A somewhat different press trip through Kenya

Past Trip

What awaits you

It takes reflection, knowledge and loud voices like yours to show more people how responsible tourism works. That's why travel otherways organizes a somewhat different press trip.

This journey is an invitation to think outside the box, to question our actions and to discover a new way of traveling. In a small group of journalists, editors, bloggers and influencers, we let ourselves drift, looking for authentic places and encounters - and the answer to the question of how conscious tourism can work.

The time together should encourage rethinking. We want to talk to each other, stimulate each other and exchange ideas, with other opinion leaders and - of course - the local people.

Your advantages

  • As a journalist, editor, blogger or influencer, you save the basic contribution 595 euros.

  • Invite an additional person who also does not pay the basic contribution.

  • Group learning sessions that raise awareness of conscious and socially responsible tourism and encourage rethinking.

  • The opportunity to conduct interviews with local people.

  • Personal meetings with NGOs, local projects or initiatives.

  • Contacts to other journalists, editors, bloggers or influencers from the field of tourism and sustainability.

  • Images that are created by the travel coach and can be used freely.

  • Digital meeting before and after the trip

  • To be confirmed: A companion English speaking videographer producing professional videos.

Are there any costs?

Yes.

The awareness is there that costs on classic press trips are fully reimbursed and fees are paid. Since the project is still in its early stage and is initially only designed to cover costs, this is unfortunately not possible. The basic fee of 595.00 euros is waived. However, costs while traveling have to be covered by yourself. No media coverage of “travel otherways” is expected. The focus of the trip is on mutual exchange.

Here is an estimate of the costs while traveling

  • The daily budget for transport, accommodation and full board varies between 25 and 45 euros depending on the country.

  • An additional 550 euros for special excursions (e.g. safaris, sailing tours or snorkeling trips).

  • Expenses for the travel coach (e.g. accommodation, meals, transport and excursions) will be shared within the group. The costs depend on the group size. With 5 travelers, the costs for the travel coach vary between 21 and 28 euros per day.

  • If necessary, approx. 100 euros for additional domestic flights, which can alternatively be covered with cheaper and more climate-friendly public transport.

Kenya is not a cheap country. However, the travel coach has gained a lot of experience and can recommend insider tips at fair prices that are not easy to find. We avoid hotel chains, expensive boutique hotels, luxury resorts and tourist restaurants. On the one hand because we didn't factor this into our budget, on the other hand because it doesn't suit our way of traveling. By the way: Otherways guarantees complete cost transparency. No commission, no hidden costs.

In addition, the following costs are not included:

  • International flights including CO2 compensation

  • Airport transfer (can be organized on request)

  • Visas

  • Travel vaccinations

  • Covid vaccination or Covid tests

  • Foreign health insurance

  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs etc.

What is the basic contribution and can I still pay it?

On this trip travel otherways won’t charge the basic contribution (595.00 euros). With the basic contribution, travelers usually support the purpose of travel otherways and make a positive impact on tourism. The following services are included on regular trips:

  • Organization and preliminary research including insider tips

  • Compilation of the group of people with similar values

  • The founder Melissa as a travel coach

  • The participation of local guides on selected trips

  • Group learning sessions on sustainable and responsible travel

  • A joint project (e.g. from the fields of photography, film, fashion)

  • Digital meeting before and after the trip

  • Guidelines for flight bookings

  • Detailed vaccination and packing list

  • Mail, Instagram & WhatsApp support

  • Invitation to a WhatsApp group with all fellow travelers

On this trip, founder and travel coach Melissa Vettel covers the basic contribution herself. If you still want to contribute, please get in touch with us for more information. Alternatively, Melissa Vettel also accepts donations.

Founder and Travel Coach

Melissa Vettel, Gründerin von Otherways auf einem Speed-Boot in Lamu

Melissa Vettel is the founder of travel otherways and travel is her passion. In the last 10 years alone she has traveled more than 35 countries. Mostly as a backpacker - with a small budget, away from mass tourism and quite often facing challenges.

Her travel experiences and her work as a communications expert for NGOs have shown her how important solidarity and encounters on an equal footing are. With travel otherways, Melissa is now committed to sustainable and fair tourism and, as a travel coach, sensitizes travelers to the topic.