Meet the Mentors: A Travel Writing Opportunity in Palm Springs

The chapter of my life where travel journalism entered the chat began in the spring of 2022, and there was nothing about how it played out that I could have strategized for. During that season — filled with mourning what was but no clarity on what was next — instead of trying to plot and plan my next move, I simply allowed. What followed was a series of events one could only describe as divine and aligned, as so many other travel writers will tell you.

Fun fact: Most travel writers didn’t go to school to land the job. Many were doing something completely different altogether, or were simply obsessed with travel, which is good or bad news, depending on how you look at it. The bad news? This isn’t the medical or legal field, so there are no clear steps or coveted certifications or degrees that can guarantee you landing a travel writing gig. The good news, though? While the industry is small, the opportunities are vast because there’s no one way to navigate travel and tourism as a writer.

And this reality can make it difficult to understand what steps you should take. So much opportunity yet shrouded in ambiguity.

tall palm trees on resort in Palm springs

That’s why championing writing opportunities for new and aspiring writers is so important to me. It’s also why mentorship matters, especially in travel writing, where every story starts with curiosity and a little courage to follow the nudges. This year, I’m honored (and excited) to join Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Meet the Mentors program to help aspiring storytellers navigate their first press trips, find their voices, and build a path in an industry that’s been a beautiful becoming for me over the past three years.

If you’ve been searching for the answer to a feeling that can’t be named, whether it’s longing for new places or discovering what you’d say when given the mic, keep reading…

How It Works

promo graphic for Visit Greater Palm Springs 'Meet the Mentors' travel writing program

Meet the Mentors is an annual program organized by Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) that pairs aspiring travel writers with established travel writers on a hosted media visit (or FAM trip, short for familiarization). The program aims to help new writers interested in travel and tourism build confidence and relationships, and gain real-world travel media experience during a 3-night, 4-day itinerary in Palm Springs, California.

As Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications at VGPS, expressed during our first mentor call this week, “Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways you can give back to the industry, sharing your lived experiences and helping shape the next generation of storytellers.”

How It Works

VGPS pairs mentors with mentees one-on-one to explore Palm Springs through a writer’s lens. We’ll share meals and travel experiences while the mentors serve as guides and sounding boards, not supervisors or logistics managers.

Mentors get to show up, share expertise, and support each mentee’s growth as they gain confidence in their work and lay the foundation for long-term relationships. Mentees, on the other hand, get a firsthand look at what really happens on press trips — from the welcome sign on arrival to the writing deadlines waiting on the other side of the journey. And yes, like every proper press trip, all your expenses are paid by the destination: flights, accommodation, meals, and activities.

As Joyce so lovingly put it, “Success isn’t measured by volume of coverage, but by the confidence and clarity mentees gain, and the relationships that extend beyond the program.”

Who Can Apply & How

Meet the Mentors is open to aspiring travel writers of all backgrounds, with no journalism degree required. To apply, visit: https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/media/meet-the-mentors/.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what applicants can expect:

Submit the application form online (background, experience, travel interest, story samples).
VGPS conducts Zoom interviews with select candidates to evaluate personality, passion, and alignment with mentors.
VGPS makes final selections and pairing with mentors.

What makes a candidate ideal? A little birdie told me that the best candidates are: 1) serious about travel storytelling, 2) passionate, and 3) eager to learn.

Todd Burke, VGPS’ Vice President of Communications, also added, “The best candidates often haven’t yet visited Greater Palm Springs, ensuring fresh perspectives.”

Don’t forget the deadline is January 6, 2026. Set an alarm, or three, if you have to. Don’t miss one of the easiest and rarest chances to begin your travel writing journey, and working with a DMO (destination marketing organization) at that!

Why I’m Excited

When I received the invitation to participate this year as a mentor, I don’t think I’ve responded to an email any faster than I did this one. As someone who has often had to figure it out myself or learned the hard way where I stood with industry peers when I simply wanted to learn and grow, I’ve always prioritized mentorship. Giving back to the next of us is central to how I want to show up in the world, particularly those of us doing it on a wish, a prayer, and no handouts.

I’ll be alongside several fellow travel journalists this year, including Kayla Brock, Chris Dong, Mekita Rivas, Rafael Pena, and Sharael Kolberg. And honestly, I wish more destinations would follow this lead. This is a unique chance to shape the future of travel storytelling. Instead of clamoring after influencers with big followings or journalists who write for “top-tier media,” VGPS’s focus is on creating opportunities that expand the industry, while so many traditional media outlets are downsizing or changing the rules as soon as you learn how to play the game.

Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Meet the Mentors program is a model example of engaging media purposefully, and that’s why I’m inviting you to join us. Mentees’ stories get to live on VGPS’ website, mentors get to be what they needed at the start, and VGPS gets major kudos for creating a program with immeasurable impact.

Only a few weeks remain to submit your application, so if you’re ready to see how good life can get while exploring travel writing, submit your application today. See you in Palm Springs!