How to Create a Tri-Fold Travel Brochure

Creating a three-fold travel brochure can be a creative way to boost visits to a special travel destination. But beware of trying to do too much on every page. The goal of a brochure of this size is to get people to do something -- go to your website, make a phone call to get more information, or call and book a reservation. It should be concise, visual and possess a personality in tune with the place it is representing.

Instructions

1

Begin with your production logistics. Assuming that inexpensive distribution of your travel brochure is important, size it so it will fit a 10 (standard size) envelope so it can be mailed at regular postage rates and has multiple uses. Do this even if you are creating it as a self-mailer --you never know when you may want to tuck it into an envelope with a personal letter or offer. There are several online resources that allow you to drop in your information and create nearly instant layouts with your copy and images.

2

Assemble visual images. Photos make travel destinations feel more real. People want to know that other people who are like them would want to go there, so include photos not just of your beautiful location but of people enjoying the location. Make sure the styles are current, the people look happy and the people are the age, sex and family makeup you want to attract.

3

Place your main selling point on the brochure's cover, using words and images. This is the most important reason people will want to come to your travel destination so think about what makes it special.

4

Organize what information will go where. Don't put detail on the cover page -- save the cover for your key reason. Segment your information by the folds. Put a checklist of key sales points on the inside right flap. Treat the inside (all three sections) as a single message area with a larger visual, or break it down into message block areas. Include your contact information both on the inside and on the back flap. If you want it to be a self-mailer, make sure to leave room to address it on that side and include your destination address to meet mailing standards.

5

Write brief, concise copy blocks rather than run-on copy. Break down your major messages under smaller subheads supported by two or three lines of copy each. This makes it easier for readers to skip around your brochure and absorb more of your message.

6

Proofread the brochure carefully prior to printing. Ask someone who has not had contact with it -- whose eyes are fresh -- to proofread it as well.