Pitch Call: NatGeo and World Nomads

Plus a quick tip to up your pitching game

Hi friends,

It’s cold and snowy in NYC and I wish I were still in Costa Rica (pic above from a hotel I stayed at). I received two more article commissions from World Nomads this morning (with a quick turnaround!), and I’m still accepting for the National Geographic pitch call I sent out last week.

Quick note on the NatGeo piece - I received around 40 responses within an hour of sending out the pitch call, and I currently have over 100 destination proposals for it in my inbox. I haven’t had a chance to look at most of them, but of the ones that I have looked at, I’ll say that many of them were waaaaay too long and overwhelming (remember, I have over 100 pitches just for this one call so I can’t spend 10 minutes reading every single word in every single pitch). Others stood out because they were short, sweet, and clearly painted the wildflower hiking picture (sometimes with an actual image, which was super helpful).

Want to talk more about how to craft a compelling pitch that will stand out from the rest? Perhaps you should join my Ask Me Anything Live Q&A call today. I have very heavy travel for the next two months, so this will be the last time to check in with me until May. More info below.

Cassandra

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1. World Nomads - Avoiding Motion Sickness

I’m working on a piece about avoiding motion sickness while traveling, including on boats, in cars/buses, and on airplanes. I’m looking for very specific recommendations around:

1. Choosing the best seat on planes/automobiles, and the best cruise cabin to avoid motion sickness.

2. How to avoid motion sickness (related to #1, but also strategies like avoiding reading).

3. The pros/cons and effectiveness of various remedies (motion sickness glasses, wristbands, OTC meds, prescribed meds, natural remedies). Please share options without recommending a specific brand, as the piece will suggest speaking with a healthcare provider for that.

To pitch me:

• Requirements: Must have expertise specifically related to the subject. I am NOT considering tips from tourism boards, hotels, or general guides. For instance, ideal respondents would work on flights and buses or have significant experience specifically with addressing motion sickness.

• Subject line: Motion Sickness

• Email: cassandra@escapingny.com

• Pitch by: EOD Wednesday, Feb 12

2. World Nomads - Traveling with Money

I’m working on a piece about traveling with money and large amounts of cash. World Nomads covers a lot of remote, rural, and outback areas where ATMs aren’t a thing, and many of their travelers spend weeks or months without being able to access cash. I’m seeking specific recommendations about how to travel safely with money.

I am NOT seeking product recommendations like money belts or luggage with hidden pockets (I can’t handle getting 200 of those pitches). However, I am seeking expert recommendations around strategies for traveling with cash or pros/cons of using different types of money-hiding products.

I’m also seeking tips on:

• Traveling with credit cards, keeping them safe, and what to do if stolen.

• Pros/cons of pre-paid cash cards

• Travel bank info - what is it and why it may be a good option

To Pitch me:

• Requirements: Must have expertise specifically related to the subject. For instance, are you a guide in a remote area and you can speak to how your clients carry cash? Or do you lead tours in an area with no ATMs or where ATMs can’t be accessed by Americans (like Cuba)?

• Subject line: Traveling with Cash

• Email: cassandra@escapingny.com

• Pitch by: EOD Wednesday, Feb 12

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Ask Me Anything Live Q&A

I will not be accepting any requests for quick phone calls or in-person meetings for the next few months (perhaps longer), and given my schedule, I likely won’t even have a chance to read most emails I receive. Want to get my undivided attention now to discuss pitching, SEO, affiliate marketing, or anything else? Today’s your last chance.

Here’s a handful of questions I’ve already received from those registered. We’ll discuss this and more:

• pitching strategies & who’s still accepting pitches given layoffs

• good and bad 2025 trends

• the rise of sponsored content and how to be part of it

• how to help writers experience a destination without visiting

• how will the new administration affect outbound travel

• how can small destinations without a budget compete with the big dogs

Date: February 6th, 10 am PST/1:00 pm ET

Wondering what these calls are like? Here’s what previous attendees have to say:

“I appreciate Cassandra’s time and the opportunity to hear directly what she’s looking for and get her feedback. I think it’s invaluable for us get have this access and get to know the writer and other publicists better.”

- Kristen Montag, Senior PR & communication manager, Meet Minneapolis

“I joined my first AMA with Cassandra today and loved the intimate feel and engaging discussion on a variety of topics. I took away a lot from the conversation – not only Cassandra’s insights but also hearing from fellow publicists. This definitely felt more productive to me than the larger group calls. No shade on them, they have value too, but this almost felt like a workshop or deskside. I am looking forward to the next one.

- Jennifer Sweeney, Principal, Jennifer Sweeney Communications

Here’s How to Join

I’ll be in Asia all of March (and have trips to Wisconsin in February and April), so this is the last Ask Me Anything call I’ll be holding for at least two months. If you want in,

Here’s how to register and log in: