On every page, FamilyFun gives parents the information and inspiration they need to create unforgettable family moments. We are the trusted experts on family cooking, vacations, parties, holidays, crafts, and learning — all the essentials that enrich the precious time families share. FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for — and from — real families. Our readers see the magazine as a reflection of their own lives and priorities, a place where they can find a community of like-minded parents and discover ideas for building strong, healthy families.
TRAVEL WRITERS’ GUIDELINES
Our goal for travel articles is to inspire our readers — motivated, budget-conscious parents — and help them plan their family vacations and outings. We provide the tools for research and decision making: lively, well-researched descriptions of destinations and practical information such as insider advice, specific recommendations, phone numbers, and Web sites. We strive to entertain as well as inform with a writing style that is no-nonsense, upbeat, and personal. Our highly visual layouts dictate brevity. All destinations and activities must include the entire family — we do not write about places or events that are primarily for adults, with babysitting or playgroups available for children. Because we are budget conscious, we rarely cover international travel or expensive American resorts or programs.
Submissions: Articles are scheduled and assigned at least five months in advance of publication. Please send manuscripts and queries by e-mail or standard mail only — not by telephone or fax. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts for feature stories; we do accept unsolicited manuscripts for Family Getaways (see details below). Queries should describe the content, structure, and tone of the proposed article. We receive many queries on the same topics, so please be as specific as possible about what makes your idea unique and why you are qualified to write about it (enclose two or three clips, preferably travel related, for our review). Please enclose brochures or other backup information on the destination and indicate what ages the destination is appropriate for. Due to the large volume of submissions, allow four to eight weeks for a response. Supporting materials – such as photographs, clips, brochures, and background information – will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope with correct postage. Please note: Editorial responses to submissions will be sent via e-mail, so please provide an address for our reply.
Send submissions to:
queries.FamilyFun@disney.com
or
ATTN: Travel Editor, FamilyFun, 47 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060
or call 800-289-4849
FEATURES
Our travel features highlight moderately priced destinations that offer an exceptional value and specifically cater to the needs of families. They capture the essence of traveling with kids and provide well-researched background information that helps families plan their own adventures. Topics can include beach towns, national parks, family camps, outdoor expeditions, and outings.
Length: 1,000 to 3,000 words
Compensation: $1.25 per word upon acceptance, plus reasonable documented expenses
Submissions: Queries only; direct to Travel Editor
FAMILY GETAWAYS DEPARTMENT
• Briefs are probably the best way to introduce yourself to our travel editors. They are newsworthy announcements of family events or attractions such as a new children’s museum, a great deal at a wellknown family resort, a festival or arts event, a new museum exhibit, a hidden gem, a fun nature outing, or an offbeat roadside attraction. We also run tips on travel concerns such as saving money on car rentals or whether to buy travel insurance. You should be personally familiar with the destination or event.
Length: 100 to 200 words
Compensation: $1.25 per word upon acceptance ($75 for the idea if we opt to use a staff writer)
Submissions: Manuscripts and queries; direct to Travel Editor
• Roundups are one- to three-page articles that profile five to ten destinations within a theme. Past themes include lodges of the national parks, science centers, space museums, living history museums, rail trails, scenic train rides, and indoor waterparks. You should have some expertise in and experience with the theme.
Length: 500 to 1,500 words
Compensation: $1.25 per word upon acceptance ($75 for the idea if we opt to use a staff writer)
Submissions: Manuscripts and queries; direct to Travel Editor
• Road Trips and City Weekends are two- to three-page articles that detail a multiday itinerary. They present a parent’s expertise on traveling the area with children and therefore are usually assigned to writers extremely familiar with the destination, whether they have vacationed there for years or lived there. Past Road Trips include Olympic National Park, a Black history exploration of Kentucky, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a Lewis and Clark road trip. City Weekends have included Denver, Boston, Baltimore, and Palm Springs.
Length: 1,000 to 1,500 words
Compensation: $1.25 per word upon acceptance ($75 for the idea if we opt to use a staff writer), plus reasonable documented expenses
Submissions: Manuscripts and queries; direct to Travel Editor
More information here.
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