The Bavarian Belle is a restored paddlewheel ship that cruises the Cass River in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Just $12 for Adults, it's handicapped accessible and great fun for the whole family.
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Travel Professionally as a ReporterA travel reporter is a TWP member who loves to travel, or perhaps travels for their regular business. They don't necessarily want to do the writing themselves, but are happy to report (using an audio app on their phone, for example), take photos and videos and turn them over to one of our writers for publication. Perhaps you are already an experienced videographer, but not a writer. You can provide edited videos (you retain copyright), and turn the writing over to an experienced writer (they retain that copyright). Again, we are about informal PARTNERSHIPS between members.
The biggest benefit of being a Travel Reporter is that you may take advantage of the "FAM Package" opportunities provided by our Travel Coordinators, which can mean FREE or greatly discounted, accommodations, meals, attractions, tours and other "perks." As a Reporter you are working as a partner with a Writer, so the copyright for the work goes to them for their writing and editing effort. If you want to create a revenue stream, you may also work as a Travel Coordinator lining up FAM packages for others or as a Marketing Partner selling advertising. One of the best ways to start off as a reporter is to report on venues in your local area. After all... your hometown is a travel destination for anyone that doesn't live there, right? Begin with venues that are FREE (for practice), like local parks. Contact us if you'd like the Travel Coordinators to look for "FAM" and coverage opportunities in your area. Once you have your reporting done, forward it to the writer you've lined up to work with.... or forward it directly to TravelWritingPartners@gmail.com |
Benefits of TWP Membership: |
By joining Travel Writing Partners you enjoy many benefits, including the ability to obtain "FAM Packages" (FAM: "familiarity") which are travel packages by businesses wishing you to report/write about them, and offering their services for free. A package might include accommodations, meals at various restaurants and cafes, and tickets for attractions or shows. Most packages will have some kind of administrative fee (to compensate our Travel Coordinators who put them together), and, if you utilize the service offered, you are agreeing to write/report about that business.
How do "FAM Packages" work exactly? Let's say you are looking at a FAM Package to Madrid, Spain. It includes 3 days and 2 nights at a hotel, meals at 4 local restaurants, tickets to a show and a tour (all for two people). The retail value is $1000. There might be an administrative fee of $150-$200 (average) for the package (fees will vary). 80% of this is going to the Travel Coordinator (Reporters and Writers may also function as Coordinators) who put it together, reaching out to the businesses, sending the contracts, etc. 20% goes to TWP as an administrative and processing fee. There will also be a "Deposit" required, usually of several hundred dollars, which will be refunded to you when you turn in your articles (or reporting) for the online magazine (this is to insure people don't just take advantage of the offers without holding up their end of the deal). You are not required to use everything in the package. For instance, if you can't take the tour, or one of the meals, just return the contract for those so they can be included in another package. If you can't use everything though, you do not get a partial refund of the administrative fee (that's fair, right? After all, the Coordinator already did the work). When you secure a "FAM Package" it will be emailed to you. Each venue will have a signed contract outlining their address, contact information and contact person. If there are special instructions, they will be included. For instance, a hotel might want to insure you feature their SPA services, or a restaurant might request you interview the owner or chef. You will be able to contact the Travel Coordinator with any questions beforehand. Other instructions might include... calling ahead before showing up, making a reservation, etc. These packages will help you make invaluable contacts and friends that will be there for you for YEARS to come! Do you want to wear multiple "hats?" Keep in mind that you may hold more than one position with Travel Writing Partners, you may be a Reporter AND a Travel Coordinator or Marketing Partner, or all three! After all, this is YOUR business, you are self employed, choose your own schedule, your own duties, etc. You will receive a 1099 each year for the income you have generated to that you can properly file your tax returns and prove the legitimacy of your travel deductions! |
Additional Membership
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