My teacher’s pension, along with savings and my wife’s income covered our basic bills. In my particular situation, I did not need to make lot of money as a travel writer. Scott Kendall with son Jacob on the Spanish Steps. Make sure you analyze and consider your financial situation The more I thought about it and the more I researched, the more I came to the realization that being a travel writer would check all of those important boxes for me. My wonderful wife of 33 years and I had always traveled a good bit, and with more time on our hands during retirement, we wanted to increase the frequency and quality of our travels. I already knew I wanted to travel extensively when I retired. And you enjoy sharing your knowledge, experiences, and skills with others, including family, friends, and strangers (who may likely become new friends).” You love taking photos and making videos of anything and everything. You have always been a good writer, and enjoy putting your thoughts and observations on paper (or on computer!). You enjoy researching and learning about all kinds of places, history, people, and events. You enjoy traveling to new places, meeting new people, experiencing new challenges. Since I know myself pretty well, I answered my own questions this way. I asked myself, “Scott, what do you really enjoy doing? How do you want to spend the rest of your life?” I was in good physical shape, was young in mind and spirit, and still wanted to enjoy new places, people, and challenges. I knew I wasn’t the type to sit at home, watch television, do crossword puzzles, and do a whole lot of nothing. I had been a Navy Officer, management consultant, and a strategic planner before my teaching and coaching career, and knew I wanted a stimulating lifestyle after I retired. When I was nearing retirement from teaching Special Education and coaching tennis at our local high school, I contemplated what I wanted to do during my Golden Years. Evaluate Your Personal Situation and Goals How does it make you feel? What are you telling this person about your life as a travel writer? What experiences and travels do you see yourself involved with in the upcoming years? What is your next great adventure? 2. Imagine talking to someone, telling them you are a Travel Writer. Scott Kendall smiling in front of Lake Bled in Slovenia.

Becoming a travel writer