Travel Writers and Photographers Conference 2026

The Premier Conference 
for Travel Writers and Photographers!
Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9, 2026

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The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference has an extraordinary reputation among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos—many as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference.

This annual conference is now in its 34th year. There is no finer travel conference anywhere in the world.

The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and participants during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening.

Participants will learn what editors look for in a query letter, and how to hone their elevator pitch. They'll learn about combining writing and photography in their travels, how to make a living as a freelancer, and the pitfalls of AI. They'll have the opportunity to learn about the world of guidebook writing, launching a podcast, the art of visual storytelling, and so much more.

The collegial atmosphere of this conference is legendary. It attracts participants and faculty from all over the country, many for repeat visits. Opportunities abound for faculty and participants to talk, laugh, and exchange ideas in classes, workshops, panels, and informal meals.

"Every summer some magic happens at Book Passage. Some of the best travel writers, editors, and photographers in the world convene in Corte Madera to share the art and heart of the work they love at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference."
- Don George, Conference Co-Founder and Chair

DON GEORGE - Conference Chair // BOB HOLMES - Photography Chair

Faculty

Learn about the terrific and accomplished faculty joining us.

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Schedule

You can see the full schedule of conference events here!

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*Please note this schedule is tentative.

Pre-Conference Events

The Art and Heart of Travel Writing with Pico Iyer and Don George
Thursday, August 6 - 4:00pm PT, online via Zoom
Conference Participants: Free!
General Public: $20
In this rare, exclusive conversation, longtime friends and travel writing veterans Pico Iyer and Conference Chair Don George will offer essential tips for writing about place, while also shining a light on deeper possibilities within the form. Dig into the dos and don’ts of travel pieces, how to write something that hasn’t been said before, and how to make a piece both soulful and intimate. READ MORE

Top Travel Writing Tips for 2026: Secrets of Storytelling, Strategy, and Digital Media Savvy
with Don George
Friday, August 7
10:00am - 11:30am, prior to conference kickoff in Corte Madera!
Conference Participants: $50
General Public: $100
In this practical, inspiring workshop, Don George will explore how storytelling and digital savvy can be woven together for success in today’s media environment. Learn how to craft stories that stand out, build an authentic audience, and navigate the realities of AI and social platforms. READ MORE

Seeing Outside the Box
with Bob Holmes and Andrea Johnson
Friday, August 7
10:00am - 11:30am, prior to conference kickoff in Corte Madera!
Conference Participants: $50
General Public: $100
With the increasing capabilities of smartphones, photography has become accessible to everyone. There are few places on Earth that have not been photographed - and photographed well - but capturing something original is increasingly difficult. In this special pre-Conference class, Conference Photography Chair Bob Holmes and photographer/director Andrea Johnson will share strategies for "seeing outside the box." We will examine how to give even the most over-photographed sites a fresh look and create unique images from clichéd scenes. READ MORE

Scholarships

The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Foundation generously sponsors two conference scholarships, one for writers and one for photographers. Click here to learn more about them. Please note that applications for this year are now closed.

FAQ's

A list of frequently asked questions.

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Conference Praise

"I owe a huge karmic debt to Book Passage! Without Book Passage, I'd be sitting in my house twiddling my thumbs instead of preparing to introduce my fifth book!"
– Paola Gianturco

"Coming to the Conference for the first time this year [2005] I was struck not just by the talent and passion (which are the norm at writing workshops) but by the friendliness and lack of pretentiousness (which aren't). Everyone — students as well as faculty — seemed well-read, well-travelled, curious, engaged, open. If good Americans go to Paris when they die, good American travel writers go to Corte Madera."
– Thomas Swick, Travel Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel 

"Last night was about more than books to me. It was a about life, inspiration, a dream that began in 2006, when I attended my first event (the Travel Writers' and Photographers' Conference) at Book Passage, met Linda, and hoped, one day, that I would be able to write a book of my own. Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate this dream-come-true. You have given a great gift to me and my family during a very special time in our lives — something we will always remember."
– Elaine Bond

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