When I started blogging 15-years-ago, I mainly focused on what it was like to be an involved dad in New York City. I was craving a creative outlet and blogging provided a relief to that need. As time went on, my blog changed from a hobby to a side-hustle, to a career. Most of that time, I did not know what I was doing and learned on the fly.
Over time, my blog evolved from being a parenting blog to a travel blog. I had said just about everything I could say about being a dad and new opportunities arose for me to travel. When I was a kid, I had always wanted to travel and escaped through reading National Geographic and watching the History Channel. When opportunities to travel arrived, I jumped on them.
The first time I was invited on a trip, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that I was getting out of town. Since that time, I’ve been able to speak at conferences and podcasts about being a travel blogger.
For writers that are looking to get into travel blogging or are interested in how to conduct yourself on a press trip, here are my tips:
1. Be prepared: Before I go on a trip, I ask for an itinerary. I’m old school and print everything off. I print off the itinerary and research all the stops. On the printout, I write the Instagram accounts and hashtags that go along with the businesses. I also follow social media accounts for all the places I’ll be visiting during the trip.
2. Come up with goals and story ideas before you go. This includes titles for your stories. Having a title will help you organize your thoughts and notes while on the trip. Even though there are titles and goals, be prepared to be flexible.
3. If you’ve researched the project, then pack accordingly. I always bring at least one nice outfit, a shirt that can function as a nice shit and casual, and 2 pair of pants that match everything in the suitcase. I also always bring swim trunks to use in case the hotel has a pool or hot tub. Obviously, I check the weather and dress accordingly. Doing research of the area will also let you know what shoes to bring.
4. Be on time. I have been on many small group press trips where someone was late for things. It’s infuriating. The hosts are usually on a strict time schedule and the late person throws everything off. It’s also disrespectful towards the host and everyone on the trip.
5. Be an extrovert. This is the hardest thing for me because I’m an introvert. I have to go outside my comfort zones to be a chatterbox. A PR company isn’t interested in working with someone that can’t express themselves, so be prepared to be talkative and interesting.
6. Be an “All-in-one” reporter. When you go on a press trip, you need to be more than a writer. You also need to be a photographer, researcher, interviewer, videographer, and model. A cell phone can do all those things these days and you don’t need fancy equipment if you can’t afford them, but you need to be a master of what you work with.
7. Be professional at all times. I have been on many trips when someone had too much to drink. And on one press trip, I was that one person. It does not make you look good and you might not get reinvited for future trips. Know your alcohol limits if you are drinking. And drink plenty of water when going out. Do not risk being hungover in the morning because activities start early on press trips. And guys, don’t hit on the host.
8. Be flexible. This differs from number two. Often on a press trip, a host will suggest something other than what’s expected. You might have had your heart set on the original plan, but you’re on someone else’s dime and need to work with what they say and be completely fine with it.
9. Don’t be a robot. If the PR rep wanted a robot’s view on their location, they would use AI. Have a plan about how you’re going to share the experience, but don’t forget to experience the moment yourself. Have fun and enjoy the trip. This might mean you put down the camera and phone and go all-in with the activities. Doing so will help you create a compelling story.
10. Take advantage of alone time. I have gone on trips where every minute is maxed out. I’ve also been on trips where I was given some free time. Either way, I try to take some time throughout the day to collect my thoughts and organize my notes and photos. Doing so will help you create a story when you get back home. It’s also helpful to let a host know you need time to work on the project.
11. Be honest. If a host asks for my honest opinion, I provide it. Telling someone something nice will not be helpful to anyone and if you write a glorified piece, it will make you look bad when a reader visits and has a negative experience. I once stayed at a hotel and there were cockroaches and the staff were not pleasant. I wrote up the story and I wasn’t brutal, but I couldn’t say the place was clean and everyone was nice. I was asked to add some things that I didn’t believe were honest. I disagreed and didn’t post what they wanted. The host didn’t like that, but understood. Needless to say, I wasn’t invited back, but my integrity stayed intact.
12. Meet your deadline. When asked, I usually say I will post one week after returning. Don’t miss it.
13. Write more than one article. A travel company wants that easy SEO inspired article. Lists are great and easy and help a travel organization receive traffic, but they are boring to write. Write additional stories to accompany the list. Doing so will make the PR company happy and want to work with you again. They will also get to know you better and may invite you on future trips.
14. Try everything. Don’t be a picky eater on a press trip or let fear keep you from an activity. You can’t be a travel writer if you are unwilling to try new things.
15. Be nice. You would think this goes without saying, but I’ve met a few jerks along the way. Some writers want to seem superior on trips and bloviate about themselves constantly. I’ve encountered some selfish travel writers that always want their way. And then there are also complainers, who find a fault in everything the host does. Don’t do that. There is a saying “Nice guys finish last,” but I’ll say, “Nice guys get invited to do more things.” I’m always thankful and kind to everyone on a trip. Kindness goes a long way in helping an experience achieve its full potential.
That’s my list. For other travel creatives, are there things you would add? Stories to share?
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Well written article. I admire and maybe even envy you a bit, especially your recent trip to Peru.