New York Post / Travel stories

Submissions requested

Dear All:

I’m working on two travel stories for the New York Post, to which I’d welcome submissions.

The first is on alternative leaf-peeping. We want to highlight locations beyond the tried-and-true in New England across North America which are worth a visit during leaf-peeping season - the Ozarks, for example, are supposedly a superb, gorgeous sight during peak fall season. We want to spotlight 4-5 different destinations, with reasons why they are leaf-peep-worthy plus a suggested hotel.

Please do not send me an email pitch for this, but instead submit ideas to the form linked here:  https://forms.gle/WBUBMtjoyLsV7Jeb6

The second is on repo cruises. The fall is one season when these form the bulk of voyages, as ships reposition themselves from summer in the Med to winter in the Caribbean (or now, go between the Arctic and Antarctic). We want to provide a primer on repo cruises: a guide to repo cruises: what are the best ones, and why? How to pick one, and what it will be like, really? Given the focus on explorer ships, too, we’re seeing more unusual itineraries for repos – Scenic did a west Africa one this spring, for example, and what is forthcoming for fall 2023 or even spring 2024.

I’d like to hear from travel agents specializing in cruises, cruise lines with standout repo itineraries and anyone who’s taken a repo cruise who can talk first hand about their specific experience (so many fewer ports, hit-and-miss weather, the chance to relax on ship, often for 3 weeks or more)

Please send me a single para pitch to me@mark-ellwood.com, marking the subject line: REPO CRUISE.

Some housekeeping:

·      No attachments, please – all emails with attachments will be deleted unopened.

·      Deadline for responses to both stories: 6pm Eastern, Tuesday August 1.

·      Feel free to pass on this email to anyone who might be able to offer useful input. 

·      Just a gentle reminder that following up is not necessary, and won’t be acknowledged since I receive so many pitches. Don’t call or Tweet at me (email is fine) - apologies in advance that I can't get back to everyone, but will definitely be in touch if I need more info. I assure you that I do read each and every pitch in full, as I respect and appreciate the time anyone takes to put one together.

Thanks as ever

Mark