2019-20 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
119 Guidebook ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: National Geographic Books Entry Title: Frances Mayes Always Italy Entry Credit: Frances Mayes, Ondine Cohane Judge Comment: The co-authors’ deep knowledge of the Italian nation shines through each of the 20 regions covered. The photographs are clear and well placed. The text on every page avoids clichés and often captivates. The entire book is a work of art – a pleasure to open, a pleasure just to hold.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Henry Kisor Entry Title: Traveling with Service Animals Entry Credit: Henry Kisor, Christine Goodier Judge Comment: Nothing fancy-looking about this book, to be sure. But it is filled with "news you can use." On the upbeat side, the co-authors adopt an encouraging attitude, nudging potential travelers who are blind or must overcome other disabilities to head out with their service dogs. On the more downbeat side, the co-authors explore the rules for declaring the need to travel with a service dog; those rules help detect fraud perpetrated by individuals who do not qualify for such travel. The book is sensibly organized according to means of transportation.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Anne Howard Entry Title: Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America Entry Credit: Anne Howard, Mike Howard Judge Comment: The word "glamping" has been misinterpreted by many casual travelers and wannabe travelers. The "glam" portion of the word does not always signify glamorous, according to the wife-husband duo collaborating on this guidebook. Yes, glamping suggests comfortable accommodations. But the other elements, according to the Howards, include creative structures within that accommodations category, access to nature, environmentally sustainable experiences, and trips so engaging as to be unforgettable. The range of sites recommended make this guidebook especially attractive.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Lonely Planet Entry Title: Dark Skies Entry Credit: Valerie Stimac Judge Comment: Shedding light – literal light – on a travel destination is often desirable, but not always. The author understands well that some travelers are most interested in stargazing, when the absence of light is vital. Dark-sky sites are not easy to find for the casual traveler, which is why the author's research is so valuable. She identifies dark-sky sites around the world, just right to explore a variety of phenomena, ranging from meteor showers to eclipses.
