Getting kinky in Coral Gables, Miami
“Are you here for the book signing?” asked the concierge. I was in the lobby of the venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami and the buzz was all about E.L. James’s erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The book launch was happening at the hotel. The Miami Herald had featured the book launch on the front page of its Saturday edition and the book signing at The Biltmore, hosted by Books & Books, had sold-out in a flash. A second event at the bookstore itself had been added for April 29, 2012. “We’re expecting 700 people,” said...
Read MoreAre freebies out of control?
Spread the word and you might stay free Freebies, swag, discounts, promos or comps, no matter what you call it, free stuff is a fact of life in the world of PR. But recently I’ve started to wonder if it’s all gotten a bit out of control. And I’ve even started to feel sorry for hotel PR reps. It all began when I read the Smart Cookie column in the May 24 issue of the Globe and Mail. Angela Self recommends in Travel Deals: ask and you shall receive that readers looking to save money on their next vacation should “Contact the PR representative listed...
Read MoreCareer advice at a conference in Bermuda
When I first started travel writing, many people told me the secret to success was to specialize. Pick a subject — golf, family travel, spa or even a country — and write about it. And only it. You’ll build your brand, increase awareness of your writing and grow your business. The strategy has worked well for travel writing friends like Carol Perehudoff (spas) and Sherel Purcell ( golf). I tried to do it. I really did. I wrote about cuisine and outdoor adventure – a lot. But I also wrote about NASCAR, sex museums, spas, spirituality and hotels for dogs. Basically...
Read MoreHow to travel safely in Guatemala – 16 expert tips
“Is it safe to travel in Guatemala?” is a question I get asked a lot. Although my Guatemalan mother-in-law gives me lots of advice –such as keep your money in your shoe–I thought it would be worthwhile to ask a pro for some travel tips. So during the t Central America Travel Market , held in Antigua, Guatemala I met with a security expert from the Guatemala Tourism Board (INGUAT). His tips are handy for travel in any country. Here’s what I learned: Day of the Dead celebrations in Sumpango Crime levels increase prior to and during holiday periods so...
Read More12 sure-fire sources for stellar press trips
“Where to next?” If you’re a travel writer, January is an important time of year. Travel conference schedules have been finalized and, although invitations or editorial assignments can come up any time, it’s worth planning your schedule now so you don’t miss key events. Or, get stuck going somewhere nasty. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, press trips will likely be part of the process. In his recent post Who would want to be a travel writer?, veteran freelance travel writer Mark Hodson notes that “when the recession first hit,...
Read MoreMy Favorite Bloggers
Culture Tripper
Nerd's Eye View
The Planet D: Canada's Adventure Couple
Trans-Americas Journey
Traveling Light Blog by Travel Writer Colleen Friesen
Wandering CarolLatest Pins on Pinterest
-
Amazing Instagram photo by @sethstafford of Oahu's Sean Moody taking on the Mexican Pipeline
-
Mercado Global's innovative approach to fighting poverty and empowering indigenous women in Guatemala’s highlands connects their artisan cooperatives to sales opportunities in the U.S. on an unprecedented scale.
-
Beautiful Semuc Champey in Guatemala
In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
Recent Comments