SATW Society of American Travel Writers | SATW Society of American Travel Writers

Active Member Application

The following guidelines for membership have been approved by the SATW Board of Directors. These are the guidelines the membership committee will refer to in reviewing your application. Once you have read these instructions and you wish to apply online you may do so here. 

To view the Active Points Chart, please click here.

Active Membership Guidelines

Active members of the Society belong to either the Freelance Council or the Editors Council. Applicants for Editors Council may be salaried editors or staff writers, or travel website owners. Membership is based on travel content and reach of their media outlets. Applicants for Freelance Council are reviewed according to a point system. To qualify, applicants must produce 72 points within a 12 month period. 

Work published without payment— either of a traditional monetary fee or a proven revenue stream — will not be considered.

A travel article, image, video, broadcast, blog entry, website contribution, or mobile app must be editorial content that shows, describes, evaluates, discusses and/or facilitates travel. The viewpoint must not be dictated by any advertiser or travel vendors referenced in the article. 

Advertorial or promotional copy will not count toward membership. Advertorial content is paid for by an advertiser or sponsor and printed only after advertiser/sponsor approval.

Custom publications containing editorial content, such as in-flight magazines, are allowed. Exceptions are made for some photography (see Travel Photographer details). 

Any combination of travel books (or chapters), articles (print or online), images, videos, broadcasts or individual unit sales will be considered. The work need not be bylined or captioned if the editor or publisher of the publication will attest to its authorship.

In the case of dual bylines, the production of the team must meet the requirements for two memberships. A single applicant earns half points for a co­bylined article.

Proof of Publication

To support the points claimed, applicants must submit evidence in the form of scanned articles or images, URLs, videos, CDs, DVDs, books, or other viewable and verifiable media. For online content, the applicant must submit a screenshot of AUV’s for the period in question. The preferred method of reporting AUVs is Google Analytics. Also acceptable will be a screenshot of the site’s media kit or a Cision or Quantcast.com report for the period. In the case of serious discrepancies, Cision will be considered the final source.

Applicant work that is marketed partially or exclusively by online travel content archives and syndication services, and/or online photo stock houses, may provide documentation from the archive, syndicate or stock house instead of from the publication if that documentation includes sufficient detail to prove publication.

Persons Not Eligible for Active Status

• Anyone who functions primarily as a media or public relations contact for a travel supplier or service, such as a tour operator, hotel, or destination. Please see Associate Member Guidelines.

• Anyone whose primary occupation is selling travel-related advertising.  Selling advertising for one’s own publication or website is the exception.

Persons Eligible for Active Status

Travel Editor/Staff Writer/Broadcast Host or Producer - The applicant is a salaried travel editor or travel writer for: a newspaper with a paid circulation over 40,000; a magazine (consumer or travel trade) with a circulation over 25,000; a website with more than 75,000 absolute unique viewers per month; or a broadcaster who has, for at least 12 months, hosted or produced a regularly scheduled program on radio, television, or online/multimedia. 

Travel Book Editor/Publisher - The applicant is a staff editor responsible for and actively involved in assignments, editing and writing of travel books. Publishers who are actively involved in the editing of their travel publications may also be considered.

Travel Website Owner - Applicants for SATW membership who are owners of a travel website or blog must average at least 10,000 absolute unique visitors per month (AUVs). The site must also incorporate proven revenue streams.

The preferred method of reporting AUVs is Google Analytics. Applicants are encouraged to embed the free Google Analytics tool in their site and submit a screen-shot of the Analytics dashboard showing monthly AUVs over the course of one year. The applicant must also provide a screenshot and a statement attesting to at least one verifiable revenue stream or monetizing strategy.

Persons Eligible for Active Status - Freelance Council

Freelance Travel Journalist - Articles submitted for consideration must be at least 300 words and must have been published within the previous12 months either in a print or digital format. Any article or image published in more than one outlet (in print, online, or via a major syndicate) may only be counted three times. In the case of paid freelance contributions to a TV or radio broadcast or online multimedia element, the performance (or podcast, mp3, online video, etc.) must be at least one minute long. The applicant must have published any combination of articles and images to reach 72 points.

In support of these numerical requirements, the applicant must upload clips or URLs into the Online Join System with the headline or title, name and date of the publication, circulation, and the name, e­mail and telephone number of the editor assigning or buying the article.  In place of circulation figures for a website contribution, the applicant will provide the site’s number of absolute unique visitors (AUVs) per month. This information should be provided in the site’s media/advertising kit online.

When an article from a print outlet is repurposed on the same outlet’s website, points may also be claimed from the web contribution. In such cases, the applicant may claim one-half the points in that audience category on the points chart. Multimedia products appearing on travel websites, such as audio slideshows with multiple components of text/voice/photos/and video may be counted for a total of 2 times the point count of an individual text or photo contribution.

No more than three clips may be submitted from newspapers, magazines or websites in the lowest circulation category.  For requalification only, unlimited clips are allowed from the lowest categories, but no more than three clips from one publication.

Travel Book Author/Reviser - The applicant has published within the previous 24 months an original travel book with a minimum 25,000 words. In the case of a book primarily of photo illustrations, there must be a minimum of 100 photographs by the applicant. Travel books may be: destination guidebooks (country, city, region, etc.); theme guidebooks (disabled, seniors, hotels, restaurants, etc.); travel narrative/literature (written by one author); travel narrative/literature collections written by several contributors; illustrated travel narrative/literature, coffee table books, service books, and/or a combination of writing and photography.

A co-author of a book receives one-half of the points awarded in that category. The total points that may be attributed to a single book, regardless of word count or photo contributions, is 60 points.

Book Revisions:  For revisions of an existing book, the applicant will be awarded two­thirds the points allocated to an original book of that word length. Applicants who have written only portions of a book will be awarded points on the pro rata basis of their contribution.

Travel Broadcaster - The applicant has shot, produced or hosted at least 12 programs of approximately two minutes in length appearing in recognized media outlets in the past 12 months. For each segment, the applicant will be awarded 6 points. 

Additional Digital media Outlets/Travel Products

Individual Unit Sales: If the applicant is the creator of a travel journalism product that is sold by the individual unit, the applicant must prove sales of at least 3,000 units during the past 24 months. Individual units may be a print on-demand book, CD/DVD, a downloadable file such as an e-book, mp3 file or other document. The applicant may claim 10 points per product with no more than 30 points claimed in this category.

Mobile Apps: Travel apps must be a minimum of 10,000 words and be objectively editorial in nature, rather than advertorial/promotional. Applicants for SATW membership may claim 8 points for new/5 points for revisions of a paid mobile travel app that sells a minimum of 750 units in a 12 month period. The app must be a for-profit enterprise offered for sale, or supported by in-app ads or another demonstrable financial benefit. A free but “advertising-supported” app must have a minimum of 5,000 downloads. App sales must be verified by documentation from a source, such as Sutro Media or appfigures.com. Points may be claimed for the revision of apps if 20 percent of the text is new or revised in a 12-month period.

Travel Photographer

Staff or Freelance - A staff or freelance applicant must prove the publication within the past 12 months of enough images to total 72 points for applicants. Applicants using photos published through stock photo agencies are encouraged to itemize and summarize those submissions using electronic reports from the agencies. Original documentation must be attached as well. Where an image is repeated, only the largest and most prominent placement will be counted. Screen shots with a date stamp are necessary for website usage verification.

Images produced in a strictly commercial medium such as brochures, advertisements, map jackets, posters or calendars can account for no more than one-quarter of the total points required for membership. Images that are the result of a contract photo shoot for private companies, CVBs, destinations, etc. are considered commercial unless they are sold by the photographer to specific publications.

Processing of Application

Here’s a synopsis of SATW’s application processing procedure. Please be advised that this procedure is subject to change and that the complete application processing procedures and rules are set forth in the Operations Manual. In the event of conflict or inconsistency with the rules set forth herein, the procedures and rules in the Operations Manual shall govern.

• An applicant must agree to abide by the SATW Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Previous, documented conduct not in keeping with this code may be grounds for denial of membership.
• An applicant may choose to be sponsored by two SATW members or one SATW sponsor and two references from notable travel industry professionals who are not related or colleagues within the same company or anyone who would be a conflict of interest. Applicants with two SATW sponsors must designate one as a primary sponsor. A sponsor cannot be personally related to an applicant nor have any financial or supervisory relationship with an applicant.
• An applicant for Active membership residing outside the U.S., Canada or the Caribbean will be considered eligible for membership only if his/her work is printed and distributed primarily through North American media.
• Each applicant’s name will be circulated to the entire membership and comments regarding his/her professional qualifications and conduct will be considered by the membership committee in his/her geographic area.
• After the chapter membership committee has reviewed the application and comments from SATW members, it will decide on the applicant’s eligibility. The applicant will be notified by SATW headquarters.
• If an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision of the chapter membership committee, he/she may appeal within 90 days.
• Once an applicant has been accepted, his/her SATW sponsor will serve as a mentor for one year.
• An application fee of $250 will be charged--a $50 non-refundable deposit with submission of the application and $200 upon acceptance.
• Dues of $155 will be assessed annually and will be prorated for the initial year. The membership year is January 1- December 31. (Dues for next year are due September 15th.)

Please review the following information before completing the appropriate form as instructed in "How to Apply."

After reading the requirements stated above, if you feel you are eligible for membership be prepared to enter the following information in the Active Member application.  It is suggested that you print the entire application to refer to as you assemble your information. 

Download, save and print the PDF form for your application. If you need any assitance, please contact info@satw.org.

Please note: Applicants who wish to attend the next SATW convention (pending approval) must apply early enough to allow for processing by the membership committee before convention registration closes. Contact info@satw.org for a timeline.

Assignment of Points

For a single story appearing in multiple outlets, no more than three outlets can be counted toward points. When an article from a print outlet is re-purposed on the same outlet's website, points may also be claimed from the web contribution. In such cases, points for the web portion of the article will carry one-half of the AUV points.¹No more than three clips may be submitted from newspapers, magazines or websites in the lowest circulation category. Three clips may be submitted from each. For re-qualification only, unlimited clips are allowed from the lowest categories, but no more than three clips from one publication.

Code of Ethics

All members of the Society of American Travel Writers—Actives and Associates—subscribe to the highest standards of professionalism and, by accepting membership, agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the Society.

The code is comprised of principles and rules, and procedures for enforcement.

The principles represent the highest standards of conduct toward which all members should strive, and represent the overriding concepts from which the specific rules are derived.

The rules are mandatory. They state the minimum level of conduct below which no member of SATW can fall without being subject to disciplinary action. The rules are uniformly applied to all members.

The procedures set forth the process by which violators of the rules will be investigated and disciplined. Disciplinary action, which may be imposed by the ethics committee or the executive committee of SATW, may range from a reprimand to suspension or expulsion from membership in the Society.

Please be advised that the complete and up-to-date Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Rules and rules regarding the Ethics Committee are set forth on SATW’s website at www.satw.org. Please note that the rules and procedures for disciplinary actions are set forth in the Operations Manual. In the event of conflict, the Code of Ethics on SATW’s website and the procedures and rules in the Operations Manual shall govern.