One of My Favorite Perks of the Job are Press Trips
In short — a press trip is when a hotel, city, or tourism board invites you to come check out their offerings in exchange for coverage.
Whether it’s 3 days in Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting, horseback riding, and eating at Michelin star restaurants, road tripping to Palm Springs to attend a new hotel opening, boating to Catalina Island for some Buffalo Milk (IYKYK), or attending a wellness retreat in Ojai complete with water aerobics and sea salt baths, press trips are a great way to get a glimpse of the city deeper than a general Trip Advisor or Google search.
But sure, it’s EVERYONE’S dream to be a travel writer — so how do you actually get the invite?
Personally, I got my start writing free for magazines for YEARS until I made enough connections where I was getting invited on press trips.
However, now that I run my own publication with Laguna Beach Living, I get more invitations than I can handle! Del Mar! Marina del Rey! 7-Day Alaska Cruises!
We’re talking VIP treatment to the absolute MAX.
Earlier this month I did a “staycation” at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point for a Laguna Beach Living feature (read about it HERE).
I started the trip with the world’s best facial and then retreated to the spa for some sauna and steam time, followed by champagne in the lounge — because why not? It was Tuesday.
Afterwards, I checked into my ocean view suite with double balconies, and room service sent up macaroons and more champagne with a note welcoming me to the hotel. CLASSY.
That night I went to a bougie dinner, in the morning I had a bougie brunch. Then I spent my day at the pool.
THIS WAS ALL 100% FREE.
In exchange, I made an Instagram Reel, put up some Stories, and published a short article highlighting my experience.
The hotel loved it. I loved it. My readers loved it. It was a win-win for all.
In short, hotels will wine and dine you because you are PRESS… and they want good PRESS.
People ask me all the time how I get these trips and honestly the answer is:
You can work like hell, trudging your way up the editorial ladder like the little engine-that-could — writing for free for anyone and everyone who will take you…
OR
You can start your own publication in your own town, positioning yourself as an authority figure, and have people reach out to YOU. (Def my recommendation.)
One of the things I teach you in the City Living Network course is how to get invited on press trips.
I share the tips and tricks that took me years to figure out and teach you how to introduce yourself to the right people, while also giving you the exact email templates to send that will have them responding with an invitation and requesting your available dates.
And just like that, suddenly you’ve surpassed the editorial rat race and BAM! — you’re much more than a travel blogger, you’re EDITOR-IN-CHIEF of a respected publication…
