I started off my writing career as an outdoor writer but over the last couple of years, I’ve realised something important.
Outdoor and travel writing are inextricably linked.
As we approach 2025, I believe these two are set to become even more intertwined as adventure travel and car-free holidays gain popularity with a wider range of people.
I’m here to answer your questions about 2025 trends in outdoor writing and travel writing, but first…
I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU
Are you thinking about becoming an outdoor adventure writer in 2025?
Do you have a secret desire to turn your travel memoirs into a career?
Are you making your outdoor adventure and travel plans for the year?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of the above, read on to find out my predicted trends for outdoor and travel writing in 2025.
YOUR TURN TO ASK THE QUESTIONS
What is outdoor writing?
Good first question. Most people know what travel writers get up to but outdoor writing, despite being popular with readers, is less well known.
Outdoor writing can cover different specialisms but is always focussed on outdoor activities and an outdoor lifestyle. Outdoor writing often encompasses adventure writing, environmental writing and nature writing. It can also very naturally spill over into travel writing.
Where can you get outdoor writing published?
Most outdoor writing is published on web, often in the form of blogs or advertorial articles. Finding paid work as an outdoor writer isn’t as easy as it once was for three main reasons:
- Print publications are experiencing dwindling audiences and the related shrinking budgets.
- AI has made all types of writing quicker and easier, which means that brands don’t need to use freelance writers as often as they once did.
- As the outdoor lifestyle has grown in popularity, so has the number of people wanting to write about it. (This is good news!)
Don’t be discouraged and give up on your outdoor writing dreams though. Just be prepared to think outside the box.
What is travel writing?
The explanation for this one appears to be more obvious but travel writing isn’t just about visiting great locations. To be a successful travel writer, you need to be able to tell the story of a place or journey. You also need to be willing to learn about culture, give your personal perspective and use descriptive language appropriate to your audience.
Although there are some relevant print publications, paid travel writing is most likely to be for the web. Brand websites, social media posts and newsletters are all possible outlets for your writing skills. All of these require some understanding and experience of SEO.
Why is it important to understand writing trends?
Because, if you want to sell it, professional outdoor and travel writing has to appeal to a given audience.
By understanding current travel trends and outdoor adventure trends, you can make sure your writing meets the needs of potential clients.
ARE WRITING TREND PREDICTIONS ACCURATE?
Generally but not always. In December of 2018 nobody would have predicted the pandemic-induced staycation trend, but trend research can yield helpful results when you’re planning for the year ahead.
Trend indicators can be data-based or opinion-based. In both cases, experts (especially local experts) tend to give the best predictions.
CAN YOU SEPARATE OUTDOOR AND TRAVEL WRITING?
Not easily but the separation isn’t really necessary. The lines between travel writing and outdoor writing often blur. Most of us need to travel to get to our favourite outdoor locations and being outdoors is an important element of many holidays.
My train adventures are a good example of this.
What are the outdoor writing trends for 2025?
Outside remains a popular place to be and the outdoor industry is in a state of rapid change. From audience demographics to outdoor fashion, we can expect trends in outdoor writing requirements to match general industry trends.
There are plenty to choose from but I’ve added my top four outdoor writing trend predictions below:
- Outdoor adventures will be more achievable for all (writing requirements will include plus-size gear, bitesize adventures and public transport).
- Sustainable outdoor gear will become more desirable and gradually cheaper (watch out for more detailed eco-credentials from outdoor brands).
- Outdoor cooking experiences will be hot (expect to see outdoor kitchen product placement, camping recipes, location descriptions and ‘what-went-wrongs’.
- Keyword search will begin to dominate social media (video will continue to be king but brands will also need to write longer captions, utilise more SEO optimisation and have an eye for authenticity).
I can’t predict what my clients will ask me to write for them in 2025 but they often ask my advice, and of course, I’m already planning content for my personal outdoor blog.
These trends will be forming the basis of this.
Happily for me, all of the above match themes about which I am passionate. My train adventures started partly because I wanted to help people who didn’t drive find ways to join in with outdoor activities but adventure by train also ticks the sustainability box.
What are the travel writing trends for 2025?
The UK remains a nation of travellers. The latest ABTA travel trends research suggests that long haul flights and luxury accommodation are going to see a resurgence in 2025 but I think this is going to be rivalled by a gentler approach to holidays and a continuing interest in eco-friendly travel.
Here are my top for predictions for travel writing trends for 2025.
- Peace and quiet will be a top holiday priority for many travellers. Sustainable travel experts Byway Travel (who have a great trip-builder) have coined the term ‘quietcation’ and I agree. Location will play a part in this but so will accommodation and activity provision.
- Sun-chasing will move down the priority list to make way for travel fun through all the seasons (I’ll be writing about Scottish lochs in winter, cosy pubs in autumn and shorter weekend trips).
- ‘Remote’ will get the rebranding it deserves. Hopeful travellers will still be looking for those ‘wild’ locations but they will start finding them in unexpected and perhaps more local places. Writing will move away from location naming and take more of a ‘how to find your own secret place’ approach.
- Cheap holidays will gradually be replaced by more meaningful ones. As more of us seek out eco-friendly travel options and value-driven opportunities. Cut price flights will be rejected in favour of slow travel and deeper experiences. UK interest in European train holidays will continue to grow.
One of the things I love most about travel writing is its creativity. Coming up with travel ideas that will encourage other people to try something new can be challenging but also very rewarding.
Below are some of the comments I’ve had this year:
‘Thank you Fi Darby for the train inspiration.’
‘Mum and I loved our walk into Cornwall.’
‘Europe looks so much more interesting by train.’
All of which go to show what an interesting and satisfying job outdoor writing and travel writing can be.
If you’re thinking of giving either (or both) a go, I’ll be continuing my Instagram writing tips and advice posts in 2025.