On Travel Writing: Announcement of 2012 North American Travel Journalists Association Awards

Yesterday, the winners of the 21st North American Travel Journalists Association Awards competition were announced, celebrating “the best of the best” among travel writers, photographers, video journalists, and bloggers from the United States, Canada, Mexico and other countries.

While I feel blessed to have found my next career after the age of 50, travel writing is less glamorous than it appears on surface. First, because it’s so highly competitive, any travel writer is bound to encounter big heaps of rejection.

The working conditions aren’t always the best either. I’ve had to master the art of taking notes while walking, taking photos while eating, and foraging for Wi-Fi connections in foreign cities. The biggest challenge is that travel time is a thief and competitor to desk time and personal time, demanding balance and discipline.

When an editor accepts a story it makes it all worthwhile. But no pat on the back has as much meaning as being acknowledged by your fellow journalists. So I was delighted to learn I was the recipient of three major NATJA awards as well as two honorable mentions.

In case you would like read my award-winning stories from 2012, here are the links:

Gold Award

The first all-inclusive vacations: Reminiscences of Club Med (Published on the NBC Universal website, Life Goes Strong) 

Silver Award

Carrying on an ancient tradition with a Seder at sea (Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer) 

Bronze Award

The history and culture of Peru through its foods (Published in the Boston Globe) 

Finalist

Solo cruising: A refreshing alternative to singles cruises (Published in the Boston Globe) 

Finalist

Rich getting richer, even at 30,000 feet) (Published in the Boston Globe) 

My appreciation to all my colleagues, editors, and readers who have supported my travel writing—and my favorite photographer and cheerleader, too (my husband)!