Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Mariel Wamsley Entry Title: New York Times Travel Entry Credit: Amy Virshup Judge Comment: The New York Times travel coverage is unexpected, dazzling and impressive. From a remarkable 5,200-mile journey through Saudi Arabia to a groundbreaking dive into Mayor Eric Adams’ luxury travel history, the stories are thoroughly engaging and smart. A tale about the hand-sketched maps that guided a writer across Switzerland was delightfully presented, map squiggles included. The Times’ travel stories are defined by language that is clear, compelling and delivered by thoughtful, authoritative writers.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: Washington Post Travel Entry Credit: Gabe Hiatt, Amanda Finnegan, Lauren Bulbin, Katty Huertas Judge Comment: The Washington Post travel section begins with bold ideas and turns them into stories that are witty, stylish and information-rich, whether that means detailing what then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg learns by flying in the middle seat or learning the origins of the glamping spot that’s purposefully overrun by cats. The writing is elegant, lively and expertly edited. Presentation is consistently a standout; the clever treatment of a cross-country rail trip, for example, was inspired and memorable.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Boston Globe Entry Title: Boston Globe Travel section, Chris Morris, editor Entry Credit: Chris Morris Judge Comment: The range of content in the Boston Globe travel section is wide and noteworthy, from conversations with dedicated travelers to comprehensive coverage of tempting destinations from Crete to Connecticut, plus news, tips, investigative pieces and solutions to reader conundrums. The strong mix is a bonus for both the new, curious traveler and the experienced old hand.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Star Tribune Entry Title: Minnesota Star Tribune portfolio Entry Credit: Simon Peter Groebner Judge Comment: From well-known stops to hidden treasures, this section finds a set of appealing destinations and recreational pursuits to give readers stories that satisfy their desire to explore. The piece about best waterfalls captures the magic of moving water by combining video and photography alongside the pertinent travel details and is a showstopper.
