The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned in March 2023 with a series of one-hour writing and photography sessions.

Having discussed how to find your story on day one, the second evening saw our expert panellists discuss the basics of putting a trip together.

Our moderator, regular National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributor Pól Ó Conghaile, steered the conversation through the practicalities of coming up with ideas, pitching and securing that all-important commission.

Here’s some of the advice shared during the session:

1. Be sure to carefully consider how to develop your story ideas. Travel writer Kerry Walker explained, “I usually go in with a theme-led piece and keep the angle quite narrow. It helps to focus on things that you care about – really home in on your passions and let the story shine.”
2. Take care to always have a back-up for your notes. Award-winning travel journalist Emma Gregg advised, “When I’m using my notebook, I try to take a photo with my phone of each page at the end of the day – that way I’ve got a back-up. If you only use your phone [for notes] and you lose it, you’ve lost it for the rest of the trip.”
3. Take advantage of any free time in a destination to help make your piece shine. Freelance writer and photographer Jamie Lafferty said, “If you can get free time on a trip, you can build more colour into the piece. Some of the most colourful interviewees can be the people you just bumped into. If you’re assigned a guide [for a trip], try to limit how much you use them in the story.”

Tickets are still available for the remaining sessions. Click here to learn more and here to buy tickets.