Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Casandra Karpiak Entry Title: This Safari Camp Offers the Dreamiest Treehouse Stay For An Epic Night in the Wild Entry Credit: Casandra Karpiak Judge Comment: A unique African experience comes alive thanks to the descriptive writing of the author who translates observations in a way that puts the reader in the passenger seat to see the same sights and smell the same scents. The pacing is perfect, and the drama of the expedition is laid out in an inviting and informative way.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Afar Entry Title: Second to None Entry Credit: Peggy Orenstein Judge Comment: The writer introduces an interesting travel approach of going to “second attractions” in an age of overtourism. The story deftly weaves the historical context of each city with current opportunities for adventure. The writing is conversational, as if touring with a friend, and includes a chatty list of things to do and where to stay at each spot.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: Influencers hyped the Amalfi Coast for years. Now it’s a ‘theme park.’ Entry Credit: Andrea Sachs Judge Comment: Woe be the traveler who does not heed the warnings of how the tourist experience on the Amalfi Coast is much different from influencer-fueled expectations. After setting an effective scene, this is an important cautionary tale about a location that suffers from an overabundance of visitors. The reality check serves readers well.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Eric Lucas Entry Title: A Tale of Two Cities Entry Credit: Eric Lucas Judge Comment: This is a touching tale about the fraught relationship between two cities in countries formerly at war – and how a peaceful rapprochement offers a guide to better relations among all nations. The author picks poignant articles of interest to touch the heart of the reader in a concise but memorable story.
