Want to write for Getaways?

Getaways is a weekly regional recreation and travel section, published on Thursdays in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. We cover a wide range of recreational pursuits, from quiet beach walks to serious mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking, etc. Except for two weeks a year, our stories cover Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and very occasionally Alberta, Idaho or Montana. (The other two weeks are special Hawaii sections, with a strong recreational focus.)

There are two places in the section where we consider and sometimes use freelance pieces:

Cover/Centerpiece: This must be a regional recreational pursuit, with either a first-person or strong “you are there” approach. It must include an "if you go" sidebar of contacts and other useful nuts-and-bolts info. Suggested length: 1,400-1,600 words. Strong photos are a must and may be provided by the freelancer or, if the logistics work out, our own photo staff or a freelance photographer hired by our photo editor. Send queries or spec submissions to our outdoors writer Greg Johnston (206-448-8014)
Short Trips: This front-of-the-section feature usually is a regional car-travel piece, though it also could focus on a gentle recreational pursuit that would accommodate most readers. Again, an "if you go" sidebar is a must, as are strong photos. Suggested length: 1,000-1,200 words. Send queries or spec submissions to the Getaways editor John Engstrom (206-448-8351)

Hawaii queries and spec submissions, with the same guidelines as above, are welcome for our special sections in early January and early October. Send to Getaways editor John Engstrom.

We recommend you familiarize yourself with the Getaways section online and its content before approaching us with queries or spec pieces.