March 2026 Newsletter

I spent the whole month in Montevideo again, soaking up the last days of summer between work. After two months at home, I’m going a little stir crazy. But all this desk time means Q1 ended on a great note: I’ve surpassed $10,000 in invoices for 2026. I’m thrilled after how dismal 2025 turned out. I’ve also already read 10 books this year. Where do I submit my list for a complimentary (vegan and gluten-free) pizza?

As a reminder, I’m sharing public calls for pitches that I’ve seen for travel writing on instagram.com/traveljournocfp. The account will always be free, as part of my efforts to tear down gatekeeping in the industry.

Thank you for subscribing to my monthly newsletter, which highlights my recently published articles, upcoming calls for sources, and a peek into my travels. If you’d like to support my work, tips via Zelle (lolaannmendez@gmail.com) and PayPal are appreciated. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the paid version of this newsletter for $9.99 a month. If you’d like, buy me a tea here as a token of appreciation.

In addition to traditional journalism, I’m available for paid social media collaborations aligned with my areas of expertise. I have a community of 21,000 followers across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook who are interested in travel, sustainability, veganism, women’s health, and more.

I’m available for speaking gigs—I’ve given keynote speeches on inclusive LGBTQ+ travel and inclusive terminology for the Latine population. I’m also available to speak with PR teams about media relationships, brand development, and how to spin exclusive angles to help your clients land coverage, etc.

I offer consulting services to PR professionals, brands, and writers. I bring unique skills to the media industry, having worked in New York City as a publicist for seven years and as a freelance journalist for eight years. I deeply understand the inner workings of relationships between PR/brands and writers/publications.

Consultations for brands and publicists include insights on best practices for pitching journalists, fostering relationships with journalists, media training, and more. I’m also available for hire to pen marketing materials, including press releases, media alerts, website copywriting, blog and social media content, and more.

For writers, my consultations include workshopping pitches and the opportunity to pick my brain about the industry. Writers who book consultations are added to my exclusive Facebook group, where I share editors’ calls for pitches and provide access to an editorial database of over 3,000 editor contacts. Learn more here: LolaAnnMendez.com/Consultation

In March, I wrote three articles (about 2,500 words). All were commissioned from pitches. I sent 39 pitches this month — five were commissioned; two are being considered; six were rejected, placed elsewhere, or I opted to move on due to timeliness; and 26 are pending a response.

My portfolio can be viewed at LolaAnnMendez.com. In March, I had one article published. I have upcoming pieces in new-to-me publications, including Glamour, Prevention Magazine, LA Parent, and Ultimate Encounters.

I always post my calls for sources on Twitter.com/LolaAnnaMendez. Newsletter subscribers are privy to the first look at what I’m currently writing about. PR folks (and individuals when relevant) are welcome to send pitches for the stories I’m currently working on:

• Looking for a cruise ship worker/captain for a tell-all article about what it’s really like to work on a cruise

• Puerto Vallarta travel guide

• Places where there are dishes cooked in the ground

• Buildings that look like birds

For editors who receive my newsletter, below are working heads for several pitches I’m trying to place. Fellow writers, if you have suggestions of where to pitch, I’d be super grateful.

• The Highest Polo Match in the World

• This Outdoor Adventure Influencer Reached Her Goal of Hiking in All 50 States

• There’d be no Scotch without Spanish Sherry

• How to have the perfect day in La Barra, Maldonado, Uruguay

• Dubai’s First Vegan Hotel Makes it Easier Than Ever to Travel Sustainably in The Pearl of the Gulf

• This is the easiest country in Europe for vegan travelers — you’ll be surprised why

• The Ultimate Crete Travel Guide

• Interview With Mexican Home Cook, Author of New Plant-Based Book

• Neighborhood Guide: Santitham — Chiang Mai, Thailand

I’m based in Montevideo, Uruguay, and my 2026 calendar is very open for press trips. I’ll be based here through at least February 2027, and I’m super keen to go on press trips to Bolivia, Argentina, Guyana, Suriname, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Caribbean while I’m in LATAM.

Follow my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Bluesky, and Threads.

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