PR/Media

Luxury for Less Concept

If you are a PR rep or travel supplier targeting upscale, independent leisure travelers, thanks for stopping by.  My audience is active, independent  travelers with an eye towards luxury and value for money.

I’ve been working in the travel industry for 25+ years, and have a keen understanding of the needs of all stakeholders:  suppliers, DMO’s, distributors, travel retailers, and consumers.

“Luxury for Less” is my specialty.  I show readers & students how to enjoy the finest travel experiences possible, without going broke in the process.  I love to feature upscale destinations and resorts, but may, for example, recommend travel during shoulder or low season to maximize value.  I’ve shown how to pool resources by renting a villa or luxury apartment, shared with family, or for a splurge girlfriends’ getaway. I highlight value-added amenities, shopping and dining options to get the most value for the dollar. I also feature “rich” experiences that connect travelers with local people, food, tradition and cultures, to ensure a more authentic, in-depth experience.

Published Writing
In addition to this blog, my work has appeared in:
Girls Getaway – A Gathering Place for Women
Bonjour Paris – The Definitive Guide to Paris
Sharing Travel Experiences – Travel Lifestyle Magazine, by Hayes Media Group

Other areas of interest and expertise:

• Travel with children & teens (We’ve taken our 2 kids everywhere – we can travel 3 weeks through Europe with only one carry-on bag each.)
• Review of travel gear and gadgets (I’m a carry-on fanatic — products must be smart & practical to win my vote)
• Technology and Travel Apps (this is what pays the bills, so I have definite interest in reviewing the latest tech & travel sites, apps, cameras, phones, videos, etc.); my nickname: Gadget Mom

Trip/Property Reviews
If you’d like me to review your destination or property, there’s no substitute for on-site  inspections, and if you invite me on a press trip or comp stay, here’s what you can expect in return:

• Having been on many familiarization trips as a travel agent, I’m used to the grueling schedules of property inspections, sightseeing tours and meetings with local reps. I show up ready to work, curious and engaged, with questions and ideas, always looking for angles to promote your property/destination’s advantages to my readers.

• I conduct travel and tourism seminars for consumers through Minnesota Community Education, and share property and destination info with hundreds of targeted, upscale consumers who are ready to buy.  I frequently speak of destinations, properties and travel gear that impress me!

• I combine the latest in travel technology and Social Media to allow you or your client to reach a broad audience.  In addition to this blog, I’m active on Twitter under www.twitter.com/enchantedtravel and as of this writing, have over 3,000 followers.  I’ve been named one of the Top 101 Most Awesome Adventure & Travel Twitterers You Should Be Following by Abroadening.com.

• I like to “live blog” and Tweet whenever possible. If you have 3G cell phone coverage from your area, I can create and upload blog posts while still on the tour bus via WordPress for iPhone App.  The immediacy today’s technology provides creates an instant buzz…..providing real-time updates from the road.  This allows travel enthusiasts to join me virtually, stimulating demand, and creating a sense of “being there”.  I’m also an amateur photographer and videographer, so I’ll be looking to capture your product at it’s best.

• As a frequent traveler, I understand things don’t always go according to plan.  I will never publicly bash or disparage a host….that’s not professional.  If I encounter a service failure, I discretely bring it to the attention of the owner/manager so the fault can be corrected.  The mark of a great property is not just in flawless execution, but in how quickly they respond to service issues, with an honest desire to make things right.

• My site receives approximately 7,500 visitors per month.  My reviews are honest and thorough.  If I like your product/property, my readers will be thoroughly informed as to why it’s special.  If I find the experience lacking, I’ll speak to the owner/organizer privately, with my ideas and suggestions for improvement.  No snarky comments.

I do believe in disclosing comps and freebies as such, and will indicate in my posts.

Contact me with questions or story ideas at magrisham(at)gmail(dot)com.

I look forward to a successful collaboration!

Mary Ann

Enchanted Traveler