Writing and Editing > Magazine Article: Vulture Tourism

Vulture Tourism: Scavenging for the Best Travel Deals

Vulture tourism. Is that when a group of ornithologists go on a tour to study scavenger birds? No. It's what happens when avid travelers visit exotic destinations - especially after a war or health crisis - at discount prices. Vulture tourism is "travel to destinations that are cheap, safe, exotic, and unpopular because of some recent bad news," explains Kim Clark, U.S. News & World Report correspondent and vulture tourism expert.

The three key characteristics of a vulture tourist are that he or she: keeps up-to-date on world events, enjoys travel, and likes saving money. In "Vulture Tourism: Scavenging for the Best Travel Deals," a feature article for National Geographic Traveler, I will explore how a traveler can experience the culture and people of a destination at bargain prices. Adventure traveler Darren Ray has this to say about vulture tourism: "I'd rather get a feel for the actual culture and meet the 'real' people from that place... and on a budget? Perfect!"

Through interviews with Don George, global travel editor of the Lonely Planet, as well as a few adventure travelers, the article will provide safety tips, suggestions and resources for your readers who wish to experience vulture tourism firsthand.

Draft of article (PDF)

If you are interested in first rights to publish this article in your print or online magazine, please contact me to discuss.

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