Ok, so I have been slacking REALLY bad about updating this blog and I sincerely apologize! I drove out to Fetish Con, revealed my new look...Thank you to everyone for all of the wonderful compliments! Introduced my puppy and got in the car and drove some more! This who shebang started about 2 weeks ago...on July 23rd and now, Aug 02 I am finally able to get back to business. No, I don't have nearly as much time today as I would like to think I do, but its because I am back to working full time as a Model - and couldn't be happier! Here is a little "Travel Tour 101" on how I make the tedious task easier, how I stay safe, and how to save more and spend less!
How to Book Tours: I have spent the better part of the last 2 days working on a VERY large East coast tour which I am on right now. I have been doing this type of "tour" for many years and I always enjoy traveling for work. How many other jobs have the freedoms that freelance models do...to see the country/world and work at the same time?!
Organizing Your Tour: Organizing a tour NEVER comes easy. It is always easier to have a travel partner, mostly because you can split up the "duties" of booking in "x" areas or booking hotels or rental cars or flights AND the costs! While you can always go into a tour with a time frame, know that it WILL be changed and it will more likely that not, not be booked 100%.
- Location
Figure out where you want to travel for work. Did someone ask you to go out to Florida? Virginia? Washington? Start with a location and decide how far you are willing to spread out from the "center" to book more/enough work to make it worth your while.
- Set Dates
When setting dates, make a mental note that they WILL move in one or both directions and be sure your calendar can accommodate.
- Finding Work
Ask other models and local models about photographers/producers, they will often help and many have lists or spreadsheets that they will share. Modeling can be competitive but there are no 2 models that have the exact same qualities.
(see Booking Work 101 for more info about negotiating jobs.)
- Travel Buddy
Having another model with you will help keep you safer and help cut costs. Best yet, many photographers like shooting 2 girls together, so there is an additional earning incentive to add!
- ALWAYS CHECK REFERENCES!
I can not stress this enough! Models are hurt, scammed, etc. all of the time! PLEASE check references! I have not met another model yet who wasn't happy to give feedback on a shoot...myself included (good, bad or indifferent).
- Flying
While I am a road trip bunny, flying is necessary for many models. When booking flights
- Reference a few different sites for prices (personally I like Southwest, Cheaptickets.com is a source as well).
- Flying on a Tues/Wed/Thur is cheaper than any other day.
(see Air Travel 101 for more about different airlines & their pros/cons)
- Rental Cars
When renting a car, know these tips when you walk in the door
- Rental cars have VERY high tax (I've seen 26%!) so expect the additional cost.
- Most rental car companies require a major credit card OR a large deposit if you only have debit. Some rental car companies even run your credit!
- ALWAYS mark the scratches and dents.
- Check the gas level and be sure it is noted before you get in the car.
(see Rental Car 101 for more info about the different companies & their policies)
- Rewards Programs:
Familiarize yourself with the "rewards program" of the airline you fly the most. Most will accept retroactive flights/hotels/rentals up to 6 months.
(see Rewards & Points 101 for more info about different programs, earning & spending rewards, etc)
- Where to Stay:
Hotels are of course the first thought when traveling, but often models and photographers will offer a guest room or a couch.
- If you are offered a room by a photographer, check his/her references.
- Extended stay hotels are less expensive if you plan to stay in one area for 7 days or more.
- Most airline programs also tie in with Hotel reward programs and you can convert hotel points to airline points.
- Use sites like Hotels.com to check out the quality/condition of a hotel by reading reviews. I recommend NOT staying in a hotel if the reviews are not higher than 3.5. If you are not satisfied with the results, ask other models and/or photographers.
(see Hotels vs. Couches 101 for more info on hotel programs/prices, etc.)
