Balancing Act: Enjoying Your FAM Trip While Creating Compelling Marketing Material

FAM trips present the perfect opportunity for travel advisors to create compelling content, but remember, the goal is to strike a balance between enjoying your FAM trip and gathering the necessary materials for marketing. Wondering how to get started? Proper planning, the right tools and efficient organization will help you make the most of your journey without feeling overwhelmed. Happy travels and content creation!

Smartphone Photography:

Use your smartphone as your primary camera. Modern smartphones have excellent cameras capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. Consider investing in clip-on lenses for smartphones to enhance your photography capabilities, especially for wide-angle shots or macro photography.

Camera Apps:

Download camera apps that offer manual settings for more control over your photos. Apps like ProCam and Camera+ provide features like manual focus, exposure and shutter speed adjustments. Use apps with built-in editing tools to enhance your photos before sharing them.

Note-Taking Apps:

Utilize note-taking apps like Evernote, OneNote and Google Keep to jot down important details, impressions and ideas during your trip. These apps allow you to organize your notes efficiently.

Voice Recorder Apps:

Sometimes, it's quicker to record your thoughts and observations. Voice recorder apps like Voice Memos (iOS) and Easy Voice Recorder (Android) can be handy for capturing audio notes.

Portable Power Banks:

Ensure your devices stay charged throughout the day by carrying portable power banks. A reliable power source is crucial for taking photos and notes.

Lightweight Tripod:

 A small, portable tripod can help you stabilize your smartphone for taking photos and recording videos, especially in low-light conditions or for time-lapse shots.

Cloud Storage:

Set up cloud storage solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox to automatically back up your photos and notes. This way, you won't have to worry about losing valuable content if your device is lost or damaged.

Travel-Friendly Laptop or Tablet:

If you need to edit photos or write blog posts on the go, consider a lightweight laptop or tablet with a good battery life. Some tablets also have stylus support for easy notetaking.

Noise-Canceling Headphones:

When it's time to focus on writing or editing, noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. They help you create content even in noisy environments.

Create a Content Calendar:

Before your trip, outline a content calendar with specific topics and publishing dates. This way, you can stay organized and ensure you collect the material you need for each piece of content.

Set Priorities:

Decide in advance which content pieces are your top priorities. Focus on capturing the essentials for these pieces while allowing yourself to enjoy the trip more casually for secondary content.

Collaborate:

If possible, travel with a companion or colleague who can assist with taking photos, recording videos and managing notes. Collaborative efforts can lighten the workload.

Stay Flexible:

While it's essential to have a plan, be flexible. Allow yourself the freedom to deviate from your content schedule if you stumble upon unexpected, exciting opportunities.

About the Author

Jennifer Dugan is an experienced travel professional and owner of Dugan’s Travels. She has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and when not busy running her business, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.