I like to think of the problem I am in as a rebound "relationship" gone terribly wrong.

After being "invited" and "uninvited" on a few press trips earlier this year (the powers that be favor younger writers and influencers, and send out 50 invites to find five-10 people who fit their "requirements") I was enticed by an invitation by a luxury tour company with stays at luxury properties at one of my bucket list destinations set to take place this fall. The problem is that the hosts are a) not covering ANY flights or visa expenses, and b) very insensitive about my desire to save some money as I am a freelance writer using a leftover credit on Delta. I did in good faith try to find a solution (using Delta to pay for the external flights), pushing me toward arguably more convenient flights that will run $5000 at the lowest and will not allow me to use my credits to save. I expected to pay something and was open to the idea as the destination is on my bucket list of places to cover, but I can't afford to pay $5000 or more--I tried to get out of the trip, but I am being shamed into staying on ("we chose you over other people"), even though I offered to profile the owners and write a piece even without going on the trip to no avail. In the past when I paid for the privilege (external flights) of going on a press trip, I only paid with miles, using existing credit and under $750 out of pocket.

Please help me think of a legit excuse to get out of this trip in good faith without getting sued, publically badmouthed or otherwise having my career ruined. I hope nobody will judge me for making this error, as I know how to avoid it in the future.