Good morning … are you all busy shopping for Amazon Prime Day deals (my latest article for Yahoo)? Yes, I already ordered the things that have been sitting in my shopping cart for the past few days.
I’m getting ready to head out on a very epic adventure this Friday: 30 days in Europe, 8 countries, 4 cruises. Then I come home for a few days before heading back to Europe for one more summer cruise. While you might think all these cruises will blend together, they are all on very different ships, which will be a cool experience:
a yacht that holds just 38 passengers (smallest one I’ve ever been on)
large ship that holds 3,200 passengers
river boat that holds 150 guests
THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIP, which holds 7,500 (this is the preview cruise)
an expedition ship (my first!) that holds 100 guests
I’m wrapping up some assignments (hopefully you can help) and starting to pack … let the adventure begin!
Jill
PS: Have you followed me on Yahoo yet? Check out my profile to see the types of stories I’m covering (pretty much anything under the lifestyle umbrella, with a heavy emphasis on travel, food, and ecommerce) … I’m open to interesting pitches. For instance, this article is blowing up.
PPS: Are you following me on Forbes yet? I’m only open to travel pitches here, but that’s still a large umbrella!
Work 1:1 with Me!
Does this sound familiar?
You’re firing off pitches, chasing media opportunities, and doing everything by the book—but it’s just not working.
🚨 Your pitches are getting ignored.
🚨 You’re not landing the coverage your clients deserve.
🚨 You’re questioning the entire industry and your future in it.
The media contacts you spent years building? Laid off.
Writers and editors? Overwhelmed and not responding as often.
Your emails? Just more noise in flooded inboxes.
The harsh truth: The old-school PR playbook doesn’t work anymore. It’s time to adapt, pivot, and re-strategize.
That’s exactly what I help publicists do.
And I just opened up three spots to work privately with those who want to:
✅ Skyrocket pitch open rates, so your emails don’t vanish into the void
✅ Build real and long-lasting relationships with journalists that make coverage easier for years to come
✅ Improve ROI on in-person and virtual events, press samples, and press trips
✅ Create angles and hooks that make your clients’ stories impossible to ignore
✅ Nail your clients’ competitive edge — so they stand out as the only choice
✅ Navigate today’s shifting media landscape with confidence
We’ll work together over the next few months to get you serious results—quickly.
Would you like to work together?
Simply email me at JillSchildhouse@gmail.com and I’ll send you more info.
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***Recently Published Pieces***
(Thank you for your help!)
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Announces a Huge Beverage Change—And Fans Are Divided
EatingWell: The 6 Best Cereals to Help Lower Cholesterol, According to Dietitians
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025: First-Class Experiences For Executives
Forbes: Chasing Elite Airline Status? Make a Vacation Out of it.
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025: 12 Ways to Gift Quality Time Together
Forbes: How to Elevate Your Coach Class Ticket to a First Class Flight
Business Insider: I flew business class with Qantas, Singapore, and American Airlines. Here's how they compare — and which is my favorite.
U.S. News & World Report: Cruise Weddings: How to Get Married on a Cruise Ship
U.S. News & World Report: The 7 Best Bachelor Party Cruises
The Points Guy: 8 amazing places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean
US News & World Report: Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas
Reader’s Digest: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Offers All the Fun of a Megaship on a More Manageable Scale
Reader’s Digest: I’ve Been on Two of the Biggest Cruise Ships in the World—Here’s the One I Would Be Most Excited to Sail on Again
Reader’s Digest: Is This New Cruise-Tipping Trend a Huge Etiquette Faux Pas?
Reader’s Digest: This Surprising Cruise Feature Is Disappearing from Ships Around the Globe—Here’s What You Need to Know
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is Suddenly Charging for These Popular Beverages—And Passengers Are Fuming
Business Insider: My mom and I went to Mexico, but her suitcase went to India. Now, there's one travel mistake we'll never make again.
Taste of Home: This is Why Some of Your Avocados are Stringy
Eating Well: The 7 Best Canned Foods for Cognitive Health, Recommended by Dietitians
The Points Guy: Oasis of the Seas cruise ship review: What to expect on board the original Oasis Class vessel
Oprah Daily: Feeding My Soul in the Valley of the Sun
Reader’s Digest: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake On Your Next Cruise
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is the First to Ban This Controversial Item on All Sailings
Reader’s Digest: How to Score a Cruise Upgrade—For Free!
Thrillist (my first byline for this outlet!): How Realistic Is ‘Doctor Odyssey’?
Business Insider: I frequently visit Las Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's one of the best times to experience The Strip.
Southern Living: I’ve Been Cruising For Over 25 Years, Here Are 22 Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed
Reader’s Digest: It’s Not Your Imagination: Flights Are Getting Longer—Here’s Why
Taste of Home: Why Are There So Many Food Recalls Right Now?
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Business Insider: I spent $50,000 on my kitchen remodel. These 5 splurges were totally worth it — but I have one expensive regret.
US News & World Report: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors
Business Traveler: What Is It Like to Fly Singapore Airlines Business Class on the A350?
AARP: Don’t Make These Mistakes on Your Visa Application (my second story about getting denied entry into Vietnam)
Reader’s Digest: Don’t Miss This Black Friday Cruise Deal to Score 75% Off a Second Guest
Reader’s Digest: What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method, and Why Do Travel Pros Swear by It?
The Points Guy: 10 hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants — and how to use points to pay for them
Southern Living: The 8 Best Cruise Itineraries That Sail Out Of Southern Ports
Reader’s Digest: Royal Caribbean Is Raising Its Gratuity Fee—Here’s What You Need to Know
Reader’s Digest: A Swiftie’s Guide to New Orleans: 12 Things to See and Do
Reader’s Digest: The First Thing You Should Do When You Board a Cruise
US News & World Report: Utopia of the Seas: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship
AARP: A Suspected Blood Clot Landed Me in a Cruise Ship Medical Center
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The Points Guy: 8 Best Australia/New Zealand Cruises
Southern Living: Royal Caribbean’s New Utopia of the Seas
Town & Country: A Savannah Itinerary for Every Traveler
Southern Living: 12 Tips To Know Before Taking Your First-Ever Cruise, According To Veteran Cruisers
US News & World Report: Crystal Symphony Review: First Impressions of Crystal's Revamped Ship
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Insider: I Tried Princess Cruise’s Premier Package and It’s One of the Best Deals At Sea
Taste of Home: Amish Chicken and Noodles
Copper Courier: 8 Phoenix Rooftop Bars
Virtuoso: The Sun Princess Sets Sail with Some of the Most Exciting Entertainment at Sea
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EatingWell: 10 Foods Rich in Vitamin K, Recommended by Dietitians
Reader’s Digest: I took the Beis Front Pocket Carry-On on Multiple International Trips, and It’s a Winner
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—— Current Editorial Needs ——
1. Yahoo: Best Travel Shoes for Problem Feet
Pitch me the comfiest (but still cute!) shoes for wide feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. The goal of this story is to help people with problem feet be able to enjoy all the walking needed on their vacations
This can be sneakers, sandals, boots, heels, etc.
REQUIRED: a photo of the product AND a photo credit
Subject line: Yahoo Travel Shoes for Problem Feet
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: Thursday, July 10
2. Franklin Prosperity Report: Traveling with a Cause
I’m looking for 2 things:
1. An expert to discuss traveling with a cause, the pros/cons, what to look for to ensure the cause is actually benefiting, etc.
2. Companies that offer travel with a cause adventures: some can be volunteer opportunities, but also sustainable travel (like for real, not greenwashing) or spending money that goes to worthy causes, building infrastructure in other countries, etc.. Maybe there are tour companies that specialize in this?
Subject line: Franklin Travel with a Cause
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: Friday, July 11
3. Scottsdale Visitor’s Guide: I’m looking for the most incredible hotel suites in Scottsdale
Think: luxury suites and villas that offer unparalleled privacy and opulence, insane ammenities, and more
Subject line: Scottsdale Suites
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: Monday, July 14
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I’m excited for you and your 30-day adventure! Hope you have an amazing time. Also, just started following you on Yahoo! :)
I enjoyed reading your article on Yahoo. The view is so pretty at the Bellagio!