Sorry for the wait...Before you contact an editor, read the publication and become familiar with the style, tone, and voice. Know what types of articles the publication prints. Second, find out who the editor is and send an email explaining your idea for an article. Keep it brief and make sure you spell the editor's name right. Do not send a long email. Editors are busy people...
You can ask hotels, airlines, etc...if they're interested in accommodating you when you have written a good number of articles. If you write for websites, put together an online and "hard copied" portfolio. If you have newspapers and magazine clippings that's even better. People will want to see examples of your work. I would not ask for "free" travel if you cannot show what you can do for an organization.
If you feel comfortable with your writing, ask how hotels, resorts, airlines, etc... can accommodate you when you are about to book your trip. It does not hurt to try. You can also try again after you stayed at a hotel. Show your enthusiasm -- this could help you score points...Hope this helped...
