trips to media

Melanie May - Travel Eat Write Repeat

A Food and Travel Blog for Those Hungry for Adventure

What is a Press Trip? Your Questions Answered

A press trip, aka a media trip or familiarisation trip (FAM trip), is a trip that a tourism board, hotel, or other organisation organises to allow journalists, reporters, influencers, or content creators to experience a destination or product firsthand. From my personal experience, journalists on a press trip usually get free travel, accommodations, and activities. The expectation is that the media on the trip will write articles or produce other content about their experience. This expectation is the norm in Ireland, however, in other countries it is different.

What does it mean for journalists on press trips?

For me, as a travel writer, press trips can be an excellent opportunity to learn about new destinations and products and also get some great photos and videos for my articles. They can also be fun, as you get to travel with like-minded people and experience new things. However, as a writer, I need to remember that I am first and foremost on a press trip, and my primary goal is to produce objective and unbiased content. I also have to ensure that I avoid allowing the tourism board or other organisations hosting the trip to influence me. I also always need to ask tough questions.

What does it mean for readers of articles generated from press trips?

When readers read articles generated from press trips, it is essential to remember that the journalists who wrote the articles were guests of the tourism board or other organisations that sponsored the trip. This means the journalists may have been influenced by their hosts, and their articles may not be entirely objective. However, it is also important to remember that journalists are trained to be objective and that they will typically try to present a balanced view of the destination or product they are writing about.

Ultimately, it is up to the readers to decide how much weight to give to articles generated from press trips. Therefore, if you are a reader looking for unbiased information about a destination or product, do additional research.

Here are some tips for readers of articles generated from press trips:

• Be aware of the source of the article. Is it from a reputable publication? Is the journalist who wrote the article an expert on the destination or product?
• Read the article critically. Look for any biases or omissions.
• Do your own research. Visit the destination or product yourself, or read other articles about it.

By following these tips, you can be more confident that the information you read is accurate and unbiased.

What is a press trip? For journalists, they are a multifaceted adventure:

For journalists and content creators, press trips are a blend of adventure, exploration, and professional growth. Here’s what it means for them:

In-Depth Experience : Press trips allow journalists to immerse themselves fully in the destination. They get a chance to explore local attractions, engage with the culture, meet locals, and partake in activities that create a deep understanding of the place.

Exclusive Access : These trips often include exclusive access to behind-the-scenes experiences, expert guides, and hard-to-reach locations. This provides journalists with unique angles and insider information to enrich their stories.

Storytelling Opportunities : Press trips offer a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. From lesser-known destinations to remarkable encounters, journalists gather material that brings their travel narratives to life.

Networking : Interacting with fellow journalists, tourism representatives, and locals on these trips can lead to valuable networking opportunities. These connections can open doors to future collaborations and assignments.

Challenges and Responsibility : While press trips are undoubtedly exciting, they come with the responsibility of representing the destination accurately and ethically. Balancing the joy of the experience with the professionalism of reporting is crucial.

What is a press trip? For readers, they are a window to the world:

Press trips are not just transformative experiences for journalists; they also have a significant impact on the stories that reach readers:

Firsthand Insights : Articles crafted from press trips provide readers with insights that go beyond the surface. Personal experiences and anecdotes make the destination feel more relatable and enticing.

Informed Choices : Readers gain valuable information about destinations, accommodations, activities, and local culture. This equips them to make informed decisions when planning their own trips.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Discoveries : Journalists often uncover hidden spots and local gems during their press trips. Readers benefit from these discoveries, gaining access to places they might not find in traditional travel guides.

Visual Delights : Stunning photographs and videos captured during press trips accompany articles, immersing readers in the destination’s beauty and atmosphere.

Inspiration : Reading about a journalist’s journey can inspire readers to embark on their own adventures. It ignites a sense of wanderlust and encourages them to explore new horizons.

Being transparent about press trips

Whilst most of my travel is self-funded, I occasionally take part in press trips. However, when I write an article, I always say whether it was part of a press trip. I aim to be as transparent as possible so you can make informed choices about the places you read about.

So, having read this ‘what is a press trip’ article, do you now know what a press trip is? Finally, and as always, if you have any questions or comments about press trips or transparency, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Finally, finally, all the photos in this post are from a press trip to Jordan. I was on assignment for the Sunday Times. You can read my article by clicking this link . If you want to read a press trip article, here is my Queens Travel Guide .

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What are Media FAM Trips? or Press Trips

by Paula McInerney | Dec 12, 2018 | BLOGGING TIPS , DESTINATIONS | 55 comments

First of all, you may wonder What are Media FAM Trips? A Media FAM trip is a Media Familiarization trip, offered to media on behalf of an organization to get the media familiar with their destination and services. They are also called Press Trips. They can be either a group or an individual Media FAM trip.

Why We are Suddenly Embracing Group Media FAM Trips

• 1 Why We are Suddenly Embracing Group Media FAM Trips
• 2 Why did we change our minds?
• 3 How does a Media FAM trip work?
• 4 What is expected of you from a Media FAM trip?
• 5 “So, you are getting another free holiday, aren’t you?”
• 6 “So, you don’t have any fun at all?”
• 7 What are the benefits to of going on Media FAM trip?
• 8 What are the downsides of a Media FAM trip?
• 9.0.1 Please feel free to ask us any questions about Media FAM trips.

It was ironic that in 2016, Gordon and I went on 5 group Media FAM trips, considering that we had been avoiding them up until then. One of our beliefs was that traveling with other people has more con’s than pro’s, and also ironic, that one of our most successful articles on our site is Traveling with Other People – the Dont’s and the Dont’s.

But you know what? We decided to take ourselves out of our comfort zone because the group Media FAM trips we were offered were too compelling to knock back . We still do individual FAM trips for different companies as we have done extensively over the last few years, but we have now seen many benefits to the group Media FAM trip . Since then we have done many Media Fam trips or Press Trips.

Editor note: Updated, December 2018

Why did we change our minds?

Our business model is all about our readers , and bringing you information that will help you discover new and different things. It is also about bringing to the table some left of center experiences, and we have been able to do this particularly with our travels to lesser known areas of Indonesia, like visiting Manado in Northern Sulawesi Indonesia ,  exploring the Spice Islands of Maluku and Raja Ampat (you can read all about Raja Ampat here) which we got to experience on group Media FAM trips.

I have listed some of our Media FAM trips at the bottom of this article. There are some others we have done, but the content belongs to the magazines we freelance for. Since then we have been privileged to work with some amazing companies all over the world. Since then we have worked with Rail Plus doing the Indian Pacific train from one side of Australia to the other. Been to the Hydo Majestic in the Blue Mountains, explored Mayfield Garden, discovered the regional city of Bathurs t, and quite a few more.

How does a Media FAM trip work?

In our case, and in many cases, we were contacted by different companies or organizations who felt our site was a good match for the Media FAM trip, and we felt that what they offered was a good match for our readers.

At times we have proactively sought out the Media FAM trip because we had gotten so much valuable information from the previous ones, and were able to bring new and different content to you guys. These were group trips of about 5-20 very diverse media people, many of whom are now firm friends and colleagues.

What is expected of you from a Media FAM trip?

This is where there is inconsistency. Sometimes a company or organization will spell out what they expect, and at other times you are left on your own to decide what to deliver.

I aim to over-deliver because there is a domino effect in this industry. If you develop a good reputation as a hard worker, who gives an excellent ROI, then you get asked on more individual and group Media FAM trips, and your readers ..that’s you ..love that we are bringing you more tangible ideas, information, and first-hand experiences.

“So, you are getting another free holiday, aren’t you?”

No. There is nothing free about this. We offer an exchange of services with the companies or organizations we work with. A free holiday does not involve nine flights in 7 days , with only an hour of sleep on some nights, and on an easier day, you might get 4 hours.

Organizations who choose to work with us, and more importantly we want to work with, will wring every last bit of blood out of you on Media FAM trip. And we get that . They have often paid a lot of money to show you something, and by hell or high water, and a lot of missed sleep, you are going to work from before dawn to post-dusk. And then ..you need to write up what you have done; start promoting on your social media platforms, edit photos, and videos, and then start all over again the next day. A Media FAM trip is a job. It is not a holiday; it is a business trip. There is nothing free about an exchange of business services. However .. we love it. Contented Traveller is our passion and our business.

“So, you don’t have any fun at all?”

On the contrary, we have had a lot of fun on these Media FAM trips . Just see me as the Dancing Queen on Raja Ampat, where I owned it with a lady from the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia – yes, that is their full title. We have seen amazing places, done amazing things, met some amazing people, and that is why we did 5 of these back to back in 2016.  Yes we love it, and yes, we get to bring you, our readers, more and more information.

What are the benefits to of going on Media FAM trip?

This question has a multifaceted answer.

The first benefit is that we get to bring you the insider information so that you can do this yourself, or a derivative of what we have done because we will not recommend that you do nine flights in 7 days for example. We iron out these issues for you. We can offer new perspectives on destinations and experiences , and I think you know us well enough that we cut to the chase on things.

We get to grow professionally through Media FAM Trips

Not only have we seen some incredible places, eaten some remarkable food, stayed at some amazing hotels, tried different products, but we have also met many people who do things differently than what we do. It is a huge chance to professionally develop yourself as you interact with people from all parts of the Media.

Most of our Media FAM trips have been a mix of food and travel bloggers, vloggers, photographers, Instagram influencers, traditional print journalists, editors, TV reporters, travel agents, and radio DJ’s. The diversity is what makes it so unique, and also very levelling. ‘No one knows everything ‘ is how Cosmo’s Editor, and SnapChat Board Member Joanna Coles  described this information age, at Cannes Lion, 2016 – the  international advertising festival; and you learn how true this is on Media FAM trips.

What are the downsides of a Media FAM trip?

There is a risk that because we are all seeing the same things, stopping to do the same activity, or taking the same photos, that there could be what I call, the cookie cut effect media promotions. But that didn’t and hasn’t happened. Gordon gave me an excellent analogy. We can both be sitting in a café in Paris looking at the same scene. What he sees, and how he interprets that, is totally different to what I see and how I interpret this. This is what also happens on Media FAM trips, and is influenced by our past, our beliefs, and other sociological influences.

Are you going to say anything negative, when it has all been paid for?

Well for a start, people are not stupid. Readers are smart and can cut through the bullshit pretty quickly.

We never ever underestimate our audience. However, the purpose of a Media FAM trip is definitely to generate positive editorial publicity. This is where the world has changed. Rather than paid advertising there is the understanding that audiences value the editorial opinion of the writer, which is us in this instance. Secondly, as previously stated, it is not a free trip. It is an exchange of services. Being honest about our experiences is why we have such a loyal audience and why we do so well in this business.

In saying that, we still will advocate that not all of your travels will go to a predetermined plan, and that you should expect the unexpected, and that in reality, these experiences are the one’s that you will remember.

Media FAM trips offer many benefits to your readers, and to you as a professional. We recommend them.

Please feel free to ask us any questions about Media FAM trips.

A Culinary Immersion Experience on Golden Princess

Staying and Playing at the Haunted QStation Manly

Dining at the Boilerhouse Restaurant, QStation Manly

Press Conference, Qatar Airways.

Why Visit Manado in Northern Sulawesi Indonesia

Visit the Indonesian Spice Islands of Saparua and Ambon

Mt Hay Luxury Retreat in Berry, NSW

The Food and Wine Scene in Berry, NSW

Bite Around Berry – a Walking Food Trail

Raja Ampat – Where Nature PhotoShopped it For You

Exploring Raja Ampat, Indonesia (VIDEO)

Doom Island in West Papua, Indonesia

A Once in a Lifetime Experience on the Indian Pacific Rail Journey

Hydro Majestic Afternoon High Tea

There have been other Media FAM trip, or Press trips that we have done over the years. This is by way of explaining what the purpose of these important interactions. Feel free to ask any questions.

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55 Comments

As a small company who want to invite press to stay in our unique accommodation (we are in sunny Dorset btw), how do we get in contact with writers who might want to visit us?

email me, and i can post it on a number of FB groups, where I know there will a lot of interest. Email is on our website.

As I am just about to embark on my third famil trip ever I couldn’t agree more. I am always stoked when an invite comes my way and thinks work out. Famils are, for me, a fantastic way to get to know a destination in the most intimate way. As a mother of two there are many trips that are off-limits for me. A strenuous journey in a hot country is one of those things I wouldn’t be able to do with my family. On the other hand, I am not willing to go there on my own either. I also fully appreciate the opportunity to meet new people on the road, almost all of them crazy travel-addicts like me. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more tricks of the trade and to improve one’s writing through exchange and inspiration. The only negative thing about famils is that you are not free to do and to write what you want (I mean, operators need to be featured even though they might not quite fit your blog etc, not in terms of praising them if you don’t agree with their operations). It’s nice to throw in your own independent travel into the travel year too, because this way you can do what you really like at a much slower, more appreciative pace. Lastly, Paula, I totally agree in terms of over-delivering what is expected in terms of outcome. As bloggers, we are sometimes looked down upon by traditional media, and it’s great to be able to outshine them in terms of quality and output and freedom of speech. I always strive to deliver far more than is expected, and I always give 110%. I hope karma will come my way one day. Great post!

We are on the same page Silke. It is always about being totally professional, yet without the constraints of who owns which media outlet, and which political party they happen to be in bed with. This is why ‘bloggers’ are such a threat to mainstream journalism. We can, and do say what we want. without having to toe some party line.

Is there a website or resource that lists upcoming media FAM trips that travel media can apply for?

Not to my knowledge. The offers we receive come out of the blue, though if you are a member of Travel Massive for example, you may just see some advertised.

Hi Paula, I have never been invited for a FAM trip yet (have registered for one in Oct, hoping to hear that I get selected soon). However, I have been invited for an event or hotel stay. Is it OK for new bloggers like us to write to tourism boards or travel partners directly about FAM trips – what’s the best way to approach them? Thanks, Kat

Of course you should write to whomever will help you to give your readers the best information they possibly can get. It is definitely scary when you first start out pitching, but always be honest about what you are trying to achieve and why it is f benefit to your readers, and consequently to them. Good lick, have a read of this article, https://contentedtraveller.com/dont-be-afraid-to-ask-a-question-wkendtravelinspiration/

Nice trip Paula..

I went on my first FAM trip a couple of months back and came out with the same thoughts as you.

Trips are curated so you’ll experience the best of the best but sometimes you tend to miss out on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places as compared to traveling there on your own.

It is an enriching experience and I’m definitely up for more FAM trips in the future!

I agree. While you get to see many things, sometimes I would like an afternoon off to find those things that you just do when wandering on your own. We are also receptive to more Media FAM trips.

So envious you got invited to Raja Ampat. I’m invited to an Indo trip, too, but not there. As a diver, it’s in my bucket list. Hopefully next year they’ll invite me there haha

I hope they will too Aleah. Check out Peter McGee who was the diver on our trip, as they hadn’t really catered for the the rest of us to dive. Peter takes the most amazing underwater shots.

I find that on FAM trips I don’t always enjoy everything, but it’s important to remember that what might not be your cup of tea might well be someone else’s. I think it’s important to tell readers what I didn’t like, especially if it didn’t work at my daughter’s age at the time. But I try to add the context of, if you’re interested in XYZ you would probably find it interesting or, if you’re more of XYZ kind of traveler than I am, you’ll enjoy it, or kid older/younger than mine will get more out of it. That’s the context you can only get first hand that helps others make better travel decisions themselves.

Well said. I might not like certain things but Gordon tends to. We got a bit lucky that we are polar opposites, so that when we write we can cover many perspectives. I like the context that you mention.

Hi Paula, a great explanation of what FAM trips are and how you have experienced them! I personally am not a huge fan of group FAM trips as we like to travel independently and plan out our own schedules, but they definitely have some advantages! I actually met my husband on a small group press trip:) ~ Jessica

That’s lovely that you met your husband. We were surprised that we enjoyed the group trips so much, and got so much out of it.

Great post, Paula. Thank you! I’ve considered FAMs but haven’t pursued any mainly because of the responsibilities that come with them. I agree they’re worth doing, especially if it’s a part of your business model.

I think they have definitely added a richness to our business, so I guess we are fans.

Hello Paula, like to read your take on this. I have not done a FAM trip but I have been invited to cover events and review hotels / restaurants / products. I can attest it is a lot of work and requires hours dedicated hour (after you are done with the experiential part). Quality content creation takes effort. I agree you should aim to over deliver. You set a positive tone for you and for others in the industry.

Thanks Ruth, I agree. It is all about professionalism, and delivering high standard that makes you a valuable partner to be in business with.

Fascinating article Paula! We’ve only done a few Fam Trips as we don’t really have the time to commit to any and all options, yet.

We have mostly done individual ones, but certainly now see a lot of benefits to group Media FAM trips. When you are less busy ..

Great read Paula. We are yet to go on a FAM trip, but look forward to an invitation that fits in with our fulltime work schedule. A lot of great info here, being a huge fan of cruises I would have loved to joined you onboard Golden Princess.

We are fortunate that Contented Traveller is now both of our full time jobs, so it makes it a lot more flexible for such group and individual trips.

This post reveals one side of travel bloggers life.So far I don’t have any experience with such press trips.But,it can be a great way to meet and interact with other bloggers.On the other way,yes it is a business trip and there are lot of things to do after the trip.

So true. It is a business trip no matter which way you look at it. There is work to be done before the trip, making sure you are well read on what the destination etc is about. There is work to be done on the trip, and a huge amount after it. In saying that, we love it and would not change it.

This is really interesting Paula as I’m occasionally tempted to start pursuing media trips but never have. Your change of heart has got me thinking…

Definitely do it. There are so many benefits that we were not aware of.

I’ve been on a couple of FAM trips this year, associated with conferences I attended. They were tiring but great. It is nice to get insider information and make contacts if there are things you want to see more of beyond the trip. I too wondered about everyone writing about the same thing, but we all seem to bring our own unique spin to it.

That was my biggest worry that we would not be able to bring our own styles to the writing. But it did happen.

I found this article very interesting because I have just returned from my first media FAM trip to Northern Japan. Yes it was exhausting and I had absolutely no rest, but I had the best time of my life. I feel that it has already had a very positive impact on my travel blog and hope that more FAM trips may be offered in the future. You never know I may get to join you one day!

I do agree, there are so many benefits in a Media FAM trip. I love Japan, so will look forward to reading of your ventures. Let’s hope we get to do one together.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, love learning from you!

Thanks Janet. I think we all learn from one another.

Great article. I was averse to group FAMs earlier too but I’ve really begun to enjoy them. A combination of group and individual FAMs is ideal.

I agree, we certainly changed our minds about group trips, but we also enjoy individual Media FAM trips too.

We have yet to go on a FAM trip, and really didn’t know that much about them. This is really helpful. Thanks Paula.

Thank you. Media FAM trips are a unique and different way to experience a destination.

Paula and Gordy, I take FAM trip’s every chance I get. Yes they are tiring (especially at our ages), but we can always catch up on sleep when we get home. I have explored several countries I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see, without the FAM trips. One of the other benefits IMHO, is the networking with other bloggers. I think it’s wonderful to spend a few days with other bloggers and see if you really get along. I have only found one instance where the travel person wasn’t my cup of tea! All the rest have been extraordinary individuals! #safetravels Mike

I hope we get to go on a Media FAM trip with you one day Mike, because I agree totally with you. We would never have got to experience Raja Ampat, Sulawesi and the Spice islands without this, and the professional development that get by default with traveling with other professionals is invaluable.

Loved this article. I guess for us new bloggers it’s the ‘big’ question, how to promote yourself to get the FAM trips or on the radar (so to speak). Tips on that would be helpful too! Thanks so much!

I wish I had the answer for you. It is a random that we get invited. I would love to know why, but we have had some amazing individual and group Media FAM trips over the years. It is probably serendipity. But let me think on this, and see if i can interview some of the companies we have worked with to uncover the modus operandi.

Thanks so much

Great article, Paula! As a PR person, I’m always interested in hearing the journalists’ take on media press tours. I’ve shared this with the clients I work with. Thank you!

Marti, you were one of the most mazing people we have worked with, and we look forward to working with you again. I need to go belly up to the bar, eat more maple syrup and see some of our lovely friends from the Distinctive Inns of New England.

One benefit of these trips is the chance to interact with well informed locals who usually speak excellent English. I’ve found the leaders of these trips to be willing to engage on a wide range of topics.

I totally agree Suzanne. Often it is the unplanned things and conversations that give you the differentiation in your articles.

Offering FAM trips to bloggers is kind of disappointing because most travel bloggers are terrible writers who claim objectivity. The art of travel writing takes a serious hit when writers are chosen for their metrics and not their skills.

That’s a little disappointing to hear. I believe readers enjoy hearing people’s personal perceptions, and can probably forgive an odd grammatical or structural error. I would think that the art of travel writing is about communicating with your readers on an engaged and personal level.What does make a ‘good’ travel writer?

I guess the idea thing to do is first make some background check and research about the bloggers before you invite them. Think about the content, your market, your goals etc.

Nice write up Paula! 9 flights, 7 days. Never ever ever 😀 Cool to see how you’ve had your opinion of them changed.

It was meeting you Jub; that changed my perspective totally xxx

Is it predominantly PR agencies or tourism boards that contact you? Or do you reach out to them?

PR agencies, Tourism Boards, hotels, restaurants, etc etc reach out to us for the Media FAM trips. We did however, on the 2nd trip to Raja Ampat, Indonesia reach out to them after they did a call out on Trav Media.

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How to Find the Best Press Trips in 2022

Posted by Michele Peterson on May 29, 2021 in Destinations , Writing Craft | Comments Off on How to Find the Best Press Trips in 2022

Want to travel the world and get paid for it? Looking for invitations for international tourism board press trips for travel writers or curious about how to get hotel, airfare and destination support for an individual media trip?

You’re not alone. These are some of the most popular questions I get asked as a Canadian travel writer, blogger and publisher.

Explore the world – from Asia to the Caribbean – on a press trip

Public relations firms and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are responsible for inviting journalists and bloggers on press trips or arranging media visits, both group and individual. They’re your best source for getting a media FAM trip invitation.

Here are some of the best sources of press trips for travel writers, bloggers and other media professionals who want to network with travel industry pros and discover the best press trip opportunities in 2021 and beyond.

Note: Dates, costs, fees and other details of conferences can change without notice so readers should double-check for accuracy.

1. International Media Marketplace ( IMM)

This single-day  networking and relationship-building Media Marketplace and Summit hosted by TravMedia , is one of the top events for travel journalists, editors and broadcasters to meet travel and tourism brands. It’s a prime place to get story ideas and opportunities to participate in press trips for travel writers and bloggers.

In order to be successful in pitching with the brands you like the most, you should prepare for your meetings. Conduct some advance research on the brands you’re meeting with and  be prepared to showcase yourself and demonstrate your unique value. At minimum you should have demographics of your audience, reach and social channels (see our Media Kit for one example).

International Media Marketplace is held in the US as well as other locations around the world and since 2013, has featured more than 1,425 exhibitors  represented by more than  1,835 PR and Travel Industry Professionals.

It takes place in New York in January 2023. 

2. TBEX Europe and TBEX North America 2022 and 2023

If you’re  a travel blogger, podcaster, videographer or writer, TBEX offers an opportunity to network with fellow new media creators and industry professionals such as PR representatives, major brands, tourism boards and destination marketing organizations.

It’s also an opportunity to bolster your skills in SEO, affiliate marketing, photography and growing your social media presence on Pinterest , Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.  The fee to attend is relatively low and there are generally attractively discounted accommodation options and a wealth of pre and post trips.

TBEX Europe 2022 was held in Marbella, Spain and will take place in Thailand in the fall.  Get details on other upcoming events at TBEX

3.  Travel Media Association of Canada

Canada’s national trade association representing qualified members of the travel media will hold their 2023 conference in Sudbury, Ontario.

Monthly Munch n’ Mingle events and directory listings offer the opportunity to meet with industry pros. Membership in TMAC is by qualification and there is a fee to attend the conference. Get details at  Travel Media Association of Canada 

Related: If you’re headed to Victoria and have to pass through Vancouver, check out these ideas for great day trips from Vancouver. 

The 3-day  U.S. Travel Association’s IPW is the travel industry’s top international marketplace and brings together 6,000 attendees including more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations as well as international media.

During the event, travel journalists also have the opportunity to participate in specialized press tours and can also sign-up for official post-FAMs offered by the state.  It will be held in Orlando, Florida on June 4 to 8, June 3, 2022. Get details at IPW 

5. Society of American Travel Writers

Qualify to join this prestigious organization and you’ll be attending conferences (and pre/post trips) in exciting locations.

In 2022, the SATW convention will be held in Colombia, South America. Plus, you’ll be listed in a Directory that’s a go-to spot for PR and travel industry pros.

Get details at Society of American Travel Writers

6. North America Travel Journalists Association

The annual NATJA conference offers its members  the opportunity to meet with US, Canadian and international tourism representatives, attend personal development sessions, network with other travel writers/editors and participate in destination tours as well as pre and post press tours.

In 2019, the NATJA Conference & Marketplace was held in Syracuse, New York from May 15-May 18, 2019. In 2020, it will be held in Puerto Rico.

A wide selection of Pre and Post Press trips will be available for attendees. NATJA membership is by qualification and there is a fee to attend the conference. Get details at North America Travel Journalists Association

7. The World Travel Market (WTM)

WTM is the grand-daddy of travel industry events, drawing almost 48,000 industry professionals across four days.

Score an invitation to this conference and you’ll meet with reps from over 150 countries – Angola to Uzbekistan. Get details at World Travel Market

8. International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

This network of journalists covering the hospitality industry offers an annual conference as well as ongoing press trip opportunities for Taste & Tour events in foodie destinations such as Missouri, Switzerland and California.

Get details at International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association 

9. Travel Classics Writers Conference

This event offers pre/ post conference trips and includes presentations & workshops with top magazine editors, one-on-one consultations with 6-8 guest editors (not for the tongue-tied). This conference is focused more on the craft of writing and building contacts with editors than press trip opportunities.

10. Visit Europe Media Exchange ( VEMEX)

Presented by the European Travel Commission, the Visit Europe Media Exchange (VEMEX) is a one day forum in late October for industry professionals and invited travel media. Formerly held in three locations in North America, it’s a whirlwind series of one-on-one appointments much like speed dating.

Register on the VEMEX website to receive an invitation. Get details at  VEMEX

Be ready to pitch your best story ideas to industry representatives at break-neck speed. If there’s a match, you may be invited on a press visit. If not, at least you’ll have a suitcase full of swag and plenty of story ideas.  There is no charge for invited media.

11. GoMedia Canada Marketplace

Sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission, this is where Canada’s provinces, territories and industry suppliers strut their stuff in a selection of first rate pre/post conference press trip opportunities. GoMedia 2020 will be held September 10 to 13 in Victoria, B.C.

Prospective attendees must register at the beginning of each year to be considered. There is no fee to attend and airfare/transportation is usually provided for qualified and invited attendees.

12. Travel South Showcase

This conference is focused mostly on tour operators and suppliers but still offers plenty of networking and city FAM tours for travel trade journalists  looking for an excuse to visit Waffle House or enjoy some southern hospitality in the winter. The 7th annual Travel South USA International Showcase will be in Baton Rouge March 8-11, 2020. Get information at the Travel South Showcase. 

13. Travel Media Showcase

This annual 2-day event, held in different U.S. cities each year, offers an opportunity for travel journalists and travel industry professionals to meet one-on-one, at a single location. A wide range of often unique Pre/Post tours can make it worth braving the intense appointment schedule. Dates for TMS 2020 have not yet been announced so check for updates at Travel Media Showcase

14. Adventure Travel World Summit

Strap on your mountaineering gear for this conference focused on outdoor adventure, extreme sports and professional development. The 2020 Adventure Travel World Summit will be held in Adelaide, Australia October 6-9, 2020.

It features top notch speakers, networking, marketplace appointments with suppliers and plenty of opportunity to explore the host destination. Membership is by qualification

15. The KITI

Sign up for a membership to this online information exchange that unites working travel journalists and PR professionals worldwide.

Get story ideas, submit requests or respond to others according to your account level. Search, save and reply to what is of interest.  The KITI 

16. Travel Massive

This worldwide network of welcoming travel professionals, bloggers, new media creators and industry pros meets regularly in a social setting ( think drinks and munchies) to share information, learn about online writing craft, technology and destinations. With chapters everywhere from Amsterdam to Washington, you might be able to find ‘one in your home city.

If not, it’s worth checking out the online event calendar and joining an event on one of your travels. You’ll need to qualify,  but new bloggers are welcome to join so Travel Massive is a good place to begin if you’re new to the industry. Get details at Travel Massive

17. Mid-Atlantic Media Marketplace

Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance ( MATRA)  this fall event includes press trip opportunities and media meetings with PR professionals representing Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The MATPRA Media Marketplace 2020 will be held  September 21-23. Apply early if you’re interested in attending Mid-Atlantic Media Marketplace

18. Adventure Travel Mexico

Hosted by the Mexico Tourism Board, the ATMEX conference showcases what Mexico in terms of adventure, nature and cultural travel. It’s an opportunity to network with the people responsible for organizing immersive experiences and Mexico’s wealth of outdoor adventure destinations.

ATMEX will be taking place in Baja California Sur in the Fall 2020.  FAM trips and press trip opportunities are available. Hosted Media have airfare and accommodation paid. Get details at Adventure Travel Mexico

19. Tianguis Turistico – Mexico Tourism Media Marketplace

This annual event hosted by Mexico Tourism generally takes place in Acapulco, Guerrero but in 2020 it will be taking place in Merida.   Dates for Tianguis 2020 are March 22-25, 2020. Get details at Tianguis Turistico 

20. Women in Travel Summit

The WITS event is aimed at women travel influencers and publishers as well as brands that want to work with them. WITS North America will be held in Kansas in April 2020 and WITS Europe will take place in Gdank, Poland from October 16-18, 2020. Visit their website at Women in Travel Summit.

21. Tourism Boards

It’s also possible to contact tourism boards directly and submit an application for an individual press trip or group trip.  Most tourism boards and travel writing conferences require qualification by way of clips, significant publication circulation and readership stats and more. Competition for invitations can be fierce and press trip disclosure rules apply.

How to Work with Public Relations Companies

It’s also worth mentioning that there are many other reasons to attend conferences, join professional associations and maintain relationships with public relations firms and destination marketing organizations (DMOs).

Not only are the people you meet at these media marketplace events, experts about their destinations,  they often have insider access to interview sources, fact-checking resources, image banks, unique story ideas and the latest news about upcoming developments — all of which can help you write better travel stories.

What is a FAM Trip?

Although often confused with a media press trip, the term “FAM trip” originally referred to a “Familiarization trip” and was aimed at travel agents. It was intended to be (and still is) a free or low cost way for travel agents to become familiar with a destination in order to portray it more accurately to their clients and sell more product.

A FAM  trip for  travel agents or consultant is often provided by a tour operator, hotel brand or an airline as a means of promoting their service.

A beach cabana during a press trip in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Differences between a FAM Trip and a Press trip

The terms FAM trip and Press Trip are often used interchangeably, but press trips for travel writers and bloggers generally include more opportunities for experiencing a destination  through its cuisine, culture and history rather than hotel inspections. A FAM trip is generally focused more on property inspections and may include more hotel and attraction tours than a media press trip.

Another important difference is that a FAM trip may (but not always) have a cost associated with it. Travel writers are not charged a cost to participate in a media press trip.

Other Ways to Find Press Trips for Travel Writers, Bloggers, Influencers and Journalists

Become Cabin Crew: If you’re not interested in freelance travel writing, you might be interested in  a job as cabin crew with an airline. Check out Resources for Prospective Cabin Crew to help secure a job travelling the world with airlines such as Norwegian Air, Thai Airways, Air India and others.

Volunteer Abroad: If you’re interested in teaching English, working overseas or volunteering in a foreign country, a worthwhile website to browse is Transitions Abroad. Since 1977, it’s been helping readers explore the world and broaden their horizons.

Awards and Recognition: If you win an award for travel writing (as we did for our Costa Rica Intergenerational Family Travel story) or are recognized for travel writing excellence, then you’ll likely be contacted and approached directly for travel press trip opportunities. But beware of scams – in no case should you be expected to pay a deposit to secure a place on a press trip.

If you’re just starting out, you might want to learn more about how to start a travel blog. You might also be interested in my How to Break into Travel Writing Online Course and Workshop. 

Do you know of other sources for finding travel writing press trip opportunities or PR contacts for media visits? Do you have other favourite conferences for travel writers? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list

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Here’s how Newsday brought back field trips to its newsroom

Bring on the fifth graders.

This school year, Newsday started to focus on an important group of future news consumers — fifth graders. It launched Newsday in Education, a program that combines field trips with free digital access to all school districts on Long Island.

The reason — make Newsday cool again.

“Our initial reason for launching Newsday in Education was for it to be among our branding activations aimed at helping to change the perception of Newsday from a dated product brand to a highly relevant contemporary brand embedded in the culture of Long Island,” said Patrick Tornabene, Newsday’s chief consumer officer. “Not only it is highly successful at achieving that goal, but it’s also fulfilling a sense of our duty to educate students on journalism, and it’s heartwarming for staff across Newsday.”

The news has been part of the American classroom for generations , according to the Education Resources Information Center from the U.S. Department of Education.

Today, many communities still work with Newspapers in Education for resources and curriculum. But in Long Island, New York, the program at Newsday withered over time thanks to several factors, including shifting media habits and the economy. After 9/11, tours ended due to security concerns.

In 2021, publisher Debby Krenek decided to bring the kids back in some new ways with a program of Newsday’s very own.

“This is a big initiative for Newsday,” she said. “Educating our students is so important for Long Island’s future and Newsday is proud to be able to provide this program for our amazing schools and educators across Long Island.”

Via email, I spoke with the team at Newsday about what they built and how other newsrooms can do it. Our conversation has been edited for style and brevity.

Kristen Hare: How did this start?

Amanda Fiscina-Wells, editor/project manager: Newsday has a history of connecting with suburban Long Island students. During building tours decades ago at our former facility, students left with newspaper ink-stained hands from making newsprint hats and ringing ears from the loud printing presses, while stacks of newspapers were dropped off at Long Island’s 120-plus school districts daily.

While the Newsday building was closed during the pandemic, we began to build relationships with school districts by setting up complimentary access on school grounds and meeting with teachers/administrators to find out where journalism falls in the curriculum and field trip logistics. Once our building reopened, work started on creating the tour program based on this groundwork.

The program has two components: field trips to Newsday’s Long Island, New York, headquarters and complimentary digital access to all Long Island districts on school grounds.

The events team designed field trips for fifth graders to align with the introduction to journalism in their school curriculum. The program’s goal is to offer students a behind-the-scenes, first-hand look at how professional journalism is carried out through interactive experiences to keep the students engaged.

Melissa Carfero, head of events: We of course hoped the tours would be well received, but we never imagined the feedback and impact would be as positive as it has been. The best part of the tours is truly the students. They are all excited to be here and very engaged during the visit. It’s extremely rewarding to see the fruits of your labor have such a positive impact. We often receive feedback from the teachers and chaperones after their visits that the students are still talking about the field trip and many want to be reporters now.

Fiscina-Wells: Teachers on these tours today tell us they remember this from their childhoods and love seeing how we reimagined the experience for this era. It shows Newsday’s commitment to the region we cover and how Newsday has evolved into the multimedia organization it is today.

Hare: Tell us about the field trips. What do the kids do and see?

Carfero: As soon as students arrive, they’re handed a press pass and become a cub reporter for the day. They also receive a backpack with their very own reporter’s notebook and pen to cover a breaking news assignment created just for them. The cub reporters participate in a mock press conference and work alongside an experienced Newsday reporter to gather the most important information on their breaking news assignment — the Who, What, When, Where and Why.

They also collaborate with their classmates to anchor a Mad Libs news report for social media and enjoy taking photos at our green screen photo booth, complete with props and images related to the news story they cover. Students then tour the newsroom, where they meet Newsday editors and reporters and visit the NewsdayTV Studios broadcast control room for a behind-the-scenes look at how Newsday’s newscast is produced.

Back in the classroom, students receive unlimited access to Newsday.com and Newsday’s electronic edition and use what they learned during their trip to write articles on the news event they covered here.

Hare: What are you measuring that shows you this is successful

Positive NPS (Net Promoter Score): This is measured through a survey given to teachers and administrators following each tour. Our NPS score is currently 100, the highest possible.

Fully booked schedule: All available dates were booked immediately resulting in more than 1,700 students touring this school year. Next year we will move to a lottery system to accommodate all the interest.

Complimentary access configured for all Long Island school districts: 90% of all districts are set up, 112/125 school districts.

Positive testimonials/feedback

Hare: How could other newsrooms do this, regardless of resources?

Fiscina-Wells: From the start, our directive was always to create a dynamic program that highlighted Newsday’s journalism without interfering with that work. Most planning for this is at the front end, so once the program was developed, it became routine, and many were willing to support the program across departments. Our events team did an incredible job creating a unique, immersive experience for the students, and it has been great for morale seeing elementary students in the newsroom weekly.

Carfero: My advice for others looking to create tours is to first focus on building a rapport with as many districts in your market as possible. Our team opened this door by bringing journalists into the classrooms. The relationships we built with administrators and teachers across Long Island were instrumental in developing the programming for our field trips. Managing the visits is straightforward once they’re up and running. The challenge here was creating programming that aligned with the fifth grade curriculum and was inclusive of all learning levels, but also kept students engaged throughout their visit.

Hare: Can you share a playbook about how you put this together?

Fiscina-Wells: 

Compiled a database of all school districts on Long Island with contact information and went district by district to enable complimentary access through IP address whitelisting. (Our market has 120-plus individual districts but in other areas with county districts this would be simpler.)

Consulted with teachers and administrators to learn when journalism is introduced in curriculum and field trip logistics.

Met with newsroom editors, studio staff, facilities department, security and others to collaborate and develop plans.

Used the learnings to create tour programming, scripts, video elements and other assets aligned with our facility resources to ensure a turnkey project.

Identified one school district to pilot the program and followed up with educators and administrators after for feedback.

Sent newsletter out to districts opening tours for booking.

This is a general overview, we are happy to elaborate if needed and welcome inquiries from other publishers.

Fifth graders participate in the Newsday In Education visit on Nov. 29, 2023 at the Newsday headquarters in Melville, NY. (Courtesy Newsday)

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TravMedia is now established in 9 countries - Australia, United Kingdom, United States, China, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy, and Brazil - and connects over 45,000 travel professionals including 25,000 editors, journalists and influencers in all corners of the world.

TravMedia operates sister company Food4Media.  Food4Media   distributes food-related press releases, videos and information on the food industry.

TravMedia also pioneered the technology that powers   Property4Media.com   and   Homes4Media.com .

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Travmedia covers all elements of the travel industry including:, just some of the media titles using travmedia, what our members say.

"TravMedia has established itself as part of the travel PR DNA in the UK. Each day brings us valuable opportunities to gain coverage, and the media networking events are a vital way for us to touch base with lots of influential travel journalists."

"TravMedia is the Brighter choice! Our teams use the site to launch campaigns, build networks and respond to journalists’ needs. The TravMedia team is great to work with – we’re contented customers!"

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"TravMedia is an invaluable resource for anyone in the travel industry, providing quick access to a large database of journalists and publications. We use the site daily to launch campaigns and respond to journalists’ needs."

"TravMedia is the easiest way to ensure our press releases reach the most influential travel media around the world and is an essential part of our global media strategy. I have attended numerous global network events with TravMedia and know of no better way to connect with quality media to pitch story ideas and ensure our hotels are part of their editorial plans."

"TravMedia’s Journalist Alert facility has proved very useful. I have also found all of the MediaPlace events useful and have yet to end the night without getting at least one or two good stories. For me, it is the only place to go when I need to contact travel PRs!"

"TravMedia is an essential tool for us to send out our press releases and newsletters. It’s easy to use and reaches press far wider than our own mailing list. We strongly recommend it."

"We joined TravMedia almost from its very start. I credit Travmedia with securing Canada more content than we had prior to its existence."

"TravMedia is my go-to resource for industry news, sourcing content and interview contacts with little lead time. The Daily News update is an essential part of my morning research routine."

"As an editor, TravMedia is an indispensable tool- the press wire, the journalist call outs, the conferences- I’ve developed so many connections and editorial opportunities through their network. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I thoroughly appreciate my involvement."

"TravMedia has been an invaluable service for me as a digital travel editor. I've sourced images, assistance for press trips, weekly travel deals and even writers. I've formed lasting relationships with PRs and tourist boards, which have been key to my success in the industry. "

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"TravMedia's a really useful resource for planning features and keeping up with the latest travel news. The journo request option is particularly useful and always results in some interesting discoveries - it's great if you're working against the clock too."

"We have been working with TravMedia for many years now, and it’s a trusted PR tool that gives us the quickest route to our most influential media partners. There’s also the added benefit of well-attended media events, where we can meet all our target journalists."

"TravMedia lets me get the message of Franklin, Tennessee out to a hyper-targeted list of media covering the travel industry, while also allowing me to keep an eye on industry trends and see what other destinations and media are talking about on a daily basis."

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The Difference Among Travel Media

You’re probably familiar with how the travel media landscape has changed over the past few years – smaller travel sections (or staff) in print publications, a rise in frequency of bloggers and freelancers, and the emergence of social media influencers. These changes in the industry have only been exaggerated by the pandemic. Each one of these travel media types has different expectations and deliverables. That means you and your destination must work with each one differently. To help, let’s take a look at each one.

Traditional Travel Writers

These writers work for a newspaper, magazine, website or other publication. They may have a regular column or specific niche that they write about. But as staff sizes continue to decrease, writers have taken on more beats – broadening their focus from travel to general lifestyle.

Deliverables

An article for their publication published online, in print or both. They publication may also share it across its social media channels. In some rare cases, they may have a photographer take pictures to accompany the piece. The rest of the time, they will lean heavily on your destination to supply high-res photos.

Itineraries

Travel writers are on assignment by their publication. (However, they don’t always have a say in when the article will come out.) This means they have a specific story in mind and unless they are a reviewer, they provide an objective look into a destination. In many cases, their itinerary should be broad. Include the “must-see” stops, best restaurants and most popular activities.

Keep in mind, there may be specific rules from their publication that they must follow. For example, some publications do not accept free products or comped meals, trips and experiences, while others will not cover alcoholic beverages.

Measurement

Print publications are measured by circulation – the number of copies distributed through subscriptions and newsstands. Online publications and articles are measured by unique visitors per month (UVM) or impressions. You can also track the additional reach of an article shared from the publication’s social media. Beyond impressions, we reference the Barcelona Principles to measure the impact of a placement, including whether it appeared in a KPI (key performance indicator) publication, the sentiment or tone of the article, and inclusion of the campaign’s key messages.

Proactive vs. Reactive PR: Why Both are Essential to Your Public Relations Strategy

Freelancers

Freelancers are independent writers that get paid per writing assignment or series of articles. They may work for one publication or website, but more often, write for several publications at a time.

When working with a freelancer, deliverables may not be set in stone upfront. Some will pitch the story (or FAM visit) to the publication(s) to get it assigned, while others look to have their piece picked up afterwards. Some are on assignment by a publication while others look to have their piece picked up afterwards. Since freelancers write for a variety of publications throughout their career, your destination has the opportunity to be covered multiple times in different articles. (Even years after a media FAM!)

For most, the idea of an assignment letter has gone out the window. That means freelancers are looking for a unique story, angle or topic that is likely to get picked up. Work with them to identify stops that are both popular and have a special backstory. You may consider including stops that cover multiple angles (such as unique food scene and your historic sites), that can result in placements in multiple publications.

Articles and publications are measured the same way as for traditional travel writers.

Influencer Outreach and Media FAMs Stimulate Drive Market Visitation for Open Air Museum

Bloggers regularly write content (or posts) for a blog. Some run their own blog while others are part of a network of bloggers, such as Traveling Mom . Most bloggers make money through cost per click advertisements or referral programs.

Bloggers produce blog posts – informal, narrative text entries. Post formats vary but usually have a first-person point of view. Some posts include general overviews or a recap of a trip, while others share numbered lists of the best places to visit, eat, or stay in a destination. Most are accompanied by photographs taken by the blogger.

Because of the story-telling nature of blog posts, bloggers are looking for experiences . They want to get hands-on, knee-deep and up-close-and-personal with your destination. As you choose experiences, be sure they align with the theme or niche of their blog. Mommy bloggers want to see family-friendly stops while craft beverage bloggers would enjoy a gin-making class.

Blogs are measured by unique visitors per month (UVM) or impressions. Bloggers commonly share posts on social media (Pinterest especially!), in newsletters and among niche networks. They may even be able to tell you the number of users that viewed a specific post.

An inside look at working with bloggers.

Influencers

Influencers are the newest content producers to the group. They are known for their loyal social media following that looks to them for recommendations and is willing to take action as a result. Some run their accounts as a side-gig while others focus on social media full-time. In some instances, influencers look to receive compensation for their content. Compensation is becoming more popular since the pandemic, as destinations and brands understand the influence of content creators, and as influencers quit their full-time jobs to focus on their content.

Influencers can offer a variety of deliverables: static posts, videos, ephemeral content (Snapchat, Instagram or Facebook stories), highlight reels, TikToks and going “live.” It’s important to discuss deliverables ahead of time to agree on not only the type of content they will produce but also the angle of it. Set expectations around influencers tagging your or your partners’ accounts, using the appropriate campaign hashtags and geotags. It’s important to have a discussion ahead of time of what works best for your destination, and agree on what they will produce. In addition to their social posts, some influencers also have a blog that they post on.

As you work through their itinerary, think visuals. Skip a world-class museum that doesn’t allow photography. Instead, pick the prettiest view of a park during the best time of day. Unlike traditional travel writers, influencers post from their personal perspective. That means the itinerary process may take longer because influencers want to be sure each spot will spark joy with them (and their followers). Be sure to build in plenty of time at and in between each location. Influencers are known to explore on their own and find a visual you didn’t even think about!

Start with the number followers they have on their social media channels, that’s their potential reach. Then look at the engagement on their posts about your destination: comments, reactions, shares. Ask the influencer for stats on their ephemeral content that disappears after a set time.

Pro tip: For both bloggers and influencers, create packages or promo codes to help track visitation to your destination in response to a post.

Get more insights into working with influencers in our Guide to Influencer Marketing .

Colleen Onuffer

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Forever Dreaming Press Trip Immerses Global Travel Media in California Tourism

By Molly Bloss 05/12/2022

• Tune in: All-new Visit California TV spots premiere in U.S. and Canada Print
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Hosted Media Outlets

• The Globe and Mail, IN Magazine, Travelier (Canada)
• TravelLife Magazine (Canada)
• Luxe Tentations (France)
• Obsession Luxe (France)
• Funke Media Group (Germany)
• Nürnberger Presse (Germany)
• Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany)
• El Heraldo (Mexico)
• El Universal (Mexico)
• City AM, LoveEXPLORING (U.K.)
• The Sun (U.K.)
• TripSavvy (U.S.)

To create a more intimate trip for the journalists, half were flown into San Francisco and half into Los Angeles, with the two groups taking road trips that crossed paths in San Luis Obispo County for a combined group event. The split itineraries allowed for significantly more personal time to explore travel themes, which leads to more relevant and thorough coverage. The journalists visited Monterey County , Los Angeles , San Luis Obispo County / Paso Robles , Santa Barbara and San Francisco . All international markets of were represented in each itinerary, ensuring even coverage of businesses and destinations.

The trip immersed journalists in a wide range of tourism experiences, from e-bike   adventures to VIP museum tours or iconic California fast food like In-N-Out to dinners at local establishments like the historic Stokes Adobe in Monterey. The itinerary also wove between experiences that appeal to more adventurous international audience — Santa Barbara’s “ Funk Zone ” arts district — and classics like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour , a Fogcutter Tour of Alcatraz and a Dodger’s game.  The combined group gathered at the dazzling Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles, a display of more than 17,000 illuminated wine bottles. 

Before their trips, Visit California educated the journalists about the state’s Responsible Travel Code in an effort to encourage and inspire sustainable travel.

• FAMs and Press Trips

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These are tough times.

In light of the spread of COVID-19, those of us who had fantastic national park plans this spring are now sitting at home, imagining all the experiences we might have had had we been able to travel. Some of us hit the road anyway and are trying to find out what is open and closed in our national parks. All these closures are a moving target these days.

The National Park Service is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make its decisions on what to keep open or to close on a daily basis.

Here is information on major parks we cover and the resources you can use to find out more about what each national park is doing to take COVID-19 precautions. In the meanwhile, we hope you stay healthy. It’s hard to stay away from the parks, especially as the weather starts to warm, but we urge you to do what we’re doing right now: dream now and travel later. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and read our weekly enewsletters to get inspired and stay in touch with the places you care so much about.

Arizona Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Death Valley www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/news/coronavirus-covid19-updates

California Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Channel Islands and Death Valley www.myyosemitepark.com/news/coronavirus-covid19-updates

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Media & Film Studies School Trips & Tours

Explore the magic of media and film studies with NST. Our media trips and tours have been specifically designed to give your students an experience they’ll never forget. Choose from a range of fantastic destinations, and we’ll work with you to meet your specific learning requirements to help your media students excel. 

The benefits of media & film studies school trips abroad

Embarking on media and film studies trips abroad offers students a unique and enriching experience, immersing them in diverse cultures and settings, all while deepening their understanding of the global media landscape. 

Pupils will gain first-hand exposure to iconic filming locations, the nuances of cinematic techniques and storytelling, as well as networking opportunities with local media professionals. Beyond academic insights, these media studies trips foster close collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking, and creativity through an array of practical sessions, workshops, tours and much more. 

Browse our Media & Film Studies school trip destinations

We’ve got plenty of incredible Media & Film Studies trips and tours available across the UK and overseas. Check out our selection below, or get in touch with the team for more information. 

London Day Trips

A day trip to London is a great way for media groups to enjoy a low-cost experience in the capital city whilst seeing this dynamic industry in action.

Learn more here

A trip to London provides a vast range of visits covering film, TV & radio, branding, advertising & marketing and print publishing. Popular visits include the British Board of Film Classification, behind the-scenes walking tour at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, The London Film Academy, BFI IMAX Private Screening, Sky Skills Studio, The Museum of Brands and the Guardian newspaper.

Paris offers an eclectic mix of experiences. From a walking tour on a film set to learning why Hollywood directors love filming in Paris and to see the real-life locations that inspired some of the world’s popular and universal stories, such as the Hunchback of Notre Dame, to a backstage tour of Europe’s most famous movie theatre, Les Etoiles du Rex, a media studies tour to Paris is certain to inspire and excite your students.

Berlin rich in historic legacy, yet culturally diverse and dynamic, Berlin is certainly a city of contrasts. With an abundance of creative and media corporations, it has a growing reputation as a city that’s steadily making its mark as a major media location.

Our media & film tours to New York offers an experience like no other, with its varied educational sessions, workshops and tours, plus its general fast pace and excitement, popular visits for media & film studies groups include the New York Film Academy Interactive Sessions, Museum of Moving Image, NBC Studio Tour, Radio City ‘Stage Door’ tour, International Center of Photography and Nintendo World.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is at the heart of America’s media and film industry. From curriculum-linked visits, to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, different cultures and great opportunities for group bonding, it’s a destination that covers all bases and offers a truly memorable school trip experience.

Media LIVE! Conference

Bring media studies to life for your students and show them the many different paths a career in media could take at our Media LIVE! conference - all whilst enjoying the magic of Disneyland® Paris!

Our most popular media & film school trip destinations...

If you’re looking to take your media and film studies group to a great budget destination that comes packed with educational benefits, choose London. There are many experiences in London for film and media studies such as: BFI IMAX Cinema, British Board of Film Classification and the London Film Academy. Here your pupils will be able to experience many places within London and be able to enjoy a West End show in the evening.

Give your pupils a USA style experience they’ll never forget with our fantastic educational sessions, workshops and tours covering topics such as TV and film production, moving image and sound. We work with many top New York media organisations to provide you with an unbeatable media and film trip to this dazzling destination that is guaranteed to leave your students feeling excited and inspired.

Take a look at one of our Media & Film Studies adventures...

Planning your first school trip.

If you're planning your first school trip, our essential guide will take you through each step of the process.

• Choosing your destination
• Gaining approval from your Local Authority and/or your Head
• Promoting your tour in school
• Confirming your booking
• Tailor-make your tour
• Completing your risk assessments (including a sample risk assessment)
• Quick reference timeline
• Pre-tour checklist

Additional support, resources & information:

Tour planning service

With NST, you’ll get your own dedicated, knowledgeable Tour Co-ordinator who’ll work with you from start to finish. You’ll benefit from their unrivalled destination knowledge, and their experience gained from working with many other groups too. They’ll tailor-make your itinerary from scratch and take care of everything for you:

• Pulling together an itinerary that runs smoothly
• Planning the right balance of visits every day with realistic timings
• Pre-arranging and pre-booking your visits, entrance tickets, passes and meals

You’ll receive your final itinerary a full 4-weeks before you travel too.

Free school trip promotion pack

We’ll support you and provide everything you need to advertise your school trip around school and to parents. Our free school trip promotion pack consists of:

• Parents’ letter & permission slip template for you to complete A3 posters to promote your trip around school
• PowerPoint presentation templates which you can tailor to your own needs
• Parents’ leaflets covering how NST manage safety, financial protection and details of our travel insurance
• Online parents’ video which showcases the benefits of taking a school trip

For selected destinations, we’ll provide a trip launch web page using video footage and imagery. This web page is provided by a weblink and can be shared with pupils and parents in many ways.

Risk assessment support including preview visits

Risk assessment plays a vitally important part in the planning and organisation on any school tour. Our risk assessment guide aims to help you understand more about your obligations and how you can more effectively manage group safety on your next educational visit and provide you with risk assessments for your trip. Plus, we can provide you with specific risk assessment templates for geography tours to Iceland, the West Coast USA, the Bay of Naples, the Swiss Alps and French Alps – helping to make planning your trip easier for you.

Planning first school trip

Organising your first school trip can appear to be a daunting process. If you're planning your first school trip, our guide will help to take you through each step of the planning process, answering frequently asked questions and providing tips and support along the way. Our helpful guide covers the following:

View our essential guide to a successful school trip here .

Get live updates on your group's tour location

Locate My Trip uses GPS technology and is the easy, convenient way for your school to follow your location whilst on tour. Specifically designed to provide reassurance to both parents and teachers, NST will know where your group are 24/7. If your schedule needs to change, we’ll put plans in place to keep your tour on track. 

With Locate My Trip your group can also share photos and videos with the school and parents, via a secure link, to keep them updated on your experience whilst you’re away. Watch our short Locate My Trip video here.

Your online school trip organiser - My Tour Manager

Save time and stay on track with your school trip admin with our online orgnaniser - designed to help busy teachers like you. With My Tour Manager, you'll be able to download FREE resources and access trip paperwork online and in one place. Your personalised checklist details what you need to do and by when, plus you'll receive fortnightly reminders too. What's more, you can take all your trip documents on the go whilst on your tour with our app, My Tour Manager-On-the-Go. Find out more and watch out short My Tour Manager video here .

Free classroom resources

We've created a range of free geography resources and educational posters to brighten up your classroom! Take a look at our downloadable posters here .

Speak to one of our school travel experts

Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too! So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.

Why choose NST...

Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...

• Unrivalled knowledge

Your dedicated Media & Film tour co-ordinator will use their unrivalled local knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.

• Making it easier for you

With our online school trip organiser , travel app , free classroom posters and trip launch resources to support your in-school promotion.

• Free group leader inspection visits

We offer a free inspection visit to your chosen destination to support your risk assessment planning. 

• Value for money

We’re committed to bringing you the best possible value trips to help make every penny count.

• More than 50 years’ experience

With over 50 years’ experience , with NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands .

• Risk assessment guidance

Our r isk assessment guidance will help you to manage group safety on your next educational trip.

• Peace of mind

Your group’s location can be followed with our trip tracking device - Locate My Trip - plus you’ll have 24/7 support from us whilst you’re away . ​

• Aligned to current study themes

All of our Media & Film trips are aligned with the current GCSE and A-level curriculums. 

• Offsetting carbon emissions

For every trip taken, we'll plant a Maya nut tree in Peru to support reforestation, local communities & biodiversity. Plus, we'll offset an additional tonne of CO2 to guarantee carbon emission reductions. 

Looking for protection on your next school trip? 

Booking with a school travel company is the best way for you to protect parents’ money and give yourself peace of mind.  

Don’t forget – if your school arranges transport, accommodation and other services directly, you’ll be liable under the Package Travel Regulations – meaning you’ll have all the responsibilities of a travel company, both legal and financial. 

Financial protection from the moment you book

NST are fully bonded:

Managing safety on school trips

For your protection, NST's independently audited Safety Management System covers:

• 24-hour emergency cover
• Audited accommodation & transport
• Excursions & school visit assessment
• Group leader preview visits to assist with risk assessment planning

We're LOtC Council’s Quality Badge assured

The Department for Education advises schools to always look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing a school travel provider.

Media, TV & Film Studies

• New York, USA
• Tailor Made Tour

Share this trip

Who's it for.

• College, University

Key Highlights

• New York Film Academy Workshop
• NBC Studios
• TV & Movie Sites Tour
• Meet a Professional
• Sample Itinerary

Trip Details

About this trip.

FHT can arrange a whole host of subject-related visits including NBC Studios, MOMI, T.V and Movie sights tours, as well as backstage and insider tours to museums, T.V shows and Magazines.

Come and enjoy the bright lights of this big city with FHT Student Group Tours and we will ensure any Media Studies group trip to New York will offer your students the best experience possible and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

5 day itinerary

Use our sample itinerary to help picture what your trip could look like. Our itineraries are flexible, visits and timings will be planned based on your needs.

Select an itinerary:

5 day media, tv & film itinerary.

Arrive New York and transfer to your accommodation

Beat the jet lag with a visit up the Empire State Building, followed by restaurant evening meal.

Midtown Manhattan walking tour to see the main sites of New York including Times Square, Central Park and Broadway.

Visit to the Museum of Moving Images

Catch a Broadway show

Take part in a New York Film Academy Workshop

Guided tour of NBC Studios

Evening meal at Hard Rock Cafe

Free time for last minute sightseeing and shopping.

Depart New York for overnight flight

Arrive back in the UK

Media, TV & Film Studies visits in New York

Other media, tv & film studies visits.

• NBC Studios Go behind the scenes of some of the most well-known TV shows. You will visit the NBC Sharp Globe Theatre, Broadcast Operations, the Make Up room, and even produce your very own news and weather programme.
• TV & Movie Set Tours Choose from a range of coach or walking tours around the city, taking in locations of well-known shows and movies, venues where the stars hang out and even see where your favourite celebrities live. Shows and movies include Friends, Seinfeld, Glee, The Devil Wears Prada, Spiderman, Elf, Hitch and many more. Themed tours include Sex and the City hotspots, Central Park Movie Sites, Gossip Girl Sites and Sopranos Sites.

Ready to start planning your trip?

We can include specific visits in your itinerary, additional visits can be added based on the trip length and needs of the curriculum or teacher.

Recommended Cultural Visits

Other cultural visits.

• 911 Memorial Located on the World Trade Center site this memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honour to the people killed in the terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001.
• One World Observatory  The tallest observatory in the western hemisphere, located at the 911 memorial site, offering spectacular panoramic views of New York.
• TV & Movie Sites Tour Choose from a range of coach or walking tours around the city, taking in locations of well-known shows and movies, venues where the stars hang out and even see where your favourite celebrities live.
• Shopping A trip to New York is not complete without a trip to world famous shops and department stores.
• Restaurants There are many restaurants in New York – our most popular choices being the Hard Rock Café, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Ellen's Diner or smaller restaurants in China Town or Little Italy

Why choose FHT for College & University Trips?

• Award Winning Service
• Trusted By Our Customers
• Expert Tour Planners
• Book with Confidence

At FHT we are passionate about delivering rich travel experiences, which challenge students to think differently and help develop new skills. Our purpose is to further your students study attainment and reinforce their career aspirations, whilst making the trip planning process hassle free for you as the organiser.

FHT Partners & Accreditations

Support and resources for planning your trip

We have been operating school tours for over 35 years so we know a thing or two about planning a school trip. One of the benefits of this is that we have an abundance of knowledge and supporting documents to share with you. In our resources area you will find everything you need for your school trip planning:

• Frequently asked questions
• Parent letters
• Insurance documents
• Risk assessment documents
• Planning tips

Featured Resource

A Guide To Risk Assessment

You need to know you can book with a tour operator who has everything covered for you.

This guide will assist you completing your own risk assessments covering areas such as:

• What is a risk assessment
• Event specific risk assessments
• Emergency procedures

Get a quote today and let’s start our journey together

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Still unsure? Contact our trip planning experts for help

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• Media, TV & Film Studies Trips To New York

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Museum Of Moving Image

• View on Map

This is the only museum in the US dedicated to the art, history and technology of the moving image in all its forms. The permanent exhibition here will immerse you in the creative and technical process of producing and presenting films, TV shows and digital entertainment as well as the history of the moving image. 

Enquire about this trip

Paley Center For Media

The Paley Center is a cultural institution dedicated to the discussion of the cultural, creative and social significance of television, radio and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Instead of collecting artefacts and memorabilia, the Center comprises of screening rooms where you can view over 120,000 commercials, radio shows and TV shows from their library. Visitors can take a tour around the Center, arrange a group screening based on a key topic, or choose an educational session. 

New York Film Academy

An opportunity to visit the world famous acting and film school. Your students can take a tour of the facilities of the Academy followed by a talk about careers in film.

• Empire State Building

Standing at a total of 1454 feet, The Empire State was the world's tallest building for 40 years, from its completion in 1931. 

Located in the centre of Midtown Manhattan, the 86th and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond.

Sixteen floors above the 86th Floor Observatory, the Empire State Building’s Top Deck provides the most spectacular views of the city. From here, this is where Central Park comes into full view and on a clear day, you can see beyond the skyscrapers up to eighty miles away.

Why visit the Empire State Building?

• Breath-taking views
• Iconic landmark
• Perfect photo opportunities 

Midtown Manhattan Guided Walking Tour

As always the best way to get around and see a city is on foot, especially when looking at it from a historical perspective. A Midtown Manhattan walking tour during your business studies school trip to New York is the best way to see some iconic sights in a very short time. You tour can include Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, 42nd street, Central Park and Times Square or can be tailored to suit your choices.

Tour highlights

The destinations of your tour can be tailored to suit your needs, with many iconic landmarks to choose from, such as:

• Rockefeller Center
• Fifth Avenue
• 42nd street
• Central Park
• Times Square

Downtown Manhattan & Financial District Guided Walking Tour

This tour of Lower Manhattan includes visits to some of the most famous financial areas of New York City. On a business studies trip to New York, your students will get the chance to experience the energy and excitement of one of the world’s foremost financial hubs first-hand.

The destinations of your tour can be tailored to whatever is of interest to you and your students, with many iconic landmarks to choose from, such as:

• Wall Street
• New York Stock Exchange
• Battery Park
• The Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues
• 9/11 Memorial
• Trinity Church
• One World Observatory

Broadway Show

Give your students an experience to remember by arranging a trip to a Broadway show. They’ll really go home with the ‘WOW’ factor. Current popular shows are Lion King, Wicked, Disney’s Aladdin, Chicago, Hamilton and Back to the Future.

We can arrange tickets for a range of popular shows, both on and off Broadway. Our advice is to keep your choices and budget flexible, prices can get high for popular shows. 

Top of the Rock

The observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center provides a unique 360-degree view of New York, including the Empire State Building.

Why visit the Rockefeller Center?

• See historic art and architecture
• Observe New York City in 360 degrees, from the pinnacle of the Rockefeller Center’s 70 floors
• During winter months, ice skate at the world-famous and iconic rink
• Get a unique look at the landmark building in the Rockefeller Center Tour

Ellis Island Immigration Museum & Statue of Liberty Cruise

Two fantastic visits in one! Your island cruise allows you to hop off at the Statue of Liberty Monument - the first sight for millions of immigrants, and then Ellis Island itself. The fascinating museum holds the history of the 12 million immigrants who passed through the old immigration centre. Today, the descendants of those immigrants account for almost half of the American people. A 45-minute audio tour, invites visitors to relive the immigrant experience as if they were the "new arrival."

Why visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum & Statue of Liberty Cruise?

• Learn about your own history
• Widen your cultural understanding
• Witness these dual symbols of freedom and hope in real life

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How travellers use social media (step-by-step).

• September 28, 2023

Social media in tourism

We’re all aware that people are highly engaged on social media in their day-to-day lives. However, have you ever wondered about the specific ways in which people use social media regarding travel? In this article, we’ll explore the roles of social media before, during, and after travel. We’ll wrap up with some practical tips on connecting with travellers effectively through social media.”

In this article

Step 1: before travel, step 2: during travel, step 3: after travel, tips to interact with travellers.

A large group of travellers turn to social media as a source of inspiration for their upcoming adventures. In particular Instagram , TikTok and Facebook, in particular, are great sources of travel photos and videos shared by friends, travel bloggers, and influencers. These posts have a profound influence on a traveller’s choice of their next destination.

Remarkably, over 50% of individuals actively engage with pages and content that align with the trips they’re planning. As a travel business it’s important to establish an online visibility to this group. One effective strategy is to consistently share visual content. Show them different aspects of what makes your trips unique like:

• Destinations
• Accommodations
• Tours and excursions
• Restaurants

By showcasing these elements, you can leave an impression on potential travellers and encourage them to explore the remarkable experiences your tours have to offer.

Travellers frequently rely on their smartphones throughout their trips, actively engaging with social media to discover inspiration for their destination. They enthusiastically share their experiences in various forms, including photos and videos of their surroundings, along with reviews of activities and restaurants.

Invite your customers to share their travel experiences in real-time while they are on the go. It’s during these moments that people are most inclined to post freshly captured photos or videos on social media. These user-generated posts effortlessly inspire not only their own friends and family but also your potential customers.

Research shows that people are most influenced by consumer-created content, as opposed to professional brand content and influencer content.

Once travellers return from their trip, they become highly active on social media. They eagerly share their recent experiences and often resharing complete photo albums. This results in a large number of posts on the various social media platforms on which your target group is frequently active. Moreover, many travellers take the time to write detailed reviews of accommodations, activities, and restaurants.

It’s at this stage that you can gently remind them of the value of sharing their after-travel experiences, photos, and videos. Express your enthusiasm for their contributions.

With social media, interaction is key. Use the following practical tips to interact with your target group:

Choose your social media platforms wisely

Start by identifying the social media platforms where your ideal target audience is most active. It’s better to maintain an active presence on a select few platforms rather than spreading yourself thin across numerous ones. Focus on the platforms where your target audience engages the most and where you can consistently share valuable and relevant content. Common platforms in the tourism industry include:

Be available for communication and support

Social media platforms provide an easy means for travellers to reach out and communicate directly with travel businesses. Make sure you’re available to answer their inquiries. Approach every interaction with a friendly and helpful demeanor, and strive to respond promptly to their messages and questions.

Invite travellers to share and tag your business

Encourage your customers to share their travel experiences on social media and invite them to tag your business in their posts. Many travellers are eager to share their trips, and your involvement can be as simple as requesting them to share their experiences. Seek their permission to repost their content on your business page to further engage.

Respond to travellers’ posts and tags

Demonstrate your genuine interest in your customers while they’re traveling by actively engaging with their posts and tags. Take the time to respond, share in their enthusiasm, and celebrate their experiences. This interaction can increase customer loyalty , as travellers are more likely to engage with companies they value and trust.

Ask for reviews and respond to them

Actively seek feedback from your customers by requesting reviews. This feedback is invaluable for assessing and improving your travel experiences. Positive reviews can serve as powerful marketing tools, showcasing your strengths.

When addressing negative reviews, maintain a polite and constructive approach. Resolve issues, communicate the steps you’re taking to fix the situation, and be transparent and honesty. Handling negative feedback professionally can often turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Let your voice be heard

Establishing a strong presence on social media, as a travel business, holds immense potential. It’s not just about being there when travelers require assistance; it’s about continuously inspiring them—before, during, and after their trip. Beyond serving as a direct means of communication with travellers, social media offers an invaluable platform for promoting the content you create as part of your content marketing strategy.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Hi Anne & Rik I found this article really useful and fits in perfectly to the social media marketing that we are planning after revamping our website. Cheers

Glad to hear the article is helpful for your own social media strategy. Are there any topics in particular you’d like to read about regarding your website renewal? We’re always looking for inspiration to write about in the future to help tour operators become better.

Kind regards, Rik

Hello Rik. Would like to know the best approach for a new tour operator who has not had visitors to write reviews etc how can one get travellers especially to the business page say on Facebook? Thanks.

This is a bit difficult since you need your reviews to be from actual travellers. First things first, your entire business should be ready for your first customers. If you deliver a great tour, they’ll be happy to write you a review.

Until then, try to post excellent content that give social media followers insight in your destinations, offer and business.

Rik van den Brink

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

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Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Tracee Ellis Ross Sets ‘Tracee Travels’ Docuseries With Roku Originals (EXCLUSIVE)

By Angelique Jackson

Angelique Jackson

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Tracee Ellis Ross is packing her bags and inviting audiences to join her solo travel adventures with the new Roku Original series “Tracee Travels.”

The series will chronicle the award-winning actor (“Girlfriends,” “Black-ish,” and most recently the Oscar-winning film “American Fiction”) and Pattern CEO and founder as she “meticulously, laboriously, and sometimes ridiculously prepares for and travels solo to spectacular locations.” The series will shoot later this year, following Ross as she “charts her own path, exploring the intersection of beauty, fashion, design, food and culture at each stop.”

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The docuseries is produced by Ross’ Joy Mill Entertainment and Artists First, with Ross and E. Brian Dobbins serve as executive producers. Adriana Ambriz and Caroline Soss serve as co-executive producers. The series is overseen by Olivia LaRoche, Roku Originals’ head of alternative originals. The first season’s locations will be announced at a later date.

“No one travels like Tracee Ellis Ross — when it comes to going solo in style, she’s the expert,” adds Brian Tannenbaum, Roku Media’s head of originals. “We can’t wait to partner with Tracee, Joy Mill Entertainment and Artists First to take viewers on the trip of a lifetime and witness the delight of self-discovery and independence.”

“Tracee Travels” will debut exclusively on the Roku Channel in 2025.

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Blinken raises Chinese trade practices in meetings with officials in the financial hub of Shanghai

SHANGHAI — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised what the U.S. describes as unfair Chinese trade practices during his first full day of meetings in China on Thursday with local government officials in the financial hub of Shanghai.

Blinken met with the city’s top official, Communist Party Secretary Chen Jining, and “raised concerns about (Chinese) trade policies and non-market economic practices,” the State Department said in a statement.

It said he stressed that the United States seeks healthy economic competition with China and “a level playing field for U.S. workers and firms operating in China.”

“The two sides reaffirmed the importance of ties between the people of the United States and (China), including the expansion of exchanges between students, scholars, and business,” it said.

China’s multibillion-dollar trade surplus with the U.S. along with accusations of intellectual property theft and other practices seen as discriminating against U.S. businesses in China have long been a source of friction in relations.

China, for its part, has objected strongly to U.S. accusations of human rights abuses and Washington’s support for Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing considers its own territory and warns could be annexed by force.

Asked about Blinken’s comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China has “always conducted economic and trade cooperation in accordance with market principles, firmly supported the multilateral trading system, and fully complied with the rules of the World Trade Organization.”

“We hope the U.S. will also earnestly respect the principle of fair competition, abide by the WTO rules, and work with China to create favorable conditions for the sound and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Wang told reporters at a daily briefing.

Blinken also spoke with students and business leaders before flying to Beijing for what are expected to be contentious talks with national officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and possibly President Xi Jinping.

Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday shortly before U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid package that has several elements likely to anger Beijing, including $8 billion to counter China’s growing aggressiveness toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea. It also seeks to force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform.

China has railed against U.S. assistance to Taiwan and immediately condemned the aid as a dangerous provocation. It also strongly opposes efforts to force TikTok’s sale.

Still, the fact that Blinken made the trip — shortly after a conversation between Biden and Xi, a visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and a call between the U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs — is a sign the two sides are at least willing to discuss their differences.

“I think it’s important to underscore the value — in fact, the necessity — of direct engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are real, seeking to work through them,” Blinken told Chen, according to the State Department statement.

“We have an obligation for our people, indeed an obligation to the world, to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly,” he said. “That is the obligation we have, and one that we take very seriously.”

Chen agreed with that sentiment and said the recent Biden-Xi call had helped the “stable and healthy development of our two countries’ relationship.”

“Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries, and the future of humanity,” he said.

Chen added that he hoped Blinken was able to get a “deep impression and understanding” of Shanghai, a city of skyscrapers, ports and more than 25 million people that is a magnet for commercially ambitious young people from China and abroad.

Most recently, the U.S. has raised concerns that potential overcapacity in Chinese industries — such as electric vehicles, steel and solar panels — might crowd out U.S. and other foreign manufacturers.

Shortly after arriving, Blinken attended a Chinese basketball playoff game between the local Shanghai Sharks and the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, with the home team losing in the last seconds in a 121-120 nailbiter.

With the U.S. presidential race heating up, it’s unclear what ramifications a victory for either Biden or former President Donald Trump might have for relations. But Trump could deepen a trade war he started during his first term. His tough rhetoric on China and isolationist approach to foreign policy could ramp up uncertainties.

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April 22, 2024

Amtrak completes upgrades at durham station.

Customers will experience more accessible path to travel

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is excited to announce renovations at the Durham Station are now complete. The $1.5 million project to improve the station is part of the ongoing and companywide commitment at Amtrak to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers.

The Amtrak Carolinian and Piedmont provide daily service to the station at 601 W. Main Street. The services are sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and operated by Amtrak and paid for through state funding and passenger fares. The trains operate between Raleigh and Charlotte, with the Carolinian continuing service to New York.

“Providing an accessible travel experience is a priority and we’re actively advancing construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across our national network,” Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera said. “We are pleased we delivered these improvements to the Durham station and for our customers and community.”

The renovation project included the installation of new doors and an automatic system for customers to enter and exit the station, and upgrades to the men’s and women’s restrooms. A new fire alarm system and signs were installed. A cane detection rail, a horizontal bar, was installed at the bottom of the ticket counter. The bar is detectable by a person who uses a cane, and it will alert them the counter is within their path.

Customers will access new accessible pathways extending from the parking lot to the station and platform, and accessible parking spaces. The station features new signs along the platform, parking lot and customer drop off area.

“The Federal Railroad Administration is excited about the upgrades completed at Durham Station, and we are proud of our work with Amtrak to ensure more Americans have access to the passenger rail service they need and deserve, which very much includes Americans with disabilities, our aging population, and others who rely on and benefit from accessible and convenient passenger rail,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the federal government is investing well over a billion dollars in rail projects and planning activities across North Carolina, and we will continue to invest even more across the country.”

Amtrak has invested more than $850 million since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 120 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities. The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks, and renovations to entranceways and restrooms, with 20 stations brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act last year. Another 35 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year at a forecasted investment of $165 million.

Our program is advancing 140 station designs and 43 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.

“Accessibility to everyone is an important part of the total passenger experience,” Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director said. “Working with Amtrak and local partners to ensure safe, accessible and convenient travel guarantee future growth and success of passenger rail in North Carolina and beyond.”

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)

“The upgrades at Durham Station will make North Carolinians experience traveling on Amtrak easier, safer, and more accessible,” Senator Thom Tillis said. “Amtrak’s investment in Durham is another example of their commitment to improving customer experience and rail service across our state.”

Leonardo Williams, Durham Mayor

“The Durham Station provides many of our residents an alternative mode of transportation across the state and beyond. I am excited about these renovations, as these upgrades will increase accessibility and enhance rail travel for those in need here in Durham,” Mayor Leonardo Williams said.

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‘Cliched’: Turkish-Germans react as president brings kebab on Istanbul trip

Frank-Walter Steinmeier faces backlash on social media as Turkish diaspora argue move fails to treat them as equals

Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, raised hackles at home during a visit to Turkey this week by serving up kebabs at a reception in Istanbul, a gesture of cross-cultural exchange many in the diaspora said reduced their contributions to an offensive cliche.

Steinmeier himself took a long, sharp blade to 60kg of meat on a skewer brought specially from Berlin, and included Arif Keleş, a third-generation snack shop owner, in his delegation during the three-day trip.

With bilateral relations at a low ebb, Steinmeier said in Istanbul the döner diplomacy during his first visit as head of state was aimed at highlighting the accomplishments of Germany’s 2.7 million people who have roots in Turkey .

But prominent Turkish-Germans took to social media to blast what they saw as a clumsy attempt to represent descendants of the 1960s “guest worker” programme, failing to take them seriously or treat them as equals.

The journalist Ozan Demircan pointed to a deep bench of accomplished people Steinmeier could have chosen to highlight, including the BioNTech founders, Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, or the film director İlker Çatak, who was nominated for an Oscar this year.

“Millions of guest workers helped build the German ‘Wirtschaftswunder’,” Demircan said on X, referring to the postwar “economic miracle”.

“And the German president brings a döner kebap maker to Turkey,” he added.

A Turkish-German scientist discovered the most effective COVID vaccine. A turkish-German moviemaker was nominated for an Oscar. Millions of guest workers helped build the German “Wirtschaftswunder”. And the German president brings a döner kebap maker to Turkey 🥙🫠 https://t.co/6IiMuF48El — Ozan Demircan (@ozmuhabir) April 22, 2024

Tuncay Özdamar from the public broadcaster WDR criticised the choice to spotlight the handheld snack as “from yesterday” and “cliched”: “If you visit Italy you don’t bring pizza,” he said.

As the row risked overshadowing a celebration of 100 years of diplomatic relations, Jörg Lau, an international correspondent at Die Zeit, simply posted: “C.R.I.N.G.E.”.

However, Keleş, whose grandfather worked for years in a German factory before opening his own restaurant in 1986, said before the trip that he was proud Steinmeier was taking him “to the home of my ancestors”, telling AFP it was a “great honour”.

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The delicacy of thinly sliced meat grilled on an upright rotisserie was introduced to Germany by Turkish migrants, who adapted it for local tastes.

Topped with chopped vegetables and slathered with garlic or chilli sauce, the döner kebab reigns as one of Germany’s most popular dishes.

German kebab sales total an estimated €7bn a year. Steinmeier said in Turkey that he was also partial to the dish.

Ties between Berlin and Ankara have been marred by a range of disputes including over the Gaza war and German criticism of an erosion of democratic norms under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan . Turkish-Germans have also long criticised economic and social exclusion.

• Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

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