Right now I am sitting in the Star Lounge at LAX, enjoying a glass of complimentary Cabernet from the open bar. I already had a cappuccino and some cookies. Life is good.
But make no mistake: this is not how I normally roll.
Sometimes people ask me what a “press trip” is. (I am going to Tokyo on a press trip today.) A press trip sends journalists, writers, and editors to other places in hopes that they will write about those places. A magazine or newspaper does not assign a story and then pay for the writer to go (who has the money?). Rather, a tourism board, or a new hotel, or even a renovated nightclub will fly members of the media to the place they hope will get exposure or publicity. They try to show the writers a good time in hopes that they’ll write nice things (“give good ink”) about the place and that someone will publish it. Often, there is a tour of some sort, special meals, even a hotel massage.
Because of this, I have been able to travel to some awesome places—and fly/stay way nicer than I usually do. It’s a bit confusing because normally I’ll be on a Southwest flight, sitting in a middle seat by the bathroom. But every once in a while…
I’m thinkin’ Japan needs visitors. Singapore Airlines has a new direct flight from LAX to Tokyo, and they’ve invited some of us over there, and Shangri-La Hotel is putting us up!
When I lived and worked (on a mag staff) in New York, I turned down a lot of trips because the editors there make you feel so guilty about leaving the office. Everyone is crazed and deadline-panicked all the time. The work ethic you need to have requires you to rethink your values.
But I have such a cool boss in San Diego. Like me, she is a native San Diegan. Initially, she was invited on this trip, and then she passed it to me. (Lucky day!) I still feel bad leaving the September issue unfinished, but she made a good point that is one I always forget: I don’t make enough money to travel like this, so I should take it. True, true! Guilt be gone.
People think I have such a glamorous life, and it does feel fab at times, but I’ve always said—you can’t pay your rent with a free iPod, Nike shoes, or a trip to Tokyo.
And that’s why I’m moving into a studio with no stove or oven. But I’ll be okay.
Winky, winky.
JEALOUS! Have a great time. Maybe these trips don’t pay your rent, but you are having awesome life experiences, right?!
Thanks, Amber! Yes, I am rich with experience. And I’m grateful!
Sounds amazing! The line about how none of these fabulous perks pay the rent rings so true to me. I’m in a similar situation–but I’m happy to see you’re getting to travel the world–something most people who can pay the rent don’t even bother to do. Have a great trip!
Have a great time in Tokyo. The food is awesome! Enjoy you deserve it.
I’ve heard people can do amazing things with Bunsen burners. I have never actually met these people but in the immortal words of Tim Gunn, I’m sure you can “make it work.”
P.S. Don’t the perks of learning about and experiencing some pretty amazing things made up for the relatively meager pay in journalism/publishing? Just a little?
My brother makes way more money than I do but he once told our mom he thinks that of the two of us, I’m happier.
@Trina, interesting about your brother thinking you’re happier! That guy is cool! And you get 50 points for quoting Tim Gunn.
He’s just jealous that I get to help rate food-and-wine pairings and partake of test kitchen goodies.
(I work for a magazine.)