2023-24 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
106 Robert Haru Fisher Award for Travel Health/Safety Coverage ( All)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The New York Times Entry Title: Saving Lives at the Grand Canyon, One Salty Snack at a Time Entry Credit: Rowan Moore Gerety Judge Comment: The telling of this story about rangers at Grand Canyon National Park includes plenty of health and safety advice — and insights into the life-saving powers of a bowl of ramen or some Fritos. The piece comes alive with detailed reporting about search-and-rescue training and how dry heat affects the body, plus a first-person perspective of a day hike (and dunk in a creek), and why you should heed the warning of “Victor vomit.”
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Outside Entry Title: Your Travel Destination Has Suffered a Disaster. Should You Still Go? Entry Credit: Jen Murphy Judge Comment: Using examples of the December 2022 political riots in Peru and the February 2023 earthquake in Türkiye, this story offers clear-eyed guidance about what to consider about traveling to an area that has experienced upheaval. What brings this story home are the personal experiences of travelers combined with data that helps to put disasters in perspective. The story succeeds in providing readers with the tools to make decisions.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: FamilyVacationist.com Entry Title: What I Learned on My First Post-Cancer-Treatment Family Vacation Entry Credit: Christine Sarkis Judge Comment: Sharing her experience, the author provides “been there, lived that” information about traveling post-cancer. With specifics only a fellow survivor could understand — from accessories that make it easier to advice about MyChart notifications — the piece imparts confidence for those taking such journeys. It also serves as a reminder of why we travel and the value of seeing where our fellow global residents live.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: The confusing, stressful ordeal of flying with a breast pump Entry Credit: Hannah Sampson, Ben Brasch, Amanda Finnegan Judge Comment: This piece shares some horror stories from breastfeeding mothers about their disastrous flying experiences, but it doesn’t stop there. The writers also work to uncover why this happens. With no federal rules and decades-old or piecemeal regulations, airlines have different policies — and enforcement. The story is a good mix of context and advice for future travelers.
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