BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey folks,
I'm an experienced writer and editor, but new to travel writing. I've been assigned an article on visiting a particular city, and am having no trouble getting comped at hotels and tours. What I'm wondering is, if it's kosher to ask a restaurant to comp you in exchange for a possible mention in the article? Anyone here ever done it?
K

As a my wife and I are a travel writer and artist, we have requested to be comped for meals.

We have had mixed reactions, some favorable others not terrific. There seems to be a reluctancy on the part of restaurant owners to comp.

What I suggest is to contact the local convention bureau or chamber of commerce and see if they can arrange for these comps. Also, if you are staying in an inn, resort, etc that does serve dinner, you may indicate to them that you would write something about the dining if they comp you.

Thanks!
I did talk with the local cvb, and am getting help arranging for a few meals. She also told me that some will give a discount, and it's possible that the cvb will pick up the tab for the rest. We shall see, and I'll keep you apprised. I guess all I can do is ask, right?
Now, for those spa treatments... any experience there?
Thanks >>
K

We had discussed something similar on these very boards. THis link may help

http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=712096715&f=979095755&m=661109231

Kathleen,

The reviewers that matter to the chefs/proprietors of smaller restaurants are always the anonymous ones. I don't think these people will be impressed if you go on about travel writing.

The larger hotels have marketing departments and are well worth a shot, I wouldn't hesitate to ask there -- but the chefs will probably be unimpressed.

Hey, Thanks.
Those posts were helful.
I guess the bottom line is, don't make promises you don't intend to keep... my article is actually a guide which will include several hotels, several restaurants, spas, and outdoor activities. In theory, I could have a lot of free fun!

You know, as I consider this matter, I realize that the only way to do it with integrity is to go on your own dime; but the whole world is losing integrity fast. I'm still pissed at Bab Dylan for that Victoria Secret commercial. And now Lenny Kravitz is singing for Target. And they don't even need the moolah like us poor writers!
Don't get me stahted....

Yep Kathleen, I think so to.

I mean if you take a freebie, you may think that perhaps it convuleted your thinking.

For example, if the main course at a restaurant is yucky, but the dessert is superb, and perhaps you just dwell on the dessert in your article, you may think it was because of the freebie.

If you make it known that you have come for a review and a discount is offered, or a certain dish is offered free, that seems to be fine.

Think over it, I am sure you will make the right decision.

Getting comps screws with objectivity. Comps are frowned on by most of the major magazines. (I believe it's Conde Nast Travler that will not use an article if comps were involved, and may go so far as to 'blacklist' you from their publication.) Of course, the majors will pick up the bill, or most of it, for assignments.

For independant pieces, not assignments, I think it still pays to go by the same rules. If you intend to make it as a travel writer you might as well start following the rules of the industry.

Not the cheapest way to go...I know...

There has been a considerable amount of replies on TRAVELWRITERS.COM pertaining to comps.

Frankly, with the exception of the very well known publications, I would say that most publications don't care. (Hear no evil and see no evil).
If you have to pay out of your own pocket all expenses, you may as well forget about making any money with travel writing, unless you are writing for some well known publications.

For the most part, the majority of travel publications do not pay very well. Check the various comments on travelwriters.com


As for spas- many times the inn or resort that comps you will offer a complimentary spa treatment.

I guess I should tell you that my editor (magazine circ about 25,000) asked me to see if I could get comped, and he would pay for the rest. I hadn't even thought of it.

As for being independent, I don't think anyone could afford to pay their own way, unless a Conde Naste biggie picked up the tab!

That just about sums it up Kathleen.
As for impartiality etc and those who take a "holier than thou attitude"- it is all bunk!
Don't believe most of them, unless they are among the top travel writers in the world, and even these accept all kinds of goodies.

On the other hand, some publications are more interested in receiving advertising and they will not even publish negative comments pertaining to inns, resorts, etc.

Yes, travel writers routinely get comped for things and wouldn't be able to take the assignments otherwise. There are only a few big publications that really pay enough to even cover international travel expenses, much less going first class. I think it gets to the dicey point with restaurants though. A lot of times you notice that the same restaurant shows up in three or four travel articles on a city, even though there are 1,000 other places to eat. The reason is that someone has steered travel writers to that place because it literally provides a free lunch. Is it ethical for all three of these articles to advise people to eat there though, when there are probably better places around, or at least ones that offer a better value?

I've accepted hotel meals while writing about the hotel itself, which doesn't seem to create this dilemna, but I've never felt comfortable trading a restaurant mention for a meal. Everybody has to draw their own line I guess...