Travel-writing courses in Portugal

Following the success of her London-based travel-writing course, Kate Simon, Travel Editor of the Independent on Sunday, will host a workshop on the Algarve, Portugal, from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 May 2011.

Held in the comfort of a small villa complex in a quiet corner of Vilamoura, Kate's students will benefit from a mixture of expert advice on selling and writing travel articles, including practical writing trips to nearby places of natural and historic interest on Portugal's beautiful southern coast.

The course
Kate's course will appeal to anyone interested in discovering if they've got what it takes to turn their travels into paid work - including aspiring journalists and writers, journalists working in other subject areas, and specialists in alternative fields of communication, such as at PR and tourism agencies. It will also benefit new travel writers who are interested in sharpening their selling and writing skills.

Using a mix of expert advice, in-depth discussion and practical exercises, Kate's students will learn how to identify possible markets, devise angles and keep up with trends, discover how best to pitch and approach commissioning editors, how to sustain a career in travel journalism, and how to write successful travel features. This lively, intimate workshop is limited to a maximum 12 participants.

The venue
The course will be held at PV, a small complex of 18 villas with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, well equipped kitchen, lounge with satellite TV, and sun terrace. On-site facilities include an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, and the newly refurbished events and training centre where the course will take place. PV is within easy reach of Faro airport and close to the shops, marina and beaches at Vilamoura. It offers a great, affordable base, especially for students who wish to be accompanied by family or friends not attending the course and extend their stay to include a holiday.

For more information, visit: katesimon.co.uk