Grand Prize Winners: Private Clubs, Andrew McCarthy, Mindy Poder, Gary Arndt, and Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
PASADENA CA – The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) has announced the winners of its 2015 NATJA Awards Competition. Awards were given to publications, travel writers, and photographers whose work was published in print, electronic and online media from October 2014 through September 2015. Additionally, awards were given to the top convention and visitors bureaus, PR agencies or destination marketing organizations. The competition, now in its 24th year, honors the “best of the best” in travel journalism.
Submissions for the awards competition grew by more than 20% from last year. This year’s entries reflected an array of truly excellent journalistic and creative work. “Finalists and winners will be gratified to know that their work was judged by seasoned journalists, photographers and PR professionals with literally hundreds of years of experience. NATJA wishes to express its deep gratitude to all its judges for hours of work in reviewing this year’s entries,” stated NATJA CEO Helen Hernandez. This year’s journalism entries were reviewed by a remarkable panel of judges, including celebrity photographer, teacher and author Elizabeth Messina, whose body of work has appeared in major publications.
This year’s Grand Prize winners were selected for their superior execution of narrative and photography. Private Clubs magazine inspires its readership through its illustrious photography and appealing stories; Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism for their creative and well-executed marketing strategy; Gary Arndt for his breath-taking photography; Andrew McCarthy for his engaging story-telling; and Mindy Poder for her informative and outstanding stories.
Additionally, one first place (Gold) winner is chosen in each of the categories along with 2nd (Silver), 3rd place (Bronze) and Finalists. Winners will be recognized at the 2016 NATJA Conference & Marketplace which will be held April 4th – 8th, hosted by the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau in Oxnard, California with Amtrak® serving as a major sponsor.
The mission of NATJA is to foster high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure activities to the public at large.
The complete list of winners and finalists is available below.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Publication: Private Clubs
Photography: Gary Arndt
Travel Journalism: Andrew McCarthy and Mindy Poder
Destination Marketing Organization: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
PUBLICATIONS
Category 300: Travel Magazine
- Gold: Virtuoso Life magazine, How To Travel Better Issue
- Silver: Vacations
- Bronze: Private Clubs magazine, Summer 2015 Issue
- Finalist: Travel & Leisure magazine, June 2015 Issue
Category 301: In-Flight Magazine
- Gold: Celebrated Living magazine, Celebration Living-Fall 2015 issue
- Silver: Hemispheres Magazine (Ink Publishing), July 2015 Issue
- Bronze: American Way magazine, September 2015 issue
- Finalist: Air Canada enRoute magazine
Category 302: Online Travel Magazine
- Gold: Yahoo Travel
- Silver: Family Travel 411
- Bronze: AAA Living iPad Edition, May/June 2015 Issue
- Finalists:
- Dis{h}patches
- MIA Connex Spring 2015
- Perceptive Travel
Category 303: Travel Journalism Website
- Gold: TravelAgeWest.com
- Silver: About.com Argentina Travel (Go Argentina)
Category 305: Independent Travel Blog
- Gold: The Planet D
- Silver: Sand In My Suitcase
- Bronze: My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Finalists:
- Legal Nomads: Telling Stories Through Food
- The Vacation Gals
- Xpat Matt
MEDIA
Category 100: Destination Travel, Domestic Newspaper
- Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “Sex, Drugs, and my Tweenager,” The Wall Street Journal
- Silver: Lindsay Taub, “Asheville, N.C.: Dazzling food, culture, natural splendor,” The Tennessean
- Bronze: Max Anderson, “Writes of Way,” The Sydney Morning Herald
- Finalists:
- John Gottberg Anderson, “Life and Death in the Channel Islands,” The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon)
- Bob Cooper, “Trips that Flip the Script,” The Wall Street Journal
- Irene S. Levine, “Lyon harbors the best of French cuisine,” The Chicago Tribune
Category 101: Destination Travel, Domestic Magazine
- Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “A Song For Ireland,” National Geographic Traveler Magazine
- Silver: Glen Abbott, “Legends of the Camino Real,” Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G. Magazine
- Bronze: Andrew McCarthy, “Up to the Mountain,” Travel + Leisure Magazine
- Finalists:
- Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “Sublime Stockholm,” Montage Magazine
- Neela Bhagat, “North to Alaska,” Motor Home Magazine
- Lucinda Hahn, “Wild at Heart,” AAA Living Magazine
- Bob Cooper, “Out of this World,” AAA Highroads Magazine
- Bob Cooper, “The Sounds of Salzburg,” AAA Highroads Magazine
- Suzanne Corbett, “Missouri’s Buried Treasures,” AAA Journeys
- Elaine Glusac, “Colombia,” Private Clubs Magazine
- Michelle Theall, “Colors of the Arctic,” Alaska Magazine
- Mary Ann Treger, “”Culture Rich” – Cuba,” Style Magazine
Category 102: Destination Travel, International Newspaper
- Gold: Kate Armstrong, “Hiking Rota Vicentina with a Donkey,” Traveller (Fairfax Ltd, Australia)
- Silver: Janice Mucalov, “San Miguel de Allende,” Cruise & Travel Lifestyles
- Bronze: Rich Grant, “Train Trekking Through Italy,” Global Village, Mexico City News
- Finalists:
- Rich Grant, “A Ramble Through the English Countryside,” Global Village, Mexico City News
- Rich Grant, “Receiving History on the Santa Fe Trail,” Global Village, Mexico City News
- Chris McBeath, “Undercover at the Spy Museum,” Kamloops This Week
- Kat Tancock, “B.C.: Travellers were “in tears because they had no idea what happened to our people”,” The Globe and Mail
Category 103: Destination Travel, International Magazine
- Gold: Tim Johnson, “In pursuit of happiness,” The United Church Observer
- Silver: Susan Nerberg, “In Your Wildest Streams,” Air Canada enRoute
- Bronze: David Noyes, “The Everest Highway,” Travel + Magazine
- Finalists:
- Lucas Aykroyd, “North of 60 in Nunavut,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Susan Nerberg, “X Marks the Spot,” Air Canada enRoute
- David Noyes, “Naked by Choice: Owning the Bushmen Myth,” Travel + Magazine
Category 104: Byline Travel Column – Greater than 250,000 Circulation
- Gold: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer – Ash Modha,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Silver: Maggie Espinosa, “On a Mission: Hiker gains ample aches and insights along 800-mile trek on California’s El Camino Real,” The San Diego Union Tribune
- Bronze: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer – Chris Hadfield,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Finalist: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer – Alan Doyle,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
Category 104A: Byline Travel Column – Less than 250,000 Circulation
- Gold: Cameron Whitlock, “Hell of a hike: My trek in Peru,” MainStreet Newspapers: Banks County News, Commerce News
- Silver: Janet Forman, “Letter from our Features Editor,” Premier Traveler
- Bronze: Ron Pradinuk, “Medical Tourism,” The Winnipeg Free Press
- Finalists:
- Carolyn Ali, “Living the fast-car dream on the Sea-to-Sky,” Georgia Straight
- Mary Clark, “911 Museum and Memorial Gets It Right,” The Paris News
- Susan Cohn, “Eat, Explore, Experience: Puerto Vallarta’s Pitillal Neighborhood Serves up La Comida Deliciosa.,” The San Mateo Daily Journal
- Susan Cohn, “The Fountain of Youth-With Make-Them-Yourself Pancakes: Florida’s De Leon Springs State Park is a Picture Perfect Nature’s Cameraland.,” The San Mateo Daily Journal
- Janet Forman, “Editor’s Letter,” Premier Traveler
- Ron Pradinuk, “Technology paves the way,” The Winnipeg Free Press
- Michelle Theall, “Land Dispute,” Alaska magazine
Category 105: Travel Series – Magazine
- Gold: Michael Kaplan, Don Nichols, Paul Rubio, Andrew Sessa “The Mediterranean Beckons,” Private Clubs
- Silver: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Bronze: Neela Bhagat, “North to Alaska,” Motor Home Magazine
- Finalists:
- Joel Centano, “Only In,” Virtuoso Traveler magazine
- Janet Forman, “Women in Travel – 4 stories,” Premier Traveler
Category 106: Travel Series—Newspaper
- Gold: Linda Fasteson, “Dynasties, Dictators, and Dukes: An exploration of Hungary, Austria, and Germany,” The Sun Chronicle
- Silver: Mary Clark, “Civil War, Civil Rights, and Southern Charm,” The Paris News
- Bronze: Ron Pradinuk, “Seeing more than stars / Green with envy,” The Winnipeg Free Press
Category 107: Travel Series—Online
- Gold: Katherine Belarmino, “Swedish Lapland Travel Series Online,” Travel the World
- Silver: Anda Galffy, “Jungfraujoch, the Mountain that Took My Breath Away – Literally!,” Travel Notes & Beyond
- Bronze: Yahoo Travel, “Real Travel,” Yahoo Travel
- Finalists:
- Charlotte Burgoyne, “A Trip On The California Cheese Trail Part 1&2,” Dis{h}patches
- Gwen Pratesi, “72 Hours in Quebec City, Auberge-Saint Antoine – Quebec City, Poutine – A Quebec Classic, Dining in Quebec City,” PratesiLiving.com
Category 108: Destination Travel, Online Publication
- Gold: Sandra Foyt, “The Historical Romance of Quebec City,” Getaway Mavens
- Silver: David Noyes, “Nepal’s Everest Highway,” Maptia.com
- Bronze: Anja Mutic, “Zagreb’s Secret Courtyards,” BBC Travel
- Finalists:
- Melissa Adams, “Albania by Bike: Discovering a Mysterious Balkan Land on Two Wheels,” Go Nomad
- David Noyes, “Naked by Choice,” Maptia.com
- David Noyes, “Galápagos: The Enchanted Isles,” Maptia.com
Category 109: Illustrated Story, Newspaper
- Gold: John Gottberg Anderson, “Flower of the South Coast,” The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon)
- Silver: Kat Tancock, “B.C.: Travellers were “in tears because they had no idea what happened to our people”,” The Globe and Mail
- Bronze: Rich Grant, “City In a Park,” Global Village, Mexico City News
- Finalist:
- Brad A. Johnson, “Feast on the High Seas,” The Orange County Register
- Barbara Gibbs Ostmann, “Journey To Fitness,” The Missourian
Category 110: Illustrated Story, Magazine
- Gold: Rebecca Rhoades, “Arctic Adventure,” AAA World
- Silver: David Noyes, “The Everest Highway,” Travel +
- Bronze: Jenn Smith Nelson, “Unplugged Prairie Escape in Saskatchewan,” Just for Canadian Doctors & Just for Canadian Dentists (both)
- Finalist:
- Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “Enchanting Odense,” Going Places, Malaysian Airlines
- Michael DeFreitas, “Paradise Found,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- David Noyes, “Naked by Choice: Owning the Bushmen Myth,” Travel + magazine
Category 111: Illustrated Story, Online Publication
- Gold: David Noyes, “Galápagos: The Enchanted Isles,” Maptia.com
- Silver: Fyllis Hockman, “Hiking through History in Southern France,” thefiftyplus life.com
- Bronze: David Noyes, “Naked by Choice,” Maptia.com
- Finalists:
- Melissa Adams, “Albania by Bike: Discovering a Mysterious Balkan Land on Two Wheels,” Go Nomad
- Jen Bianco, “Visiting the Roaring Dunes of Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia,” My Life’s A Trip
- Sandra Foyt, “100,000 Tulips Blossom In Washington Park – Albany, NY,” Getaway Mavens
- David Noyes, “Nepal’s Everest Highway,” Maptia.com
Category 120: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Lifestyle
- Gold: Echo Garrett, “Nashville Now,” Private Clubs magazine
- Silver: Marika Cain, “Among the Elves,” Virtuoso Life magazine
- Bronze: Sarah Musgrave, “I’m Okay, You’re Okinawa,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Finalists:
- Janet Forman, “Crete: Travel Trend that Endures,” Premier Traveler
- Elaine Glusac, “In Winnipeg, a Skating Trail That Doubles as a Sculpture Park,” The New York Times
Category 121: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Luxury Travel
- Gold: Jad Davenport, “Reeling In The Years,” Celebrated Living magazine
- Silver: Daphne Merkin, “The Luxe Factor,” Travel & Leisure magazine
- Bronze: Mary Ann Treger, “Mountain Majesty – Blackberry Farm,” Style Magazine
- Finalists:
- Susan Cohn, “Venice in the Desert: The Queen of the Adriatic Reigns in Las Vegas,” The San Mateo Daily Journal
- Skye Mayring, “Decadence at Dromoland,” TravelAge West
- Paul Rubio, “Parisian Perfection,” Palm Beach Illustrated
- Sandra Thomas, “Sandals Emerald Bay,” Vancouver Courier Newspaper
- Nancy Wigston, “Georgetown, Penang: Luxuries Past & Present,” Ensemble Vacations Magazine
Category 122: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Sports & Recreation
- Gold: Susan Nerberg, “In Your Wildest Streams,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Silver: Isaac Eger, “An American Baller in Paris,” American Way magazine
- Bronze: Stacy Tillilie, “Winging It,” AAA World magazine
- Finalists:
- Maggie Espinosa, “On a Mission: Hiker gains ample aches and insights along 800-mile trek on California’s El Camino Real,” The San Diego Union Tribune
- Peter Johansen, “Kenauk Nature Wilderness Resort: Safe Enough Even For Me,” Bounder Magazine
- Justin Paul, “Odds-On Favorite,” Virtuoso Life magazine
Category 123: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Resorts
- Gold: Rebecca Rhoades, “Surprising Stays,” AAA World magazine
- Silver: Elaine Srnka, “Cowgirl Up,” Virtuoso Life magazine
- Bronze: Elaine Glusac, “Paradise Found, in Indonesia,” Private Clubs
- Finalists:
- Margie Goldsmith, “The Allure of the Unknown,” UltraTravel
- Janice Mucalov, “The Temple Whisperer,” Taste of Life
- Don Nichols, “Born Again,” Private Clubs magazine
- Paul Rubio, “It’s Back!,” Private Clubs magazine
- Theresa Storm, “Baja Sur’s Natural Playground,” Dreamscapes Magazine
- Stacy Tillilie, “A Walk in the Parks,” AAA World magazine
Category 124: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Cruises
- Gold: Becca Hensley, Don Nichols, Elizabeth Woodson, “Sea Change,” Private Clubs magazine
- Silver: Nancy Wigston, “Cruising the Mekong,” Dream Voyages
- Bronze: Kim Brown Seely, “A World Away,” Virtuoso Life magazine
- Finalists:
- Debbra Brouillette, “Stow away,” The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
- Michele Peterson, “Sailing the Secret Caribbean,” Fifty-five Plus Magazine
- Candyce Stapen, “Sea monster: How to wade through a mega-ship’s options,” The Washington Post
Category 125: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Personality & Profiles
- Gold: Carl Swanson, “The Wizard of Miami Beach,” Travel & Leisure magazine
- Silver: Monica Prelle, “Dave Turner: Fly Like an Eagle,” Hang Gliding and Paragliding Magazine
- Bronze: Michael Luongo, “From Midnight Express to Discovering the Allure of Turkey,” The New York Times
- Finalists:
- Allison Entrekin, “Sissy Spacek: The Road She’s Traveled,” Southbound Magazine
- Adam Pitluk, “Picking on Nashville,” Celebrated Living magazine
- Adam Pitluk, “Love Is All There Is,” American Way magazine
Category 126: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Historical Travel
- Gold: Michael Luongo, “Relearning History Through The Eye of A Polish Resistance Fighter,” The Saturday Evening Post
- Silver: Susan Cohn, “Sacrifice and Remembrance: The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia,” The San Mateo Daily Journal
- Bronze: Morgan Tilton, “Gunpowder & Tobacco,” EnCompass Magazine
- Finalists:
- Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “Enchanting Odense,” Going Places, Malaysian Airlines
- John Gottberg Anderson, “100 Years of the Crater Lake Lodge,” The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon)
- Ann Terry Hill, “Epic Pendleton,” American Cowboy magazine
- Chris McBeath, “Poppy Power, the Remembrance Flower,” Kamloops This Week
- Janice Mucalov, “Honouring the Gods: Egypt’s Ancient Temples,” Taste of Life
Category 127: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: 50+ Travel
- Gold: Don Mankin, “Traveling Through Wormholes on a Small Boat Cruise in Indonesia,” Active Over 50
- Silver: Michele Peterson, “Our Wild Planet: A Multi-generational Visit to Costa Rica,” Fifty-five Plus Magazine
- Bronze: Cindy Ladage, “Art in Puerto Vallarta,” Senior News & Times
- Finalists:
- Don Mankin, “Hiking in Southwest Portugal,” Active Over 50
- Don Mankin, “Active Multi-Sport Adventure in the Galapagos,” Active Over 50
Category 128: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Intergenerational & Family Travel
- Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “Sex Drugs and my Tweenager,” The Wall Street Journal
- Silver: Theresa Medoff, “Traveling with the Grands,” AAA World magazine
- Bronze: Stacy Tillilie, “Going to ‘the Mall’,” AAA World magazine
- Finalists:
- Julie Hatfield, “A Dream to waken any grandchild,” The Boston Globe
- Andrew McCarthy, “A Song For Ireland,” National Geographic Traveler Magazine
- Andrew McCarthy, “Memories Made, and Found, on a Moped,” The New York Times
- Michele Peterson, “Our Wild Planet: A Multi-generational Visit to Costa Rica,” Fifty-five Plus Magazine
- Morgan Tilton, “Safety Circuit in the Desert,” EnCompass Magazine
Category 129: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Culinary Travel
- Gold: Reed Glenn, “The Taste of Extreme Altitude,” Alpine Modern
- Silver: Michele Peterson, “Hunting for Jamon,” Taste & travel International
- Bronze: Stacy Tillilie, “Hoppy Trails,” AAA World magazine
- Finalists:
- John Gottberg Anderson, “No, Not the Longest, but this beach may be among the best,” The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon)
- Andrew Braithwaite, “Canada’s Best New Restaurants,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Peter Johansen, “A Feast In Petite-Nation,” Style Magazine (Ottawa); Urban Expressions Magazine (Montreal)
- Jason Kessler, “Six Celebrity Stadium Chefs,” American Way magazine
- Jayme Moye, “A Taste of Paradise,” Dorado
Category 130: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Cultural, Educational, Self Improvement Travel
- Gold: Mindy Poder, “India, Like a Beatle,” TravelAge West
- Silver: John Gottberg Anderson, “Maui’s Quiet Side,” The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon)
- Bronze: Mindy Poder, “Inner Drive,” Explorer
- Finalists:
- Fyllis Hockman, “Temazcal Sweat Lodge Connects you to Mayan Tradition,” Creators News Service — newspaper syndicate
- Peter Johansen, “Soap Opera with a Clean Ending,” The Ottawa Citizen
- Michael Luongo, “In Upper Manhattan, Restoring the Golden Halo of Mother Cabrini,” The New York Times
- Jacqueline Swartz, “Learning the arts in Luscious Luberon,” Ensemble Vacations Travel
Category 131: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Eco, Environmental or Special Purpose Travel
- Gold: Sophy Roberts, “Forces of Nature,” Travel & Leisure magazine
- Silver: Michael Luongo, “Danger Zones,” Penthouse magazine
- Bronze: Tim Johnson, “In pursuit of happiness,” The United Church Observer
- Finalists:
- Kate Armstrong, “Hiking Rota Vicentina with a Donkey,” Traveller (Fairfax Ltd, Australia)
- Michael DeFreitas, “Return To Phuket,” Global Traveler magazine
- Michael Luongo, “Vatican Art in a Gay Light,” The New York Times
- Kat Tancock, “B.C.: Travellers were “in tears because they had no idea what happened to our people”,” The Globe and Mail
Category 133: Special Focus Travel Articles – Print: Leisure or Hobby Travel
- Gold: Glen Abbott, “Ragin’ Cajuns: World Ride Adventure in the Rocky Mountains,” Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G. magazine
- Silver: Margie Goldsmith, “Bavaria for Lovers,” The Saturday Evening Post
- Bronze: David McGimpsey, “Umpire of the Sun,” Air Canada enRoute magazine
- Bronze: Stacy Tillilie, “Enchanted by Charleston,” AAA World magazine
- Finalist: Kit Bernardi, “Buy and Tell,” Midwest Living Magazine
Category 140: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Lifestyle
- Gold: Tim Leffel, “Handmade in Oaxaca,” Perceptive Travel
- Silver: Anja Mutic, “Zagreb’s Secret Courtyards,” BBC Travel
- Bronze: Elizabeth Woodson, “Australia’s Best-Kept Secret,” Private Clubs magazine
- Finalists:
- Warren Resen, “A Brief Tour of St. Augustine 500 Years After Ponce De Leon,” American Roads Magazine
- Nancy Wigston, “Cajun Country,” travelife.ca
Category 141: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Luxury Travel
- Gold: Donna Hull, “Luxury in Maui at Montage Kapalua Bay,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Silver: Timothy Scott Leffel, “Adventures Along the Lares Route of Peru,” Luxury Latin America
- Bronze: Darrin DuFord, “Off the Deep End in Captain Karl’s Homemade Submarine,” Narratively
- Finalist: Sid Lipsey, “Not Even a Private Shower?! Would You Pay $106K for This Flight?,” Yahoo Travel
Category 142: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Sports & Recreation
- Gold: Jodi Ettenberg, “Facing Fear and Learning to Sail in New Zealand,” Legal Nomads
- Silver: Jayme Moye, “The Lost Hikers of Nepal,” Men’s Journal
- Bronze: David DeVoss, “Baseball Spring Training: Arizona’s Field of Dreams,” www.petergreenberg.com
- Finalists:
- Melissa Adams, “Albania by Bike: Discovering a Mysterious Balkan Land on Two Wheels,” Go Nomad
- Melinda Crow, “Rocky Mountain Camping Smackdown: Colorado vs New Mexico,” Yahoo Travel
- Paula Froelich, “Inside the Cage of Death: Face to Face With Australia?s Monster Crocs,” Yahoo Travel
- Kara Williams, “What’SUP? Stand Up Paddleboarding on Maui,” The Vacation Gals
Category 143: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Resorts
- Gold: Timothy Scott Leffel, “Alta Gracia Boutique Hacienda Resort in Costa Rica,” Luxury Latin America
- Silver: Paul Rubio, “Walking on Water,” Private Clubs
- Bronze: Shelly Rivoli, “East Maui Escape: Travaasa Hana for Families,” Family Travel 411
- Finalists:
- Victor Block, “Can Visitors find “real Hawaii” at a Hilton?,” consumertraveler.com
- Andrew McCarthy, “In Praise of the Mouse,” Celebrated Living
- Jo Piazza, “The True Story of How Twi City Girls Found Paradise in Wyoming,” Yahoo Travel
Category 144: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Cruises
- Gold: Gwen Pratesi, “Cruising the Southern Caribbean on the Silver Whisper – Silversea Cruises,” PratesiLiving.com
- Silver: Jodi Ettenberg, “How to Make the Most of a Repositioning Cruise,” Legal Nomads
- Bronze: Sid Lipsey, “The Robot Bartender Hit On My Wife,” Yahoo Travel
- Finalists:
- Donna Hull, “Surviving a Summer Cruise in the Mediterranean,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Gwen Pratesi, “On Board the AmaLegro with AmaWaterways – Paris to Normandy, France,” PratesiLiving.com
Category 145: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Personality & Profiles
- Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “My Favorite Place in Ireland: The Wild West,” Intelligent Traveler – Nat Geo Traveler website
- Silver: Laura Bloom, “I Bought an Island in Cambodia and Changed My Life,” Yahoo Travel
- Bronze: Jo Piazza, “How to be a Millionaire in Flip Flops,” Yahoo Travel
- Finalists:
- Rachelle Lucas, “Is It Safe To Travel To Jordan,” TheTravelBite.com
- Dan Schlossberg, “The Perfect Concierge,” New York Natives
- Susan Wood, “Rice Delivers More Than A Ski Experience,” Lake Tahoe News
- Lina Zeldovich, “The Sailing Farmer,” Hakai Magazine
Category 146: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Historical Travel
- Gold: Kristin Winet, “The Alternate Universe of Soviet Arcade Games,” Atlas Obscura
- Silver: Fyllis Hockman, “Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh Comes Back to Life,” ConsumerTraveler.com
- Bronze: Victor Dorff, “The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall,” Huffington Post
- Finalists:
- Kate Armstrong, “Battle of Gallipoli,” Travel2Next (travel2next.com)
- Tim Leffel, “The Ruined Churches of Antigua, Guatemala,” Viator Things to Do
- Warren Resen, “The Biltmore Estate,” Langniappe (sub of American Road Magazine)
Category 147: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: 50+ Travel
- Gold: Don Mankin, “Hiking in Southwest Portugal,” Huffington Post
- Silver: Donna Hull, “Stand Up Paddleboarding on Maui,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Bronze: Don Mankin, “Big Bend National Park – Big Country, Big Surprises in the Lone Star State,” Huffington Post
- Finalists:
- Donna Hull, “Fishing in the Florida Keys: A Boomer Woman’s First Catch,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Don Mankin, “A Life Transformed in Southeast Asia,” Huffington Post
Category 148: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Intergenerational & Family Travel
- Gold: Maryann Jones Thompson, “Finding the Italy of Our Dreams,” ROAM Family Travel
- Silver: Shelly Rivoli, “If Cats Could Type in Key West: A Visit to the Hemingway Home Museum,” Family Travel 411
- Bronze: Bob Morris, “What Is It Really Like to Be a Gay Traveler in Jamaica?,” Yahoo Travel
- Finalists:
- Laura Bloom, “Forget Camping, My Toddler Loves Glamping,” Yahoo Travel
- Fyllis Hockman, “Finding Family Magic in Orlando Outside the magic Kingdon,” fabseniortravel.com
- Greg Keraghosian, “When You Can’t Go Home: My Last Visit to Syria Before ISIS,” Yahoo Travel
Category 149: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Culinary Travel
- Gold: Melinda Crow, “The Italian Wine Country You’ve Probably Never Heard About,” Yahoo Travel
- Silver: Kristin Winet, “Mr. Cini and the Salt Flats of Gozo,” Perceptive Travel Blog
- Bronze: Irene S. Levine, “The Case for Eating with Strangers When Traveling,” PBS Next Avenue
- Finalists:
- Charlotte Burgoyne, “A Yemeni Version Of “Chai”,” Dis{h}patches
- Jodi Ettenberg, “Where to Eat in Barcelona,” Legal Nomads
- Donna Hull, “Learning to Blend Wine at Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
Category 150: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Cultural, Educational, Self Improvement Travel
- Gold: Darrin DuFord, “Speaking in Hats,” Compass Cultura
- Silver: Christine Kassar, “Veterans Climb North America’s Tallest Peak to Heal Wounds of War,” National Geographic Adventure Magazine
- Bronze: Jennifer Miner, “The River of a Thousand Lingas in Siem Reap, Cambodia,” The Vacation Gals
- Finalists:
- Fyllis Hockman, “Temazcal Sweat Lodge Connects you to Mayan Tradition,” Creators News Service
- Tim Leffel, “Calling Ancestors Through the Butterflies in Guatemala,” Perceptive Travel
Category 151: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Eco, Environmental or Special Purpose Travel
- Gold: Christine Kassar, “Veterans Climb North America’s Tallest Peak to Heal Wounds of War,” National Geographic Adventure Magazine
- Silver: Lina Zeldovich, “The Sailing Farmer,” Hakai Magazine
- Bronze: Fyllis Hockman, “Digby Pines: Taking Eco-Friendly to the Level of High Tides,” Fabplacez.com
- Finalists:
- Laura Bloom, “Caribbean Clogged: Seaweed Invasion Takes Over Beaches,” Yahoo Travel
- Jennifer Miner, “Birds of the Galapagos Islands,” The Vacation Gals
Category 152: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Budget/Frugal Travel
- Gold: Maryann Jones Thompson, “A Budget Stay in Half Moon Bay,” ROAM Family Travel
- Silver: Shelly Rivoli, “How to Build a Budget-Friendly Maui Family Vacation,” Family Travel 411
- Bronze: Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “50 Free Ways to Enjoy Stockholm,” Slow Travel Stockholm
Category 153: Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Leisure or Hobby Travel
- Gold: Mindy Poder, “Breaking the Law at The Beatles Ashram in India,” TravelAgeWest.com
- Silver: Jeff Ritter, “What Are Friends For?,” Sports Illustrated Golf+
- Bronze: Jennifer Miner, “White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona,” The Vacation Gals
- Finalists:
- Donna Hull, “Five Funky Things to Do in the Florida Keys,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
- Peter Johansen, “Vermont Builds on Its Top-Notch Ski Destination Reputation,” Troy Media
- Kathleen Mangan, “Road Trip: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way,” National Geographic Traveler online
Category 154A: Travel Broadcast – Video
- Gold: Len Kaufman, “Prince Edward Island….a Favorite Stop for Cruise Ships,” www.allthingscruise.com/
- Silver: Glen Abbott, “Sister Cities: Nagodoches & Natchitoches,” Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G. magazine – online edition
- Bronze: Maggie Espinosa, “Mission Walks With Maggie Espinosa,” XETV CW 6 San Diego
- Finalists:
- Glen Abbott, “Cajun H.O.G. Chapter – Colorado World Ride,” Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G. magazine – online edition
- Brittany Jones-Cooper, “Brittany’s Travel Hacks,” Yahoo Travel
Category 154B: Travel Broadcast – Podcast
- Gold: Ian & Tonya Fitzpatrick, “A Tour of American History through Fort Monroe,” World Footprints Media
- Silver: Gary Arndt, “Chester Arthur’s Pants and a Blue Clarinet,” The Global Travel Conspiracy
- Bronze: Mary Clark, “Traveling to Hear the Rolling Stones,” KETR-88.9 (NPR Station in Commerce, TX)
- Finalists:
- Mary Clark, “Learning About Santeria In Cuba,” KETR-88.9 (NPR Station in Commerce, TX)
- Rachelle Lucas, “Episode 1: South African BBQ and Winemaking History,” The Travel Bite Podcast
Category 155: Travel App
- Gold: Howard Hian, “Travel Reno,” App in iTunes Store
- Silver: Sandra Friend, “The Florida Trail Guide Interactive,” The Florida Trail Guide Interactive
Category 170: Photography: Overall Excellence – Print Publication
- Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Paradise Found,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Silver: Brown Cannon, III, “Wild at Heart,” AAA Living magazine
- Bronze: Christopher Baker, “Havana,” Moon Guidebooks
- Bronze: Joaquin Sarmiento, “Colombia,” Private Clubs magazine
- Finalists:
- Bob Cooper, “Bordeaux: Drink it In,” AAA Highroads Magazine
- Robert Jerome, “Castle Hill from Chain Bridge, Budapest,” The Rail Monthly
- David Noyes, “The Everest Highway,” Travel + magazine
- Susan Wright, “Amalfi 101,” Virtuoso Life magazine
Category 170A: Photography: Overall Excellence – Online Publication
- Gold: Dave Bouskill, “Discover the Beauty of Ontario in Photos,” The Planet D
- Silver: David Noyes, “Nepal’s Everest Highway,” Maptia.com
- Bronze: David Noyes, “Galápagos: The Enchanted Isles,” Maptia.com
- Finalist: Dave Bouskill, “Santorini Greece, You will Fall in Love with this Island,” The Planet D
Category 171: Photography: Cover Photo, Illustration – Print Publication
- Gold: Robert Jerome, “The Brooklyn Bridge,” The Rail Monthly
- Silver: Pietro Canali, “Ile Verte Lighthouse, Quebec, Canada,” AAA Living magazine
- Bronze: Rebecca Rhoades, “Sedona cover,” AAA World magazine
- Finalists:
- Michael DeFreitas, “Paradise Found,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Frederic Lagrange, “All That Glitters,” Virtuoso Life magazine
Category 172: Photography: Landscape, Seascape – Print Publication
- Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Polynesian Canoe Cook Islands,” Photo News
- Silver: Barbara Sligl, “Caribbean sunset on the bowsprit,” Just for Canadian Dentists
- Bronze: Robert Jerome, “Poas Volcano, Costa Rica,” The Rail Monthly
- Finalists:
- Jen Bianco, “Exploring a cave on the Mala Walk at Uluru Australia,” My Life’s A Trip
- Michael DeFreitas, “Mauna Kea Volcano at Sunset,” Photo News
- Michael DeFreitas, “Snorkeler and Giant Luttuce Coral,” Just For Canadian Doctors
- Massimo Vitali, “Blue Valentine,” Travel & Leisure magazine
Category 172A: Photography: Landscape, Seascape – Online Publication
- Gold: Gary Arndt, “Sajlek Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador,” Everything Everywhere
- Silver: Dave Bouskill, “Sunset at the Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia,” The Planet D
- Bronze: Gary Arndt, “The Catalonian Pyrenees,” Everything Everywhere
- Finalists:
- Jen Bianco, “Skeleton Coast sundowner,” My Life’s A Trip
- Jen Bianco, “Ocean Shores sunset is today’s virtualvacay,” My Life’s A Trip
- Jen Bianco, “Walk to the beach at Las Alamandas,” My Life’s A Trip
- Dave Bouskill, “Morning light on the Badlands of South Dakota,” The Planet D
- Anda Galffy, “The Weekly Postcard: Banff National Park, Canada,” Travel Notes & Beyond
Category 173: Photography: Portrait, People – Print Publication
- Gold: Christopher Baker, “Julio Muñoz and his Horse, Trinidad, Cuba,” National Geographic (Hungary)
- Silver: Edwin Cruz, “Lena and Oscar,” Palette – Fall 2015
- Bronze: Michael DeFreitas, “Paradise Found,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Finalists:
- Michael DeFreitas, “Hawaiian Girl,” Just For Canadian Doctors
- Robert Jerome, “Mermaid Parade, Coney island, Brooklyn,” The Rail Monthly
- Robert Jerome, “Flo Meiler, 80, World’s Oldest Female Pole Vaulter,” Destination VT
Category 173A: Photography: Portrait, People – Online Publication
- Gold: Matthew Gibson, “Bhutanese Woman,” Xpat Matt
- Silver: Jen Bianco, “Alone in vast Namib desert,” My Life’s A Trip
- Bronze: Dave Bouskill, “The Lakota stand Guard on the Plains of South Dakota,” The Planet D
- Finalists:
- Gary Arndt, “Visitors Outside the Louvre in Paris, France,” Everything Everywhere
- Gary Arndt, “Sketching on the Bank the Seine,” Everything Everywhere
- Dave Bouskill, “Life on the Amazon River,” The Planet D
- Robert Jerome, “Daphne Sluys, 55, World Champion Sprinter, Lyon, France,” www.masterstrack.com
Category 174: Photography: Facility, Architectural – Print Publication
- Gold: Robert Jerome, “La Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain,” The Rail Monthly
- Silver: Robert Jerome, “Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn,” The Rail Monthly
- Bronze: Robert Jerome, “The Freedom Tower Receives Its Spire,” The Rail Monthly
- Finalists:
- Robert Jerome, “Caldea Spa, Andorra,” The Rail Monthly
- Barbara Sligl, “MuCEM in Marseille,” Just for Canadian Dentists
Category 174A: Photography: Facility, Architectural – Online Publication
- Gold: Gary Arndt, “Abandoned House in Hebron, Labrador,” Everything Everywhere
- Silver: Gary Arndt, “Frozen Boathouse in Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta,” Everything Everywhere
- Bronze: Dave Bouskill, “Hong Kong comes alive at Night,” The Planet D
- Finalists:
- Gary Arndt, “Colorful houses in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,” Everything Everywhere
- Gary Arndt, “Orthodox Monastery in Meteora, Greece,” Everything Everywhere
- Jen Bianco, “Hammock in the Palapa restaurant at Las Alamandas,” My Life’s A Trip
Category 175: Photography: Nature – Print Publication
- Gold: Lucas Aykroyd, “Polar Bear Mother Swims with Her Cubs in Nunavut,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Silver: Michael DeFreitas, “Grizzly Chasing Salmon,” Photo News
- Bronze: Robert Jerome, “Anhinga Taking Off, Wakulla Springs, Florida,” The Rail Monthly
- Finalists:
- Michelle Theall, “A Shot of Memory,” Alaska magazine
- Michelle Theall, “Colors of the Arctic,” Alaska magazine
Category 175A: Photography: Nature – Online Publication
- Gold: Gary Arndt, “Flamingos Intertwined,” Everything Everywhere
- Silver: Jen Bianco, “Elephant pit stop at the watering hole,” My Life’s A Trip
- Bronze: Dave Bouskill, “Polar bears get Curious on Hudson Bay,” The Planet D
- Finalists:
- Gary Arndt, “A Galapagos Dragon on North Seymour Island,” Everything Everywhere
- Gary Arndt, “Sea Lions at Sunset on Mosquera Island, Galapagos,” Everything Everywhere
- Jen Bianco, “How you know an elephant is not feeling you,” My Life’s A Trip
- Tonya Fitzpatrick, “Puerto Vallarta Alarm Clock,” World Footprints Media
- Ian Fitzpatrick, “Sunset over NOLA,” World Footprints Media
- Michelle Theall, “Denali Road Trip,” Alaska magazine
Category 176: Photography: Photo Essay – Print Publication
- Gold: Robert Jerome, “Rebuilding the World Trade Center,” The Rail Monthly
- Silver: Michael DeFreitas, “Paradise Found,” Just For Canadian Dentists
- Bronze: Michelle Theall, “My View North: Just Go…,” Alaska magazine
- Finalist: Rebecca Rhoades, “Caught Up in the Vortex,” AAA World
Category 176A: Photography: Photo Essay – Online Publication
- Gold: Gary Arndt, “The Great Western Canadian Road Trip,” Everything Everywhere
- Silver: Dave Bouskill, “Amazing Antarctica,” The Planet D
- Bronze: Jodi Ettenberg, “Japan in 77 Photos,” Legal Nomads
- Finalists:
- Dave Bouskill, “A Journey to Mount Everest Base Camp,” The Planet D
- David Handschuh, “Cinco de Mayo the Right Way: Tasting Tequila and Mezcal in Mexico,” Yahoo Travel
- Gary Lee Kraut, “Paris By Night: The Midnight Ride,” France Revisited, www.francerevisited.com
Category 190: Travel Book or Guide
- Gold: David Noyes, “The Photographing Tourist: A storyteller’s guide to travel and photography,” The Photographing Tourist: A storyteller’s guide to travel and photography
- Silver: Rob Goss, “Tokyo: Capital of Cool,” Tokyo: Capital of Cool
- Bronze: Myrna George, “South County Style Visitor’s Guide,” South County Style
- Finalist:
- Christopher Baker, “Havana,” Moon Guidebooks
- Christopher Baker, “National Geographic Traveler – Panama,” National Geographic Traveler magazine
- Laurie Carter, “Emily Carr’s B.C.: Vancouver Island,” Emily Carr’s B.C.: Vancouver Island
Category 191: Trade Travel Article
- Gold: Skye Mayring, “Iceland In Demand,” TravelAge West
- Silver: Chris McBeath, “Technology Tsunami,” InnFocus
- Bronze: Skye Mayring, “Meeting the Needs of Millennial Travelers,” TravelAge West
- Finalists:
- David DeVoss, “Dawn of the Aerotropolis,” Global Business Travel
- Janet Forman, “Forgotten Legends – Maybe Not,” Premier Traveler
- Skye Mayring, “Rebirth of the Big Easy,” TravelAge West
- Mindy Poder, “Nepal, Before and After April 25,” Explorer
- Ron Pradinuk, “Longer cruises bank on stretched wallet,” The Winnipeg Free Press
- Kenneth Shapiro, “Rubik’s Cuba,” Travel Age West
- Morgan Tilton, “Higher Still: Record Tourism Brings Rewards – and Angst,” Colorado Biz Magazine
Category 192A: Travel Tips Roundup
- Gold: Justin Paul, “By Land and By Sea,” Virtuoso Life magazine
- Silver: Theresa Medoff, “Travel App-titude,” AAA Traveler Worldwide magazine
- Bronze: Ron Pradinuk, “Know before you go,” The Winnipeg Free Press
- Finalists:
- Janet Forman, “Rude on the Road,” Premier Traveler
- Janet Forman, “Now You See It, Now You Don’t,” Premier Traveler
- Tim Leffel, “Best Credit Cards for International Travelers,” Global Traveler Magazine
- Andrew McCarthy, “Travel,” New York Times Book Review
Category 192B: Travel Destination Roundup
- Gold: Lanee Lee, “World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries,” Travel and Leisure (online)
- Silver: Michelle Theall, “Alaska Vacation Planner,” Alaska magazine
- Bronze: Melissa McGibbon, “Where the Winter Things Are,” Outdoor Sports Guide Magazine
- Finalists:
- Victor Block, “Admiring Autumn’s Glory By Balloon, Wagon, Train and Plane,” Fifty Plus Richmond
- Michael Luongo, “Danger Zone Travel,” Penthouse magazine
- Jayme Moye, “The 9 Best Outdoor Guides in America (And Their Most Epic Adventures),” Men’s Journal
- Paul Rubio, “Subterranean Splendor,” LUXURY
Category 193: Travel Tips & Advice
- Gold: David DeVoss, “RISK: Don’t go there?,” Global Business Travel
- Silver: Stacy Tillilie, “A Walk in the Parks,” AAA World magazine
- Bronze: Virtuoso Traveler Editors, “Pearls of Wisdom,” Virtuoso Traveler
- Finalists:
- Christopher Baker, “How to Travel Better: Visit Cuba – Here’s How To Do It Right,” Virtuoso Life
- Michael DeFreitas, “Flash It,” Just For Canadian Doctors
- Elaine Masters, “Get wild! National Park Service free days and passes,” Tripwellness.com
- Rebecca Rhoades, “Duty Free: Is It Really a Bargain?,” AAA World magazine
- Virtuoso Staff, “How To Travel Better,” Virtuoso Life magazine
- Stacy Tillilie, “Stay, Fido, Stay,” AAA World magazine
DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS
Category 200: Visitors’ Guide (Printed or Electronic)
- Gold: “Official Guide to Glenwood Springs,” Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association
- Silver: “South County Style Visitor’s Guide,” South County Tourism Council
- Bronze: “2015 Greater Miami & The Beaches Visitor’s Guide,” HCPAboard
- Finalists:
- “Branson Vacation Guide,” Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau
- “Greater Lansing Michigan 2015 Visitor’s Guide,” Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau
- “North Little Rock, Arkansas, Complete Guide,” North Little Rock Visitors Bureau
Category 201: Destination Video
- Gold: “Sedona Anthem,” Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
- Silver: “Vietnam Veterans in Branson Video,” Passing the Torch/Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Bronze: “Absolutely Nothing – TV Spot,” Santa Rosa Tourist Development Office
Category 203: Social Media or Marketing Campaign
- Gold: “Social Media Photo Contest,” Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
- Silver: “#NATJAPV2015 Twitter Party,” Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board
- Bronze: “Outer Banks Media Immersion – Spring 2015,” Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
- Bronze: “Visit the Gourmet Archipelago – Marketing Campaign,” San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
