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How To Become A Traveling Journalist

So you want to travel the world writing for a living? Watch this first.

Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:

So you want to travel the world writing for a living? This is how I did it (along with advice about the gear you need, etc):

I’ve started experimenting with doing our YouTube Q&A sessions live, and after working out some things it seems to be working fine. Doing these sessions like this, rather than recording, editing, and then publishing, saves large amounts of time — time that I don’t really have right now. So look for a live weekly Q&A coming from me, and if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments below.

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Filed under: Journalism, Vlog, Work

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3723 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:

VBJ is currently in: New York City

3 comments… add one

Leave a Comment

  • Jack February 16, 2019, 12:38 pm

    I’d love to do that … just get away from everything.

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    • Wade Shepard February 17, 2019, 9:04 pm

      Just go do it then. What’s stopping you?

      Link Reply
  • Jack March 1, 2019, 11:51 pm

    I’m going to give one criticism to the video here. Maybe it’s not even a criticism but here goes. I agree that video quality does matter, but I do think that the story matters more. I also think that video making skills even trump the camera. I think you should do videos with the best camera you have got and use basic techniques to ensure that the video is the best you can do. Audio is definitely part of that equation.

    Yes, the camera rig in your setup is awesome. You make your money with your stories and you need to invest in your business. Good on you for sure. I love seeing how you have progressed over the years. It’s a continuous improvement process. You started on a shoestring and your stories have been very compelling…and overcome any technical issues. You are much higher on the food chain now so you need the higher quality.

    That said those starting out without $5k can start with what they have. A recent flagship smartphone can give provide the platform more economically. Honestly, the quality of the video on an IPhone 8 or newer or a Pixel 2 or 3 is pretty damn good, especially if the recording environments are controlled. Not nearly as good as your setup for sure but coupled with a decent Rode mic and a smartphone rig, someone can get started with decent video journalism. And move up the chain as their budget allows.

    And no this doesnt mean I think someone should start out recording videos on a Vivitar video camera or a Blu brand smartphone. That’s just wrong in so many ways. 🙂

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