Meet the award-winning travel writer making a career of documenting his experiences
11 November 2025
“I wouldn’t have landed this job or won my award without the Journalism MA”, says Falmouth graduate Thom Brown, the travel writer who has written about his experiences journeying all over the world for the online home of non-fiction travel writing, Intrepid Times. Now an award-winning journalist, Thom’s work has landed him the title of Travel Media Awards Emerging Writer of the Year, an award for journalists 30 and under who have been published for under five years.
We chatted with Thom to learn more about what being a travel columnist involves, the places his travel writing has taken him and how his degree in journalism helped him get there.
You have recently been named Travel Media Awards Emerging Writer of the Year, how has it been to see your work recognised in this way?
It was honestly a complete shock given the standard of the other candidates, but I instantly felt validated that I've chosen the right path. The life of a writer is generally one of rejection, so getting recognition in this way felt amazing after years of hard work. It has undoubtedly been a boost to my career and I've forged new connections with the biggest editors in the game who want to collaborate, so it's been an exciting whirlwind. Having my work judged by the experts and deemed to have value has given me a major boost of confidence that I can succeed in the travel writing industry.
Can you tell us about the work you have done with Intrepid Times over the last two years since graduating?
It started with winning a scholarship in 2020 which led to me publishing three stories on Intrepid Times as a freelance contributor. In 2023, I pitched them the story I created for my Final Major Project as part of my Journalism MA, where I documented the week I spent living with nomads in Mongolia, exploring how many are being forced to move to the city and investigating how they were adapting to this change. Intrepid Times published the full 6,000 word story, which they titled The Silicon Steppe.
After that, I was asked to write a regular column called On the Edges of Europe which explores lesser-known destinations. This eventually led to me becoming Intrepid Times' Assistant Editor, which is now growing into a more business-focused role. I still contribute content, but this is often on more general travel writing topics rather than stories from individual trips.
Are there any particularly interesting pieces you would like to tell us more about?
Beyond The Silicon Steppe, there are a few I’m really proud of. I wrote an article on my exploration of Rummu, Estonia which delves into my journey through an abandoned prison turned beach resort. I love exploring contrast and finding interesting tourist spots that most people won't know to visit. Another story is on Brasov, Romania, where I shared the tale of a wonderful city that’s bursting with bears and how, when I ended up joining a German news crew, I had more wildlife encounters than I bargained for!
I also write creative non-fiction to help emerging and aspiring travel writers, with pieces alluding to why AI isn’t a threat for travel writers, an exploration of truth in travel writing and tips on using memory to write great stories.
What does your role as assistant editor involve?
We're a small team so it's certainly a varied role! As assistant editor, my main role is to assess submissions and choose which ones to publish. A lot of my day is spent sending polite rejection emails and uploading the stories that have made the cut. I also do SEO and social media posts to get the stories in front of our readers. When I’m not doing this, I’m contributing as a writer.
How did your time studying Journalism MA at Falmouth set you up for a career as a travel columnist and assistant editor?
There's no doubt I wouldn't have landed this job nor won that award without the Journalism MA. It gave me the tools and techniques needed to operate as a journalist. I now know how to find stories, interview sources, fact-check information and structure articles. Although Intrepid Times isn't a news organisation, the principles are the same. I'd encourage any aspiring writers or editors to keep learning and earn qualifications from top institutions. Completing a degree is hard work, but the skills it provided set me off on this career and will stay with me until I retire.
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