The story behind the story: Sarah Gillespie joins a group press trip to the Philippines

Find out how many pitches she sent to secure her spot

Receiving a group press trip invite in your inbox, for me at least, inspires two strong emotions. There’s the obvious delight at being invited on a (mostly) all-expenses-paid trip to a destination, which is chased by the anxiety of somehow persuading an editor — and quickly — to commission an idea so you can secure your place.

If this sounds like you, …