Have you ever wondered what the coolest job in the world is? For the longest time, I have daydreamed about what it would be like to get paid to simply roam the globe. Well, there is no need to daydream any longer as this is now a reality thanks to Fairfield by Marriott’s search for its first-ever Road Trip Reporter!
I can already hear the questions and the demand for answers. But hold your horses! Before you hurry to attempt to grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you’ll need to know what this job entails!
As they say, nothing good comes easy. You’ll probably not be alone as hundreds of thousands of others will most likely have their eyes on the prize and will fight to the death to win this. So to get ahead of the pack and stand out from the crowd, allow me to lay out the details of how to apply for Fairfield by Marriott’s Road Trip Reporter role as well as what is in store for you during this job.
Details of the “Work Trip”
First things first, you have to know what you’re getting yourself into, aka where this “work trip” will take you. Unless you wish to enter this completely blind, this is where I’ll tell you the destination of this “work trip”!
You’ve seen the throngs of crowds on social media at this country’s best-known tourist spots. You’ve heard about this country practically becoming our number one travel destination and our second “home” over the last few years. If you’re thinking of what I’m thinking, you’ve guessed right! Ladies and gentlemen, as Fairfield by Marriott’s Road Trip Reporter, you’ll be sent to Japan!
For 30 days, you can call Japan your home away from home! As a Road Trip Reporter, you’ll uncover hidden cultural and historical gems while experiencing what I can only describe as heaven, as Fairfield by Marriott will provide their hotels’ warmth and hospitality.
That’s not all! 30 days is a long time, so it’s understandable if you’re nervous about the expenses. But have no fear! This “work trip” is all expenses paid and comes with entitlements valued at over US$10,000!
If it all sounds too good to be true, then I agree. I also couldn’t believe my eyes upon hearing about this, but rest assured that it’s very much real and could be a dream come true for you. Now, here’s what you’ll be doing during your time in Japan!
Over the past few years, it’s been highly publicised that Japan is seeing record numbers of Singaporeans holidaying in the land of the rising sun. While there’s nothing wrong with the trip being centred around bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, beyond these pulsing cityscapes are lesser-known prefectures that Fairfield by Marriott wants you to explore.
By journeying into these under-the-radar districts, you’ll be tasting an authentic slice of the “Michi-no-Eki” lifestyle, as pointed out by Marriott International’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer John Toomey.
What is Michi-no-Eki, I hear you ask? Michi-no-Eki refers to a roadside station in Japan, specifically, a government-designated rest stop. Aside from being a place to recharge your batteries, these stations are meant to offer insight into the local area you’re passing through as well by showcasing their area’s regional produce and more.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because this is exactly what this “work trip” is all about! This contract will see you taking the off-the-beaten paths to 14 different prefectures, where you’ll be co-developing experiential web and social media content for the brand’s Michi-no-Eki project.
Some of the prefectures you’ll discover include nostalgic excursions to Kyoto’s old towns of Kinosaki and Izushi, visits to flower fields and wineries belonging to Hiroshima’s Sera and more! And to give you an idea of what you’ll be chronicling, you’ll highlight experiences like food and beverage recommendations, top sights and attractions to visit, Fairfield by Marriott’s offerings, and more.
As for your stay, you’ll be housed in the project’s 29 newly opened Fairfield by Marriott hotels. But what makes this extra special is that these hotels are situated beside Michi-no-Ekis, which are found near national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and attractions.
Oh, and let’s not forget about your entitlements! Other than provided accommodation, you’ll have daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner showcasing Japan’s distinctive and diverse flavours. Round-trip airfare is included as well, alongside a curated itinerary, a self-drive car and reclaimable petrol fees (Yes, this is a self-drive itinerary), and a project fee of US$5,000 to develop your content and visual assets and related usage rights.
In a nutshell, your trip is already set. All you need to do is record your experiences and create content in return! So, now that you’re armed with this information, allow me to share the application process!
How to Apply
The applications have already opened since 15 July 2024 and will run till 15 August 2024, so you have more than enough time to get your application ready. In your entry, make sure to include the following:
• A recent travel story you’ve written (up to 500 words) in English with accompanying visual moments captured
• One-liner response to this question: What motivates you to be Fairfield’s Road Trip Reporter?
• Link to blog and/or social media pages
• Personal details, including name, age, country of origin and confirmation of driving permit
• Open to English and/or Japanese language writers over 18 years old
Once you’re done and dusted with your application, do submit your entry to roadtripreporter.fairfield@marriott.com!
Ready for an adventure unlike any other? This is your chance to travel to Japan like never before, so if you’ve got a knack for content creation and want to turn your travelling passion into something bigger, it’s time to apply for this highly sought-after position!
For more details, visit Fairfield by Marriott’s website.
Visuals courtesy of Fairfield by Marriott.