Before you accept a hosted trip, check whether the outlets you write for will run the story. Every policy here is quoted from the publication's own guidelines, with a link and the date we checked it.
A hosted trip (also called a press trip, fam trip or comp) can cost a writer more than it saves. Some publications will not run the resulting story, and at least one, The New York Times, declines to give travel assignments to freelancers who have accepted free travel for other outlets. The rule that matters is the one at the outlet you plan to pitch, not the one at the outlet that sent you.
Policies change. Read the outlet's current guidelines before you accept, and tell the editor about any hosted travel when you pitch.
These outlets will not run work that came from hosted travel. Some also turn down writers who have taken hosted trips for other publications.
“BBC Travel does not allow press trips, sponsored travel, freebies, comps, funding assistance or media discounts, except in the rare case in which it is the only opportunity for press to be a part of something before the public launch, it is the only way to gain access to something or the story would be logistically unattainable otherwise.”
“No writer or editor of travel coverage anywhere in The Times, whether on assignment or not, may accept free or discounted services from any element of the travel industry, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, airlines, railways, cruise lines, rental car companies and tourist attractions. This applies to freelance writers as well as staff members. Our policy is not to give travel assignments to freelancers who accept or have previously accepted free services in working for other outlets, since that could create the appearance of a conflict for their Times work as well. Depending on circumstances, the Travel editor may make occasional exceptions – for example, for a writer who ceased the practice years ago.”
These outlets accept some work from hosted travel, under conditions they spell out.
“We do not provide assignment letters for freelancers on group press trips. Trips can be pitched after the fact, with clear disclosure of the nature of the trip and the sponsorship. Disclose if your trip was sponsored in any way.”
“We do not provide assignment letters for freelancers on group press trips. Trips can be pitched after the fact, with clear disclosure of the nature of the trip and the sponsorship. Disclose if your trip was sponsored in any way.”
“Condé Nast Traveller does not commission pieces from group press trips, so please pitch genuine stories not press releases.”
These outlets accept work from hosted travel, provided the writer tells them up front.
If a publication has updated its guidelines, send the link to hello@travelwriters.org and we will re-check it.