SO YOU REALLY WANT CLEO'S JOB ?

So you want my job? Hey I don't come around to your place of business and try to push you out of your lousy Office Depot desk chair. But that's because compared to my job, your job sucks.

Yes, I get endless trips to the ends of the earth. Then meet the most interesting people there. And ask them anything I like. Yes, I've been to Timbuktu. And stayed at the Ritz. Twice actually. Yes, I never buy shampoo because of my massive hotel mini-bottle collection. Any other questions?

There are, of course, downsides. Hard to keep long-term relationships going, getting increasingly isolated from 'real' life, debt, hideous contracts, bizarre health hazards (I've been hospitalized on most continents). But compared to the upside of a poolside massage in Bora Bora…

Because of the obvious greatness of my job, there is no end of people trying to steal it. Uneasy lies the head that has the huge frequent flyer account. But I don't mind sharing.

I have taught at universities in the UK, Canada and New Zealand (my travel writing course blurb is below). There is no way I could sum it up -- it runs anywhere from a full day to eight weeks -- but here are some tips.

If you have more questions after reading this section of the site, buy a book.

• Cleo's FAQ

• Clubs That Will Have Me

• Newspapers vs. Magazines

• Photography For Writers

• 10 Ways To Piss Off An Editor

• 10 Ways To Annoy A Freelancer

• Random Advice from Professionals

• Self-Syndicating, The Holy Grail

• On The Road E-Practicalities

• Technical Terms

• Writers' Rights

• Course Blurb

• All-Purpose Bad Travel Story