Giveaway Getaways?

"You might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb." This was a favorite expression of my grandfather's, and one that's been running through my head a lot lately. If I'm going to employ somewhat sneaky tactics to get free cosmetics or clothes, why not more extravagant items, like...trips to Europe?

For years I've been regretting my lack of foresight in not pursuing travel journalism when I was younger (read: childless), ever since I met a writer who worked for a magazine about the world's best spas. It was this woman's job to travel the globe getting pedicures and seaweed wraps. Where, where did I go wrong?

As a journalist who has covered a fairly wide range of subjects, I occasionally get press releases from completely unexpected places (perhaps PR firms trade contact lists? I don't know.). For example, a few days ago I got an email from an art gallery in, let's say, Amsterdam, inviting critics to review a new exhibit. I'm not an art critic, so I almost deleted it. Then I decided to write back and ask if the gallery would be covering travel expenses for American journalists. (Hung for a sheep as a lamb...)

Turns out the answer was no. But the seed has been planted in my scheming, possibly damaged brain...where can I go, gratis? And how exactly do I pull this one off?

I read yesterday that Bangkok was recently named "Top City" by Travel + Leisure magazine. It seems the capital of Thailand was thrilled with the award, as tourism has been on the decline in recent years due to political unrest.

Bet the Bangkok tourism board (if there is one) is hoping for some more positive press...

Hmmm.