If you don't have any travel writing clips, you'll need to get some. Check out local magazines, newspapers (or even payment-free sources like your local trade or church newsletter). Once you've written for a few of these sources, then work your way up to bigger newspapers in neighboring cities and regional magazines. 
 

Sometimes an editor will give you a shot if you have written some non-fiction (articles or books) on a variety of subjects. But obviously the more travel clips you've got, the better.

Before you pack your bag, your first trip should be to the library. Go to the reference section and read the latest edition of "The Writer's Market." If you're serious about becoming a freelance writer, you should consider buying a copy of this invaluable resource. They also publish an interactive edition with a CD-ROM for easy searching.

In the consumer magazine section, you'll find about 20 pages of magazines that deal exclusively with travel writing. Each magazine description has a listing of the editors, what they are looking for and how much they pay.

Writing Queries:
A good query is like a good newspaper article. It includes the six Ws:
 

1. Why is the topic interesting now? (Why is this slant unique?)
2. Where is the location?
3. How many words and how are your going to structure the piece?
4. When will you deliver it?
5. Why are you the writer? (Why are you the one who should write the piece?)
6. What is your angle/attitude/tone of the piece?

Once you have zeroed in on a few magazines that you want to write for, visit the library's periodical section and pick up the last four issues. Examine the sections of the magazine and make note of which editor is responsible for which section. Each section has a style of article, a word length and structure. Become fluent in the language of that magazine. You should dissect each article in the section you are targeting and break it down with questions like:
 

• What is the slant of each article?
• What are the lead paragraphs like?
• How does the writer hook the reader?
• How many sources? What types of sources? PR firms or locals?
• How many quotes?
• What kind of anecdotes?
• Is the tone merely informative, or conversational?
• How many paragraphs before you are on the journey?
• What types of specific information do they include in most articles? (menu options at restaurants, romantic getaways, babysitting services)
• What are the closing paragraphs like?

Remember that travel magazines are only one market, you should be able to sell travel pieces to other publications. For example, if you travel with a pet, you might be able to sell a piece on "the best places to vacation with your dog" to a pet magazine. Be creative, look for markets that target ethnic readers, different professions, or hobbyists.