How to Pitch
Thrillist is a digital media publication at the intersection of travel, experience, and local culture. We are always looking for pitches from writers, photographers, videographers, and contributors of all backgrounds, and especially those whose voices have historically been under-represented in travel journalism. We publish travel guides, maps, and itineraries for destinations near and far as well as reports and features on people, places, and phenomena that allow us to explore and better understand the world around us.
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
What We’re Looking For
Story pitches should include a short summary of the piece, including a strong angle, brief reporting plan, and an explanation of your experience with any particular topic or destination. Please also include newsworthy hooks, specific sources, or unique access or cultural connection you have. Regardless of type of story, we always want to know what the central purpose of the piece is, why you are the ideal expert to write about the subject and why the story is timely right now. We highly recommend looking through previous Thrillist stories to see if a certain topic or story angle has already been published on our site before submitting your pitch.
We favor viewpoints and narratives from locals and those deeply entwined in the destination and culture they are covering, and generally eschew parachute journalism and casual vacation reporting. For more information on Thrillist’s editorial coverage, visit our About Us. Note: While we know it’s sometimes necessary to report a story utilizing comped travel or a press trip, it’s not preferred, and there are restrictions; please see our Ethics Guidelines for more info.
Please note that feedback on individual submissions cannot be provided due to the high volume of pitches. However, each submission will be reviewed carefully, and promising ideas that we would like to explore further will receive a response. All accepted stories go through a collaborative editorial process, and all are paid at competitive rates.
For all travel stories, trend reports, or destination guides, send a detailed pitch to pitches@thrillist.com. If you are pitching a story that falls under one of our ongoing travel columns (see below), please note that in the subject line of your email.
Existing Columns and Series Open for Pitches
Itineraries and Destination Guides
The majority of the pitches that Thrillist accepts fall into the Destination Guide category. For all itineraries, city guides, or maps, we’re looking for off-the-beaten path experiences, unique hidden gems, and vibrant local haunts that make a place worth visiting. We assume our readers already know where to find the main attractions, so we’re interested in the under-rated, off-the-radar spots and activities that help travelers experience the spirit of the locale. Moreso, Thrillist knows that there are 20 different ways to explore a place, depending on what you’re into, so guides that are narrowed by specific passion point — wellness, family, adventure, etc — are best aligned. Your experience of this destination should be recent and robust, and as stated above, we favor local perspectives and those of writers with a deep personal or other cultural connection to the place.
Event Guides
Big concerts, festivals, cultural, and other sporting events can feel overwhelming to tackle. Thrillist’s event guides answer all the need-to-knows about how to have the best time at big entertainment events, everything from Coachella to SXSW to the Superbowl. Successful pitches here will showcase a deep familiarity and understanding with the particular event, as well as specific, common questions the guide can answer.
Trend Reports
We love story pitches on zeitgeisty trends or under-covered happenings in the travel space that crystalize a hypothesis relevant to the tourism or hospitality industries, as well as those that provide a lens through which to examine larger social or endemic issues. We value narratives borne from lived experiences and aim to amplify the voices that are too often under-valued or under-represented in travel journalism.
All _ Everything
Each story in this identity-focused travel guide franchise provides a personally crafted guide to a city or neighborhood through the eyes of a specific community. Written in a serviceable yet personal tone by a local or frequent visitor who identifies as a member of said community, these guides highlight businesses, historic sites, restaurants and bars, and other things to do in the area that speaks to the area’s status as a cultural hub. (Think a first-person rundown of Chicago’s top Black-owned businesses plus can’t-miss Black history and cultural sites, or an inside look at Manchester, UK’s buzzy queer scene, broken down by places to go, see, eat, and drink plus a touch of LGBTQ+ history.)
Road Trips are itinerary-based stories that highlight the must-see attractions, stays, eateries, landmarks, and natural wonders along a particular driving route.
Video
Thrillist is now accepting pitches for video content from freelance filmmakers and video producers with experience in travel-related storytelling. Ideal pitches contain strong storylines, unique travel experiences, and an authoritative voice. We are looking for activities or adventures, travel profiles, or human-interest stories. All pitches should include visual reference points and should work across multiple video and social platforms. To submit: Please send your video pitch along with links to previous work to production@thrillist.com.
Photography
Thrillist also accepts pitches for original photo essays from freelance photographers passionate about capturing unique experiences and travel narratives. These highly visual stories will spotlight photos that showcase a distinctive point of view and give readers a strong sense of place through the photographer's eyes. When pitching, please include a brief paragraph about the location, experience, activity, hidden gem, or identity-driven feature, along with a sampling of five images.
