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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Comments
Allan has a point. I was on a trip to Tokyo last year for the same exact amount of time and type of scheduling, and what made my stories sell was the extra effort I put into planning ahead so I could balance my "must-dos" with some time to just walk around and enjoy the city.
I was just on a great three-day, four-night trip that included 1.5 days of actual free time. The hosts said all their surveys and comments told them that writers wanted more time to explore on their own. So they gave us a half-day orientation, a full day in a resort area, two hosted lunches, three dinners. The rest we were open to do what we wanted. It was brilliant.
As to Sam's comment, I think what you get out of a press trip depends on who you write for and what you write. If you're someone who just tells readers about your itinerary, that's dull as shit.
Interesting, as I sat drinking on a patio bar last week with a TV-producer friend he told me how some of his younger colleagues don't feel anything that includes hot running water is authentic. He felt there is a total disconnect between who their audience is and what these people wanted to cover. It reminded me of a 14-day trip to South Africa where one writer "had to meet and a spend a night with a Zulu king" to get his story. Total bullshit. He was writing for a trade magazine. What we get out of a trip depends on us, not so much the host.
Regarding Sam's comment and citation of Susan Farewell's article, I think the question of traveling on a press trip being authentic or not depends on two things, 1) how well the trip is planned and 2) the journalist actually writing the story. As a writer for regional and trade books, where the budget can't really cover a press person's travel, I try to add authenticity by doing added research, interviewing locals, and staying extra days to do extra things not on the schedule specific to my assignments.
Ed Wetschler, I saw your tweet about the Susan Farewell article that asks if traveling on a press trip really is authentic "travel." As a member of the media who does not write about travel and, therefore, has never been on a press trip, I wonder if travel writers on Tripatini ask themselves this question. And if you do, what is your answer?
Anyone have any suggestions for a fellow Tripatini member about the best place in INDIA for game drives/safaris? If so, please respond not on this wall but rather at this link to our Ask A Travel Pro forum. Shukriya!
Is anybody interested in a VIP ticket to the June 7 sold out Lobster Roll Rumble in Manhattan? If so, let me know. I have one ticket to sell.
Bet your fans/followers/readers/friends/Aunt Tillie all love to hear about a good travel contest! Won't you indulge them by tweeting/posting about Iberia Airlines' current Tweet and Fly contest (www.tweetandfly.com), where just a couple of clicks could earn them free travel? And, of course, you're free to try your own luck! :-)
Would really appreciate your help publicizing this contest, guys! Thanks!
participate yourselves!
My latest article to get published is this story on Hornitos, California today in Vagabundo Magazine. I'd appreciate it if you'd give it a look and share. Thanks!
![DSCF1728.jpg?width=300](http://www.vagabundomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSCF1728.jpg?width=300)
http://tinyurl.com/cjsa6rg
Evelyn - Hemispheres comes out thru Ink Publishing and they have offices in both New York & London, but Sam is in NY (917 area). This other editor may be a new assistant editor or other position assigned to this one project and based in London.
Thanks Tripatini. Send a message didn't work... left message on her wall.