Sources Needed Before I Head Off to Alaska
Plus: A fun new byline in U.S. News & World Report + everything you need to know about the world's largest cruise ship!
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hoping to catch you before everyone disappears for the long holiday weekend :)
Remember that awesome Finland trip a couple weeks back? You may remember I was on assignment for Reader’s Digest to take an exclusive sneak-peek tour of the world’s largest cruise ship: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
My article JUST went live: https://www.rd.com/article/icon-of-the-seas/
And here’s a fun photo that didn’t make its way into the article (nevermind that neon yellow is definitely NOT my color):
So, seriously, who’s ready to book a cruise on the Icon after reading about all those cool features?! I hope to attend the media preview sailing, so I’ll keep you posted on that … can’t wait to see her finished state!
In other fun byline news, my first assignment for U.S. News & World Report just published, too: https://travel.usnews.com/Kauai_HI/Things_To_Do/?66769e88281b86de0ff21a68ff52a30f95698982
If you’re going to Kauai, I promise this is the most comprehensive guide you’ll ever come across (to be clear: I only wrote the “Things to Do” section) … I’ve been to Kauai countless times, so this was super fun to write!
Meanwhile, on Memorial Day, my dad and I fly to Alaska for a 13-day land and see adventure with Princess Cruises. We’ll spend the first 5 days touring Fairbanks, Denali and more while staying in the various Denali Princess Wilderness Lodges (they own 5 and we’ll be staying at 4 of them). Then we board the Majestic Princess for a 7-day cruise. We’ll end with a day in Vancouver.
For those keeping track, this is my third trip to Alaska (my dad and I did a land-only tour last September, but I came home with bilateral pneumonia, so let’s not have a repeat of that nightmare!) … and my second Alaskan cruise. Excited to return, especially with my dad!
So that means there’s a very good chance you won’t be hearing from me for 2 weeks. I know, I know … I’ll miss you too! But please try to spare my inbox as best you can outside of the specific calls for pitches I’m requesting below :)
Read on for my sourcing needs and have a wonderful holiday weekend! I’ll catch up with you mid-June!
Jill
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***Recently Published Pieces***
(Thank you for your help!)
U.S. News & World Report: What to Do in Kauai
Reader’s Digest: I Got a Sneak Peek at the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Travel + Leisure: The Best Cooling Clothing for Summer
Southern Living: What is a Dutch Oven?
Travel + Leisure: 15 Most Comfortable Flats for Travel
Travel + Leisure: 15 Best Wrinkle-Free Dresses for Travel
Southern Living: Does Vinegar Go Bad?
AARP (my debut!!): Smart Guide to Spring Cleaning
Going.com (my debut!!): Tucson: The U.S. Desert Oasis That’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
USA Today: 10 Most Popular Home Products People are Buying on Amazon Right Now
Taste of Home: How to Thaw Pork Chops Safely
Reader’s Digest: Best Time to Visit Arizona
Reader’s Digest: Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
Reader’s Digest: I’ve Tried Every At-Home Manicure System and This is the Best!
Reader’s Digest: The Best Time to Visit Alaska
Reader’s Digest: Best Subscription Boxes
Travel + Leisure: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
Southern Living: 10 Ideas for Creating the Perfect Mimosa Bar
Now, it's time to get the word out! When you and your clients share your coverage on social media, please be sure to tag my accounts: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn (and please connect with me yourselves!).
—— Current Editorial Needs ——
1. Reader’s Digest: Caribbean Islands
Looking for the best Caribbean island for every vacation type.
In your pitch, tell me about the island and what it’s most famous for (picture-perfect beaches, excellent snorkeling, best restaurants, next-level nightlife, etc) + any other pertinent details.
Subject line: RD + Name of Island
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday (June 2)
2. AARP: Food Waste Experts
Looking for passionate food waste experts to discuss smart ways to preserve/use food to prevent waste in the kitchen.
Send credentials, not commentary. I’ll send specific questions to the chosen experts.
Subject line: AARP Food Waste Expert
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday (June 2)
3. Travel Market Report: Alaska Cruise-Focused Travel Agents
Looking for travel agents who specialize in Alaska cruises (and are NOT affiliated with any cruise lines!) to discuss the benefits/drawbacks of small vs big ship cruising in Alaska to help other travel agents learn how to guide their clients on this big decision that could make or break their bucket list vacation.
Send credentials, not commentary. I’ll send specific questions to the chosen experts.
Subject line: Alaskan Cruise Expert
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday (June 2)
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Have a great trip!
Have a great trip! I can’t wait to read about it. I actually got my confirmation # from Princess PR today!