For those considering applying in 2026, their journeys show just how powerful this opportunity can be. Read on to discover where former Step Up interns are now — and what could be possible for you.

Kinza Chaudry

Interned at APL Media and FINN Partners

“Since completing the Step Up internship over the summer, I’ve been taking my first steps into a career in travel and lifestyle PR. I’m excited to say that I have just started a new role as a PR account executive at Black Diamond. Over the past few months, I’ve learned so much — from writing press releases to hosting press events and securing national coverage for clients. Every experience has fuelled my passion for travel storytelling and strengthened my ambition to build a long-term, meaningful career in travel PR. I am truly grateful to Step Up for giving me the foundation and confidence to begin this journey.

The past few months have confirmed just how much I love working in travel PR. From crafting stories to seeing them come to life in the media, I’ve found the path that feels both inspiring and full of possibility. Step Up gave me the spark, and I’m driven to turn it into a lasting career.”

Sophie Colson

Interned at TTG Media and Intrepid Travel

“My internship at TTG Media and Intrepid Travel re-emphasised why I love travel and wanted to get into the travel media industry. Since completing the internship with Step Up I had the opportunity to travel to western Canada. It is such a beautiful and inspiring place to write about!”

Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma

Interned at Metro and easyJet holidays

“Since finishing the placements and attending the incredible TMAs, I’ve resumed my studies and entered my final year of university at UCL and taken up position as editor of Under City Lights (a music and entertainment magazine) and resumed my weekly radio show on Rare FM. I’ve also continued my position writing for Pi Magazine — contributing to the lifestyle and culture section. The past few months of my journey into the travel industry have been so transformative. I went from feeling lost, uncertain and anxious about my future in travel media, to feeling empowered. I have so much inspiration for my own direction as a travel writer, and a strong assurance of the careers open to me in the industry. The Step Up scheme has helped me find my voice and my confidence in the travel media industry and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience!”

Jenna Stevens

Interned at The Sun and Virgin Atlantic

“I’ve continued working with The Sun and Virgin Atlantic on a freelance basis and I’m thrilled to share that am now joining the Sun Travel team in January! The internship was life-changing and bought me into a whole new career I didn’t even think was possible for someone like me. I’ve learned so much about the industry — knowing how to pitch, write compelling articles and work on the PR side has only made me a stronger journalist. I’m currently on my first international press trip in Japan — which I’ll be writing two digital features on — and life has been a whirlwind of amazing opportunities ever since the internship.

Daniella Dhorasoo

Interned at Kuoni and Ink Global

“After gaining invaluable industry experience with Kuoni and Ink Global (at easyJet Traveller magazine), I have continued to grow professionally through my role as an editorial intern at Wanderlust Travel Magazine, which has been an incredibly enriching opportunity. I've contributed to a range of projects for the latest issue, celebrated the publishing of my first Wanderlust byline and had the exciting chance to work alongside the team at World Travel Market. The internship strengthened my passion for the travel media industry, and while I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I’m even more motivated by how much more there is to learn and achieve!”

It’s clear that the impact of Step Up doesn’t end when the internship finishes. The Travel Media Awards Step Up programme is designed to help talented people from diverse backgrounds to take their first steps into travel media and the results speak for themselves.

Ready to enter the thriving travel media industry?

APPLY NOW