Writers, editors, photogs, and bloggers share tips, leads, ideas, news, gripes. PR reps/journos ISO press releases/trips, see also "PR/Marketing." Opinions stated are not necessarily those of Tripatini.
What do you wear to Seven Magic Mountains?
Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation located in the Nevada desert, and the weather can be quite hot and dry. Therefore, it is recommended to wear comfortable and breathable clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals or sneakers. You may also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It's also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. While there is no strict dress code, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and…
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Comments
Sure the amenities PR firms used to pay for have dried up in recent years (I well remember those goodie baskets so lavish it wasn't possible to take them home).
But, the basics should be covered. And, in the hospitality biz, tips are basic. The "sloth and willful avoidance" is on the part of the HOSTS, not the guests. If a destination can't afford to cover the hospitality tips, it can't afford to host a press trip.
The reality: in the larger scheme of things, the hospitality industry can't be as hospitable as it was. Look at the numbers. And if you fly somewhere on someone else's dime, stay, dine, sightsee, report, etc.-- leaving a little something for the housekeeping staff is a very small gesture.
This has nothing to do with sloth or willful avoidance. It is the New Normal and we all have to get used to it. Just as we have to get used to more work for less pay for the shrinking outlets we have. And it is up to us which assignments and trips are worth it to take, including those extra tips that the PR agencies these days can't afford. They're doing business, too, which we choose to benefit from -- and believe me, their clients are paying less for their services every day. Again: choose wisely and think about whether or not a tip to the housekeeper is a deal-breaker. This is the New Normal.
It's common practice to include tips -- including tips for the housekeeping staff -- in budgets for accommodations, just as it is to include tips for restaurant staff. Sloth, willful avoidance and other reasons aren't sufficient excuses; we need to remind PR people that tips are just a part of doing business. And they're the ones doing the business.
In addition, as someone who covers spas on a regular basis: it is important to ask the host if the technician tip is included. My experience is that half of the time it is, half it's not. If in doubt, ask the front spa desk at the end of the treatment -- blissed-out as you may be -- to be sure. Leaving $20 for a $200 treatment is a small price to pay for all you're getting, and karma is good!
The words of my professor in J-school ages ago resonates: "The first rule of journalism is: don't assume!" That goes for so many things in life, including tipping! Cheers!
As a former Destination Management Company, I find it odd that those arranging press trips don't build tips into their budgets. I always had my clients do this, and, then, I was responsible for making sure the right recipients got the right tips. It was in my best interests as a DMC to have happy staff at the properties I used!
If I'm traveling on my own, of course tipping is my responsibility.