2020-21 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
106 Foreign Travel ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: todd Pitock Entry Title: A Nation of Saunas and Start-ups Entry Credit: Todd Pitock Judge Comment: Todd Pitock's entry stood out for three reasons. First, the writing was superb. The tone was friendly and almost a personal conversation. This story was the work of a wordsmith and a delight to read. Second, it no doubt piqued the curiosity of readers to no end. Estonia? Some readers may never have thought of Estonia until now. Third, it was packed with useful information. Tucked in the entertaining story was real travelogue information about a destination few readers have seen in a guidebook. Now they’re ready to go.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Travel + Leisure Entry Title: Venice Entry Credit: Kevin West Judge Comment: The pandemic has caused chaos in the tourism industry all over the world and its impact was the subject of several entries. This story, however, managed to combine the solid reporting on the problem with a fun, well-written travel story: utility plus entertainment. Venice is by no means a rare destination, so the pain of seeing a familiar place suffer was a major part of the appeal of the story. But it still included good advice, including back-street adventures.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Masha NORDBYE Entry Title: In Search of Terra Incognita Entry Credit: Masha Nordbye Judge Comment: Antarctica is a fantasy location for many – resulting in numerous reports on tours and frozen sights. Much of that information was in this story, but it was wrapped in a fascinating history lesson. The back-and-forth view from the past and the present will keep readers engaged despite the length of the story. Most of all the writing was beautiful. This could easily be expanded into a book, but as a magazine story it had the vital combination of location, current information and a compelling story.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Karen Schwartz Entry Title: I'm a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go? Entry Credit: Karen Schwartz Judge Comment: This is easily the most useful article in this competition. One would be a fool not to check this frequently updated report before even pondering a trip abroad. It differs in comparison to other stories because it is not a sit-by-the-fire entertaining tale. But as reference material, it is vital.
