Interview Notes
This episode features seasoned travel writer and longtime freelance journalist Sharael Kolberg. She shares how she built a two-decade career writing for Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, U.S. News & World Report, and other major outlets. Sharael explains how early exposure to global culture shaped her curiosity, how she entered the field through niche adventure sports writing, and how her focus evolved from outdoor sports to family travel to adventure travel again.
You hear a clear path for beginners, including choosing a niche, starting with small regional outlets, and building a strong portfolio through blogs, campus papers, and local assignments. Sharael breaks down how to pitch, how to network with editors, and how to avoid common traps like press trip debt. She outlines what editors look for, how to keep writing fresh with sensory detail, and how to stand out through expertise. She also gives practical insight into social media use, low-cost ways to gain travel experience, and the real workload behind press trips. The episode ends with grounded advice on persistence, AP style, first-person storytelling, and the long game of reaching top publications.
Key Questions
- How did Sharael discover travel writing and turn early niche experience into national assignments?
- What first steps help students enter travel writing with little money?
- How should beginners choose a niche and build expertise editors trust?
- What makes a travel pitch timely and worth an editor’s attention?
- How do new writers build a portfolio without existing bylines?
- What role do networking and local opportunities play in breaking in?
- What myths about travel writing mislead students about money, work, and press trips?
Who is Sharael Kolberg?
Nala Fox
Nala Fox is the Chief Human Resources Officer at EssayPro, with deep expertise in strategic leadership, organizational culture, talent acquisition, and employee well-being. With a forward-thinking approach to HR, Nala drives initiatives that promote inclusivity, engagement, and long-term professional growth. Under her leadership, EssayPro has implemented programs addressing employee burnout, enhancing productivity, and fostering a balanced, people-centered workplace where innovation and collaboration thrive.
