Many people dream of becoming travel writers, envisioning a life of luxury travel, exotic destinations, and effortless storytelling. While the perks are undeniable, the reality, especially when it comes to press trips, is often far more demanding than it appears. For those considering travel writing as a career, understanding the true nature of these trips is a crucial writing topic. Travel by plane to exciting locations is just the starting point; the real work begins upon arrival.
“Press trips are wonderful, but they are often exhausting,” notes Jennifer, a seasoned travel writer. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry. The glamorous image of sipping cocktails by the pool quickly fades when faced with the relentless schedule and constant pressure to create compelling content. Imagine arriving at a decadent hotel room, not to unwind, but to rush through a shower and change before yet another dinner event. Evenings, often perceived as downtime, are frequently filled with networking obligations and, crucially, content creation. As Jennifer explains, “you know to keep your hosts (and PRs) happy you should post that Insta story, which means gathering facts and editing photos to present the highlights of your destination.” This constant need to be “on” and producing content blurs the lines between work and leisure, turning what might seem like a vacation into a high-pressure work assignment.
Veteran travel writer Kerry Heaney of Eat Drink and Be Kerry further emphasizes this point, stating that travel writers on press trips typically “fit three times the activities they would do into every day.” This packed itinerary, while offering incredible access and experiences, comes at a cost. “It means we get great stories and see a tremendous amount but it’s sometimes exhausting,” Kerry admits. The intense pace is often facilitated by meticulous organization behind the scenes, allowing writers to experience a region’s highlights efficiently. However, this efficiency often sacrifices the opportunity for genuine immersion and relaxation. Kerry poignantly illustrates this with the example of a half-day boat trip before catching a plane that afternoon. “Most people would just relax by the pool and pack at leisure,” she points out, highlighting the stark contrast between the travel writer’s experience and that of a typical tourist.
Digital influencer Kerri McConnel from Beer and Croissants offers a detailed look into the daily grind of a press trip. She approaches each trip with unwavering dedication, striving to deliver maximum value to her hosts. Her account paints a vivid picture of the sheer workload involved. “I am currently on a famil with a solid itinerary, where we are covering many brands at once,” Kerri shares. “Our days are very full and most evenings have finished around 11pm. This isn’t because we’ve been kicking back having a few drinks either.” These late nights are not for leisure but for business, often involving dinners hosted by senior management, demanding focused engagement and professional interaction. Throughout the day, travel writers are constantly “listening, taking notes and thinking about the angle for our stories and what questions we need to have answered in order to do so. Then there’s the photos and videos.”
For writers like Kerri, who manage their own websites, the responsibilities extend far beyond simply writing articles. “As someone who writes for my own website, there’s so much more to do than just my articles,” Kerri explains. Content creation becomes a multi-faceted task, encompassing hundreds of photos and videos captured in diverse formats to suit various platforms like websites, Instagram, and Facebook. The technical demands are significant. “A video for Instagram stories must be shot vertically and only for 15 seconds whilst clips for a YouTube,FB and website video must be shot horizontally,” she details. This often necessitates shooting each scene twice, juggling multiple devices – DSLRs, iPhones, drones, GoPros – and accessories like gimbals and selfie sticks.
Even after the day’s scheduled activities conclude, the work continues late into the night. “At night when the official duties are finished I then need to download and categorise the images and video to ensure that if I have an equipment failure I don’t lose my content. Then there’s the curating and post-processing,” Kerri describes. The post-production process is time-consuming; a seemingly short two-minute video can take up to two days to edit and produce. Furthermore, social media engagement is a continuous requirement. Even during brief moments of transit, travel writers are often found “on the phone posting Instagram stories or Facebook posts or just generally trying to get some traction with social media.” This isn’t simply about casual posting; it requires strategic thinking about image selection, captioning, and tagging to maximize engagement.
In conclusion, while the allure of travel writing, especially trips involving travel by plane to captivating destinations, is strong, it’s essential to recognize the demanding reality behind the scenes. Press trips are far from leisurely vacations; they are intensive work assignments requiring long hours, constant content creation, and significant business acumen. For aspiring travel writers, understanding this reality is crucial for setting realistic expectations and preparing for the challenges and rewards of this dynamic profession.
