Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Kate Nelson Entry Title: How to Be a Respectful Visitor on US Native Lands Entry Credit: Kate Nelson Judge Comment: What makes this piece stand out is the authenticity from the writer, an Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member, and the Indigenous tourism experts who share their tips. Whether a traveler sets out to visit Native communities or just wants to ensure sensitivity to protected tribal lands, customs, activities or artifacts, this story provides excellent recommendations without finger-wagging or shaming. With abundant links and resources, the story centers on accurate cultural representation. It feels especially timely and relevant today amid a trend toward erasure of historic injustices.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Kathleen Rellihan Entry Title: Top 8 Destinations on Earth to Take a Cold Plunge Entry Credit: Kathleen Rellihan Judge Comment: Readers might be initially skeptical about taking cold plunges, but the writer shares the reasons for their popularity and the benefits before providing tips for newbies. The “when to go,” “water temps you’ll experience” and “other adventures to try” bullet points at the end of each section further distinguish one destination from the next. Engaging text and gorgeous photography make you want to at least dip your toe if not jump right in.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Samantha Leal Entry Title: As a Solo Female Traveler of 14+ Years, These Are the 15 Personal Safety Devices I Recommend You Always Pack Entry Credit: Samantha Leal Judge Comment: Sure, many travelers might know about some of these safety items (a first-aid kit or a personal alarm). But to have them bundled into this curated list is great service. It’s anchored in authoritative writing and packs some surprises. Did you know you needed a portable luggage scale? Or a filtering straw?
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: The 45 definitive rules of hotels Entry Credit: Andrea Sachs, Hannah Sampson, Natalie Compton Judge Comment: These one- to three-sentence blurbs are lean yet packed with insight on all aspects of a hotel stay, from booking to checkout to leaving a review. Quizzes and simple but appropriate black-and-white illustrations bring visual interest and variety. This is serious service journalism presented with a not-so-serious, tongue-in-cheek tone that’s not afraid to call out TikTok trends or travelers’ own bad habits.
