In this episode of Travel Media Lab, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Esme Benjamin, an award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster based in the vibrant city of New York. Esme's work spans the realms of travel and well-being, gracing the pages of renowned publications like Elle Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and many others. She wears multiple hats as the current editor-in-chief of Full Time Travel and the host of the captivating podcast "The Trip That Changed Me." Our conversation explores Esme's incredible journey through the world of travel journalism. It's one filled with determination, resilience, and the kind of passion that fuels success. Esme shared her insights into navigating the industry, from breaking in as a writer to forming lasting connections with fellow journalists and editors. Esme also shares her thoughts on the realities of press trips, emphasizing that they can be both glamorous and incredibly demanding. Her advice on the importance of follow-ups and not jumping to negative conclusions when met with silence from editors is a lesson in resilience and professionalism.  Throughout our conversation, one key message resonated: the collaborative nature of the pitching process. Esme highlighted how editors appreciate writers who bring fresh, compelling ideas to the table and how forming positive, working relationships is key to success in the industry. Get full show notes and more information at: https://travelmedialab.co/podcast/99 Want to know how to publish your travel stories? Download my free guide in which I share with you the 10 steps to take now to get your work out into the world. For more BTS of this podcast follow @travelmedialab Need support and accountability? Join our Facebook group! Please head over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE to the show. If you enjoy this conversation, please share it with others on social and don’t forget to tag us @travelmedialab! And show us some love, if you have a minute, by rating Travel Media Lab or leaving us a review wherever you listen. You’ll be helping us to bend the arc of algorithms towards our community — thank you! Travel Media Lab with Yulia Denisyuk is a podcast about people and places that make our world a fascinating place to be. Each week, we bring you stories from places near and far and sit down with the world’s most exciting travelers, journalists, creators, and people working in the travel space. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer working with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.  Learn more about Travel Media Lab at travelmedialab.co. Mentioned in this episode: Visit Jordan This episode and the rest of this season are brought to you by Visit Jordan. Jordan is a beautiful country in the Middle East that has something for everyone: in a relatively small area, it packs diverse landscapes like the Mediterranean forests of Ajloun, deep canyons in Wadi Dana, the Mars-like desert of Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Let Jordan be your host for your Middle Eastern adventures. Go to Visit Jordan to learn more. Visit Jordan