Thanks to Bob Ecker for this excellent overview of press trip etiquette:

Most Travel Writers have experienced various forms of Press Trips throughout the years, but for new writers, or for those who haven’t joined on these trips recently, here are a few basic tips that can make Press Trip experience rewarding for both guests, and hosts.

Pre Trip:

* Reply, or RSVP to trip hosts on time. If the host asks for responses by the 15th, don’t reply back on the 17th and expect to be included. Trip hosts have many items to juggle, and the least writers can do is respond promptly with all information requested.

* Ask your trip host all kinds of questions about the trip that may coincide with your interests and/or outlets. Hosts are usually welcoming and value your ideas which may in turn lead to published copy. They can often arrange

Lynn Ferrin on Press Trips

February 8, 2004 | Comments Off

Thanks to Lynn Ferrin, long-time freelance travel writer who was a travel magazine editor for 37 years, for this in-depth discussion of press trips and other “perks” travel writers should think carefully about:

“You’re probably aware that subsidies and “freebies” are one of the thorniest issues in the travel writing profession.