2024-25 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
101 Grand Award - Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year ( All)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: Natalie Compton Entry Credit: Natalie Compton Judge Comment: Natalie Compton nails it every time with her unconventional eye for the offbeat and the original. Solid reporting, a charming voice and a delightful way of sharing her stories are hallmarks of her work. She weaves together advice and opinion as needed with an expert’s hand. Lobsters as carry-ons? The notion of a floating breakfast? Rick Steves protesting at his hometown roundabout? Who knew those ideas could be so deftly unpacked.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Mark Orwoll Entry Title: Multiple Headlines Entry Credit: Mark Orwoll Judge Comment: There are some entertaining narratives and laugh-out-loud metaphors here. Noteworthy is the rundown of roadside attractions that brings up history-rich names such as Stuckey’s, Howard Johnson and South of the Border. Orwoll is a good storyteller who, like all good storytellers, knows that details count, whether he’s comparing himself to a potato on two toothpicks or lingering in the memories kicked up by selling the family homestead of 70 years.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Tamara MC Entry Title: Small Bladder, Big Adventures: Navigating Travel With Frequent Rest Stops Entry Credit: Tamara MC Judge Comment: These stories aim the spotlight at surprising things, such as a once-sickly alligator living out its life in reptile retirement at a Texas gator park or a look at Chautauqua’s rich, if fading, memories. Tamara MC breezily tackles it all with a light touch that invites camaraderie. The story “Small Bladder, Big Adventures: Navigating Travel With Frequent Rest Stops” is an example of getting the tone and the content just right.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Lilit Marcus Entry Title: Lilit Marcus - CNN Travel Entry Credit: Lilit Marcus Judge Comment: Lilit Marcus pokes into unusual corners, then relies on strong reporting skills to deliver first-rate stories with a fun, engaging approach. Marcus asks the questions everyone is wondering – or maybe not in the case of “what does silkworm poop tea in Laos taste like?” The evolution of Trader Joe’s as a tourist stop and the perplexing plight of the cute baby zoo animals that become social media stars were enchanting reads.
