PRESS Trip: Rosarito Beach, Mexico

Place: Rosarito Beach, Mexico

Date: January 26-29, 2009

Up to six writers on assignment can go on its four-day, three-night Total Experience visit from January 26 through January 29. Rosarito Beach, located 20 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border, is a a scenic destination for all ages and every budget, one where old and new California meet.

Highlight:

• fresh lobster at world famous Puerto Nuevo.
• favorite spot for Amrican shoppers.
• original art and Mexican artifacts.
  
• new oceanfront condos.
• Outdoor activities abound, from golf to surfing to parasailing to horseback riding.
• spas

Itinery:

• January 26 Check-in at Rosarito Beach Hotel, which has hosted stars from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra.
• Welcome dinner at 6 p.m.
  
• Visit to Baja Studios, spa treatments, Puerto Nuevo lobster dinner, area tours and a choice of recreational activities.
• January 29 Check-out.
  

What's Covered:

• lodging and all scheduled tour activities.
  

What's Not Covered:

• airfare, tips and expenses for unscheduled meals and activities.
  
• Writers can share lodging with one guest, but expenses for guest activities are not included.

To apply, send firm letter of assignment from specific media outlet and three published articles by Jan. 5 to Ron Raposa at ronraposa@hotmail.com, contact phone: +1 619-948-3740.

Press Tour: New Mexico Ski Resorts

Destinations:

• Santa Fe: Ski Santa Fe
• Angelfire: Angelfire Resort
• Red River: Red River Ski Area
• Taos: Taos Ski Valley
  

Date: January 13 to January 18 2009 (Tue - Sun)

Activities:
* Cross Country skiing
* Snow Boarding
* Snowshoeing
* Snow mobile tour
* Shopping
* Hiking
* Eco-Tourism

Itinery:
Tuesday, January 13th
Upon arriving at the Albuquerque Sunport, we will drive north to the Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, about an hour from the airport.

The Inn on the Alameda:
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, between the historic Plaza and the art-filled galleries of Canyon Road, the Inn on the Alameda is the ideal downtown location for Santa Fe Lodging, perfect for exploring the world-class museums, unusual shopping, fine restaurants and local Santa Fe festivities that define this unique destination.

Inn on the Alameda
303 East Alameda, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Toll-free: 888-984-2121
Phone: 505-984-2121
Fax: 505-986-8325
info@inn-alameda.com
www.inn-alameda.com

Wednesday, January 14th
The Ski Area:
Ski Santa Fe is located just 16 miles from historic downtown Santa Fe. At a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the continental United States. With vistas atop Ski Santa Fe, guests can enjoy the thrills of steep bump runs, powder filled chutes, and gladed tree-skiing. Whether you're a first time skier or a seasoned veteran, Ski Santa Fe offers something for everyone.

Ski Santa Fe Ski Santa Fe
2209 Brothers Road
Suite 220
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tel: 505 982 4429
Snow Report: 505 983 9155
www.skisantafe.com

Thursday, January 15th
The scenic drive to Angel Fire, NM is two hours northeast and crosses into the Carson National Forest. Its name stems from the angel fire that lights the high peaks at sunrise and sunset, and is truly something you have to see to believe.

The Resort
The Angel Fire Resort offers warm and cozy lodging, ideal for on-the-go travelers. Located only steps from the ski deck and Chile Express chairlift; the hotel is an ideal place to begin and end your day.

The Ski Area
The Angel Fire Resort Mountain is indeed the most varied terrain in New Mexico. A ten-acre glade skiing area is new this winter, making it the third glade ski area created in the past three seasons. The mountain includes 72 trails on 500 + ski-able acres, two terrain parks, extensive cross-country trails, a four-lane tubing hill and New Mexico's only freestyle half-pipe.

Angel Fire Resort Ski Angel Fire Resort
10 Miller Lane
Angel Fire, NM 87710
Tel: 575-377-6401
www.angelfireresort.com

Friday, January 16th
The Ski Area
The Red River Ski Area, historically a mining town, is today known as the "Ski Town of the Southwest" With an average of 18 feet of snow each year, and plenty of sun, it is easy to see how this small ski town has made a name for itself as a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Angel Fire Resort Ski Red River Ski Area
400 Pioneer Road
Red River, NM 87558
Tel: 505 754 2223
http://redriverskiarea.com

Saturday, January 17th
The town of Taos is an hour's drive south of Red River. The town of Taos is seated on the high desert mesa at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Rich with art and steeped in history, Taos, NM has something for everyone.

The Historic Taos Inn is a quintessential New Mexico inn located in the heart of Taos' historic district. The ambience is captivating and the location ideal for anyone visiting Taos. It is easy to see why National Geographic Traveler has claimed the Historic Taos Inn as "One of America's Greatest Inns."

The Historic Taos Inn
125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte
Taos, NM 87571
Tel: 505 758 2233
http://taosinn.com

Ski Area
Taos Ski Valley is a unique alpine destination, located 20 minutes up the mountain from the town of Taos. Village businesses are locally owned and operated by people who appreciate the community. Taos Ski Valley is surrounded by majestic peaks and unspoiled National Forest, creating an authentic destination for any traveler.

Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
Tel: 866 968 7386
www.skitaos.org
www.taosskivalley.com

Sunday, January 18th
You will be shuttled to the Albuquerque Sunport to catch your flight home.

This FAM is all inclusive. Air travel within the US, transportation on the ground in NM, hotel accommodations, the majority of meals and of course the equipment rentals and skiing will be provided.

*itinerary is subject to change*

Contact:
Rachel Mason
Ballantines PR
Rachel@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1 505 216 0889
Mobile: +1 740 525 0866

PRESS TRIP: King Pacific Lodge, British Columbia, Canada

King Pacific Lodge, A Rosewood Resort, is a 17-room luxury wilderness lodge located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in Gitga'at territory along the central coast of British Columbia.

Who can apply?
Professional travel or lifestyle writers on assignment for Luxury Publications can apply for Individual Media Visits to experience the lodge and its surroundings.
What's included?
King Pacific Lodge will cover air transportation from Vancouver International Airport to/from the lodge, accommodations including all food & beverage and select activities such as unlimited ocean water fishing, wildlife exploration, kayaking, and hiking.

Period Open for Visits:
May - September, 2009. 3 to 4 days stays are available.

Contact: Elizabeth Fitzgerald, The Limtiaco Company at fitzgerea@earthlink.net.

For additional information, visit www.kingpacificlodge.com.

Freelance writer for short 'city' articles (Austin, Texas)

An international publisher of travel and destination guides for over 300 cities worldwide, and are always looking for interesting writers to contribute to their ever expanding guides.

You'll be writing about the places withing Austin that you know best - the hidden gems that make your city so appealing to tourists and locals a like!

They're looking for new restaurants, must visit cafés, or any self proclaimed "Hot Spot" that should be included within a travel guide for Austin.

There's no need for a formal resumé, but please provide a short background of your writing history. Mention the name of the city for which you're applying in the title of your email.

Compensation: USD $10 per submission

Reply to: gigs-961583032@craigslist.org

College/High School Travel Writers Wanted for National Web Publisher (Anywhere USA)

Freelance… this is a paid position.

StudentsInEurope.com is getting ready to launch with information and deals for students who want to study abroad or travel in Europe.

They want to motivate, inspire and entertain students with well-written, fast-moving articles about your experiences with study abroad programs and travel in Europe. Great opportunity for aspiring college journalists. Will review articles already published in college papers.

Most articles will be 500 to 1,000 words.
Compensation: US$40 to US$90 per article.

To apply, send a resume and 3 or 4 writing samples to gigs-953264264@craigslist.org

* Location: Anywhere USA
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: $40 to $90 per article.

Freelance Writers for Cityguide

Cityguide Publishing, Boca Raton, FL

Looking to hire freelancers for articles about Reno, Lake Tahoe or Fort Myers for publication of cityguide which can be seen at:

www.reno.net
www.laketahoe.net
www.fortmyers.net

All work must be original and exclusively published on our sites.

Pay will range from US$50 to US$150 per article based on length, writer's experience and subject matter.

Resources: www.freelancejobopenings.com

PRESS Trip: New Zealand Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

We have an unusual editorial opportunity. Auckland will host the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2009), a yacht racing series created with an America's Cup atmosphere. It's a unique opportunity to place writers on board Team New Zealand's boat and basically be part of the team. Writers will be able to spend a day with team members and walk around their base (not open to the public). We are not looking for an ordinary sailing tale but instead have the series be part of a broader story of what New Zealand has to offer as a destination – in adventure, luxury, culinary, culture, etc. Only firm assignment(s) with top publications will be considered.

Contact:
Steven Lai at Stevenl@spring-obrien.com or call +1 212-620-7100 ext. 251

Deadline: Jan 16, 2009

Press Trip: Canada's Winery

Destinations: Experience Mission Hill Family Estate, Canada's Winery of the Year

Mission Hill Family Estate, Canada's Winery of the Year, is internationally recognized for its award-winning wines, architecture, Cuisine de Terroir-based Terrace restaurant and championing the Okanagan as an international sought after wine region. The von Mandl Family's 23 vineyard Estates are located in five distinct growing regions of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Proprietor Anthony von Mandl and winemaker John Simes produce elegant internationally acclaimed wines with New World flavours and Old World refinement from this incomparable lakeside mountaintop winery.

Interested wine, travel and lifestyle journalists - on assignment - are invited to contact Laura Serena at laura@immediapr.com for media visits beginning April 2009.

http://www.missionhillwinery.com/

Travel guide writers needed

Fastcheck AB is based in Gothenburg, Sweden and produces online travel guides. www.arrivalguides.com

They're currently in need of someone to write guides for the below cities:
Sau Paulo
Rio
Cancun
Los Cabos

Payment will be in Euro and the guide(s) need to be finished by Christmas.

For more information please email: nouna.andersson@fastcheck.se

PRESS TRIP: Breckenridge, Colorado - International Snow Sculpture Championships

PRESS TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT: Experience the transformation of snow into art at Breckenridge's International Snow Sculpture Championships

DESTINATION: Breckenridge, Colorado

DATES: Any time between January 20 – 25, 2009


INCLUSIONS: Lodging and a press pass to Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships. Some meals and activities included. Airfare and transportation assistance may be available to qualified journalists.

EXCLUSIONS: Hard alcohol, gratuities, activities away from the property and all personal purchases.

JOURNALIST REQUIREMENTS: Seeking one or two journalists on assignment with a major outdoor publication, daily newspaper travel section or a major travel publication. If you are a freelancer, you may be eligible for this trip, however writers with assignments will be given priority. Please provide clips or links to current articles or publications. Journalists will be considered based on the criteria of national exposure, circulation of publication and Letter of Assignment.

DESCRIPTION: Experience the visual grace of the creation and exhibition of fleeting art. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships return to the Victorian mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado for the 19th year from January 20-25, 2009.

For the 2009 event,16 teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from nine countries including Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. Snow Sculpting is attended annually by more than 30,000 people of all ages from across America and the world and has ben named by USA Today as "one of the top 10 ways to celebrate winter." During the event, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made snow. These teams work within a five-day period to create sensational sculptures. From these blocks of snow, the teams often create enormous pieces of whimsy, although some deliver powerful political or social commentary. Some sculptures are even interactive and allow spectators to experience the tactile as well as visual grace of the fleeting exhibit (photos available upon request.)

While in Breckenridge, journalists will also have the opportunity to experience the town's unique mining history (Breckenridge celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2009) and the wealth of adventure waiting just out the backdoor. Possible activities to experience include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, ice skating, a sleigh ride, dog sledding and more.

Breckenridge Resort Chamber
Contact: Carly C. Grimes
Phone: +1 970-453-5064
E-mail: cgrimes@gobreck.com
Web: www.gobreck.com

Freelance Writing Careers (by Angela Stringfellow)

As a writer, you probably read the stories about writers who are working from home and making six-figure salaries with envy, and wonder, "Why can't that be me? I must not be good enough to make that kind of money." I'm here to tell you that it's possible for anyone to build a very successful freelance writing career and earn a six-figure salary, while never leaving home.

The key is diversification and flexibility. You have to be able to diversify your talents and be flexible enough to apply them to a variety of different sub-fields within the broader writing category. While your passion may be fiction writing, you still need to put food on the table while you write your novel. It's still important to pursue what you're most passionate about, but being flexible enough to apply your talents in more profitable areas will allow you the freedom to pursue your ultimate dream. Are you flexible enough and motivated enough to use your talents in other areas that have the potential to make you lots of money?

There are endless possibilities of profitable areas you could pursue in your writing career. Networking and marketing yourself properly could land you freelance writing opportunities in blogging, writing e-books, ghostwriting, copywriting, resume writing, and more. Corporations are always in need of talented writers to write copy for their websites, for external communications, such as press releases, and even internal communications. While many companies utilize in-house staff for these tasks, most often it's a secondary job for a staff member who has no experience in writing other than what they've done for that company. It's your job to educate them on how outsourcing those tasks to a professional writer could net them greater results from their communication efforts.

There are two challenges most often faced by writers, and I have solutions for both. The first is that most writers are, by nature, not skilled in the areas of accounting and business management. I chose to outsource my back-office functions to a company called MBO Partners, which handles contracts, invoicing and collections. They also act as an employer of record, which means I get a single W-2 at the end of the year, simplifying my tax-management process. I still have control over my business, still market my own services and choose which clients I work for, but still am able to take advantage of all the tax deductions that come with owning a business.

The second challenge most often faced by freelance writers is the ability to market our own services. Typically writers have more introverted personalities, and most of us aren't comfortable tooting our own horn. Thanks to the internet, it's not necessary to have face-to-face interaction with potential clients in order to get new business. There are many indirect ways to attract customers that are highly effective, although it is still beneficial to fine-tune our sales skills and have the courage to make cold calls now and then. It's also still necessary to take initiative and submit proposals for potential work. Go to your potential customers with ideas and solutions; don't simply send an email saying, ?Hi, I'm a freelance writer, do you have any writing needs?" Make sure you do your research on your potential clients and think of how what you offer can improve their business. That's the information you need to convey when approaching a customer.

I have found that it's essential for any freelancer or independent consultant to have a web presence. Websites are much more affordable than they used to be, and if you have any tech savvy you might even be able to create your own. As a writer, you should also have a blog. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your writing abilities, and gives you an easy place to point potential clients where they can get a feel for your style. It's also important to network using the internet. There are a ton of social networking sites that allow you to build a profile explaining your business and services. Get involved; participate in discussions and make contacts. Offering free advice is the best way to position yourself as an expert in a given field, and the best way to get clients coming to you without minimal effort on your part.

While all this may take some time, it's easy to see that anyone willing to diversify their skills and dedicate the time and effort to an effective marketing strategy can build a solid base of clients that could net them a significant income while working from home.

About the Author
Angela Stringfellow is a marketing communications consultant and an MBO Partners associate. Visit their website, http://www.mbopartners.com/

Writing tips and Writing leads

Travel writing seems like a dream job: a life on the road, going exotic places, writing whenever you wanted and getting paid for it! Get tips on how to break into the business, learn more about what it's really like working as a travel writer and get feedback on your own stories.

You can find writing tips and writing leads on Written Road.

PRESS TRIP: PIES ON PARADE MEDIA WEEKEND, January 24-25, 2009

Date: January 24-25, 2009

Place: Rockland, Maine, a.k.a. Pie Town, USA

Enjoy a Pie-Rade of fun to celebrate National Pie Day.

Food, travel and lifestyle media are invited to visit Rockland, Maine, a.k.a. Pie Town USA, as the Historic Inns of Rockland pull out all the rolling pins for the 5th Annual Pies on Parade Inn to Inn Pie Tour.

What's Included?

• 2 nights accommodations at the Berry Manor Inn, LimeRock Inn or Captain Lindsey House, for you & one guest.
• breakfast each morning
• dinner at Rockland's restaurants
• complimentary admission to area museums
  
• visit Rockland's Farnsworth Art Museum & Andrew Wyeth Gallery
• visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum
• experience Rockland's fabulous restaurants and galleries.
  
• tickets to Pies On Parade
• two tickets to the Inn to Inn Pie Tour on January 25, from 1:00-4:00pm.
• Meet the "Pie Moms" made famous by Bobby Flay's "Throw Down" show
• sample fabulous sweet, savory, egg and meat pies at five Rockland inns.
  
• demonstrations on pie-making and take home original recipes for making your own pies. You can even participate alongside expert pie-makers if you're interested in learning some hands-on tips.
  

What's Not Included?
Transportation is on your own.

Contact
Interested journalists can contact Marti Mayne at info@maynelymarketing.com or +1 207-846-6331. Please include details about your background, your intention for the story and your contact information.

Do you need valid Press ID to gain media Access?

International Press Association is an 18 year old, global web based organization, that offers members an opportunity to have their work viewed by millions of visitors to the IPA web site. Each member has an opportunity to display their photos, videos and articles in their own professional members profile on our web site. IPA members also qualify for our IPA Press identification that will aid them in gaining important media access to trade and consumer shows, major events, concerts and much more.

IPA's mission focuses on building credibility and exposure for ethical independent media professionals worldwide. We have selective member policies, and seek to level the playing field for the explosively growing population of independent media.

Most members are photographers, photojournalists, journalists and videographers with a sprinkling of beautiful models.

For more info: http://internationalpress.com

Press Trip: Southern Patagonia, South America

Location: Southern Patagonia, South America

Dates: Open

Inclusions: All traveling expenses (including air), up to 8 days of all inclusive accommodations on board the ship, regular programmed events and up to two National Parks in Argentina and Chile.

Exclusions: Personal items; gratuities; additional excursions.

Journalist Requirements: Writers with assignments only. Writers with an assignment for an article related to adventure travel, family travel, or outdoors will be given first priority. You need to write for a major publication (100,000 circulation or more), either on full time or freelance assignment. Need to provide published clips or links to articles / publications in the application. Journalists will be considered based on the criteria of national exposure, circulation of publication, and Letter of Assignment.

Description: Cruceros Australis of Santiago, Chile offers expedition cruises to some of the most beautiful and rarely explored regions of the world. Travel to Tierra del Fuego in Southern Argentina and sail the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel to see some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Cruises are offered September through April each year with three night (Ushuaia to Punta Arenas) or four night (Punta Arenas to Ushuaia) itineraries, or combine them into a seven night round trip cruise. Passengers may take optional tours to Tierra del Fuego National Park or a catamaran sail to the Island of the Birds and Sea Lions, or visit Villa Marina Resort with a stop at Garibaldi Pass and Lake Escondido. The return journey from Ushuaia includes a visit to Cape Horn, where passengers may disembark if weather allows. This is the last headland before arriving in Antarctica, and also the place where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. The trip includes daily excursions in Zodiac boats, directed by the multilingual expedition team, complemented by cultural lectures about the natural surroundings. The cruise is “all-inclusive”: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an open bar for wine, beer, liquor and other beverages.

For more info, visit Cruceros Australis

Free Trip: Santa Fe (USA) Wine & Chile Fiesta Culinary & Shopping FAM

Date: December 4 to 7, 2008

Press Trip highlights:

• Champagne Wine Reception at Gruet Winery - Gruet et Fils had produced fine Champagne in Bethon, France, since 1952.
• Dine at popular Santa Fe restaurants - Coyote Cafe, Geronimo's, Railyard Restaurant, Maria's New Mexican Kitchen, Pasqual's, Zia Diner, Amavi, etc.
• Tour and shop at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market
• Meet Local Chef and Restaurant Owner
• Scenic drive to Chimayo with a visit to Gabriel's Restaurant for Margaritas and table-side Guacamole
• Mimosa Brunch at the World renowned Inn of the Anasazi Hotel Restaurant
• Shopping around the Historic Downtown Plaza and Canyon Road

This press fam is all inclusive of air travel within the USA, ground transportation in New Mexico, hotel accommodations and meals.

For applications and detail trip itineraries, visit www.santafewineandchile.org

Virgin Media looking for Freelance Writers

Virgin Media is looking for top-notch lifestyle writers / expert travel writers for Virgin Media's website.

What they need?
Original ideas, original writing and able to submit your writing quickly and accurately.

How to apply?
Simply send a cover letter detailing your areas of expertise (Travel, Food, Gadgets, science, space, Motoring, Parenting, Health and nutrition, Food and drink, Shopping and fashion, Property, Green issues, Money, Jobs, etc.), three feature ideas and samples of your recent work to michelle.smith@virginmedia.co.uk

Good Luck!

Press Trip: Mt Washington Valley, NH Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour

Date: December12-14, 2008

Place: 12th Annual Mt Washington Valley, NH Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour

Interested media are invited to join the 15 participating Country Inns in the White Mountains for the 12th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour. This inn to inn cookie and candy extravaganza offers multiple story ideas for 2008 and 2009. You'll sample original cookie and candy recipes while touring award-winning inns, resplendent in holiday decorations. For those researching holiday baking, decorating or travel stories, this is the perfect event for multiple stories.

The Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour takes place December 13-14. It is a self guided tour, which you will complete on your own schedule in your own vehicle. You'll take home recipes, collect cookies for sampling during the tour or for later and view gorgeous handmade gingerbread structures at each inn. Additionally, you'll see 15 different inns, which provide photo opportunities for upcoming decorating or travel stories. If you're looking for a destination story about Mt Washington Valley or the White Mountains of New Hampshire, you can add some time on to this event and tour the 13 ski resorts and XC centers, extensive ice climbing facilities, plus the restaurants, indoor water parks and much more.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Accommodations at participating inns will be provided for you and one adult guest (limited availability for children), hearty breakfast each morning, two tickets to the Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour along with maps and directions to stops along the way and . all the cookies and candy you can sample, A media dinner will be held on Saturday, December 13 for you and your guest at one of the participating restaurants.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: Transportation is on your own. Best airline connections are to Portland, ME (PWM 90 mins away) or Manchester, NH (MHT, about 2 hours away). You will need a car for the tour.

REQUIREMENTS: We will accept journalists on assignment or with serious intentions to place this story with a major daily newspaper, consumer magazine, or TV show. This event is perfect for researching 2009 or 2010 holiday stories, culinary travel, holiday recipes or accommodations/destination round-ups.

NEXT STEPS/CONTACT: If you are interested in attending, please contact Marti Mayne at info@maynelymarketing.com or 207-846-6331. Please include details about your background, your intention for the story and your guest.

For more information on the Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour, visit http://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/holiday_cookie_tour.htm.