Forever Dreaming Press Trip Immerses Global Travel Media in California Tourism

Visit California hosted 12 lifestyle and travel journalists from key media outlets in the U.S. and California’s top international markets: Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and the U.K. This was the largest and most ambitious international press trip since the start of the pandemic, with an itinerary covered more than 40 tourism businesses up and down the state.

Hosted Media Outlets

• The Globe and Mail, IN Magazine, Travelier (Canada)
• TravelLife Magazine (Canada)
• Luxe Tentations (France)
• Obsession Luxe (France)
• Funke Media Group (Germany)
• Nürnberger Presse (Germany)
• Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany)
• El Heraldo (Mexico)
• El Universal (Mexico)
• City AM, LoveEXPLORING (U.K.)
• The Sun (U.K.)
• TripSavvy (U.S.)

Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39, San Francisco

To create a more intimate trip for the journalists, half were flown into San Francisco and half into Los Angeles, with the two groups taking road trips that crossed paths in San Luis Obispo County for a combined group event. The split itineraries allowed for significantly more personal time to explore travel themes, which leads to more relevant and thorough coverage. The journalists visited Monterey County, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County/Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and San Francisco. All international markets of were represented in each itinerary, ensuring even coverage of businesses and destinations.

Sunset Kidd sailing tour in Santa Barbara

The trip immersed journalists in a wide range of tourism experiences, from e-bike adventures to VIP museum tours or iconic California fast food like In-N-Out to dinners at local establishments like the historic Stokes Adobe in Monterey. The itinerary also wove between experiences that appeal to more adventurous international audience — Santa Barbara’s “Funk Zone” arts district — and classics like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a Fogcutter Tour of Alcatraz and a Dodger’s game.  The combined group gathered at the dazzling Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles, a display of more than 17,000 illuminated wine bottles. 

Urban Light installation on LA's Miracle mile

Before their trips, Visit California educated the journalists about the state’s Responsible Travel Code in an effort to encourage and inspire sustainable travel.

Yoga on rooftop of Hyatt's Thompson Hollywood hotel

Big Sur Adventures e-bike tour