BATW Membership Information
Bay Area Travel Writers has four membership categories-Active, Provisional, Associate and Emeritus. We encourage widely published working travel writers and photographers to apply for Active membership. We invite applications for Provisional membership from individuals committed to becoming published travel journalists.
We welcome applications from professionals in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry to join BATW as Associate members. Emeritus membership is granted to long-time members, as earned. BATW is a professional peer-reviewed organization and considers exceptional cases on merit for membership.
All Members are required to submit an annual renewal membership application package by October 1 demonstrating that they continue to meet the membership requirements. The yearly membership runs from January 1 of each year.
Membership FAQs
Active Member
Benefits of Active Membership
- Monthly Meetings
- Published listing in annual Directory
- Monthly Newsletter
- Sponsored Press trips and events
- Educational Panels
- Vote in Organization
- Networking Opportunities
- Access to BATW website members section
Requirements for Active Membership
During the twelve months immediately preceding application, applicants for active membership must have achieved publication under one of (or in a combination equivalent to) the following minimum criteria:
- Two feature travel articles or five short travel articles or 12 travel photographs in consumer or trade publications.
- One travel book or travel video from a recognized publisher; or independently published travel book approved by the BATW Board of Directors.
- Web contributions, if; 1) the published work is clearly editorial; 2) the site has more than 30,000 unique hits a month; and 3) the site pays writers at market rates. Minimum editorial requirements are: the equivalent of two travel features (of at least 1,000 words each); or five short travel articles (of at least 300 words each). Please send hard copies clips with your application and include the web URL for each submission.
- A self-published travel website will be considered if it consistently has a minimum of 25,000 unique hits a month; if the site contributes to the applicant's income in a demonstrable manner; and if the site contains informative and independent editorial content that is clearly separate from advertising and advertorials.
- Publication in other media such as public presentations, exhibitions or contributions in a form recognized and approved by the Board of Directors.
- Agreement to abide by BATW Professional Conduct Guidelines
- Applicants must include hard copies of their clips that include each publication's name and the date the material appeared, the nature of the publication, audited circulation figures for the publication; and the editor's name and contact information.
Each Active member receives a press card.
Dues: Annual dues of $75 plus a $15 one-time application fee.
Download Membership Application: Text version
Provisional Member
Benefits of Provisional Membership
- Monthly Meetings
- Published listing in annual Directory
- Monthly Newsletter
- Networking Opportunities
- Educational Panels
- Access to Mentoring Program
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Access to BATW website members section
Requirements for Provisional Membership
Applicants for provisional membership must meet the following minimum criteria:
- A serious interest in achieving professional status as a travel writer and/or travel photographer
- A commitment to attend a minimum of three meetings per year
- A commitment to attain Active Membership status within two years
- Agreement to abide by BATW Professional Conduct Guidelines
- With your application for Provisional membership, please include a 300 word personal essay that indicates why you want to join BATW; what experience you have to date with travel writing and/or travel photography; and your intention regarding travel writing/travel photography.
Dues: Annual dues of $75 plus a $15 one-time application fee.
Download Membership Application: Text version
Associate Member
Benefits of Associate Membership
- Monthly Meetings
- Published listing in annual Directory
- Informative Monthly Newsletter
- Educational Panels
- Networking Opportunities
- Access to BATW website members section
Requirements for Associate Membership
Associate membership is avaiable to those who are professionally affiliated or represent public relations agencies, tourist boards or the travel-related communication industry.
Dues: Annual dues of $125 plus a $15 one-time application fee.
Download Membership Application: Text version