Ecuador Travel Writing Expedition
April 27-May 3, 2009 – Cotacachi, Ecuador

Meet the Instructor

Jennifer Stevens, freelance writer and author of our Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program, will be your instructor for the duration of the trip. She’s traveled extensively and lived abroad in both France and Africa. She’s been published in glossy publications far and wide, and she’s the former editor of International Living. With Jen by your side, you’ll learn exactly what you need to live the life of a successful travel writer … and get paid to live and travel wherever you want. She’ll give you the insider’s scoop about what editors are really after and hand you blueprints for articles you can follow so easily your articles will practically write themselves.

Hear what the last group we took to Ecuador had to say about the expedition!

Push > to listen to the recordings

Past Workshop Testimonials

“I am looking forward to it. I am biased. There is no one I would rather travel the world with than Lori. If you have not had an opportunity to see the world with her, I anticipate you are in for a rare and unexpected treat. If you have you know it will be an exciting adventure which you will always cherish.”

Scott Moses

"Best workshop I've attended in many, many years — focused, practical tools and templates for successful travel writing and the nuts and bolts of how to get published."

Nadia B.

"I’m at a stage in my life where I am looking to reinvent myself and have often felt I might like to pursue travel writing. This is an excellent beginning, motivating and stimulation – I’m hooked."

Viki H.

"Jen is the complete package – her attention to detail and organization kept the workshop running seamlessly. Her presentations were streamlined and well delivered, punctuated with humor."

Jill H.

“It’s so hands-on with simple learning techniques. Great people and all instructors are so nice. I didn’t realize I would love it so much and I can’t wait until the next one!”

Pamela S.

"I am always amazed at how adept you are at making others feel valuable! Thanks so much for all that you did to make us feel welcome, as if we were with old-time friends! As I mentioned to you at the workshop, I thought everything went so smoothly, and I know when that happens, lots of work has to be done beforehand! I could hear and feel the excitement from those in attendance throughout the workshop. The expertise shared with us will make all our lives so much richer!."

Lily T.

"Jen is energetic, exciting and engaging. A good presenter who is clearly enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge."

Tselani R.

"Jen is one of the best presenters I’ve ever experienced. She is on time, gets to the point and goes beyond “fluff.” She is a fantastic story teller who is smart, articulate, down to earth, friendly. She is a real person who shares her expertise willingly."

Angella H.

"Jen has an excellent grasp of what makes a good writer. I have done creative writing workshops at Humber College, Ontario, but her points were better and more concrete than anything I did there. Great points!!!"

Frances B.

Travel with a Successful Freelance
Writer, Exploring the Color-Rich
Markets and Artisan Towns
of Welcoming Ecuador …

 … While You Learn How to
MakeYour Next Trip Pay for Itself

Over Five Colorful, Adventure-Filled Days, You’ll Learn:

• Step-by-step, how to turn a travel experience into a PUBLISHABLE PIECE … and then how you actually get what you've written into print … and get paid for it …
• How to become a more observant traveler … and more potent writer …
• Where to find REAL PUBLICATIONS LOOKING FOR YOUR ARTICLES and exactly how to successfully pitch them your ideas …
• The little-known techniques travel writers use to LAND AMAZING PERKS like concert tickets … meals … vacations … and more … without paying a dime …
• How you can have the TIME, ADVENTURE, AND FREEDOM you’re looking for as a freelance travel writer …

If you long for a career or sideline that lets you travel whenever you want, live wherever you like and set your own schedule … then this is, hands down, the best place to begin your adventure.

You’ll get on-the-ground, hands-on experience honing your travel writing skills as you explore the villages and colors of Ecuador. With Jennifer Stevens by your side, you’ll quickly find out just how easy it is to earn extra income while you travel the world … meet new people … and enjoy the freedom and independence of a writer’s life.

Plus, you’ll also discover the professional secrets writers use to travel the world for free … and learn how you can get paid to love your life.

Meet Us in Quito and Explore Ecuador
in the Company of Like-Minded Friends

Ecuador is one of those places where you don't need to speak the language to come home saying, "Those people have to be the nicest in the world."

And visually, Ecuador is just as compelling. The landscapes are jaw-droppingly gorgeous -- white clouds settle in thick on the tops of green, vertical peaks. A patchwork quilt of cultivated plots in a thousand shades of green drapes the countryside.

As an attendee in this workshop, you'll see it all – beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, bustling markets … and you’ll do it all in the company of like-minded people sharing a similar goal – to experience this great country before the wheels of "progress" take over.

This workshop will be unlike any kind of tour you’ve ever taken.

We'll meet you at the airport in Quito and we’ll begin our adventure together from there.

Don't have any travel writing experience? No problem. This workshop is designed for all levels of ability and experience.

In all honesty, you’ll never have a chance to experience Ecuador like this again.

And as a special treat, you’ll get to experience a spa treatment at the world renown, La Mirage Hosteria. This beautiful hotel is set in luxuriant gardens full of tropical flowers and wildlife and you’re invited to spend a half day there relaxing at the elegant covered pool and spa area.

La Mirage Spa offers 11 different types of massages and treatments, including some with local flavor, like the Shaman Purification Treatment, or the Amazonian Bamboo Massage (who knew rolling sticks of bamboo across your back and feet could feel so good) plus other well-know treatments. Couples can enjoy a synchronized massage (complete with rose pedal bath) in private, next to the fire.

Whichever you choose, the treat is on us … just suspend your cares and soak up the tranquility while you luxuriate in this elegant Ecuadorian one-of-a-kind spa.

Bring your notebook and write by the pool. La Mirage has been featured in such well-known publications as Conde Naste, Travel & Leisure, and The New York Times, among others. This year, targeting niche publications for a story about your spa treatment will be key. Your instructor, Jennifer Stevens will talk about how to do this at length during the workshop.

Activity Level
High activity. A good portion of this workshop will take place out-and-about on foot visiting local craft markets and villages, finding fodder for your stories. You should pack comfortable walking shoes for these excursions.

Ecuador is at a high altitude, some people may experience altitude sickness. If you have a heart condition, you should consult with your doctor before you travel to find out about how best to adjust to the altitude when you arrive.

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this workshop. All skill and experience levels are welcome, and the concepts introduced are doable by anyone.

Dates
April 27-May 3, 2009

Ecuador Photography & Spanish
Immersion Expedition
Cotacachi, Ecuador
April 27-May 3, 2009

Where: We’ll be staying in Cotacachi, a small, picturesque village about two hours north of Quito.

Full Price: $ 2,997 per person

Your Registration Fee Includes:

• Airport pickup and transportation in Quito on your arrival, April 27, 2008
• Overnight hotel accommodation in Quito with awe-inspiring views and breakfast
• Five nights at the beautiful El Meson in Cotacachi with a delicious and healthy daily breakfast using only the freshest local ingredients
• Five full days of intensive instruction with freelance travel writer, Jennifer Stevens
• Daily coffee breaks with freshly baked, local delights from the kitchen at El Meson
• Hands-on experience learning how to turn your trip into lucrative, saleable article packages
• A luxurious spa treatment, of your choice, at La Mirage
• A trip to South America’s largest indigenous market in Otavalo
• Visiting the leather market in Cotacachi and the village of the weavers plus other markets where you’ll see and learn about lots of beautiful artisan crafts
• A welcome drink on your arrival into El Meson
• A complimentary farewell dinner on the last night at a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel
• Transportation to and from all excursions

Note: Schedule, speakers, and locations are subject to change.

Your Registration Does NOT Include:

• Airfare to and from Ecuador
• Hotel fare on May 2 (though we can arrange a hotel for you at a discounted rate of $69 plus tax)
• Transfers from your hotel in Quito to the airport for your flight home on May 3rd (taxis are plentiful, though, and the hotel’s airport shuttle is only $7).
• Meals not listed on this flyer

To register now please click below or call Bonnie Caton or Lori Allen toll-free at (866) 415-1425 or (202) 370-6459, EST. Or, drop us a line at: Lori@thephotographerslife.com

Cancellation Policy: The Ecuador Travel Writing Expedition is nonrefundable. If, however, you are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be happy to apply your payment toward a future workshop minus a $200 processing fee. If you cancel due to medical reasons that are covered by your purchased travel insurance policy, we will advise the insurance company that your travel and conference fee is non-refundable.