As I was flying in first class because of a free upgrade then again when I arrived at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas to two massive welcome baskets and a schedule of luxury events, it really sunk in; being a travel writer is better than winning the lottery. There are some perks that even money can’t buy and I’d choose this life over winning the lottery.
Marriott Vacation Club is my favorite place to stay. After traveling around the globe and staying at some of the best resorts in the world, I’ve found that I’m most excited to visit Marriott Vacation Club. The resort activities that they offer read like a dream list of vacation experiences. From tour opportunities, family events, movie nights, fitness programs, a variety of activities for adults, teen hangout rooms, and on-site dining, it’s like going to Disneyland without the excessive line-ups.
When I decided to fly out to California rather than make the 4 day drive with Athena, I immediately reached out to my PR contact at Marriott Vacation Club. (Even saying I have a PR contact for Marriott Vacation Club sounds like something I’m reading from a book or watching on a movie. That’s not actually how people live, right? Is this a dream?) I had driven by Newport Coast Villas a thousand times when I lived in California but I never imaged staying here. Luckily, as a travel writer with a large enough following, they were willing to put me up for free in exchange for coverage on Bucket List Publications. Most of you ask me how I can afford such experiences; well here it is. I ask and because I’m a travel writer, I sometimes receive. I never dreamed it could be that simple.
With accommodations out of the way, I just had to figure out the flight. I had enough points with US Airways so even that was free. Then, when my flight was delayed and I missed the connection, I was upgraded to first class and rode the rest of the way in luxury. I know that lottery winners can pay for upgrades but getting them for free is so much more rewarding.
The icing on the cake was the way I was treated when I arrived at Newport Coast Villas. Two personalized welcome baskets filled with goodies awaited us next to a detailed schedule of events for the week. Among the events, a boat tour, a tour of Hollywood, a behind-the-scenes Extra experience, fine dining, and resort activities for Athena like Build a Buddy and a Treasure Hunt. It was like winning the Showcase Showdown on The Price is Right. Every detail was thoroughly thought out with attention to every detail.
I am Cinderella and Bucket List Publications is my Prince Charming. It is through travel writing and owning a blog that I’ve been able to live my fairy-tale, and every time I go to a new resort or location, my fairy Godmother keeps coming back to make my dreams a reality.
The lotto is more than $400 million tonight so I was thinking about how my life would be different if I won but then I decided not even to buy a ticket. Being a travel writer is better than winning the lotto. This is my Happy Dance.
Bucket List Publications 
I totally agree with you. Travel broaden our minds. It is where we meet unexpected things and it make our life in another perspective. I wish I can go to Europe one day.
Especially, sharing and writing about it help others know about your experience, which is very useful.
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I wish that was my occupation! Winning the lotto wouldn’t be bad either. 🙂
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Sounds like an amazing trip!
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I would have to agree. looks like you’re living the life, doing what you love and being rewarded for it. I’m flying to New Orleans for JazzFest in April. Any suggestions or must-sees? Also, is there an airline or third party booking site that you recommend?
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I’m so happy for you about doing the work you love and also getting benefits from what you do. Thanks for sharing!
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So lucky for you! Seems like you have a great attitude about this too!
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I eagerly await the day when perks are thrown my way! Well done! Traveling and writing about it- pretty sure it doesn’t get much better than that!
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So jealous! I’ve always thought that if I ever won the lottery, I would actually spend that money traveling 🙂 It’s amazing that you get to do it without having to rely on that unlikely hope!
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Being a travel writer/photographer sounds like the perfect job to me. 🙂 Great to discover your blog.
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Totally inspiring and what a creative way to build your work around the life that you love. It is my hope to continue to build my job so that I can live my life. Thank you for sharing, it helps to have a beacon showing the way.
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