thank you to Nathan, Thom and Intrepid Times!”
— Anna
“The content was perfect, and so was Nathan's delivery of the material.”
“The course can guide you through all of this—and perhaps even make you a better, more perceptive traveller.”
— Jens
“I have really enjoyed your course and am so glad that I decided to go for it.”
“You are an engaging teacher, great speaker.”
“I found all the videos and other material so useful.”
“The actual writing has been the hard part of course.”
— Carlotta
“I found the course most helpful.”
“It raised so many things that I would not have identified, and therefore certainly not considered.”
“I enjoyed the course enormously and certainly encourage you to run it again and again.”
— Philip