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4 Tips To Help You Score FAM Trip Invitations

Posted February 12th, 2021 by Theresa St. John & filed under Travel Writing .

Definition: A FAM trip is a familiarisation trip offered by tourism destinations or resorts to travel writers, bloggers, influencers and media professionals for a personal experience. The intention is to generate PR and media mentions to educate potential visitors and entice more visitors.

Going on a FAM trip is like grabbing the “brass ring” of travel writing.

It’s when someone selects YOU to go on a free trip, with activities, transportation, luxury hotel stays, and the best meals… all on the house.

FAM trips are designed by PR people or tourism bureaus, with the idea of offering a rich and varied experience to travel writers and other media folks, in hopes of promoting a destination or attraction.  

Theresa-St.-John

I’ll never forget my first FAM trip, on St. Simons Island, Georgia. I had only a few articles under my belt at the time but decided to take a chance. I applied and landed that golden ticket, traveling with 11 other journalists to The King and Prince Resort, just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

When I returned home, I wrote several articles about the experience and worked on getting them published. I made sure to send the links/magazines to every property and attraction I’d been able to visit. Pretty soon, I was being invited on FAM and media trips… without even having to apply.

Once you have a few by-lines under your belt and can prove you’re dependable by delivering articles that highlight your trip, I’m confident the same thing will happen for you.

To speed things along, consider becoming a member of places like ITWPA, Media Kitty, and TravMedia. All three are organizations intent on helping travel writers learn of opportunities in upcoming FAM trips. You’ll have to put your best foot forward when you apply for a spot, as the competition can be fierce.

Here are a few other things you can do to score FAM trip invitations…

Do what you say you are going to do .

If you apply for and land a coveted spot by promising you can get three articles published, you better be ready to go home and make it happen. PR representatives talk to everyone .

If you are the “real deal,” they will sing your praises. Other invitations will arrive in your mail box. On the other hand, if you promise something and produce nothing, it’s a big no-no. It won’t be long before the invites dry up. 

Try and line up publications ready to take your stories before you go.  Review what’s in The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program, The Travel Writer’s Café, or the stuff you get with ITWPA membership on how to do this. 

You’re on the job.

By all means, enjoy every second of the exotic location, the warm weather, the magnificent vistas, and ridiculous food… but remember to take good notes and tons of pictures, too. You’re going to be writing stories when you return home, so your facts need to be accurate. Be professional. Be that person the tourism bureaus want to work with again.

Don’t be that aggravating, irritating travel writer.

FAM trips are set on a tight schedule. There is nothing worse than showing up late, when everyone else is on the bus, ready to go. Be on time, be respectful, and you’ll be a favorite.

Even if you have no personal interest in where the group’s headed, don’t be a complainer. Find something to enjoy. Look for the story within the story. After all, you may find some little-known thing that makes you excited to write about it later.

Travel writers eat strange things. They go to strange places. They meet strange and interesting people. A sense of adventure will take you far!

You can under-promise, but you better over-deliver.

You were invited on this trip because you promised them a story. Make sure it rocks! Knock their socks off with great coverage and stellar images. You’re a travel writer and tourism representatives are counting on you to help promote their area to others.

I’ve been able to work with numerous tourism bureaus, both overseas and in the states. One recently told me they’re using my “true professionalism” as an example in their training seminars. It’s such an honor to be named in what all tourism bureaus should expect from a travel writer, after the FAM trip is over.

Today, I have nearly 150 articles published. I’m blessed but I’ve also worked hard.  The free trips are icing on the cake.

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What You Should Know About a FAM Trip

Annie Brigham, Digital Marketing Coordinator

What is a FAM trip?

Who attends a fam trip, who pays for a fam trip.

What are the benefits of a FAM trip for Travel Agents and Media Personnel?

What are the benefits of a FAM trip for the Hosts?

What are some things to keep in mind when planning a FAM trip?

A FAM trip stands for “familiarization trip” and is one incentive of being in the travel industry. FAM trips are exclusive educational trips for travel agents, media personnel, and resellers. These familiarization trips provided by travel businesses such as travel operators, tour operators, and accommodation suppliers allow them to experience their services and destinations first-hand. FAM trips are opportunities for travel businesses to familiarize agents and media personnel with their destination and immerse them in the local culture, introduce them to local operators, and highlight the benefits their company offers, essentially take them backstage. For instance, they can have the opportunity to meet a celebrity chef that they have been referring their clients to.

The usual people presented on these trips are Travel Agents, suppliers, and media partners such as Journalists, Editors, Influencers, & Tour Operators. These individuals are necessary for countless travel businesses’ success, and as suppliers and travel operators, you are looking to build a long-term working relationship with them. The aim is to keep track of key industry influencers and invite people relevant to your industry’s success. These invitations may rope in a travel agent you have worked with in the past, who you want to enhance your relationship with or introduce new offerings to, or a new prospect who has recently jumped on your radar who can potentially help you collect new business.

Though FAM trips are endlessly changing and evolving, and differentiate per business, tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels interested in showcasing their points of interest typically provide everything for these trips. FAM trips are more often than not fully sponsored invite-only events unless there is a partnership with a rental car company or airline that exists. Sponsorships are customary because the host provides the money or product in exchange for their visit.

What are the benefits of a FAM trip to Travel Agents and Media Personnel?

Familiarization trips present numerous benefits to the attendees. The head benefit of a FAM trip is that it allows travel agents and other travel industry providers to gain ideal first-hand experience. This involvement enables them to understand better the several benefits that different kinds of trip excursions offer to their clients. As a result, they can better supply the perfect services and vacations to their client based on their desires and needs and effectively inform their clients on what they can expect. In addition, media personnel, travel writers and editors, and photographers can gain first-hand experience that can help provide better content, details, and photographs for their future publications. These trips grant journalists opportunities to develop tailored stories that they may want to develop further. For example, the trip may introduce them to a chef who has a fascinating life story or recipe to share. A further benefit is that the FAM trip guests can expand their professional network by building connections with other travel agents, suppliers, and media personnel; most FAM trips embrace downtime to relax with other professionals. This schedule allows them time to get in touch with industry experts and exchange stories on what has worked for their business. By developing long-lasting relationships with travel operators and suppliers, they will also acquire better deals for themselves and their future clients.

What are the benefits of a FAM trip to the Hosts?

Arranging a “familiarization trip” is a valuable marketing tool. As a host of a FAM trip, one benefit is that you can generate new leads and business for your company. By permitting these professionals to gain first-hand experience with your products, they will better understand and share the benefits of your travel offerings with their clients. When it comes to benefits from hosting media personnel is that you are enhancing your media coverage; travel writers and photographers take part in these trips to photograph your offerings and compose content. If you can impress and inspire your guests during a FAM trip, then you should be able to generate first-rate reviews and recommendations for your travel business. For example, one of our clients , Arizona, invited an Editor in Chief on a FAM trip to their destination. The Editor in Chief made a customized trip with a luxury angle and published over 20 full pages of material about the destination and included them in the cover. The clients were very thankful for these results and said that the benefits of these results were worth more than five times that than the overall cost of the FAM trip.

After conversing with some of our employees regarding their client’s FAM trip success stories, we have put together some things we think you should consider when planning your FAM trip: You must research and plan the trip and itinerary during the FAM trip planning stage according to your media personnel and travel agent’s profiles. Look at their previous publications and create activities that they will find appealing, craft experiences with multiple “wow factors” that they can share in their publications. Keep in mind that it is up to the criteria of your guest when it comes to what will get published; not everything that they experience will be incorporated. Provide thorough itineraries and trip information as soon as possible in the planning process; this will allow your FAM trip guests to raise any concerns or questions ahead of time and will enable you to customize their stay exceedingly well. When crafting a detailed itinerary for your guests, you must also be mindful of their time on your trip; you must provide a good balance of activities and educational events with free time to relax and take a breather. Lastly, put together a plan for contingencies; keep in mind that not everything will go to plan. It would be safest to prepare for anything from a last-minute guest cancellation up to flight cancelations, emergencies, or lockdowns. But, again, it is better to over plan.

Special thanks to our Connect Worldwide FAM trip experts Eduardo Peraza and Pedro Berruecos for contributing to this article. Contact us today if you are looking for a destination marketing partner or are interested in learning more about attending, planning or hosting a FAM trip.

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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

8 FAM 1304.3

Travel Letters

(CT:CITZ-83;   09-12-2022) (Office of Origin:  CA/PPT/S/A)

8 FAM 1304.3-1  Introduction

(CT:CITZ-74;   06-28-2022)

a. This section explains procedures to be utilized by posts when it is impossible to issue an emergency passport and immediate travel is required (see 8 FAM 706.2 ).

b. Non-emergency after-hours passport services are not generally provided by posts.  It is a post management decision whether a consular officer should be called in to issue passports after hours.  Because of the technical and systems knowledge necessary to issue a passport overseas, and security issues related to opening a post after hours, this may not be feasible.  This type of service is generally reserved for life and death emergencies or international crisis evacuations.

8 FAM 1304.3-2  Procedures for Issuance of a Travel Letter by U.S. Embassies and Consulates

(CT:CITZ-83;   09-12-2022)

a. Posts should issue travel letters only for:

(1)  Law-enforcement related travel letters in situations other than extradition:  Such travel letters must be expressly authorized by the Office of Adjudication (CA/PPT/S/A) at [email protected], which works with the U.S. law enforcement authority on matters related to revocation of the passport of the subject of an outstanding Federal warrant (see 8 FAM 803.6 );

(2)  Extradition-related travel letters:  In emergency situations when it is impossible to issue a passport limited for direct return to the United States, posts may issue travel letters in extradition situations with the authorization of CA/PPT/S/A as liaison with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security and the Office of the Legal Adviser for Law Enforcement and Intelligence (L/LEI);

(3)  Crisis (life or death) related travel letters:  Such travel letters may be authorized by post without Department approval;

(4)  Catastrophic event (natural disaster, terrorist incident, etc.) which makes it impossible for the U.S. embassy or consulate to issue passports or insert a Passport Limitation Endorsement Stamp (see 8 FAM 803.9 ); and

(5)  Travel letters issued in critical emergencies to citizens of a protected power (see 8 FAM 1306.1 ).

b. Travel letters should not be used in deportation (see 7 FAM 1625.5 ), or prisoner transfer cases (see 7 FAM 485.3-2 ), as these cases generally are not emergencies and there is usually sufficient time for the post to issue a limited-validity passport to the applicant.  If a deportee or prisoner refuses to sign a passport application, the consular officer must sign it “without recourse,” attach an explanation, issue the passport, and furnish it to the U.S. law enforcement escort (see also 8 FAM 402.3 regarding applicant signatures).

c.  Because a travel letter is neither a secure document nor proof of U.S. citizenship or identity, border security considerations require that the use of these documents be extremely rare.  The travel letter may facilitate departure from the host country and provides immigration officials at the port of entry (POE) with information necessary to admit the traveler.  However, the bearer may still encounter difficulty entering the United States.

d. Travel letters will not be issued on weekends to facilitate routine travel.  The applicant should be instructed to visit the embassy or consulate the next business day during working hours to apply for an emergency passport.  In this context, extreme personal and financial hardship must involve significantly more than the inconvenience of a missed flight or expense of a lost airline ticket.

e. Before developing post procedures for issuing travel letters, consultations should be conducted with host-country and area transportation line officials to verify that departure from the host country without a passport is permissible in unforeseen emergency situations.

f.  The consular officer should inform the officer in charge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the POE of the prospective arrival of the U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national in need of a waiver and provide the CBP officer with the U.S. citizen’s/non-citizen U.S. national’s arrival date and time, the name of the carrier, and any other relevant travel data.  If there is a U.S. CBP officer assigned to the U.S. embassy or consulate or other CBP office outside the United States, post should coordinate with that office.

g. Third-country travel:  When the subject of a travel letter is traveling to a third country, the consular or duty officer should contact their counterpart in the U.S. embassy in the third country, prior to travel, to ascertain whether the immigration authorities of that country will permit a U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national to enter on the basis of a travel letter.  If third-country officials will not permit entry or transit with a travel letter, it would be inappropriate to issue one.  If issuance is appropriate, the consular or duty officer must:

(1)  Determine whether a travel letter may be authorized;

(2)  Establish that the applicant has documentation of identity and citizenship;

(3)  Clear the applicant through the Consular Lookout and Support System CLASS;

(4)  Provide the U.S. consular/duty officer counterpart in the third country with the name of the traveler, the arrival date and time, name of carrier and any other relevant travel data; 

(5)  Modify the text of the travel letter in 8 FAM 1304.3-8 to address the third-country immigration authorities;

(6)  Advise the applicant that:

(a)  The United States cannot guarantee that they will be permitted to board an airplane or enter the foreign country;

(b)  They may have difficulty returning to the United States on the travel letter, and should obtain a U.S. passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad; and

(c)  U.S. consular officers overseas do not have authority to require any airline to board a passenger without a valid passport.

(7)  Give the applicant an assessment of the destination country’s procedures for processing U.S. citizens/non-citizen U.S. nationals who arrive without proper documentation in accordance with duty guidance;

(8)  Contact (call, fax, or e-mail) the airline to inform them that the U.S. Department of State is issuing the applicant a travel letter; and

(9)  Send a fax/e-mail to the U.S. embassy and, if applicable, the consulate with consular jurisdiction over the port of entry in the destination country asking that it contact the appropriate host country officials and notify them of the applicant’s imminent arrival.

h. Posts should not process requests for travel letters solely on the basis of telephone conversations with airline or immigration personnel who have an alleged U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national in front of them at these points of departure.  A face-to-face interview of the applicant is usually essential in making a determination to issue a travel letter.  (See 8 FAM 1304.3-7 for guidance regarding what to do when there is a critical need to travel and there is no U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national is located.)

8 FAM 1304.3-3  Format and copies of the travel Letter

a. The travel letter format should be similar to the one shown in 8 FAM 1304.3-9 .  It may be adapted for local requirements as necessary.

b. The travel letter must be prepared in quadruplicate if possible:

(1)  One copy for host country immigration officials that complies with host-country requirements (provide translations as needed for host-country officials);

(2)  One copy for the airline official(s) that complies with carrier requirements;

(3)  One copy for the applicant to present to CBP at the POE.  The CBP requires that the letter contain the name, date and place of birth, photograph, a reason why the passport is not available, and that it be signed and sealed by the consular officer; and

(4)  One copy for post’s files.

c.  Seal the first three copies in separate official envelopes, each addressed to the appropriate authority.  Place a consular seal (wet seal) on the envelope seam and cover with a strip of clear tape to prevent tampering.

d. Photograph:  The bearer’s photograph must be affixed to the lower left-hand corner of each of the four letters unless contrary to, or provided for otherwise by, host-country or carrier requirements.  The U.S. embassy’s or consulate’s dry seal must be impressed over the photograph.  Any photograph which presents a good likeness of the person is acceptable, including photo machine strips, other instant photos, digital photographs, etc.  The photos on the letters do not need to be identical.  A digital photo printed on a portable black and white printer is sufficient in emergencies.  However, photographs that fulfill the requirements of 8 FAM 402.1 , “Passport Photographs” are preferred.

e. If the traveler must transit other countries en route to a direct flight to the United States, or must change planes or otherwise deal with immigration officials of a third (or fourth) country, the consular or overseas post duty officer should contact their counterpart(s) in the country(ies) to be transited to ascertain whether the immigration authorities of such country(ies) will permit a U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national to transit on the basis of a travel letter.  If yes, additional copies of the travel letter should be prepared for the immigration officials of such country(ies).  If not, it is inappropriate to issue a travel letter.

8 FAM 1304.3-4  Fees for travel letters

(CT:CITZ-51;   02-03-2021)

a. No fee is charged for the issuance of a travel letter (22 CFR 22.1, Schedule of Fees item 5).  However, consular time charges (22 CFR 22.1, Schedule of Fees item 75) should be applied if this service is performed away from the office or after regular duty hours.  The consular time charge covers all staff time spent away from post and/or after regular duty hours, including travel time to/from the airport or other locations where the service is performed.

b. If consular time charges will be incurred, every effort should be made to collect the fee covering consular officer time prior to the issuance of the travel letter.  Given the emergency nature of this service, this may not be possible.  In such cases, the officer should collect cash or a money order from the applicant at the time of issuance of the travel letter, including any and all consular time charges.

c.  ACRS is used to track this service.  ACRS code 5 is used for the issuance of the travel letter.  If consular time charges are incurred, ACRS code 75 is used and should be entered the next business day following the service.

8 FAm 1304.3-5  OVERSEAS CRISIS CASE WHEN IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ISSUE A PASSPORT OR TRAVEL LETTER

a. In a dire emergency, such as a mass evacuation under threat of violence or natural disaster, victims may be transported from the scene of the danger and processed for evacuation in a third country.  In these circumstances, while triage is conducted at the first embarkation point, the evacuees might not be issued passports, passport cards, or travel letters until they reach a safe-haven third country.  CA/OCS will give authorization and guidance for this procedure.

b. Alert CA/OCS, if the destination is the United States, or the post in a safe-haven country where the evacuation flight is scheduled to land.  When necessary, CA/OCS or the Consular Crisis Task Force or Working Group will assist posts in clearing names through CLASS and verifying citizenship records in the American Citizen Record Query (ACRQ) or otherwise adjudicating the case (see 7 FAM 1800 , “Consular Crisis Management,” and 12 FAH-1, “Emergency Planning Handbook”).

c.  The passport card and evacuations:  In an emergency evacuation or a disaster of significant magnitude affecting large groups of people or areas, post may need to ask the host government to accommodate the use of passport cards for air travel in lieu of a fully valid travel document or emergency passport.  Such an event could involve U.S. citizens/non-citizen U.S. nationals departing the consular district, U.S. citizens/non-citizen U.S. nationals transiting the consular district from a disaster or evacuation location, or U.S. citizens/non-citizen U.S. nationals arriving in the consular district for safe haven.  CA/OCS recommends that posts discuss this possibility with immigration authorities as part of routine consular planning.

8 FAM 1304.3-6  Critical Need to Travel - No U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the Country or Territory Where the U.S. Citizen/Non-Citizen U.S. National is Located

a. The Department is mindful that some consular districts include jurisdictions in countries hundreds or thousands of miles away from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which is in fact located in another country.  The consular district of the U.S. Embassy in Fiji, for example, encompasses seven countries and territories scattered across four million square miles of ocean, and plane connections between these locations are often infrequent, indirect, and very expensive.

b. Passport Services (CA/PPT) grants some latitude to U.S. embassies and consulates in such circumstances.  However, posts’ authority to issue such travel letters (or authorize travel by passport card, see 8 FAM 1304.3-3 ) is limited to cases in which the applicant is boarding a flight to the United States or to the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate (Suva, Fiji, for example), where the applicant can then apply for an emergency passport for an onward destination.  Posts must have explicit authorization from CA/PPT to issue travel letters under these circumstances.  This general authorization (post specific, not case by case) will be provided by telegram after CA/PPT assesses the post’s proposed justification for the exception to the general policy, which must be submitted by telegram.  Authorization will be provided by CA/PPT's Deputy Assistant Secretary.  General authorization to issue travel letters for U.S. citizens requiring urgent travel has been granted for the following posts:

(1)  U.S. Embassy Koror;

(2)  U.S. Embassy Kolonia;

(3)  U.S. Embassy Port Moresby for U.S. citizens traveling in or through Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, or remote parts of Papua New Guinea; and

(4)  U.S. Embassy Suva.

c.  To further reduce the number of travel letters issued, if there is sufficient time and a U.S. citizen consular agent authorized to accept passport applications:

(1)  If authorized by post, the consular agent should:

(a)  Accept the passport application and transmit the passport application and associated documents to post via fax or e-mail; and

(b)  Transmit the paper passport application following regular procedures.

(2)  The consular officer should then:

(a)  Adjudicate the passport application using the copy of the passport application and associated documents;

(b)  If the applicant is eligible for a passport, approve the photocopy of the passport application and issue an emergency passport limited with endorsement 109;

(c)  Transmit the emergency passport to the applicant by an appropriate postal/delivery system (see 8 FAM 1003.3 ); and

(d)  Retain the copy of the passport application until the original arrives.  The original passport application must be attached to the copy of the passport application and transmitted in accordance with 8 FAM 1206.1 .

d. Before issuing a travel letter, the post’s consular officer must receive acceptable evidence of the applicant’s identity and their claim to U.S. citizenship/non-citizen U.S. nationality.  Previous passport issuance should be checked through ACRQ and the subject must clear the CLASS name check system.

e. Posts should cultivate and rely on trustworthy contacts within the local airlines security offices and the local immigration service and law enforcement community to assist with establishing identity.  Whenever possible, local authorities should be asked to transmit to post a clear photo of the applicant through electronic means or fax to enable the consular officer to make a positive identification and to provide a documentary basis for establishing the subject’s identity.  This may allow the consular officer to compare a photograph with imaged passport data available through the ACRQ system and Facial Recognition on Demand (see 8 FAM 402.2 ).

f.  If distance and flight availability preclude a face-to-face interview, the consular officer may conduct an interview by phone, ideally with the participation of the local airline security official and/or immigration/law enforcement official.

g. While CA/PPT recognizes that the nature of a consular district such as Suva’s might make issuance of travel letters appropriate more frequently than in other districts, the consular officer should decide each case on its own merits, considering the urgency for the applicant’s travel and the feasibility of requiring a passport applicant to apply by mail if post is authorized to do so (see 8 FAM 1003.3 ) or in person.  Posts should keep in mind the emergency nature of a travel letter and the Department’s strong preference for issuing an emergency passport in lieu of a travel letter when at all possible.

h. Questions about this procedure should be directed to [email protected].

8 FAM 1304.3-7  Sample Travel Letter

(CT:CITZ-24;   08-07-2019)

Post Letterhead

Reply to the attention of:  U.S. Embassy -----, Consular Section

Subject:  Waiver of U.S. Passport Requirement 22 CFR 53.2(b)((9) or (10))

To:  Officer in Charge:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry (U.S. airport, city) and Immigration Authorities at (Foreign Airport) and (Air Carrier)

The bearer of this letter is (insert name), a (U.S. citizen/non-citizen U.S. national) born on (date) at (place of birth) who does not presently possess a valid passport.  The bearer has a critical need to travel because:

·          (Bearer) is the subject of an emergency medical evacuation.

·          (Bearer) has a life or death situation abroad … (insert text).

·          (Bearer) is the subject of an extradition or deportation order, traveling under U.S. law enforcement escort.

·          (Bearer) is the subject of a prisoner transfer, traveling under U.S. law enforcement escort.

·          (Bearer) is being evacuated due to natural disaster or crisis.

·          The U.S. Embassy is unable to issue a passport because (insert text)

(Bearer's) name cleared the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS).  Because of the bearer’s urgent need to travel to the United States before normal passport services can be provided during regular business hours of the nearest U.S. Embassy, it would be appreciated if the passport requirement in this case be waived under the regulatory guidelines of 22 CFR 53.2(b)(9).  For further information about this matter contact the undersigned (or OCS duty officer) at (phone/e-mail address.)

Signature of Consular Officer or Duty Officer

Typed Name of Consular Officer or Duty Officer

Title of Consular Officer or Duty Officer

Name of Post

Date Photo of Subject with Seal

Centrav Resources

FAM Trip Checklist for Travel Advisors

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As we head into the fall, we look forward to things cooling down a bit – the temperature, and maybe even your workload! If fall is a slower season for you, this might be the optimal time to plan a FAM trip. A FAM trip, or a familiarization trip, is a vacation exclusively for travel agents that is either free or deeply discounted by travel vendors, hotels, resorts, or cruise lines. The purpose of a FAM trip is to help a travel agent become familiar with the products and services travel vendors offer so they can help their clients choose the perfect vacation package.

FAM trips are one of the many fun parts about being a travel agent. But what many of your friends may not realize, is that it’s also a work trip! In order to make the most of any FAM trip travel agents ask questions, make notes, and take any learning experience that comes their way. If you’re getting ready for an upcoming FAM trip, make sure you’re checking off a few important to-do’s.

➡️ Related: 8 Ways for TA’s to Stay Productive During a Slow Season

Get Ready for Your Next FAM Trip

1. set goals for yourself.

Don’t leave home without writing down goals for your trip! What do you hope to learn, try or see? Once you have your goals, figure out how you will accomplish them, whether it’s adding something to your itinerary or connecting with a vendor you want to work with.

2. Try new things

Even if you have a narrow target demographic, your clients represent a diverse group of interests and preferences. Put some unique experiences and outings on your itinerary. Try a wide range of activities that will cater to all of your clients.

3. Take trips that fit your niche

Of course, take some trips just for you to enjoy! But make sure you are also staying up-to-date with the ins and outs of your niche . Take a trip (or multiple!) specific to your niche each year. There will always be something new to learn!

4. Take notes

Keep a little notepad with you for taking specific notes you might be more likely to forget when you return home. When taking notes, think about some of the most frequently asked questions you get from clients and jot down info you think would benefit them the most.

5. Let travel frustrations be learning experiences

Rather than be frustrated with a travel delay (problem), look at it as a learning experience. Any problem you run into is one you can now help your clients avoid. Any problem you experience (and survive!) just gives you that much more credibility to advise your clients.

6. Network while you’re there

A good industry network is PRICELESS to travel agents. This is because relationships with travel vendors is one thing your clients do not have and cannot buy. A FAM trip is a great time to do a little networking !

7. Ask questions

Good questions – the best way to learn! Ask vendors specific questions about their properties, tours, excursions and whatever else your clients might need to know.

8. Take photos and videos

You don’t have to be the world’s greatest photographer. But you can still improve your photography and videography skills! Travel marketing is 90% visual so you cannot overlook the skill of getting some high quality photos to share with potential clients. Take some time to learn photography basics, then make sure you are capturing some good stuff while you’re traveling!

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Shawna Levet

Shawna is passionate about helping travel agents grow their business and expand their knowledge as travel experts. She has been in the travel industry since 2011, helping agents and travelers alike find the best negotiated airfare and travel coverage to meet their needs.

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Getting the Most Out of a FAM Trip 

What is a familiarization—or FAM—trip all about?

There is no substitute for personal visits as a way of learning about a destination. Governments, as well as suppliers—such as cruise lines and tour operators—often sponsor FAM trips. These trips are offered to bona fide travel professionals and others in the travel industry at a reduced rate to familiarize them with the travel destination or product.

And there is no better time to schedule your FAM trips than right now because your clients are traveling again and expect YOU to know the best destinations, cruise ships, attractions, and accommodations to recommend. To jumpstart your trip planning, don’t miss the engaging, informative, and entertaining session A Master Class on Making FAM Trips Work , presented TOMORROW at 1:00 pm (EST) by Anne M. Smith, CTIE . This session will be extremely popular, so register immediately!

In some cases, FAMs are offered as an incentive by suppliers or the agency’s owner or manager as a reward for performance. More often, however, travel advisors take FAMs so they can inspect hotels and restaurants, sample attractions, experience local culture, and learn about the sponsoring companies. This allows travel advisors to be able to sell those products more effectively. FAMs usually are short, concentrated learning trips in a business format.

But what should you know about a FAM trip? Sometimes, the best tips come from you, and we like to share those when we see them. In a recent Facebook blog, “Travel Agent Hacks,” the blog’s creator, Lene Heltberg Minyard, asked agents what factors they consider in deciding whether to go on a FAM and what makes FAMs so valuable.

There were many helpful responses, but Margie Jordan, CTA, Vice President of Agency Education at CCRA Travel Commerce Network, provided insightful questions for travel advisors to ask before embarking on a FAM. Here are excerpts from her post:

  • Is it a destination that is represented by your agency, something you actively market and sell or have in your existing business plan to add as a new destination?
  • Are the properties you’ll see ones that match the quality of hotels/resorts you sell?  If you go, have you mapped out key questions, goals, things you need to know or see? 
  • What’s your plan to market the knowledge you gain from the FAM? Blog posts, articles, videos, newsletters, photos? 
  • How will you turn what you learned into marketing that converts? 
  • Do you have any clients interested in going who can follow your journey? 
  • Does the cost of the FAM fit within your marketing budget for education and training? 
  • If all of this is a go, the FAM is of huge value to you and your business. Set up a series of automated social posts so you can actually work and learn without the pressure of sharing up-to-the-minute updates on your trip. Perfect to schedule are posts like, “Today, we’re on our way to Florence.” Include a few things to know about Florence with a great photo. At the end of every day, I make a recording of all the things I saw, learned or experienced. It’s a great way to remember the small details. Send that recording to a transcriptionist, and you have the beginning of some great content. FAMs should be strategic and can work really well in your marketing if you plan well. Research where you’re going, the tourist spots you’ll see, the history of the region, hotels close to those spots that you may not see during your FAM, etc.

These are excellent questions for advisors to consider when prepping for upcoming FAMs. We also recommend observing proper etiquette while on FAM trips. This means you should:

  • Plan to immerse yourself in the local culture to really experience a destination.
  • Be kind to everyone with whom you come in contact because you represent yourself, your agency, and your country.
  • Don’t overindulge because this surely will detract from your learning and harm your reputation.
  • Always exhibit professional behavior because this is a business trip, not a vacation.

Last, but not least, we urge you to sign up for tomorrow’s exciting A Master Class on Making FAM Trips Work webinar. If you don’t, you’ll be missing something SPECTACULAR!

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Fora FAM Trips: Everything You Need to Know About Our Travel Advisors' "Workcations"

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Picture this: You’re sitting around a campfire at a luxury resort just steps from the Yellowstone River in Montana. During the day, you’re horseback riding and fly fishing. In the evening, you’re sipping an Old Fashioned in a hot tub. At a certain moment you think to yourself, “Is this even real?”

Not only is this completely real, but for a Fora Advisor, it’s one of the epic perks of the job. It’s called a FAM trip, or “familiarization trip,” and it's one of the many community benefits offered to Fora Advisors. Read on to learn more about Fora’s recent FAMs, and how you can get on board. Want to get started? Join us and become a Fora Advisor today.

What are Fora FAM trips?

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FAM trips, or “familiarization” trips, are when a group of travel agents (at Fora, we call them advisors), visit a property to “familiarize” themselves with it. They stay at the hotel, sample the activities and meet with the General Manager and other hotel leadership. Advisors get first-hand experience to recommend the hotel and destination more effectively to clients. 

The best part? Travel advisors attend FAM trips for a fraction of the cost of staying at the hotel or visiting the destination on their own, due to Fora’s existing relationships with hotels. Hotel managers love hosting Fora Advisors because travel advisors are decision-makers for dozens (even hundreds) of clients. This means when FAM trips happen, our advisors benefit from VIP treatment, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive introductions, all while networking and connecting with other travel advisors.

Note: There are also industry FAM trips, which are available to a select group of Fora Advisors. These FAMs are hosted by hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tourism boards and other travel providers like tour operators. Fora FAMs, however, are exclusive to advisors in our community.

What do Fora FAM trips entail?

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Fora has hosted two amazing FAM trips in our first six months as a business, each wildly interesting and a whole lot of fun.

The first FAM was to Sage Lodge, a luxury resort just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Fora Advisors stayed three nights in their own room in one of Sage Lodge’s ranch houses, enjoying meals and activities (including dinner at The Grill, an on-site restaurant that serves magnificent regional cuisine like beef and bison, cooked over an open fire). Fora Advisors were welcomed to their FAM weekend with a cocktail reception, a mixologist lesson, a tour of Yellowstone National Park, a spa day, an evening of stargazing and even an afternoon of ax throwing. Plus, Fora Advisors were able to meet with Justin Robbins, Sage Lodge’s General Manager, creating lasting relationships that will benefit Fora travelers for years to come. 

Our second FAM happened on Cape Cod, along the coast of Massachusetts. (Check out our guide on what to do in Chatham, MA .) Fora Advisors visited Chatham Bars Inn, a stunning resort situated along a private quarter-mile beach. There, they walked along the inn’s boardwalk and gazed at the blue waters of Aunt Lydia’s Cove, sipped beverages under private cabanas and participated in a tour of the on-site farm. This farm produces 100,000 pounds and 125 varieties of vegetables and features innovative farming techniques such as hydroponics and Slovenian beekeeping.

While the activities are certainly a highlight of the FAMs, many Fora Advisors shared that their favorite aspect is the ability to get to know other Fora Advisors and build meaningful relationships with each other.

“It was really a great cast of characters,” says Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay , reflecting on the Montana FAM. “Everybody was so kind and lovely and could not be more different, which was so nice. There were people who had been in the travel business for a while. And then there was a younger crowd that was just sort of starting out. We had a great time.”

Deb Swacker , who was also on the trip, recently reconnected in New York with other Fora Advisors who went on that same Montana trip. 

“It was like a high school reunion,” she laughs. “We were so excited to see each other.”

(Psst: FAM trips can be sea-bound, too. Check out our FAM trip on a Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise .)

What are the benefits of Fora FAM Trips?

fam trip letter

There are a lot of reasons to go on a Fora FAM trip. Getting first-hand experience of a destination is not only fun, but makes it that much easier to recommend a place to your clients and to give them helpful tips along the way. 

Many advisors use FAM trips as built-in marketing opportunities, taking pictures and sharing them on their websites, social networks and other media to inspire wanderlust and build bookings.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to really experience a place without paying out-of-pocket for a vacation, a FAM trip is a great way to get a “lay of the land” through a quick, and much less expensive visit. Because the intention of a FAM is to familiarize , Fora Advisors are able to experience a lot of different parts of a place at once. They participate in site visits, seeing multiple room styles at a hotel property, and often hear directly from the General Manager and other hotel management staff, ultimately giving them a well-rounded and informed view of a destination.

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All of these perks happen while simultaneously building your network and tapping into Fora’s in-person community. Fora Advisors are able to form relationships with hotel management to make sure their clients’ experiences are top-notch. They also take time to interact with Fora Advisors and our HQ team. This has a lasting impact not just on future trips to the FAM destination, but on Fora Advisors’ ability to refer their clients or get valuable support and help from other advisors in the future.

FAM trips are just one of the many benefits of being a Fora Advisor, and the benefits of community and connection don’t just stop after a FAM is over. Fora Advisors have access to a wide network of hundreds of other travel advisors around the world who can help them build their knowledge and destination expertise. This happens inside Fora’s own community platform, called Forum, where Fora Advisors have the ability to post questions and message other advisors, get advice and feedback from the Fora team, participate in virtual destination trainings and business management skills, and more.

“I have been incredibly thankful for Forum and being able to ask questions about properties and locations,” says Kerry Boyd , who recently went on Fora’s Chatham FAM. “Having Forum there is sort of a support system. And for me, it’s been incredible to know that the Fora team is available and able to help you.”

Eager for more? Learn how to turn your passion for travel into $$$ with Fora.

How can I attend a FAM trip in the future? 

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The Fora team is already planning its next FAM trips for Fora Advisors to see, taste and experience the world. We currently offer these FAMs to select groups of certified Fora Advisors (who are invited based on their expertise, training level and Fora training participation), and look forward to welcoming more advisors as our community grows.

Not only do Fora Advisors get to travel the world, but they also can make meaningful income planning travel for others. Want to get started? Learn more about our Fora 's training and sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Looking for more intel? Read our piece on how to become a travel agent . Or, check out resources on other types of travel agent careers:

How to Become a Travel Agent from Home

How to Become an Independent Travel Agent

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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We empower anyone with a passion for travel to transform it into meaningful revenue. Sign up to become a travel advisor today.

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What Are Fam Trips And How To Get The Most Out Of Them

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Familiarisation Trips, better known as Fam Trips, are educational trips organized exclusively for media partners or travel agents and resellers, by travel businesses such as tour operators and accommodation establishments.

Fam Trips are designed to equip participants with adequate product knowledge to either sell onto clients or publish for media coverage. Travel businesses host Fam Trips to showcase their business and product to the people who resell or cover them in media.

Either way, the fundamentals of Fam Trips remain the same, you want to create memorable, fun, and personable experiences for the people who undertake them. They are essentially marketing tools that highlight your travel offering and are one of several ways to generate leads and new business for your travel company.

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Who Goes On Fam Trips?

Fam Trips are usually set up either as invitation-only sponsored learning trips or at discounted rates exclusively available for travel agents to book.

Travel agents and resellers go on Fam Trips to experience first hand a travel product or offering. This gives them insight into the finer details of the offering and lets them add a personal touch to their sales pitch.

Travelers are on the lookout for personalized travel experiences and something as simple as a travel agent knowing whether there is a packed breakfast available to take on a day hike excursion without needing to check details with the establishment saves time, conveys efficiency and will attract customers to your travel business .

Fam trips are not only for travel agents or resellers though, media partners also participate in them too. Travel writers or photographers join Fam Trips for media to write up articles and take beautiful images to post and share in their publications.

Fam Trips

Tips On How To Run Successful Fam Trips

You want to apply the same basic principles to your Fam Trips regardless of whether you are hosting Media or Suppliers. In both cases, the trips should be experiential and relevant to your product.

Set Expectations

Email your suppliers and media partners their proposed itineraries a few weeks in advance so that they know what to expect from the Fam Trips and can raise any questions they may have to prepare for it.

When hosting Fam Trips for Media discuss your expectations for the press coverage before the trips begin so that you are all on the same page. Establish where the write-ups will be published, the length and frequency of the articles, expectations for social media posting etc.

Fam Trips

Offer Authentic Experiences

While you do need to pull out the stops and offer the same experiences that full paying guests would get, you do not want to misrepresent your offering by including something not ordinarily part of your repertoire.

Clients will be disappointed if they read about a sundowner experience on the riverbank but discover on arrival at your lodge that it is not in fact on your activities list it.

Create Partnership Offerings

Contact surrounding travel businesses to see if they would be interested in creating partnership offerings to provide to the suppliers and media partners.

Approach restaurants who might be interested in hosting groups for some of their meals. Or contact a bicycle tour operator to ask if they would lead groups on a trail experience.

This will give the other businesses the opportunity to increase their visibility and get mentions in the media and it will help you to spread some of the costs involved in hosting Fam Trip groups.

Fam Trips

Offer Alternative Itineraries

Where applicable, showcase a number of your most popular activities to the people on your Fam Trips. Not only will this highlight more aspects of your travel business, but it will also negate the possibility of accidentally excluding someone from partaking in particular activities.

Consider people’s varied interests and add one or two alternatives to your itineraries. The idea is for your suppliers and media partners to make the most of their Fam Trip experience so limiting your educational Fam Trip activity to a snorkeling trip might not work in your favor if you are hosting people who do not enjoy swimming for example.

Set A Manageable Schedule

Remember the people you host on your Fam Trips are working even if it may not always seem like it. With this in mind, remember to allocate a certain amount of downtime on your Fam Trips to allow your travel agents and media partners to check in with the office, organize the information they are putting together on your travel product, or have a quick catch up with the family at home.

Fam Trips

Provide All Necessary Information

Your suppliers and media partners are going to need the details of all the accommodations they stay in, restaurants they dine at, and activity providers who guide them on their Fam Trips. As the organizer, you will have easy access to all of this information.

Compile a list of all the names, email addresses, contact numbers and social media handles of your partners onto a database and share it with the people on your trip. This way they will be able to accredit everyone accordingly.

You can include the brochure images and write-ups of your travel product in this informational package too. You might find that your suppliers need to update your product on their site and this will make sure that they have what they need.

Most of this information will likely be required in a digital format, so either email it or make it available to download from a limited access portal.

Make Follow Ups After The Trips

Do not leave it too long after your Fam Trips have finished to follow up with your travel agents and resellers to get their feedback.

See if they have any questions or suggestions for you and check that your media posts are published and all the information is optimized, correct, and up to date.

Keep the communication lines open and find out what worked and what didn’t and learn from each experience and Fam Trip.

Fam Trips

Remember that your travel agents, suppliers, and media partners are key players in your business’ success and Fam Trips are a good way to nurture relationships with them. So consider the time and resources you spend hosting Fam Trips and nurturing relationships as an investment in marketing your business and promoting your travel offering.

In an industry where experience is everything, going the extra mile and working together to give clients the best possible service will translate into stellar reviews and glowing recommendations for all parties involved.

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Tourism Spotlight: How to Host a FAM Trip

Media familiarization trips (aka FAM trips) have been a long-standing public relations strategy. Whether it’s inviting journalists to explore your destination and discover its hidden gems or bringing them to stay at your new (or not so new) property and learn everything it has to offer, FAM trips are an excellent way to get media excited about your client. And more importantly, write about them.

There’s no blueprint for putting together the perfect FAM trip and there shouldn’t be. Each trip needs be customized to your client and the journalists visiting. Below we uncover a few best practices every PR pro should consider as well as what we’re hearing media are looking for when it comes to FAM trips.

6 Tips on Hosting a FAM Trip

  • Be cognizant of media’s concerns surrounding group travel. Not everyone is ready to travel in groups, especially with total strangers. Being transparent in your invites when it comes to group size and providing alternative options for those voicing concerns is pertinent to secure those valuable RSVPs.
  • Plan for cancellations When planning your FAM trip, expect last minute cancellations and prepare a plan of action to quickly adjust your itinerary if necessary. Things come up and journalists do have private lives, so be flexible and see if they can visit another time (if your budget allows).
  • Send invites 6 – 8 weeks out Giving journalists an ample amount of time to plan their trip, especially in a post-pandemic environment, is a courtesy they can all appreciate. As the world begins to open back up and international travel returns, every communication and marketing team is eager to get media back in their destination or at their property, so an early invite will help you get on their calendar before it fills up. To ensure timeliness for you and your client, set a deadline to RSVP, giving plenty of time plan accommodations, reservations, activities. etc.
  • Execute a flawless experience From start to finish, the trip should be a breeze for your guests because you’ve ensured that each detail has been thoroughly thought through. Drafting itemized itineraries for media as well as your client with contact, transportation, and reservation information is a must when planning a seamless experience.
  • Manage client and partner expectations Providing partner venues and outside vendors with detailed information on your guests as well as what your expectations are for the experience will also assist with preventing avoidable speedbumps. Not every single partner or vendor will make it into every story, and managing that fact with them in advance will help for good relationships all around.
  • Don’t forget influencers As the media landscape continues to shift, bloggers and influencers have become a valuable tool when it comes to exposure for your clients. According to Pew Research Center, nearly half of U.S. adults get their news from social media sites, so ensure you’re reaching all audiences by diversifying your invite list. Bringing influencers to your FAM trip, which is designed to showcase the absolute best of your client, will give each attendee tons of valuable content for their channels and your client the opportunity to reach new audiences.

FAM Trips are Here to Stay

FAM trips aren’t going anywhere for the time being. They might just look a little different. It’s our job as excellent marketers to adapt and continue thinking outside of the box to create impactful experiences for media.

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Travel Agent FAM Trips: What is a FAM Trip?

Written by: Guest on April 16, 2018

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There are a lot of perks to becoming a travel agent and one of them is FAM Trips. FAM Trip stands for “familiarization trip” and it is a trip exclusively for travel agents (and sometimes their guests!) that are provided by suppliers or travel operators. Seminars at Sea are similar to FAM trips, but they are offered by cruise lines and give agents the chance to experience the ships and sailing itineraries that they’ll be selling.

These trips are provided as a way for agents to gain an understanding of the benefits of different trips that they can sell to their clients.

When you’ve seen a resort or on a cruise for yourself, you can better help your clients understand what to expect. The more first-hand experience you have, the better you will be able to choose the perfect vacation for your clients based on their wants and needs .

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KHM Travel Group agents participate in various FAM Trips and Seminars at Sea throughout the year. We have excellent relationships with many of the top preferred suppliers in the industry, and that allows our agents to get great deals and have wonderful experiences on FAM trips.

One of many benefits to becoming a travel agent, these “working trips” allow our agents to have fun, enjoyable and useful experiences at resorts and destinations across the country and around the world. When you go on a FAM Trip, you will return with the education and confidence you need to make new bookings! In fact, you can take photos and post them on your own social media accounts or share them directly with your clients to spark their desire to reach out to you about their next trip.

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Another benefit to FAM trips and Seminars at Sea is that while you’re having fun, you also get the opportunity to network with other travel agents! While these trips are “working trips” there is usually time set aside for agents to relax and enjoy the pools, beaches, bars and other activities. Take advantage of the “down time” and mingle with fellow agents and discuss what has and hasn’t worked for their business. Make sure to exchange information and stay in contact. It’s a great way to extend your professional network!

Curious about what these trips are like? Check out our recaps from a few of our past FAM trips and Seminars at Sea:

KHM Travel Agents Experience Culture & Adventure on Azores FAM

Club Med FAM Highlights an Action-Packed, All-Inclusive Punta Cana Experience

Exploring the Western Caribbean on the Norwegian Getaway Seminar at Sea

Want to become a KHM travel agent? Contact us to learn more about this rewarding career, or easily get started online today .

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Diversity Dictionary: What is a fam trip?

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Many hotels, tours and cruise lines offer discounted rates to travel agents so that they can experience what a traveller would get .  Travel and accommodation suppliers and tour operators embrace the opportunity to raise awareness of their services and provide the best portrait of their business . They should aim to answer any and every question a travel agent may have, so that this information makes its way to potential new customers !

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EXCLUSIVE INVITATION FAM( FOR USA/CANADA AGENTS ONLY) TO THE MALDIVES SEPTEMBER 11-17, 2019 HURRY FEW SPOTS LEFT

HURRY & JOIN THIS EXCLUSIVE INVITATION MALDIVES FAM SEPT11-17, 2019 Dear Valued Travel Agent, We hope that you are doing well. We like to invite you to join us on our proposed enticing and magical “all inclusive” fam trip invitation to the idyllic Maldives. Kindly read the cover letter carefully as the program is filled with exclusive and luxurious experiences. **Alternatively ,please visit our website www.aaholidays.com where in the Travel Agent tab you will find a box where to input this private code “aaholidays” once here click on cover letter & itinerary where you will find all details of the Fam. Let us know of your interest to participate in this most unique Fam opportunity. ** Please note that the participation is on a First Come First served basis only. Please remember that we must have your confirmation by July 25, 2019 therefore we encourage you to hurry and book your spot soon after receiving this invitation. This invitation is for bone-fide Travel Agents only specialized in luxury sales . We look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you for joining us on this exclusive and what promises to be an unforgettable experience. #joinus #experience #maldives #allinclusive #resorts #spa #beaches #maldives #aaholidays#luxury

A&A South Pacific Tour, Ltd. A&A S.E.Asia Tours, Ltd. A&A Ciao Italy Tours, Ltd.

June 20, 2019

REF: USA “EXCLUSIVE & IDYLLIC ALL-INCLUSIVE MALDIVES TRAVEL AGENTS’ FAM”-

“Join us on our Luxurious all-inclusive Maldives Fam” (Arrive Male’ on September 11- depart Male’ September 17, 2019)

Dear Travel Agent,

The Maldives is of the most seductive and attractive destinations in the world and are a draw to the discerning traveler. The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It is renowned for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you in their arms. In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travelers. Still welcoming, these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors. In order to continue our efforts to promote this idyllic destination, we would like to invite you to participate in a most exclusive, exciting and luxurious experience in cooperation with the country’s Tourism Board, our local Maldives office, and all the listed luxury resorts in the attached itinerary. This particular itinerary has been designed exclusively and especially for you “our Travel Agent”.

This unique Educational Fam promises to be a most “enchanting” experience filled with exclusive and luxurious services in an area of Southeast Asia which is yet to be discovered but greatly sought after. From the breathtaking beaches to its elegant resorts this program promises to be filled with truly memorable experiences.

This “fam” has only room for a select group of ten (10) of our supportive and producing and/or very good potential Travel Agents across the USA & Canada.

As a luxury Tour Operator/Wholesaler we are delighted to offer a Fam to this exotic destination as I feel very confident that once you have visited and experienced these islands, you will agree indeed that it can be a new destination to offer to your discerning clients.

Because we strongly believe that in order to better sell a destination is very important to have knowledge of it, we are delighted to be able to invite you to take advantage of this opportunity.

Please note the following details of this exclusive Fam trip invitation and kindly read carefully the attached itinerary:

The cost includes : 1. All services included as shown in the attached itinerary. (All 5*** ++ accommodation) 2. Due that the tour travel dates are during High Season, the resorts listed are running high occupancy during this time and hence they have requested an immediate confirmation of participants. Therefore in order to secure your space, we must have your payment no later than July 25, 2019. This only will confirm your attendance. Due to the limited number of participants allowed, this invitation is based on a “first come first served” basis. 3. Please send the following documents to our office: A) The total cost of the 6 nights trip as shown in the attached itinerary is US$ 1,000.00 per person payable by agency check or if payment is by Credit Card, we use PayPal. (3.5 % additional cc fee will be added) Let us know urgently which form of payment you wish to use and we will send you the invoice ) (This includes all the services as shown on single luxury occupancy accommodation, meals, etc.(all inclusions listed in the itinerary attached) ). Should you be traveling with a spouse/companion you will then be sharing with the spouse/companion. *Spouses/companions pay a full additional US$ 500.00 . (The spouse must also be with an IATA/ARC card and a full/part time employee) ** (Note: Due to the much restricted resorts’ guidelines, the payment is non-refundable should you wish to cancel your participation at any time prior to the departure. Therefore we strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance.) B) IATA/ARC/CLIA list C) Copy of a business card D) Letter from the agency’s owner/manager authorizing participation (if you are not the Owner/Manager) 4. For all participants we suggest to arrange own airfare to Male’ and return: from Male’ arriving September 11 before (or around) 2:00 pm and depart Male’ after 2:00 pm on September 17, 2019. 5. VISA—please read carefully the attached itinerary explaining the procedure. To enter the Maldives no Visa is required. However note that a valid US passport of at least six (6) months from the date of entry into the country is required. 7. Please advise the number of bags that you will be traveling with.

Attached please find the “wonderful” itinerary prepared especially for you.

In an order to make sure that all is well before the departure date, it is necessary that we hear from you as soon as possible but no later than Monday July 25, 2019

** Note: Should you want to bring along a colleague, from the same office or another agency whom you know fulfills the guidelines of a bona fide Travel Agent , he/she is most welcomed however the additional $500 will apply. Also, should you not be able to attend, please pass this on to someone in your office whom you feel may benefit from this wonderful educational experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A&A S.E. Asia Tours, Ltd( a division of A&A Holidays, Ltd.) reserves the right to pre-screen all participants to assure that each is a full-time or part- time employee of a bona-fide Travel Agency with proper identification and record to match.

NOTE: The confirmations are taken on a “first come first served basis” only, therefore I suggest that you kindly send us your confirmation to join in this “most unique educational” by email at [email protected] followed by payment to block your spot.

I look forward to your positive response confirming your participation to join us.

**Here is what some of our past participants have said upon their return from of our previous Fams:

“Excellent job. You showed us a Myanmar we could have never imagine to be so luxurious. It far exceeded our expectations in every way, hotels, resorts, food, organization, care and professionalism. You are the best!” Janet Rubinger, Post Haste Travel Service, Miami, Fl.

“..No one compares…!!!!NO matter if it is Bali, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Borneo, you never have failed us. Excellent choices of products, services and quality of accommodation. All deluxe and luxurious. Extremely knowledgeable, well researched and excellent care extended to each participating Travel Agent. You are an Outstanding Tour Operator. This is my 6th Famil with you and will be with you, again, for more. Marvelous Job, you always keep such class, such elegance.” Nancy Klopp, Frosch Travel, Inc. Northbrook, IL.

“My 7th famil with you and still you top the one before. How do you do it...?Vietnam, Thailand, Maldives and many more places. You are THE BEST!!! I know I can always rely on your Company for excellent service and support and most of all care and dedication for our clients, as you extend to each of us whilst on your famil. Thank you for showing me the world in Style!!!!! Cynthia Nichols, TravelTrust Inc. ,San Diego, Ca”

“After participating in your Famil to Campania, I walked away with more than the knowledge I needed not only to sell the destination but to appreciate the excellent are, service and personal touches that you offer to each visitor. The hotels, the food, the welcome from each supplier, showed me how well respected the company truly is. Your staff overseas was warming, caring and went above and beyond the norm to make us feel welcome. Thank you for inviting me and for giving me this wonderful experience. I shall never forget it and will extend it your services to my clients. Keep up the good work” Peggy Sweet, Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc., New Jersey.

“My expectations were far exceeded. “no one compares” Can’t wait to go to another of this TO trips. He is the best!!!” Todd Vaughn-Educational Tour Co., Baltimore, Md.

“No one does it better than Mario Scozia, (owner Tour Operator)!!He is a warm and outgoing host who is passionate about his tours. He is interesting and intelligent which enhances everyone’s experience. He is constantly focused on the well being and enjoyment experienced by his clients and impeccably detailed and caring as result, his famils are the most exclusive” Palmer Kress Schreiber, Legal Consul and Dir. Strategic marketing Educational Tour co., Philadelphia, Pa.

Come and enjoy this Once in a Lifetime WONDERFUL and UNIQUE experience.

Mario Scozia Executive Director

2516 Waukegan Road, Suite 311, Glenview , Il 60025 (USA) Tel: (312) 629 0100 [email protected]

Celebrate with us our 43 years in luxury travel"!!

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Request a FAM Trip

Experience The Woodlands for yourself

Familiarization Trips

Experience the woodlands, tx.

Visit The Woodlands is focused on creating a comprehensive itinerary that suits your journalistic needs while you explore The Woodlands, Texas. Join us and let a FAM trip to The Woodlands provide an unforgettable experience to you and your audience! To get started, please fill out the FAM Trip Request form below. Upon receipt, we will review your request and someone from our Marketing Team will be in touch with you soon!

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Your personal information only used for Visit The Woodlands purposes. We will never sell or share your information.

Your email is only used for Visit The Woodlands purposes. We will never sell or share your information.

If you have a media kit, please attach it here.

If your media kit doesn't include rates, please include them here. Rates must be provided in advance in order to be considered.

YOUR AUDIENCE

This can be a printed publication, web or social outlet, or personal brand.

YOUR VISIT TO THE WOODLANDS

Visit The Woodlands will host qualified travel media throughout the year based on availability. Submissions received less than 3 weeks in advance of your requested trip dates will not be considered.

If you're flexible, you can choose a 1-2 month range for when you are available to come to The Woodlands.

Visit The Woodlands will only consider covering expenses for extra guests if they are part of your brand.

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IMAGES

  1. Fam Trip Invitation Letter Sample

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  2. 14 Day Fam Trip to Vietnam By Luxury Travel Ltd at ITB Berlin 2011 by

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  3. Request Letter to Principal Asking for Leave for Family Trip

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  4. Low doc business: Informal letter to father for permission for trip

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  5. Primary 1 trip letter

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  6. How To Write Leave Application Letter For Family Trip-[5+SAMPLES]

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COMMENTS

  1. The COMPLETE Guide to FAM Trips & Travel Agent Discounts

    The official & complete eBook is available for download after subscribing. Includes, important tips to follow before, during, and after your FAM Trip. Also includes tips on writing your request and sample request & thank you letters.

  2. 4 Tips To Help You Score FAM Trip Invitations

    Posted February 12th, 2021 by Theresa St. John & filed under Travel Writing. Definition: A FAM trip is a familiarisation trip offered by tourism destinations or resorts to travel writers, bloggers, influencers and media professionals for a personal experience.

  3. What You Should Know About a FAM Trip

    What is a FAM trip? A FAM trip stands for "familiarization trip" and is one incentive of being in the travel industry. FAM trips are exclusive educational trips for travel agents, media personnel, and resellers. These familiarization trips provided by travel businesses such as travel operators, tour operators, and accommodation suppliers ...

  4. 8 FAM 1304.3 TRAVEL LETTERS

    8 FAM 1304.3-2 Procedures for Issuance of a Travel Letter by U.S. Embassies and Consulates. (CT:CITZ-83; 09-12-2022) a. Posts should issue travel letters only for: (1) Law-enforcement related travel letters in situations other than extradition: Such travel letters must be expressly authorized by the Office of Adjudication (CA/PPT/S/A) at CA-PPT ...

  5. FAM Trip Checklist for Travel Advisors

    6. Network while you're there. A good industry network is PRICELESS to travel agents. This is because relationships with travel vendors is one thing your clients do not have and cannot buy. A FAM trip is a great time to do a little networking! 7. Ask questions. Good questions - the best way to learn!

  6. Getting the Most Out of a FAM Trip

    Getting the Most Out of a FAM Trip. What is a familiarization—or FAM—trip all about? There is no substitute for personal visits as a way of learning about a destination. Governments, as well as suppliers—such as cruise lines and tour operators—often sponsor FAM trips. These trips are offered to bona fide travel professionals and others ...

  7. Fora FAM Trips: Everything You Need to Know About Our ...

    Travel advisors attend FAM trips for a fraction of the cost of staying at the hotel or visiting the destination on their own, due to Fora's existing relationships with hotels. Hotel managers love hosting Fora Advisors because travel advisors are decision-makers for dozens (even hundreds) of clients. This means when FAM trips happen, our ...

  8. What Are Fam Trips And How To Get The Most Out Of Them

    Familiarisation Trips, better known as Fam Trips, are educational trips organized exclusively for media partners or travel agents and resellers, by travel businesses such as tour operators and accommodation establishments. Fam Trips are designed to equip participants with adequate product knowledge to either sell onto clients or publish for ...

  9. What are FAM Trips and Site Inspections?

    Often carried out on fam trips, site inspections allow travel agents to "inspect" or study their products and services. Cruise ships, hotels, and other suppliers want you to become familiarized with different room categories, amenities, facilities, and even food choices. Inspections can be formal, which are conducted by your host, or you ...

  10. Planning your FAM Trip

    However, after arranging a few fam trips, you will be requesting without hesitation! As far as getting started; it's imperative that you plan early. I usually start to plan a FAM at least 2-3 months before the departure date. I use the time to research the destination and to request early.

  11. What is a "FAM" and why are they so important?

    A familiarization trip, or FAM for short, is a trip designed for travel advisors to learn about a destination, a partner travel company, or an airline, and sometimes, all of the above. While I can discuss unique experiences, boutique hotels, and level of service with our partners over the phone, on webinars, and at trade shows, nothing compares ...

  12. Tourism Spotlight: How to Host a FAM Trip

    6 Tips on Hosting a FAM Trip. Be cognizant of media's concerns surrounding group travel. Not everyone is ready to travel in groups, especially with total strangers. Being transparent in your invites when it comes to group size and providing alternative options for those voicing concerns is pertinent to secure those valuable RSVPs. When ...

  13. Travel Agent FAM Trips: What is a FAM Trip?

    There are a lot of perks to becoming a travel agent and one of them is FAM Trips. FAM Trip stands for "familiarization trip" and it is a trip exclusively for travel agents (and sometimes their guests!) that are provided by suppliers or travel operators. Seminars at Sea are similar to FAM trips, but they are offered by cruise lines and give ...

  14. Tips for a Successful Familiarization "FAM" Trip

    The same should be done for the return. Send a memo to all department heads, alerting them to the dates of the trip and who will be coming. If possible, arrange for a staff meeting to go over the itinerary and logistics in advance. Avoid any negative or embarrassing billing problems, or confusion at checkout. Include in a follow up letter, once ...

  15. 8 tips for the perfect FAM

    Familiarization, or FAM, trips are an important and necessary component of our jobs. We know they are not vacations, and in fact they can take many forms from self-guided to fully orchestrated. ... Expect to follow the agenda to the letter unless the host changes it. It is disrespectful to look at an agenda item and think, "that doesn't ...

  16. PDF What are FAM Trips?

    Advisor -- but don't proclaim to other passengers that you're on a discounted FAM trip. Be sociable but use discretion and act like a professional. Above all, avoid soliciting ... your trip, keep them constructive and e-mail or write them in a letter to InteleTravel.com. We want to know for the sake of other Advisors and customers. Our Advisor &

  17. PDF We invite you on an exclusive Fam Trip

    Enjoy the fam trip RIU Hotels has prepared especially for you from December 6-9, 2017 at our newest property in Costa Mujeres, Cancun , the Riu Dunamar Hotel The Riu Dunamar Hotel offers a great variety of activities and facilities where you will have a unique experience. We invite you on an exclusive Fam Trip We're all about you INCLUSIONS:

  18. PDF How to Conduct a Familiarization Tour

    writers for a FAM tour is to read other magazines and newspapers so you have an idea of the topics they cover. 3. If you are organizing a trade FAM tour, it is often the tour operator or travel agent that requests the FAM. In these instances, it is important to make sure that their needs match your goals and objectives

  19. Travel Agent Fam Trips, travel agent discounts, travel agent rates

    Only $19.95 for a 12-Month Subscription. Gain access to countless FAM Opportunities. BONUS: Also includes a FREE downloadable copy of: Once you subscribe, a downloadable copy of: "The Complete Guide to FAM Trips & Travel Agent Discounts" will be available. This guide will teach you, step-by-step, how to set-up and request your own fam trips and ...

  20. Diversity Dictionary: What is a fam trip?

    In this instance, fam is short for 'familiarisation' - therefore a fam trip means familiarisation trip. Travel agents go on familiarisation trips to learn first hand about the locations, airlines, tours, hotels and cruises they sell. This could mean staying at hotels, assuming the role of a safari goer, attending a cultural event or a ...

  21. What Are FAM Trips & Press Trips? How To Get Paid For All-Inclusive Travel

    If I was to define it based on my own experiences, I would say a fam trip is: "A fam trip (short for Familiarization Trip) - or influencer marketing campaign, or press trip - is a free (or low-cost) trip often including a salary for travel bloggers, social influencers, travel agents or consultants, paid for or sponsored by a tourism board ...

  22. EXCLUSIVE INVITATION FAM( FOR USA/CANADA AGENTS ONLY) TO ...

    HURRY & JOIN THIS EXCLUSIVE INVITATION MALDIVES FAM SEPT11-17, 2019 Dear Valued Travel Agent, We hope that you are doing well. We like to invite you to join us on our proposed enticing and magical "all inclusive" fam trip invitation to the idyllic Maldives. Kindly read the cover letter carefully as the program is filled with exclusive and luxurious experiences. **Alternatively ,please ...

  23. Request a FAM Trip in The Woodlands, Texas

    EXPERIENCE THE WOODLANDS, TX. Visit The Woodlands is focused on creating a comprehensive itinerary that suits your journalistic needs while you explore The Woodlands, Texas. Join us and let a FAM trip to The Woodlands provide an unforgettable experience to you and your audience! To get started, please fill out the FAM Trip Request form below.