FunTripsLive.com is an interactive travel series. Our readers follow the trips we deliver as they occur! They post questions, suggestions, and offer advice to their virtual guides. And if they are so inclined, they can tell their own stories in the Tales Like It Is section. The destinations we cover may or may not be well known, but the stories we tell are about having a different kind of experience. For example, when you think of San Francisco, do you think of visiting an oyster farm, or a mammal hospital or taking a walk in thick woods with no car in sight? Think skiing and hiking are what you do in Colorado? Think again – how about hot springs, rock hounding, scenic trains and colorful byways with tiny little towns and famous rock bands? Our stories are rich with multi-media accompaniments. Besides the usual photo albums, we offer slide show, 360º virtual tours and soon-to-be-added video and audio clips. 
To be technical about it . . . Our Audience is primarily early Baby Boomers (and so are we) Ages 45 – ? Traveling and having fun is a priority. Want experiences that are new and different, especially related to cultural, heritage, sports, active, adventure and eco-tourism.
Skills and/or experience you need We don’t care if you’ve ever been published. What’s important to us is that you are responsible, serious about writing, will adapt your style to the kind of piece we require, and deliver accepted articles in a timely manner. Do, however, please point us to some samples of your work either on a web page or ask if you can send an attachment. If you don't have any, write something. Word processing – MS Word preferred, any version Travel to the featured area – we do not pay for travel at this time, but your experience may be past or planned. We do issue letters of assignment if applicable. Either way, your information must be updated and accurate. Email – 1) our primary and preferred method of communication 2) readers may want to ask you questions about your article. Photo capture and formatting – what’s a story without a picture or two? You will need to submit pictures via email with your final story. This means you’ve got to shoot them, scan them if you are using a 35, download them if you are using a digital, and format them for email delivery. See below for photo requirements.
Ability to write for the web 500 – 700 word pieces Tightly focused on subject Short paragraphs Personal tone, presently happening Lively dialogue that builds curiosity and anticipation Facts and information woven seamlessly into the story What to write about Articles appear online - although they are promoted in an offline newsletter also - and may be presented on the FunTripsLive.com webzine or in the accompanying electronic newsletter. The newsletter alerts readers to any upcoming seriesand keeps them up to date on current presentations. It also includes tips and trivia. Check current needs and feel free to submit related ideas. The focus is on experiences in the area we are featuring.
We look for nightlife, activities, sightseeing or road trips, fascinating and unusual perspectives on cultural or historical points, interesting lodging or dining experiences, festivals. Anything Baby Boomers are likely to find intriguing – and that leaves it wide open!
Photo Requirements Include people doing something related to the story you are telling – it can be you or someone else. Pictures should tell stories too. Casually professional – you don’t need to take up a new career, but keep your pictures balanced with good lighting and make them fun and colorful. Know how to email them - when it comes to time to delivery, we'll talk about format. We'll pay $10 for each picture.
Queries Submit in the body of the message via email – we do not accept queries as attachments. Indicate what we can expect in regard to photos. Expect a reply within a week. Point us to a web page with samples of your work or ask if you can send attachments.
Payment and Rights Articles are published online. They may appear on the FunTripsLive.com webzine or in the accompanying electronic newsletter. Pay on acceptance .10 a word One time rights A byline - (be prepared to send a short bio and picture if your article is accepted - we like our audience to know who the storytellers are). Simultaneous submissions are okay if they are in non competing markets.
We do not pay expenses, but do supply letters of assignment and if you’re in the featured area when we are, we’ll probably buy you dinner! Top of page
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