For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: new.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
“This travel writing life of mine has snowballed into an amazing adventure. I’m living it and even I can’t believe how amazing it is sometimes.” – Terri Marshall
This week on Great Escape Radio, host Jody Mayberry talks with travel writer, Terri Marshall, about how to secure FAM, or press trips.
Director, Lori Allen introduces us to Terri…
“First of all let me say I love Terri. She is a genuine nice person. I love that she loves adventure and she’s up for anything. Terri has done everything from harvesting cacao in Belize to driving a reindeer sleigh in Norway. She’s taken her kids and even her grandkids on some of her press trips.”
Terri explains what a FAM trip is…
“FAM stands for familiarization which basically means that a public relations firm or tourism representative will organize a trip for travel writers and bloggers that showcases their destination. Sometimes these are group trips and other times they are individual trips.”
While the common perception is that you have to have a lot of articles published and be a well-known travel writer to get invited on a press trip, Terri says that is changing.
“Today FAM trips are often comprised of a blend of traditional journalists, bloggers and social media influencers.”
Terri shares how she landed her first FAM trip locally, with just two articles published and offers some tips for securing FAM trip invitations…
“It’s really about networking and building a reputation within the travel writing industry as someone who is serious about writing. You typically start with complimentary meals or passes to attractions and build from there.”
When Terri started out she had a full-time career as a tax accountant and could only accept FAM trips on weekends or when she had vacation time. Now that she’s writing full-time and has years of experience, she can be more selective about which trips she accepts and often has press trips designed specifically for her in locations all over the world.
Terri’s best tip for continuing to receive FAM trip invitations…
“Remember you are not on vacation. You are on the trip to cover a destination. Take notes, photos and always behave professionally.”
Press play for more about Terri’s experiences on this week’s episode of Great Escape Radio.
For more about how you can get started with travel writing today, visit: new.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.
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