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.

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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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1 Reply · Reply by Surendra Singh Aug 7, 2023

What is global entry?

Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved travelers to expedite the process of entering the United States.To apply for Global Entry, you must be a citizen or national of the United States, Mexico, or Canada and have a valid passport. You can also be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.Once you have applied for Global Entry and been approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete your interview appointment at any U.S. Customs and Border…

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What is the most historical place in india?

The most historical place in India is the Taj Mahal. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the building of this beautiful mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj Mahal took 22 years to build and is considered one of the world's most iconic buildings.Other historical places include the Red Fort in Delhi and Qutub Minar in Delhi. These sites were built during the Mughal Empire and are known for their architectural beauty.

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The Ultimate Travel Writing & Photography Retreat, Charleston, South Carolina, June 18-21, 2022

The Ultimate Travel Writing & Photography Retreat, Charleston, South Carolina, June 18-21, 2022If you want to boost your travel writing skills to a new level this workshop is for you. We'll focus on travel writing and photography - how to write exciting travel stories and create photo galleries that editors will love. This interactive course features lectures, writing exercises, in-the-field tours, group readings & discussions, and hands-on experience. You’ll also receive on-on-one feedback and…

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0 Replies · Reply by Trip Hippies Apr 21, 2023

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  • Housekeeping tips aren't a "problem". It's that the PR agencies expect press trip participants to cough up for bus driver tips, bellman tips, concierge tips, guide tips, meal tips, spa tips -- not to mention taxi rides to/from the airport, baggage check fees, internet access fees, etc.

    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.
  • In the Golden Age of travel trips -- 10-15 years ago -- Susan's comment might hold water. But with respect, I can tell you that not having tips in their PR budget these days is more the norm; PR agencies, for the most part, are being squeezed just as we are (and I'm not a flack here). For one: airlines ain't giving free tickets and the agencies/clients have to pay for them. A big change from the get-go. The economy is hitting everyone, even those agencies that "should" give us everything save a sleeping pill, and perhaps did in the past.
    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.
  • Maralyn: some "small and out of the way places, don't have it in their budget".But, I'll wager, that's due to ignorance. They SHOULD have it in their budgets -- it's a routine and usual part of doing business in the hospitality industry.

    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.
  • This is as well stated as I've personally seen and I love your professor's quote.
  • I agree that housekeeping is rarely -- if ever -- included. Housekeeping is always the one left out, and whether I'm on a personal trip or a hosted one, I always leave something (including complimentary bottle of wine, etc.) with a note to thank those hardworking folk who are always left out.
    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!
  • Susan, I appreciated your comment. I've found some hosts/PR people are able to build in tips in their budgets. Yet other, small and out of the way places, don't have it in their budget. That is why we ask. When I used to do meeting planing and write incentive programs, I worked with DMC's and I could generally count on them to have tips covered 98% of the time. Unfortunately, that is not the case will all PR firms or small CVB's.
  • If a PR professional organizes a trip, the PR professional should also provide the tip.

    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.
  • Great info everyone! I believe, the purpose of one's trip to a given hotel should not be the deciding factor as far as tipping goes. The level of service should be the primary concern. In fact, if I get a comp room, I often tip a bit more.
  • Thanks Janice. I think I'll get some flack--but won't be the first time. Most of our members are great about tipping. It is only a few. M
  • oops...make that " special"
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