Culinary Travel Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of experiential travel, the allure of culinary travel writers has never been more enticing.

As global gastronomy continues to evolve, the demand for savvy wordsmiths who can explore, portray, and promote the world’s diverse culinary landscapes heightens.

But let’s delve a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a culinary travel writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of culinary travel writing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable culinary travel writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Culinary Travel Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Culinary Travel Writers use their passion for food and travel to explore different cuisines around the world and convey their experiences to readers in an engaging manner.

They write articles and books based on their experiences and knowledge of different culinary traditions and cultures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Traveling to various locations to experience and document local cuisine and food culture
• Researching and understanding the history, preparation, and significance of various dishes and food practices in different cultures
• Writing engaging, informative, and entertaining articles, blogs, or books about their culinary travel experiences
• Photographing food and locations for use in their written pieces or social media platforms
• Interviewing chefs, local food producers, and restaurant owners to gain deeper insights into the local food scene
• Reviewing restaurants, cafes, and food markets in various locations
• Keeping up-to-date with food trends and popular travel destinations
• Networking with industry professionals, such as editors, agents, and publicists, to publish and promote their work

 

Culinary Travel Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a passionate and creative Culinary Travel Writer to join our team.

The ideal candidate would combine their love for food and travel with their extraordinary writing skills.

Culinary Travel Writer responsibilities include exploring local and international cuisines, capturing their experiences and turning them into engaging, informative content for our readers.

The role requires a deep understanding of the food industry, culinary trends, and the ability to present them in a compelling way, providing our audience with unique insights into world cuisines and travel destinations.

 

Responsibilities

• Travel to various locations to explore local cuisines and food culture
• Write engaging, informative, and creative articles about culinary experiences and travel destinations
• Research and gather factual information and write about it in a compelling, entertaining manner
• Interview chefs, restaurant owners and locals to gain insights on local food and culture
• Take high-quality photos to complement articles
• Ensure content is well-structured and within the style guidelines
• Collaborate with editors to polish the articles and ensure they are ready for publication
• Stay updated with local and international food trends and travel destinations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a culinary travel writer or similar role
• A strong passion for food and travel
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to deliver high-quality content within deadlines
• Strong research and fact-checking skills
• Familiarity with SEO practices
• Experience with photography is a plus
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Work flexibility
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Culinary Travel Writer
• Work Environment: Remote work with travel. The role involves visiting various travel destinations, restaurants, and food festivals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Editor-in-chief.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your writing samples to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Culinary Travel Writer Do?

Culinary Travel Writers combine their love for food, travel, and writing into one unique career.

They travel to various locations across the globe to experience and document different cultures through their cuisine.

They visit local restaurants, markets, and food producers to sample local dishes, and then write about these experiences.

These writings often include detailed descriptions of the food, the cooking process, and the cultural significance of the dishes.

Culinary Travel Writers also interact with locals, chefs, and food experts to gain a deeper understanding of the local cuisine and culinary traditions.

They may also attend food festivals and cooking classes to broaden their knowledge.

Additionally, they may be responsible for taking photographs or videos to visually document their culinary experiences.

Their written content, often in the form of articles or blog posts, is usually published in magazines, newspapers, websites, and other media platforms.

Their goal is to share their food and travel experiences with their readers, providing them with a unique perspective on different cultures through the lens of food.

 

Culinary Travel Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Culinary Travel Writer should have the skills and qualifications that complement this unique role, such as:

• Excellent writing skills to produce engaging, coherent, and informative content about various food and travel experiences.
• Strong research abilities to gather all necessary information about the location, culture, and cuisine.
• Culinary knowledge to effectively describe food and beverages, and to appreciate different culinary traditions and techniques.
• Travel experience and a deep interest in exploring new cultures, cuisines, and locations to provide authentic content.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with various cultures, chefs, and local people and to gather insightful information.
• Photography skills to capture the essence of the location, people, and food that will be described in the writing.
• Social media proficiency to promote articles, connect with readers, and keep up-to-date with current food and travel trends.
• Time-management skills to meet deadlines and effectively balance travel, writing, and promoting content.

 

Culinary Travel Writer Experience Requirements

Culinary Travel Writers typically have a background in journalism, English, or a related field, with 1-2 years of writing experience being the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions.

This experience can be gained through internships, freelance writing, or contributing to a school or local newspaper.

Extensive traveling is another crucial aspect of this role.

As such, candidates with a history of international travel, especially those who have documented their experiences through blogging or vlogging, have a distinct advantage.

A good understanding of different cuisines and an ability to describe the food culture of various regions are valuable attributes for this role.

Additionally, candidates with more than 3 years of experience in travel or culinary writing are often more desirable.

Such professionals will have honed their writing skills and broadened their culinary palate, making them capable of producing more engaging and authentic content.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field might have established a significant online following and may have been published in well-known travel or food publications.

They could be ready to take on roles that involve leading a team of writers or contributing to the strategic direction of a publication.

 

Culinary Travel Writer Education and Training Requirements

Culinary Travel Writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English or a related field.

They need a solid background in writing and a strong command of the English language.

A degree in culinary arts or hospitality management could also be beneficial, though it’s not necessary.

Culinary Travel Writers must have a deep understanding of different cuisines, culinary techniques, and food culture from around the world.

This can be gained through culinary school, travel experience, or self-study.

Work experience in restaurants or other culinary settings is highly valuable, as it provides practical understanding of the culinary world.

Some positions may require Culinary Travel Writers to be fluent in one or more foreign languages, depending on the regions they cover.

While not required, certification courses in food writing, travel writing or photography can enhance a writer’s skill set and credibility.

Individuals seeking a career in this field must also have a natural curiosity, a love for food and travel, and excellent interpersonal skills to interact with various cultures and communities.

 

Culinary Travel Writer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Culinary Travel Writer is approximately $62,500 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the writer’s experience, their publication’s reach, location, and whether they are freelance or employed by a specific media outlet.

It is important to note that this role often includes other perks like travel expenses, meals, and accommodation.

 

Culinary Travel Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Culinary Travel Writer need?

Culinary Travel Writers must have excellent written communication skills, with the ability to describe food, culinary techniques, and locations in an engaging and accessible manner.

They should also have strong research skills to gather accurate information about the cuisines and cultures they’re writing about.

Knowledge of food and cooking techniques is crucial, as is the ability to travel and adapt to different environments.

 

Do Culinary Travel Writers need a degree?

A degree is not strictly necessary for a Culinary Travel Writer, but a background in journalism, creative writing, or culinary arts can be very helpful.

Some Culinary Travel Writers may also have degrees or certifications in related fields like food science, nutrition, or cultural studies.

Most importantly, they should have a passion for food and travel, and a desire to share their experiences with others.

 

What should you look for in a Culinary Travel Writer’s portfolio?

Look for a range of writing styles and topics, showcasing the writer’s ability to adapt their work to different audiences and publications.

The portfolio should demonstrate the writer’s knowledge of and passion for food and travel.

It’s also beneficial to see work that shows the writer’s ability to weave a compelling narrative, describe sensory experiences vividly, and share interesting cultural insights.

 

What qualities make a good Culinary Travel Writer?

A good Culinary Travel Writer is curious, open-minded, and adventurous, willing to try new foods and explore unfamiliar places.

They must have a keen palate and a deep appreciation for food and its cultural significance.

Excellent writing skills are crucial, as is the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

They must also be respectful of the cultures they’re writing about, seeking to educate their readers rather than stereotype or exoticize.

 

Can a Culinary Travel Writer work remotely?

While some writing and research can be done remotely, the nature of the job typically requires a Culinary Travel Writer to travel to the locations they’re writing about.

This allows them to have firsthand experiences with the cuisines and cultures they’re covering, leading to more authentic and engaging content.

However, the extent and frequency of travel required can vary greatly depending on the specific role and publication.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up the real flavor of what it means to be a culinary travel writer.

Surprise surprise!

It’s not just about penning down words.

It’s about savoring the world’s diverse cuisines, one dish at a time, and sharing that experience with your readers.

With our appetizing culinary travel writer job description template and mouth-watering real-world examples, you’re ready to spice up your career.

But why stop there?

Take a bigger bite with our job description generator. It’s your next course to whip up perfectly seasoned job listings or garnish your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each ingredient, each dish, contributes to the global culinary tapestry.

Let’s explore and savor that world. Together.

How to Become a Culinary Travel Writer (Complete Guide)

The Zen Zone: Finding Low-Stress Jobs in a High-Stress World

The Ultimate Job Joy: Careers That People Love the Most

The Fun Factor Jobs: Where Work and Play Collide

Weird Work: Unusual Jobs That Are Surprisingly Real