Rough Guides and WorldNomads.com have teamed up to offer an aspiring travel writer the chance to go on assignment with a Rough Guides author to Beijing, China. If you think you have what it takes, check out their2013 Travel Writing Scholarship, a 12-day trip to Beijing to unearth the stories that make this city the spiritual and political heart of China. The contest offers real on-assignment experience and the fast-track to becoming a published travel writer. 

If You Win…

First, you will join Rough Guides writer and mentor, Martin Zatko, on assignment in Beijing to both learn about guide book writing and complete an assignment of your own (including a review of the Forbidden City). Your resulting work will be considered for publication in the next Rough Guide to China.

Next, you’ll join international travel journalist and Beijing local, Kit Gillet, for a three-day adventure into his backyard to explore the hutong alleyways, the burgeoning Chinese art scene and even spend a night camping on the Great Wall!

And, for the last leg of the scholarship, discover the rich food culture of Beijing with three culinary experiences (think tea tasting and dumpling making classes) from Hias Gourmet.

To enter, submit a personal travel essay on one of four provided themes and tell why you should be awarded the scholarship. Head to the World Nomads Scholarship page for more information and to apply. 

Entries close April 19, 2013.

About WorldNomads.com World Nomads is a travel services company that’s in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road. It provides global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world. From great value travel insurance, travel safety advice, language guides and free online travel journals, WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep clients travelling safely. All clients can donate to a community development project when purchasing travel insurance through the Footprints Charity program. WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurance companies. For more information please visitWorldNomads.com.

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher ofTravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. She’s currently at work on her first book - I COULD LIVE HERE. Click here to learn more or stay connected on Twitter at,Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.