The museum was nice and contained many artifacts of ancient Mexico City. The history is fascinating. However, the present is even more amazing. The show started as I left the museum and walked out into the dusk of downtown Mexico City and into one of the world largest squares. Local traditional dancers spun and twirled and drummers hammered and pulsed infectious rhythms that led about fifty dancers into the night.

Actually, I have no idea if this is traditional dance of Mexico City, but and incredible find for the evening. I would eventually crash the fashion show celebrating 200 years of Mexico’s fashion — photos coming soon.

I still have to finish my site design, but not for a lack of trying. Sometimes getting money to out of the way places is a headache.

Bloggers, bloggers, bloggers. I will be putting out a small ad on Tuesday for a couple of new bloggers for In The Know Traveler. I think I am at a place to do a little expanding. I completely forgot to do this last week.

For the record, I am liking my new ebook reader. I have discovered a variety of sources for free ebooks, including the public library, but I may never get over the feel of a real book.

And now for this week’s goals

Writing

My nightlife in Montego Bay article got pushed to allow for a completed three-part American Airlines customer service article. I have a new editor I am hopeful will help get ITKT caught up in the submissions department. So I plan on more new features on ITKT in the coming week, including new stuff on travel writing

Business

I have discovered that I have to start working on keyword development for TWL (this is really a never ending process of maintaining and developing Internet traffic. Ugh!

Video

How to be a Travel Writing Rockstar is coming along nicely but the final interview did not take place last week. Fortunately, I have had conversations with a couple strong prospects and hopeful to have one, maybe two, interviews in the can by next weekend.

Networking

With a new “resources” page live with a handful of new adds, I will continue the search to find some of the best in three categories: travel and travel-related; write and art-related; live for everything else.

On Monday, I am attending a dinner at the Thailand Consulate in Los Angeles. I plan on seeing a few new faces, and a number of faces I have been seeing at events like this for years.

Berlitz Publishes Specially Designed Verb Books for Today’s Savvy Student

Downloadable Content, Sample Texting and More!

601 VERBS is the most comprehensive guide to Spanish, French and Italian verbs on the market
(NEW YORK, NEW YORK) June 2010—It took the world-renowned leader in language learning, Berlitz Publishing, to completely overhaul and modernize the way students learn Spanish, French and Italian verbs. Just last year, Berlitz published the dynamic new verb book, 601 SPANISH VERBS. With its sleek and stylish design, clear and easy-to-read layout, not to mention the FREE online download and list of technology-related verbsm 601 VERBS outshines the competition. This year, Berlitz introduces its latest classroom tools: 601 FRENCH VERBS (ISBN: 9789812688163; $15.99; July 2010) and 601 ITALIAN VERBS (ISBN: 9789812688170; $15.99; Pub Month: July 2010). No doubt about it, 601 VERBS is the guide that gives you more bang for your buck!

Kid Tested, Teacher Approved
Berlitz surveyed teachers and students all over the country, in high schools and universities from New York to Florida to Texas and beyond! Students and teachers agree: 601 VERBS is the reference book of choice. Teachers reported 601 VERBS as better than the alternative option on the market—it’s more user-friendly, clearer to understand, and has additional features included like Memory Tips written by a memory expert for better studying. Students liked the modern, fresh design and cool text phrases for a more fun learning experience. Written by a team of experienced teachers committed to helping students better learn Spanish, French and Italian, 601 VERBS is so chock-full of features, here’s more: an alphabetical listing of 601 verbs, verb activity pages, 75 Must Know verbs, spelling shortcuts, and lists of test verbs and technology-related verbs.

Lookin’ Good
All of the new features in 601 VERBS are presented in a hip and modern way. Call-outs, such as Memory Tips and Must Know verbs, are clearly marked for easy reference—a design students admitted really helped them remember their new verbs. Verb-endings are bolded, highlighting slight changes in each verb tense and calling attention to each conjugation, again, making it easier for students to focus and remember the changing part of the verb.

Not Your Grandma’s Study Aid
To match its chic design, 601 VERBS includes tons of helpful hints for high school and college students searching for ways to communicate with each other, whether it is in Spanish, French or Italian. Unlike the competition, 601 VERBS includes one hundred additional verbs, a free online download for iPhone, iPod and iPad as well as hip text phrases. (601 SPANISH VERBS includes a free CD-ROM.) That’s right, today’s student isn’t just learning to speak in the classroom, but also using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to communicate. When practicing Spanish, French and Italian outside the classroom, students can refer to the Text Messaging section of the book to learn key text phrases.

601 VERBS is the perfect guide to help teachers shake up the classroom. And students will ease their way to higher test scores with a guide geared towards helping them study better. Make no mistake, 601 VERBS knows where the action is—and it’s in the pages of 601 SPANISH, FRENCH and ITALIAN VERBS. Pick yours up today!

Berlitz Pocket Guide Paris
The world’s best-selling pocket travel guides from Berlitz now introduce Paris! With freshly revised page layouts and enhanced typography, Berlitz Pocket Guide Paris comes in an handy, accessible format to accompany travelers as they wander around the City of Lights. All inside, readers discover everything there is to know about Paris, from café and bistros to the Nôtre Dame toand Versailles. Plus, a “Top 10 Attractions” section highlights sights in Paris you simply cannot miss, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the historic Panthéon. Jam-packed with practical advice, Berlitz Pocket Guide Paris is the companion for your next trip to Paris.
Link to the guide: http://langenscheidt.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3913

About Langenscheidt Publishing Group
Langenscheidt Publishing Group’s complete catalogue is comprised of over 3,000 titles—including the largest selection of travel and language-learning products in the world. Berlitz Publishing provides an unparalleled selection of phrasebooks, bilingual dictionaries, and audio programs. The maps and atlases with the American Map and Hammond World Atlas Corporation brands have long been a staple of students and road warriors in the U.S. and in recent years have introduced formats for new international and domestic map designs that elevated the industry to new levels. Langenscheidt also owns several leading regional map and atlas brands including Hagstrom, the number one brand in the New York metropolitan area and ADC, the leader in the Mid-Atlantic. Most recently the exclusive North American distribution rights for h.f. Ullmann were added to Langenscheidt’s list of elite brands. To learn more about Langenscheidt, please visit www.langenscheidt.com.

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I did not shoot for the stars, but I wanted to say thank you to the people who have been reading, commenting and, in general, showing an interest in travel and writing. So, thank you! Welcome to my 100th blog post. Here are the latest headlines in honor of 100.

In The Know Traveler Gets a Face Lift

Beyond the long overdue cosmetic upheaval and navigation redesign, I have added some functionality to those leaving comments and visitors looking for linkbacks to their own blogs by adding ComLuv, or CommentLuv. ComLuv is a system that allows visitors to leave a link to their personal blog posts within the comment section of any ITKT post. There is also an increasing community of sites using this service. I recommend using ComLuv any time you leave a comment. I have also added TwitterLink (also from ComLuv, which offers optional twitter contact information on all comments. I have found them both to be useful in developing an online community. It is my small way of giving back to In The know Traveler readers.

Honesty Till it Hurts

Because it is important that readers have an honest understanding about whose words they are reading, I wanted to offer a little more of myself on the Meet the Editor page. I have taken a small handful of thoughts that have started some compelling conversations and an occasional “frank exchange of ideas” (a quote from my friend Peter). I offer these ideas not as a reason to argue, but as a reason to be more honest about myself in a very public forum — these damn Internets. I want it all to just hang out. Yes, it is a gamble. I hope you won’t hold it against me and even consider challenging some of my ideas. There will be more “outrageous statements” on the way.

My New eBook

Because writers have been asking me about breaking in to the travel industry (and other industries) for years, I have decided to boil my successes down and mistakes to create a practical guide for getting the most from the travel world from the inside-out. I have reached out to my travel friends who are experts in their fields and who have agreed to help me give readers a step forward in the right direction at getting what you want from a travel writing hobby or career. Learn exactly what the travel industry is looking for from writers and know the rules of the system to help put your best foot forward. This information will come directly from decision makers for national tourism offices, media contacts specialists and public relations firms who work directly with the media. What are the mistakes writers make, and how can you avoid them.

While I have yet to come up with a name, I have been putting together interviews with some of the most experienced and important experts in the travel industry to offer you advice and give you a leg up on the travel writing competition.

And now to march forward into the next 100 posts with more travel philosophy, travel writing tips, and living the writers life. Thank you so much for being part of this trip with me.

Happy travels,
devin

While developing a relationship with an editor is more difficult, finding an editor to work with can be at least intimidating — especially when you are a new writer — but they are plenty of them out there.

Here is are a few examples of tracking one, or many, down.

1. Check the mast head

Every print magazine will have one. It is the long list of everyone responsible for putting together the content of any publication. Remember the bigger the magazine the busier the editor will be. If you are new you may want to start out small or have something really exciting to offer.

2. Attend media events

There are dozens of travel (and every other kind of subject: cars, guns, restaurants, etc) media events in most days in major cities. All of the guests will be fellow writers and editors. Introduce yourself to everyone.

3. Internet organizations

Media Kitty and Travelwriters.com (as suggested by another TWL reader) are only a couple of good places to search for travel writing opportunities that lead to editors.

4. Find your niche

I am not one for niche writing, but there are many who say this is the best way to get ahead. When a writer becomes well-known in a specific field of expertise, editors will find her or him.

5. Network with other writers

As an editor, I have had some of my writers turn me on to some of their friends who also write. While there is a lot of competition out there, there are also some generous writers willing to help.

6. Submit, submit, submit

Send out your best writing often and ignore the rejections. I know it is hard, but a good editor will see quality in good writing, even if it is not an exact fit. Cream does rise to the top.

7. Beg and plead

When I first started out, I simply asked all of my friends if they new any editors and could I please get an introduction. I did get couple. I started writing shortly after.

Of course, this is only a partial list, and there are a number of other ways to track down an editor to introduce yourself.

A final note, I recommend not calling an editor directly. Most keep busy schedules with little time for a chat with a new writer. However, I do recommend calling the magazine to confirm the editors name and spelling for future queries and submissions.

It is also worth mentioning, because this article is in response to How to Get on a Press Trip, it is definitely poor form to ask for trips before a writer/editor relationship develops — even then it can be pretty sketchy.

Happy travels,
devin

Spirit Airlines does have the legal right to add these fees and is doing so in order to make money. Fair enough. However, it does not mean travelers should pay these fees in the future and just accept this business decision. Spirit Airlines will change their tune if they are hit in the pocketbook regardless of what their marketing department says. Here are my recommendations.

1. Stop flying with Spirit Airlines starting now
Yes, their charges do not start until August, but by then it will be too late. Remember, this is not just one company overcharging customers for absolutely no additional service. Spirit Airlines’ success will likely spread — every airline can then justify the decision and follow suit after the precedent is set.

2. Tell all of your friends to avoid Spirit Airlines
The world is much smaller. Adding your voice of disapproval to Facebook, Twitter and dozens of other quality social networking sites can be accomplished in seconds. You effective words and actions will make a difference.

3. Do not support Spirit Airlines partners or affiliates starting now
Like Spirit Vacations.

4. Write Spirit Airlines and let them know what they are doing is an obvious money grab
Here are the folks who are hoping to drive up the cost of travel and should be held accountable.

Heather Harvey
Manager, customer relations
2800 Executive Way
Miramar, FL 33025
(954) 628-4957
heather.harvey@spiritair.com
I have already written Heather Harvey for a comment on the planned fees, but I did not get a response. After reading a number of sites talking about Spirit Airlines customer service, I do not expect to hear from anyone, any time soon.

Tony Lefebvre
Senior vice president, customer service
2800 Executive Way
Miramar, FL 33025
(954) 447-7965
Tony.Lefebvre@spiritair.com

Ben Baldanza
President and chief executive
2800 Executive Way
Miramar, FL 33025
(954) 447-7965
ben.baldanza@spiritair.com

Of course, travelers that still want to fly Spirit Airlines can consider this, every person required to pay $45 for hand luggage at the gate will take time to be talked to and charged, slowing the seating process exponentially. Can you imagine what this looks like on a plane carrying 250 people, all with luggage that would normally be placed in overhead bins. Expect flight delays and disgruntled Spirit employees that will have to deal with a pile new difficulties.

As much as I hate to admit it, I have sat in front of many computer screens hoping for a flash of brilliance to appear in my brain and then coherently crawl out of my fingertips filling the blank computer screen. It rarely happens and I have to acknowledge the hard truth. Writing is mostly perspiration and a drop of occasional inspiration.

Then I remembered what Chick Corea, a famous jazz pianist, once wrote, “Create space – then place something in it.” This quote comes from a list he put together called “Cheap but Good Advice for Playing Music in a Group.” The whole list is worthwhile, but it is this one line that has always stood out for me. I love how it speaks to music and collaboration. I know that Chick was referring to musical notes. However, I have always used his list entry as a pearl of wisdom for solitary writing.

While Corea left out the details of the process, he provide the instructions. “Create a space.” Thinking about space is exactly what I needed. While I sat in front of that empty Word doc and flashing cursor, I realized how much stuff I planned to do with my day. I realized that writing was only one of many actions I hoped to make. I did not give myself space to write. I inadvertently made my writing suffer by piling on too many things to do and made it impossible for ideas to flow. And sometimes my time is just packed with nonsense, anything from television to eating chocolate chip cookies as a diversion from space and placing something new in it.

After I crossed out three entries on my “thing to do” list and freed up some time and head space, I had my inspiration for my note for today, and tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, I will write up some of my favorite diversions (inspiration killers and time devourers), share them with you and then wish them into the cornfields.

For more on this subject visit Taking Out the Trash and The Creative Writer’s Bill of Rights

However, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is definitely an exception to the rule. Here is one of the most interesting architectural stops I have ever seen. Needless to say, it is also an incredibly photogenic place, as well. I spent about four hours there just wandering around and taking photos. My favorite is a close-up that required getting right up on the subject. I had a good day with light there, so I just pointed and clicked.

Visitors should know this is a vast place with numerous buildings and monuments, so make sure to plan for a potentially long day to get the most out of the place.

My honorable mentions for the week include one of the main pavilions being held up by distinctively painted life-sized figures that required me to walk in circles around the building in awe. The third shot is on the ride along the river to the Grand Palace and a handful of local monks in deep thought.

I did want to help her but I knew that sending out a rough draft or anything the writer knows needs “a lot of work” is a mistake. In my experience, it is too early in the writing process to ask for outside direction. I look at the rough draft as my opportunity to get my ideas out of my head and down on paper or computer, whether my ideas are good or not. This is followed by lot of editing: deleting the ideas that do not fuel the story, fixing grammar, spelling, ordering of ideas, and looking to enhance the quality of the words I use. The completed process (when I give up or think I am done) is my first draft. Then the process repeats, sometimes many times over.

When to get opinions?
I would say trust your instincts and write the best story you can. Edit. Repeat. When you think you are done and mostly happy with your pages but have a few specific questions, are still open for feedback and willing to make changes, then send it out. Look for impartial people you can trust to give you honest feedback (read: not your family and best friends) who do not need to tear your ego down in the process. The writing should reflect your voice and style, where your story and ideas are complete for you. This means the reader will be allowed to read without having to consider the likely changes that would come in following drafts. It will also eliminate comments about typos, grammar and smaller imperfections that might take away from the larger issues of storytelling and craft — there are always some issues.

Personally, I will not send out a draft for an opinion unless I am well into my second draft. This ensures that I will not waste my, or my reader’s, time.

And remember you may only have one opportunity to impress and agent or editor, so your final submission should be perfect.

Photo by Gina Found

Photo from Wikipeadia by Taro Taylor

To see the video of In Video: Papua New Guinea