Reservations website: www.youreservations.com
Reservations myspace page: myspace.com/reservationsmag
Continuing my Follow Your Heart, Follow Your Dreams Series which I started here in LTs Jazzy Radio Loft & Lounge in August 2006, today I welcome Ms. Kirstin Fuller, Founder & Editor In Chief of Reservations - The Ultimate African American Travel Guide. I recently had the blessing of meeting Kirstin Fuller and invited her into LT's Jazzy Radio Loft & Lounge for an interview. Fam, how can I put it to you? Her magazine is off the hook! When you see it in stores, be sure to buy yourself a copy! It's very informative, interesting and an excellent travel guide. What is it like to be a Founder and Editor In Chief of your own magazine? Enjoy!
LT: Hi, Kirstin! First and foremost, welcome to LTs Jazzy Radio Loft & Lounge. Congratulations on your magazine and website. They look great!
KF: Hi, LT! Thank You so much for inviting Reservations to LTs Jazzy Radio Loft & Lounge. I am very happy that you like our website and magazine.
LT: Where are you originally from? Where did you go to school?
KF: I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I graduated from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in 1985 and after two years off from school I went to Howard University's School of Communication. I graduated from HU on May 8th 1992.
LT: Wow. The Class of 85! OK, I have to say something here and now. The Class of 85 was off the hook. That class was filled with independent thinkers, leaders, artists, musicians, and entreprenuers not only in the DC area but I would dare say up and down the East Coast, even nationally from people I have met here and in my travels. Being in the Class of 87 myself, I looked up to you guys going all the way back to elementary, junior high and high school.
KF: Thank you, LT!
LT: Nuttin' but the truth! What inspired you to do a travel magazine specifically geared towards African Americans?
KF: 'Reservations' is truly a gift from God! I am a member of Evangel Cathedral and one Sunday we had guest speaker, Bishop Liston Page. He had us write a list of things we wanted to ask God for and one of the things on my list was a business that would allow me the opportunity to bless my church, my family and my friends financially. Three Sundays after that he gave me the idea of starting my own magazine.
LT: Six words, "Go Head Now, Ms. Kirstin Fuller!" How much and how often do African Americans travel?
KF: After a little research, I discovered that we as African Americans spend $723 Billion annually. Of that $723 Billion, we spend $90 Billion annually on domestic travel. When I read those statistics I was blown away! Then after a little more research, I discovered that there are only 2 other travel magazines for African Americans. I tried to acquire them but to no avail. That's when I realized that God wanted me to start a new travel magazine for our community that would be readily available. That's my mission!
LT: That is beautiful! Now, did you say African Americans spend $723 Billion annually?! In the words of Chris Rock, "Good Lawd, thats a lot of money!" I did not know it was up to that much now. Wow. The last stat I heard was several years ago when it was $500 Billion.
KF: It's true, not only that but 75.2 Million African Americans travel every year! We spend $2.8 Billion on hotels and transportation (to and from vacation). In my opinion not enough of us are traveling. I still believe there are too many African Americans who are not traveling for fear that they can't afford to go on vacation or they still feel that we are not supposed to travel away from home. My goal is to change that, to dispel that myth.
LT: That is a very good point. I too think that is a myth because I know more black folks who travel regularly than those who do not. On that same point, recently on The Michael Baisden Show the topic of "Reasons Why African Americans Do Not Travel More" was aired. African Americans from across the country called in to voice their opinions. The answers varied from coast to coast but it was very interesting. What is your take on this question?
KF: I believe that the main reason that African Americans do not travel is that they fear that they can not afford it. I did not hear the Michael Baisden show, but I strongly believe it is because we fear that we can not afford it. But, I am here to show my readers that with proper financial planning (our article Financial Fitness Forum) you can take that dream vacation to Brazil or St. Tropez and still buy that new Versace watch.
LT: Where are we travelling to? Where are our hot spots? Where are you noticing we dig the most?
KF: In my research, African Americans are traveling to cities like Miami (my personal favorite), Las Vegas (which is becoming more family oriented now), Atlanta and Los Angeles. I also find that a great number of African Americans are traveling to the Caribbean. Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. I recently returned from a trip to St. Lucia to cover the first annual Rum & Food Festival. I covered the festival for Reservations, and I realized that St. Lucia is a hidden jewel in the Caribbean. It is a must visit island.
LT: Wow! I wanna go to all those places just by the sound of them! I've heard so much from the Caribbean from family and friends. That Rum & Food Festival sounds like a great time too! What times of the year do we travel the most?
KF: Primarily we travel (the most) during the summer months. It's easier to travel in the summer. The kids are out of school and it's less hectic at work, so we tend to travel more in the summer months.
LT: How are African Americans travel habits tracked? By ticket sales? By polls? Questionaires? Is it always accurate every year?
KF: Right now I think the Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA) is the primary gather of data related to African American travel. There information is pretty much right on target and very trust worthy. Data is gathered through internet, travel agency and mainstream hotel companies. Another goal of 'Reservations' magazine is to also track and record this important information.
LT: Who travels the most you notice, African American men or African American women?
KF: Believe it or not, African American men and women are traveling more and more. We are doing more group traveling. You know, more girlfriend getaways and the fellas hanging out in Miami.
LT: Are African American families traveling often? Where are we going?
KF: We are also traveling more as a family. More families are traveling to cities like Las Vegas because they are catering more to the family.. There are more hotels and resorts being built that are specifically targeted to the family. 'Circus Circus' in Las Vegas comes to mind.
LT: Did you have any magazine publication experience before you launched your magazine?
KF: You might find this funny but I did not have any magazine experience before this. I have a solid background in television production, but no publishing experience.
LT: Was it hard to get advertisers? What was that journey like?
KF: Getting advertisers to take that leap of faith is extremely hard. But I am confident that after the first issue hits mid December that advertisers will come on board. If anyone knows of a company that would be willing please email a sister! :-)
LT: You have a very impressive list of retail locations where folks can buy your magazine. What is it like firsthand trying to get retailers to sell your magazine? What was that experience like? Do you have to make contracts with each business or location? How does that work?
KF: I created the list of retailers with my design/website guy Sebastian Bruce of Avoom Graphics, Inc. We didn't have to go to each individual retailer, we are going with circulation distributor in New Jersey called Curtis Circulation and they handle the distribution to individual retailers. 'Reservations' will also be distributed in the Caribbean in 2007.
LT: I see on your debut issue, you have the very beautiful and talented, Ms. Vivica A. Fox on the cover. Did you interview Vivica here in DC?
KF: Ms. Vivica A. Fox was working on the Lifetime Original Series "Missing" when I interviewed her. Unfortunately I could not travel to LA to interview her, so we did a phone interview. She is a sweetheart. I felt like I was interviewing my sister. Her inner spirit is even more beautiful than her outer appearance.
LT: Nice! How hard or easy is it to get the celebrities' opinions in general, etc. on their travel experiences, etc.?
KF: I find that celebrities are very open and interested in talking about more than just the usual who are you dating, what designer are you wearing. Vivica was very supportive of the project and enjoyed talking about her favorite vacation spots.
LT: Who is your target demo audience? What age group is 'Reservations' geared to?
KF: 'Reservations' is solely targeted to the African American community. Our age range is the 18-year-old high school graduates going on that graduation gift trip (from their parents) to the 65-70 year old couple that just retired. Our goal is to inform the entire community on when, where, and how to spend that travel dollar.
LT: What are the advantages of taking a cruise to the Islands/the Caribbean as compared to by air?
KF: I think traveling to the islands by plane or cruise ship is purely based on your individual preference. If you just want to quickly get to one island, then the airplane is your best bet. If you want to island hop, then a cruise is your best bet and more cost effective.
LT: I would love to go to Africa one day. I want to see Eygpt and Ghana for starters. What advice would you give to young folks that want to visit Africa?
KF: To my readers that want to go to Africa, I say do it! I think every African American needs to visit Africa at least once in their lifetime. It is definitely a trip that you want to plan. I would suggest doing a lot of research, price comparison. There are a lot of travel agencies that offer special group trips to Africa every year.
LT: How important is it for African-Americans to have a passport in their wallets. pocketbooks, etc? Do you think it is as important as having a drivers license and other important IDs we keep? (The importance of travel, etc.)
KF: Well, beginning January 2007, the State Department is requiring that every American traveling outside of the country be required to have a passport (this also includes children). It also very important to keep another form of identification with you when traveling. I think it is a good idea to have another form of ID in case you loose one form of ID. Once you get to your destination, I suggest that you lock your passport in the hotel/room safe to ensure that nothing happens to it. Most islands and other countries have strict identification rules.
LT: What do you think of travel agencies in general? Are there any that you think are better then others as far as best bargains are concerned?
KF: I think travel agencies are fantastic! I also think that travel engines such as travelocity and expedia are also great. I don't have a particular preference. When going on personal travel, I generally search for the best bargains on the internet. In 2007 'Reservations' will launch its own travel agency through our website www.youreservations.com.
LT: What did you think of Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage and the trips he did with Sinbad to Jamaica and The Islands, every year? Were those packages handled thru African American travel agencies? Did you get to go to any of those voyages/concerts yourself? Do they still do those? I haven't heard them pump those up in a while.
KF: The Tom Joyner and Sinbad trips are a great idea. The Essence Festival is legendary. The Tom Joyner cruise is a great annual event that sells out quickly every year. From what I hear this years event was a blast. I believe it took place in August. I think they use the same travel agency each year, I am sure that is handled through an African American agency. Oddly enough I haven't been to any of the annual trips/ festivals. With 'Reservations' that is surely going to change! LOL
LT: What is one of the best deals to get to let's say, Disney World? LOL! How can a brotha or sistah take their family of four to Disney World on a budget? Holla, if you hear me! LOL! ;)
KF: Wow! Been there done that! I took my nephew Tyrone when he was 7 (for his Christmas present). That was 10 years ago. It was very expensive then. Now, if I wanted to take him along with my other nephew and their friends, I would use my press credentials to get us in for free! LOL Seriously, I would first try Disney's website because they often run family vacation packages(that include hotel, airfare and tickets to the parks) that are very reasonable. If Disney did not have any packages that are reasonably priced I would go to the major search engines like Travelocity and Expedia to find a great package. And let's not forget Yahoo Travel and Overstock.com's new Travel portion on their website. I would also suggest visiting a trusted travel agent as well.
LT: Those sites are great to know! Would your advise be the same for let's say, New York City? An Official city tour travel package versus wanting to create one's own package. For example to see Harlem, particular Jazz Clubs in New York, visit Jazz At Lincoln Center in Manhattan, to see The Schomberg Center for researchers etc. Can one design their own tour to NY on their own and still see what they want for a good price? Also what do you think of these Chinatown to Chinatown Busses that go from DC to NY? Are they good for the price for travel to NY? Do they beat Trailways?
KF: For New York City, one can definitely design their own trip and have a blast and save a lot of money. The Chinatown Buses to NYC are pretty good. I have a friend that uses the service every time she goes home. The price is excellent! NYC has an official tour that is great from what I am told, but today's travelers can plan their own tour/trip and have a great time.
LT: The DC/MD/VA area has been listed as one of the most affluent areas in The United States and even the world as far as the most educated, most home-owners, top earners, etc. - How big is the DC/MD/VA area for African Americans travelling?
KF: The DC/MD/VA is a trend setting area! I do not have the exact numbers with me, but we are traveling alot from this area. And a lot of people still visit the Washington area on vacation. It's a win win from both sides of the coin. The city has a lot to offer in terms of our culture, heritage etc.
LT: What advise would you give to young folks who are interested in starting their own magazine?
KF: To someone who wants to start their own magazine I say: have a solid business plan, have a well thought out niche (what makes your magazine unique) and be ready for a lot of hard work and long hours. Most importantly be the best supporter of your project. If you don't no one else will. In the end it will be worth it!
LT: Where can people buy your magazine? What is your website?
KF: For the first 2-3 issues the magazine can be purchased through my website www.youreservations.com. Then it will hit the stores through out the country starting with the east coast. Annual subscriptions are $10 for 6 issues.
LT: Do you do personal consultations if people want to contact you personally for advise on travel?
KF: I will certainly help people with advice on traveling. Please feel free to email me at kirstin@youreservations.com.
LT: Kirstin, Thanks for coming on in LTs Loft and Lounge! Come by again any time! And Happy Holidays To You!
KF: Thank you so much for inviting me to LTs Loft & Lounge. I really enjoyed it! Peace and Blessings!
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