2019-20 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
123 Travel Blogs ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Brad A. Johnson Entry Title: Brad A. Johnson, Food & Travel (blog) Entry Credit: Brad A. Johnson Judge Comment: Content rules, and this blog shows an authoritative, commanding knowledge of the subject. It's presented with specific opinions in a conversational, personal tone. The layout is inviting and the blurbs to draw the reader to the stories do just that with effective text and impactful photos. Through choices of topics and presentation, a distinctive, consistent blog personality is revealed.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Janet Steinberg Entry Title: TheTravelAuthority.com/travel-blog Entry Credit: Janet Steinberg Judge Comment: The opening page is simple and organized, and the writing is inviting. The subject matter is original and specific, for example, Searching for Sensational Sculpture, and not restrictive by place or experience. The author uses first person to deliver useful information while sharing personal information. The result is a blog that encourages its audience to act – travel and reflect – by demonstrating how.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Sylvia Longmire Entry Title: Spin the Globe Entry Credit: Sylvia Longmire Judge Comment: This blog is impactful: It looks at the obvious travel challenges, but from the perspective of wheelchair users and helps show that travel anywhere is possible for them. It tackles issues, like why are there restrictions at museums for electric wheelchairs, and offers lists of the most accessible places. The author writes for a specific readership and each post shows experiences that together present the larger picture of accessibility issues while traveling. Through the blog, readers are offered a well-rounded guide to traveling with disabilities through her experiences.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Amanda Williams Entry Title: A Dangerous Business Travel Blog Entry Credit: Amanda Williams Judge Comment: The author of this blog delivers what she promises: to share her travel adventures. By following those adventures, the reader gets to know her through conversational narrative and striking photos. Her blog offers useful advice, opinion and motivation to travel, the purpose of the blog.
