Translation Services: My Way

A good translator should be able to provide good quality translation service jobs in more than one field. Then again, it is quite difficult to specialize both in engineering related texts and at the same time in translating novels. So it is important to believe in what you do and to truly understand it. Basically it is important to get involved in what you write.

"...I did it my way..." Frank Sinatra used to sing this hymn to individual liberty out loud. Possibly one of the most famous songs in the whole world.

I did it my way as well. No matter what people have suggested me to do, so far. I have a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. But I gave up long hours and weekend shifts at hotels or airports to devote myself to what I like best: writing and translating. People told me it was hazardous to leave a permanent job in order to get a temporary and freelance based one. So, to kill two birds with one stone I have successfully tried to melt the two things. And I have engaged in translation services in the field of tourism.

Tourism translation services involves anything really from brochures to websites, marketing campaigns, pamphlets, questionnaires related to airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, travel guides…you name it. It is especially aimed to marketing and advertising, but it is also used to inform travelers and tourists about where, when, why and how to go.

At first it could sound easy to get specialized in such a field. It is considered somehow as an amateur province in the translation services world. Nothing further from the truth.

First of all, in order to correctly translate texts related to hotel descriptions, new airlines or destination portrayals you should carry a reasonable number of traveling on your back. Secondly, to have worked in the field is a bonus, of course; in any case a true passion for hospitality and new cultures is essential. Third: being open minded is a must asset.

A good translator should be able to provide good quality translation jobs in more than one field. Then again, it is quite difficult to specialize both in engineering related texts and at the same time in translating novels. It is important to believe in what you do and to truly understand it. It is important to get involved in what you write.

That is why after years of accepting all kind of job offers, I stopped and found my soul mate: tourism translation services. Combining my two deep passions and get paid? Grand!

What can't be neglected when getting involved in this type of translation services is getting updated: generally speaking it is quite easy to be updated about new technical terms. On the other hand, to follow the marketing and communication trends requires a constant effort to read and pull out new catchy keywords, sentences need to be mixed up and shaken otherwise it sounds boring and dull. Not an option when engaging in something as bubbly as tourism translation services. Therefore, the three main advices I could give you are: 1) read; 2) read; 3) read! Hospitality field rhymes with constant development.

Last but not least: it is a greatly competitive field, there is no doubt about it, but the translation jobs are endless. So I would warmly recommend it to those who have a real passion for traveling, so far, I have to say, I have hardly been jobless. I keep on reminding it to those who did not really support me at first.

Go find your way. And do it your way.

Both Armando Riquier and the Author are freelance writers and expert translators who collaborate with Tectrad, a company specialized in the translation of legal, financial and business documents between French, English and other languages. Find out how excellent translation services will assist you in developing and maintaining a strong foothold on the global market.