Irene S. Levine is honored as a winner in the 2015 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Competition

Society of American Travel Writers

So very thrilled to be named one of the winners of the 2015 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Competition, sometimes called the “Oscars” of travel writing. The awards are named for Lowell Thomas, acclaimed broadcast journalist, prolific author and world explorer during five decades in journalism.

The awards were announced earlier today at the (Society of American Travel Writers) SATW Downtown Las Vegas convention and were judged by faculty members at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Among other winners, my SATW and ASJA colleague Todd Pitock, a freelance writer in Philadelphia, earned the title of Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year for a portfolio of his work over the past year. National Geographic Traveler, Outside and The New York Times were top media winners in 2015.

The judges wrote:

Honorable Mention: Irene S. Levine, “Bicycle Vacations: Boomers’ Latest Travel Trend,” PBS Next Avenue (Category – service oriented consumer article)

Look no further for a great guide to traveling by bicycle. This story presented the basics of this growing trend, then proceeded to answer every possible question about it. It used thorough reporting and a well-organized format to cover the topic in a way that gave readers all they needed to know.

Despite its glamorous veneer, a travel writing career is tough and competitive—laden with frequent rejection and many self-doubts along the way. Thus, to be recognized by my peers for whom I have so much admiration just feels great!

I couldn’t have done it without the support of my amazing proofreader, photographer and cheerleader.

The video of the 2015 awards announcing all the winners can be seen on YouTube. (My mention is about 8 minutes in.)