A guide to help hone your pitches
iBestTravel shines a light on incredible people doing remarkable things in breathtaking locations. Our travel writing is evocative and original, providing insider insights with authoritative perspectives. We consistently seek fresh talent and innovative ideas to enhance our magazine and online presence. Our mission is to tell diverse travel stories reflective of various viewpoints, ensuring inclusive representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities. Below are some guidelines designed to refine your story pitches. Thank you for your interest; we eagerly anticipate your ideas.
Before pitching, consider whether your concept aligns better with print or online and reach out directly to the respective editorial teams.
General guidelines applicable to both platforms:
- iBestTravel does not commission articles based on group press trips; thus, ensure your pitch revolves around authentic stories rather than generic press releases.
- The visual appeal of a story is crucial. Please provide links to relevant websites or screenshots showcasing potential imagery for the people, places, or concepts included in your pitch. While you aren’t required to supply photography, be aware of available visuals that could accompany your article.
- We pride ourselves on collaborating with writers who have a genuine connection to their subjects. If it’s your first experience with a destination, consider focusing on a place or topic you know intimately and possess unique insights about. The aim is not merely to write about locations you plan to visit but to convey a story full of original details borne from deep familiarity.
- For new contributors, it’s beneficial to include a couple of links to your previously published works, as well as your location and area of expertise.
Print Magazine Insights
Additional considerations for print submissions:
- Focus on angles and hooks, rather than just destinations. Avoid submissions like “I’m heading here; any interest?” as we typically don’t publish guide-style articles, except in specialized sections like Staycation.
- Pre-written articles submitted on speculation are not accepted.
- With regards to timing, keep in mind that we often work three months in advance. Specify which issue your idea would suit, particularly if it relates to a timely issue.
- Avoid sending the same pitch to multiple editors at the same publication. If you’re uncertain about your pitch’s placement, either reach out to one editor or include multiple editors in a single email.
This summary outlines our standard sections and features in the UK print magazine. However, if you have concepts that don’t neatly fit these categories, we still encourage you to pitch them. We welcome proposals that address gaps in our content, as we are always eager for new ideas, styles, and discussions.
Flavour Hunter
This section highlights culinary experiences, including reviews of new restaurants with captivating stories, explorations of popular food districts, chef-led features on favorite ingredients, and trends in global cuisine.
Editor: Toby Skinner
Perspectives
This new section centers around diverse voices offering unique perspectives on travel topics. Whether it’s a fascination with cultural symbols, personal travel experiences, or insights into niche subjects, we appreciate pitches that include strong visual elements.
Editor: Lydia Bell
View From Here
This visually-driven section features unique perspectives from exceptional places where an overnight stay is possible. It seeks features that transport and surprise readers, showcasing remarkable accommodations in extraordinary settings.
Editor: Toby Skinner
Main Features
Above all, our travel writing focuses on storytelling, delving deeply into destinations and narratives, whether reinterpreting a classic locale or embarking on exceptional adventures.
Online Content Strategy
Prior to submitting any pitches, please check our website to ensure your idea hasn’t already been covered. Online features that originated in the print magazine are clearly indicated. If you believe current content requires updates, don’t hesitate to reach out with your insights.
Whenever possible, reference existing online content that has inspired your pitch. If proposing a destination guide or list, clearly outline why you’re the most suitable writer for that piece.
Our approach favors evergreen content. While hooks are beneficial, we infrequently cover news stories online.
Digital editor: Sarah Allard; Deputy digital editor: Sarah James.
While we strive to respond to every submission, if you don’t receive a response within two weeks, feel free to pitch elsewhere.
