Downside #8

You can't accept freebies

Of all the unfair things in the world. Impartiality's all very well, but if you can't even use your clout as an arbiter of travel taste to reap the odd all-inclusive suite here and there, what's the point?

And you really do have that clout as well, don't doubt that for a second. Flash your press card to any self-respecting receptionist and they'll have the manager out for fawning duty quicker than you can say 'full room comp'. There are entire tables reserved in Vegas just for journalists taking advantage of one of the few perks of the job. But you can't, just for the sake of 'integrity'? 'Objectivity'? Read 'cheap bastards'.

Remember, the pen really is mightier than the sword, at least as far as conning free stuff is concerned. (Of course, the sword still comes in handy for quieting the occasional ructuous desert warlord.) Otherwise,what are you left with? Hotel toiletries. And I'm just coming to them.