First of all, you may wonder What are Media FAM Trips? A Media FAM trip is a Media Familiarization trip, offered to media on behalf of an organization to get the media familiar with their destination and services. They are also called Press Trips. They can be either a group or an individual Media FAM trip.
Why We are Suddenly Embracing Group Media FAM Trips
Contents
- 1 Why We are Suddenly Embracing Group Media FAM Trips
- 2 Why did we change our minds?
- 3 How does a Media FAM trip work?
- 4 What is expected of you from a Media FAM trip?
- 5 “So, you are getting another free holiday, aren’t you?”
- 6 “So, you don’t have any fun at all?”
- 7 What are the benefits to of going on Media FAM trip?
- 8 What are the downsides of a Media FAM trip?
- 9 Are you going to say anything negative, when it has all been paid for?
It was ironic that in 2016, Gordon and I went on 5 group Media FAM trips, considering that we had been avoiding them up until then. One of our beliefs was that traveling with other people has more con’s than pro’s, and also ironic, that one of our most successful articles on our site is Traveling with Other People – the Dont’s and the Dont’s.
But you know what? We decided to take ourselves out of our comfort zone because the group Media FAM trips we were offered were too compelling to knock back. We still do individual FAM trips for different companies as we have done extensively over the last few years, but we have now seen many benefits to the group Media FAM trip. Since then we have done many Media Fam trips or Press Trips.
Editor note: Updated, December 2018
Why did we change our minds?
Our business model is all about our readers, and bringing you information that will help you discover new and different things. It is also about bringing to the table some left of center experiences, and we have been able to do this particularly with our travels to lesser known areas of Indonesia, like visiting Manado in Northern Sulawesi Indonesia, exploring the Spice Islands of Maluku and Raja Ampat (you can read all about Raja Ampat here) which we got to experience on group Media FAM trips.
I have listed some of our Media FAM trips at the bottom of this article. There are some others we have done, but the content belongs to the magazines we freelance for. Since then we have been privileged to work with some amazing companies all over the world. Since then we have worked with Rail Plus doing the Indian Pacific train from one side of Australia to the other. Been to the Hydo Majestic in the Blue Mountains, explored Mayfield Garden, discovered the regional city of Bathurst, and quite a few more.
How does a Media FAM trip work?
In our case, and in many cases, we were contacted by different companies or organizations who felt our site was a good match for the Media FAM trip, and we felt that what they offered was a good match for our readers.
At times we have proactively sought out the Media FAM trip because we had gotten so much valuable information from the previous ones, and were able to bring new and different content to you guys. These were group trips of about 5-20 very diverse media people, many of whom are now firm friends and colleagues.
What is expected of you from a Media FAM trip?
This is where there is inconsistency. Sometimes a company or organization will spell out what they expect, and at other times you are left on your own to decide what to deliver.
I aim to over-deliver because there is a domino effect in this industry. If you develop a good reputation as a hard worker, who gives an excellent ROI, then you get asked on more individual and group Media FAM trips, and your readers ..that’s you ..love that we are bringing you more tangible ideas, information, and first-hand experiences.
“So, you are getting another free holiday, aren’t you?”
No. There is nothing free about this. We offer an exchange of services with the companies or organizations we work with. A free holiday does not involve nine flights in 7 days, with only an hour of sleep on some nights, and on an easier day, you might get 4 hours.
Organizations who choose to work with us, and more importantly we want to work with, will wring every last bit of blood out of you on Media FAM trip. And we get that. They have often paid a lot of money to show you something, and by hell or high water, and a lot of missed sleep, you are going to work from before dawn to post-dusk. And then ..you need to write up what you have done; start promoting on your social media platforms, edit photos, and videos, and then start all over again the next day. A Media FAM trip is a job. It is not a holiday; it is a business trip. There is nothing free about an exchange of business services. However .. we love it. Contented Traveller is our passion and our business.
“So, you don’t have any fun at all?”
On the contrary, we have had a lot of fun on these Media FAM trips. Just see me as the Dancing Queen on Raja Ampat, where I owned it with a lady from the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia – yes, that is their full title. We have seen amazing places, done amazing things, met some amazing people, and that is why we did 5 of these back to back in 2016. Yes we love it, and yes, we get to bring you, our readers, more and more information.
What are the benefits to of going on Media FAM trip?
This question has a multifaceted answer.
The first benefit is that we get to bring you the insider information so that you can do this yourself, or a derivative of what we have done because we will not recommend that you do nine flights in 7 days for example. We iron out these issues for you. We can offer new perspectives on destinations and experiences, and I think you know us well enough that we cut to the chase on things.
We get to grow professionally through Media FAM Trips
Not only have we seen some incredible places, eaten some remarkable food, stayed at some amazing hotels, tried different products, but we have also met many people who do things differently than what we do. It is a huge chance to professionally develop yourself as you interact with people from all parts of the Media.
Most of our Media FAM trips have been a mix of food and travel bloggers, vloggers, photographers, Instagram influencers, traditional print journalists, editors, TV reporters, travel agents, and radio DJ’s. The diversity is what makes it so unique, and also very levelling. ‘No one knows everything‘ is how Cosmo’s Editor, and SnapChat Board Member Joanna Coles described this information age, at Cannes Lion, 2016 – the international advertising festival; and you learn how true this is on Media FAM trips.
What are the downsides of a Media FAM trip?
There is a risk that because we are all seeing the same things, stopping to do the same activity, or taking the same photos, that there could be what I call, the cookie cut effect media promotions. But that didn’t and hasn’t happened. Gordon gave me an excellent analogy. We can both be sitting in a café in Paris looking at the same scene. What he sees, and how he interprets that, is totally different to what I see and how I interpret this. This is what also happens on Media FAM trips, and is influenced by our past, our beliefs, and other sociological influences.
Are you going to say anything negative, when it has all been paid for?
Well for a start, people are not stupid. Readers are smart and can cut through the bullshit pretty quickly.
We never ever underestimate our audience. However, the purpose of a Media FAM trip is definitely to generate positive editorial publicity. This is where the world has changed. Rather than paid advertising there is the understanding that audiences value the editorial opinion of the writer, which is us in this instance. Secondly, as previously stated, it is not a free trip. It is an exchange of services. Being honest about our experiences is why we have such a loyal audience and why we do so well in this business.
In saying that, we still will advocate that not all of your travels will go to a predetermined plan, and that you should expect the unexpected, and that in reality, these experiences are the one’s that you will remember.
Media FAM trips offer many benefits to your readers, and to you as a professional. We recommend them.
Please feel free to ask us any questions about Media FAM trips.
A Culinary Immersion Experience on Golden Princess
Staying and Playing at the Haunted QStation Manly
Dining at the Boilerhouse Restaurant, QStation Manly
Press Conference, Qatar Airways.
Why Visit Manado in Northern Sulawesi Indonesia
Visit the Indonesian Spice Islands of Saparua and Ambon
Mt Hay Luxury Retreat in Berry, NSW
The Food and Wine Scene in Berry, NSW
Bite Around Berry – a Walking Food Trail
Raja Ampat – Where Nature PhotoShopped it For You
Exploring Raja Ampat, Indonesia (VIDEO)
Doom Island in West Papua, Indonesia
A Once in a Lifetime Experience on the Indian Pacific Rail Journey
Hydro Majestic Afternoon High Tea
There have been other Media FAM trip, or Press trips that we have done over the years. This is by way of explaining what the purpose of these important interactions. Feel free to ask any questions.
As a small company who want to invite press to stay in our unique accommodation (we are in sunny Dorset btw), how do we get in contact with writers who might want to visit us?
email me, and i can post it on a number of FB groups, where I know there will a lot of interest. Email is on our website.
As I am just about to embark on my third famil trip ever I couldn’t agree more. I am always stoked when an invite comes my way and thinks work out. Famils are, for me, a fantastic way to get to know a destination in the most intimate way. As a mother of two there are many trips that are off-limits for me. A strenuous journey in a hot country is one of those things I wouldn’t be able to do with my family. On the other hand, I am not willing to go there on my own either. I also fully appreciate the opportunity to meet new people on the road, almost all of them crazy travel-addicts like me. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more tricks of the trade and to improve one’s writing through exchange and inspiration. The only negative thing about famils is that you are not free to do and to write what you want (I mean, operators need to be featured even though they might not quite fit your blog etc, not in terms of praising them if you don’t agree with their operations). It’s nice to throw in your own independent travel into the travel year too, because this way you can do what you really like at a much slower, more appreciative pace. Lastly, Paula, I totally agree in terms of over-delivering what is expected in terms of outcome. As bloggers, we are sometimes looked down upon by traditional media, and it’s great to be able to outshine them in terms of quality and output and freedom of speech. I always strive to deliver far more than is expected, and I always give 110%. I hope karma will come my way one day. Great post!
We are on the same page Silke. It is always about being totally professional, yet without the constraints of who owns which media outlet, and which political party they happen to be in bed with. This is why ‘bloggers’ are such a threat to mainstream journalism. We can, and do say what we want. without having to toe some party line.
Is there a website or resource that lists upcoming media FAM trips that travel media can apply for?
Not to my knowledge. The offers we receive come out of the blue, though if you are a member of Travel Massive for example, you may just see some advertised.
Hi Paula, I have never been invited for a FAM trip yet (have registered for one in Oct, hoping to hear that I get selected soon). However, I have been invited for an event or hotel stay. Is it OK for new bloggers like us to write to tourism boards or travel partners directly about FAM trips – what’s the best way to approach them?
Thanks,
Kat
Of course you should write to whomever will help you to give your readers the best information they possibly can get. It is definitely scary when you first start out pitching, but always be honest about what you are trying to achieve and why it is f benefit to your readers, and consequently to them. Good lick, have a read of this article, https://contentedtraveller.com/dont-be-afraid-to-ask-a-question-wkendtravelinspiration/
Nice trip Paula..
I went on my first FAM trip a couple of months back and came out with the same thoughts as you.
Trips are curated so you’ll experience the best of the best but sometimes you tend to miss out on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places as compared to traveling there on your own.
It is an enriching experience and I’m definitely up for more FAM trips in the future!
I agree. While you get to see many things, sometimes I would like an afternoon off to find those things that you just do when wandering on your own. We are also receptive to more Media FAM trips.
So envious you got invited to Raja Ampat. I’m invited to an Indo trip, too, but not there. As a diver, it’s in my bucket list. Hopefully next year they’ll invite me there haha
I hope they will too Aleah. Check out Peter McGee who was the diver on our trip, as they hadn’t really catered for the the rest of us to dive. Peter takes the most amazing underwater shots.
I find that on FAM trips I don’t always enjoy everything, but it’s important to remember that what might not be your cup of tea might well be someone else’s. I think it’s important to tell readers what I didn’t like, especially if it didn’t work at my daughter’s age at the time. But I try to add the context of, if you’re interested in XYZ you would probably find it interesting or, if you’re more of XYZ kind of traveler than I am, you’ll enjoy it, or kid older/younger than mine will get more out of it. That’s the context you can only get first hand that helps others make better travel decisions themselves.
Well said. I might not like certain things but Gordon tends to. We got a bit lucky that we are polar opposites, so that when we write we can cover many perspectives. I like the context that you mention.
Hi Paula, a great explanation of what FAM trips are and how you have experienced them! I personally am not a huge fan of group FAM trips as we like to travel independently and plan out our own schedules, but they definitely have some advantages! I actually met my husband on a small group press trip:) ~ Jessica
That’s lovely that you met your husband. We were surprised that we enjoyed the group trips so much, and got so much out of it.
Great post, Paula. Thank you!
I’ve considered FAMs but haven’t pursued any mainly because of the responsibilities that come with them. I agree they’re worth doing, especially if it’s a part of your business model.
I think they have definitely added a richness to our business, so I guess we are fans.
Hello Paula, like to read your take on this. I have not done a FAM trip but I have been invited to cover events and review hotels / restaurants / products. I can attest it is a lot of work and requires hours dedicated hour (after you are done with the experiential part). Quality content creation takes effort. I agree you should aim to over deliver. You set a positive tone for you and for others in the industry.
Thanks Ruth, I agree. It is all about professionalism, and delivering high standard that makes you a valuable partner to be in business with.
Fascinating article Paula! We’ve only done a few Fam Trips as we don’t really have the time to commit to any and all options, yet.
We have mostly done individual ones, but certainly now see a lot of benefits to group Media FAM trips. When you are less busy ..
Great read Paula. We are yet to go on a FAM trip, but look forward to an invitation that fits in with our fulltime work schedule. A lot of great info here, being a huge fan of cruises I would have loved to joined you onboard Golden Princess.
We are fortunate that Contented Traveller is now both of our full time jobs, so it makes it a lot more flexible for such group and individual trips.
This post reveals one side of travel bloggers life.So far I don’t have any experience with such press trips.But,it can be a great way to meet and interact with other bloggers.On the other way,yes it is a business trip and there are lot of things to do after the trip.
So true. It is a business trip no matter which way you look at it. There is work to be done before the trip, making sure you are well read on what the destination etc is about. There is work to be done on the trip, and a huge amount after it. In saying that, we love it and would not change it.
This is really interesting Paula as I’m occasionally tempted to start pursuing media trips but never have. Your change of heart has got me thinking…
Definitely do it. There are so many benefits that we were not aware of.
I’ve been on a couple of FAM trips this year, associated with conferences I attended. They were tiring but great. It is nice to get insider information and make contacts if there are things you want to see more of beyond the trip. I too wondered about everyone writing about the same thing, but we all seem to bring our own unique spin to it.
That was my biggest worry that we would not be able to bring our own styles to the writing. But it did happen.
I found this article very interesting because I have just returned from my first media FAM trip to Northern Japan. Yes it was exhausting and I had absolutely no rest, but I had the best time of my life. I feel that it has already had a very positive impact on my travel blog and hope that more FAM trips may be offered in the future. You never know I may get to join you one day!
I do agree, there are so many benefits in a Media FAM trip. I love Japan, so will look forward to reading of your ventures. Let’s hope we get to do one together.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, love learning from you!
Thanks Janet. I think we all learn from one another.
Great article. I was averse to group FAMs earlier too but I’ve really begun to enjoy them. A combination of group and individual FAMs is ideal.
I agree, we certainly changed our minds about group trips, but we also enjoy individual Media FAM trips too.
We have yet to go on a FAM trip, and really didn’t know that much about them. This is really helpful. Thanks Paula.
Thank you. Media FAM trips are a unique and different way to experience a destination.
Paula and Gordy,
I take FAM trip’s every chance I get. Yes they are tiring (especially at our ages), but we can always catch up on sleep when we get home. I have explored several countries I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see, without the FAM trips. One of the other benefits IMHO, is the networking with other bloggers. I think it’s wonderful to spend a few days with other bloggers and see if you really get along. I have only found one instance where the travel person wasn’t my cup of tea! All the rest have been extraordinary individuals! #safetravels
Mike
I hope we get to go on a Media FAM trip with you one day Mike, because I agree totally with you. We would never have got to experience Raja Ampat, Sulawesi and the Spice islands without this, and the professional development that get by default with traveling with other professionals is invaluable.
Loved this article. I guess for us new bloggers it’s the ‘big’ question, how to promote yourself to get the FAM trips or on the radar (so to speak). Tips on that would be helpful too! Thanks so much!
I wish I had the answer for you. It is a random that we get invited. I would love to know why, but we have had some amazing individual and group Media FAM trips over the years. It is probably serendipity. But let me think on this, and see if i can interview some of the companies we have worked with to uncover the modus operandi.
Thanks so much
Great article, Paula! As a PR person, I’m always interested in hearing the journalists’ take on media press tours. I’ve shared this with the clients I work with. Thank you!
Marti, you were one of the most mazing people we have worked with, and we look forward to working with you again. I need to go belly up to the bar, eat more maple syrup and see some of our lovely friends from the Distinctive Inns of New England.
One benefit of these trips is the chance to interact with well informed locals who usually speak excellent English. I’ve found the leaders of these trips to be willing to engage on a wide range of topics.
I totally agree Suzanne. Often it is the unplanned things and conversations that give you the differentiation in your articles.
Offering FAM trips to bloggers is kind of disappointing because most travel bloggers are terrible writers who claim objectivity. The art of travel writing takes a serious hit when writers are chosen for their metrics and not their skills.
That’s a little disappointing to hear. I believe readers enjoy hearing people’s personal perceptions, and can probably forgive an odd grammatical or structural error. I would think that the art of travel writing is about communicating with your readers on an engaged and personal level.What does make a ‘good’ travel writer?
I guess the idea thing to do is first make some background check and research about the bloggers before you invite them. Think about the content, your market, your goals etc.
Nice write up Paula! 9 flights, 7 days. Never ever ever 😀
Cool to see how you’ve had your opinion of them changed.
It was meeting you Jub; that changed my perspective totally xxx
Is it predominantly PR agencies or tourism boards that contact you?
Or do you reach out to them?
PR agencies, Tourism Boards, hotels, restaurants, etc etc reach out to us for the Media FAM trips. We did however, on the 2nd trip to Raja Ampat, Indonesia reach out to them after they did a call out on Trav Media.