How to Find Travel Writing Contests and Awards: Gain Recognition and Prizes.

by

You know, this whole world of travel writing, it’s so full of adventure, but also a real challenge: how do you stand out? Passion certainly fuels the journey, but solidifying your platform, that really comes down to recognition. For a lot of us, that recognition shows up in the form of winning and earning accolades from travel writing contests and awards. And these aren’t just for bragging rights; they offer real cash, chances to get published, invaluable connections in the industry, and that undeniable prestige that can genuinely kickstart a career. But where do you even start looking for these opportunities? I’m going to break down the whole process for you, giving you a clear, actionable path to finding, evaluating, and ultimately, winning these travel writing contests and awards.

Why Even Bother? The Strategic Side of Contests

Before we get into the “how,” let’s really nail down the “why.” A lot of writers see contests as a long shot, a time sink with slim odds. But that perspective completely misses the huge strategic advantages:

  • Money in Your Pocket: Many contests offer serious cash prizes. Think about it – that could cover travel costs for your next adventure or just give your income a nice boost. Imagine winning a grand for something you’ve already written!
  • Getting Published and Seen: A common prize is getting your work published in a respected magazine, an anthology, or an online platform. That puts your writing right in front of editors, agents, and a much wider audience you might not otherwise reach.
  • Building Credibility: Winning, or even just being shortlisted by a respected organization, lends massive credibility. It’s like a third party saying, “Yep, this person’s good,” which makes your pitches way more compelling to future clients.
  • Making Connections: Award ceremonies, even if they’re virtual, often connect you with industry leaders, other writers, and editors. These connections can totally lead to future assignments and collaborations.
  • Boosting Your Portfolio: Slap a “Winner” or “Finalist” badge on your website or LinkedIn profile, and instantly, your professional standing gets a major bump.
  • Staying Motivated and Getting Better: The tough deadlines and specific themes of contests can really push you to write new material or fine-tune existing pieces. It’s a great way to grow.

Once you really grasp these benefits, chasing contests goes from being a hopeful wish to a totally calculated career move.

Your Digital Map: Navigating Online Resources

The internet is your main tool for finding these contests. But it’s a huge place out there. To navigate it effectively, you need to know where to look and what to search for.

Specialized Contest Aggregators and Listing Sites

Think of these as curated libraries, specifically for writing opportunities. Instead of scrolling through countless general search results, these platforms compile contest info for you.

Here’s what I do:

  1. Subscribe, Subscribe, Subscribe: So many of these sites have free newsletters or email alerts. Sign up for every relevant one. This means new opportunities just land in your inbox, no constant manual searching needed.
    • For example: Duotrope (it costs money, but it’s super comprehensive for literary markets, including contests), Poets & Writers Magazine (their “Grants & Awards” section is excellent), Chill Subs (it’s growing for literary stuff), NewPages (they list literary magazines and contests). While these aren’t only for travel writing, their listings often include travel themes or have categories general enough to accept travel pieces.
  2. Filter and Really Refine: Once you’re on these sites, use their internal search filters. Look for things like “nonfiction,” “creative nonfiction,” “essay,” “travel,” or “journalism.”
    • For example: On Poets & Writers, if you go to their “Grants & Awards” section, you can filter by “Genre: Nonfiction” and then browse for travel-specific contests or ones with open themes that work for travel.

Travel Writing Specific Communities and Organizations

These are the places where travel writers hang out, share info, and chat about industry trends. They often have dedicated contest sections or a vibrant community that shares leads.

Here’s how I tap into them:

  1. Join Industry Associations: The biggest and most well-known for travel writing is the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Yes, membership costs money, but they often run their own prestigious awards. Being a member also gets you access to their internal communications, which frequently announce other contests.
    • For example: SATW has annual awards for excellence in travel journalism. They’re super competitive but offer massive prestige. Keep an eye on their “Awards” or “Contests” section on their official website.
  2. Get Involved in Online Forums and Groups: Search for “Travel Writing Community” or “Travel Writer’s Forum” on Facebook, Reddit (like r/travelwriting), or dedicated writer forums. These groups are often buzzing with real-time information.
    • For example: Someone in a Facebook group might just post, “Hey, I just saw the XYZ Magazine contest opened submissions for travel essays!” That’s how many writers find those lesser-known gems.
  3. Follow Key Industry Publications: A lot of travel magazines and online platforms (think National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Outside Magazine, AFAR) run their own contests or announce big industry awards they’re judging or participating in.
    • For example: National Geographic often has photo contests with a strong storytelling element, or essay contests tied to their themes. Definitely monitor their “Contests” or “Submissions” pages.

Smart Searching: Using SEO for Contests

Beyond specific sites, getting good at search engine queries can really open doors. Think like a contest organizer trying to attract submissions.

Here are my go-to search strategies:

  1. Use Specific Keywords: Don’t just search “travel writing contests.” Get super detailed.
    • “Travel essay contest [year]”
    • “Adventure writing award”
    • “Travel memoir competition”
    • “Short form travel writing contest”
    • “Nature writing award [your country/region]” (often related to travel)
    • “Travel journalism award for [specific niche e.g., sustainable travel, culinary travel]”
    • For example: Searching “Travel essay contest 2024” will give you much more current and precise results than a general search. Adding the year is totally crucial for relevancy.
  2. Use Boolean Operators and Punctuation: Refine your searches even more.
    • "travel writing contests" OR "travel writing awards" (this broadens your results)
    • "travel writing contest" site:edu (this finds university-sponsored contests, which are often reputable)
    • "travel writing prize" filetype:pdf (this might dig up old guidelines or announcements, but it can lead to new discoveries)
    • "short story competition" travel theme (finds general fiction contests that are open to travel themes)
  3. Set Up Google Alerts: Automate your searching! Create Google Alerts for your precise keywords.
    • For example: Set an alert for “travel writing contest submissions open” or “travel writing award deadline.” You’ll get emails when new content matching these phrases shows up.

Reading Between the Lines: Evaluating Contest Legitimacy and Value

Finding opportunities is only half the battle. Not all contests are created equal. Some are prestigious, some offer barely anything, and a few are outright scams. You absolutely have to do your homework.

How I Spot Red Flags and Green Lights:

Here’s what I look for:

  1. Check the Organizer’s Reputation:
    • Green Light: Reputable literary magazines (The Missouri Review, Glimmer Train – if they’re taking nonfiction), established publishing houses, major travel organizations (SATW, National Geographic), well-known universities.
    • Red Flag: Unnamed or vague organizers, brand new entities with no online presence, or individuals with no clear track record.
    • For example: If a contest is run by “Global Travel Awards Inc.” and their website looks slapped together with no contact info or past winners, I’d be incredibly cautious.
  2. Prize Clarity and Value:
    • Green Light: Specific cash amounts, clear publication details (which magazine, expected reach), or tangible career benefits (like mentorship, agent review).
    • Red Flag: Vague prizes like just “exposure” or “opportunity,” entry fees that are way too high compared to the prizes, or promises of “fame and fortune” without any specifics.
    • For example: A contest asking for a $50 entry fee but only offering a $100 “prize” and no publication could be a red flag. A $25 fee for a $1,000 prize and publication in a recognized magazine? Much more appealing.
  3. Entry Fees – Is it Reasonable?
    • Green Light: A small fee ($10-$30) is pretty common to cover administrative costs (judging, platform fees). This is industry standard. Some highly prestigious awards have no fee at all.
    • Red Flag: Exorbitant entry fees ($50+ for a single submission), or a “pay-to-play” model where paying more supposedly guarantees better consideration.
    • For example: The annual Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing (from Travelers’ Tales) usually have a very reasonable entry fee. That’s a legitimate and well-respected contest.
  4. Submission Guidelines – Are They Clear and Complete?
    • Green Light: Detailed instructions on word count, formatting, theme, eligibility, judging criteria, and clear deadlines.
    • Red Flag: Vague or contradictory guidelines, no info on the judging process, or demands for excessive rights (like all future rights to your work without more payment).
    • For example: A contest that just says “Write about travel” with no word count or formatting guidelines is often poorly organized and less likely to be serious.
  5. Past Winners and Testimonials:
    • Green Light: A list of past winners with links to their winning pieces, positive testimonials from previous participants.
    • Red Flag: No mention of past winners, or generic, unverified testimonials.
    • For example: If a contest has a “Hall of Fame” or “Previous Winners” page featuring successful writers or links to their published work, that adds a lot of credibility.
  6. Rights and Ownership:
    • This is CRUCIAL: Read the rights clause super carefully. Most legitimate contests will ask for one-time publication rights or first serial rights. Avoid contests that demand perpetual, exclusive, or all-encompassing rights to your work without more compensation.
    • For example: A clause that says, “By entering, you grant XYZ Inc. worldwide, perpetual, exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and adapt your submission in any medium now known or hereafter devised, without further compensation” is a massive red flag.

Strategic Submission: Maxing Out Your Chances

Finding the right contest is just the first hurdle. Success truly hinges on a thoughtful approach to your submission.

Tailoring Your Work: One Size Does NOT Fit All

Even your absolute best travel piece won’t win if it doesn’t meet the specific requirements and tone of the contest.

Here’s how I tailor my work:

  1. Read the Prompt Meticulously: Don’t just skim. Really understand the core theme, the emotional tone they’re looking for, and any specific elements they want included.
    • For example: A contest asking for “humorous travel anecdotes” isn’t going to award your deeply reflective, poignant essay about loss while backpacking, even if it’s brilliantly written.
  2. Analyze Past Winners (If You Can Find Them): Many reputable contests publish previous winning entries. Study them for style, tone, how they interpreted the theme, and overall quality. This gives you an insider’s view of exactly what the judges are looking for.
    • For example: If previous winners are all narrative-driven, first-person accounts, don’t submit a purely descriptive travelogue.
  3. Strictly Follow Guidelines: Word count, formatting (font, spacing, page numbers), anonymity requirements (no name on the manuscript, only on the cover page), how to submit (Submittable, email, postal). Breaking these rules is an instant disqualifier.
    • Concrete Example: If the contest states “max 2,500 words, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, no identifying information on the manuscript,” you have to follow every single instruction. Submitting 2,501 words or a single-spaced document just shows you weren’t paying attention.
  4. Consider the Judge’s Bias/Preferences: You can’t read their minds, but you can make educated guesses. If the contest is sponsored by a particular travel magazine, think about their editorial slant.
    • For example: A contest from Outside Magazine might favor adventure narratives with a strong sense of challenge, while one from Gourmet Traveler would definitely lean towards culinary experiences.

Polishing Your Work: Beyond a Rough Draft

Even the most captivating travel story needs to be perfectly presented.

Here’s my polishing routine:

  1. Rigorous Self-Editing: Go beyond just spell checking. Look for repetitive phrasing, weak verbs, unnecessary adverbs, and clichés. Make sure your prose is clear and concise.
  2. Get a Peer Review or Professional Critique: This is crucial for catching errors you’ve become blind to. Ask trusted fellow writers to review your submission for clarity, impact, and whether it hits the prompt.
    • Concrete Example: Before I submit to something like the Bradt Guides “New Travel Writer of the Year” competition, I always have at least two other experienced writers read my piece. I specifically ask them if it evokes the sense of place and narrative that the competition is looking for.
  3. Proofread Aloud: Reading your work aloud helps you catch awkward phrasing, missing words, and grammatical errors that you often miss when reading silently.
  4. Format Impeccably: Make sure your document is sparkling clean, readable, and perfectly adheres to all technical specifications. A messy submission just screams disorganization.
  5. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter (If Allowed/Required): Not all contests accept or require cover letters for the submission itself, but some might for specific awards or fellowships. If you do include one, keep it concise, professional, and highlight your relevant experience and how your piece genuinely fits the contest’s theme.
    • For example: “Dear [Judge/Organizer Name], I am submitting ‘The Silence of the Sahara,’ a 2,200-word narrative essay about solo desert trekking, for consideration in your travel essay contest. Drawing on my experiences exploring remote landscapes, this piece explores themes of solitude and self-discovery, aligning with your call for [mention specific theme].”

After You Hit “Submit”: Patience and Persistence

The journey doesn’t end when you hit “submit.” What you do afterward can genuinely impact your future submissions and overall career trajectory.

Learning from Rejection (and Success)

Rejection is just part of being a writer. It’s truly feedback.

Here’s how I handle it:

  1. Analyze Feedback (If You Get It): Some contests offer brief feedback, especially bigger ones. Use it constructively to improve your craft. Don’t take it personally.
  2. Don’t Dwell: Submit, then move on. Focus your energy on the next piece, the next opportunity. Keep a running tally of where you’ve submitted and the results, but don’t obsess over it.
  3. Re-purpose and Re-submit: Unless the rights clause totally prohibits it permanently (which is rare for non-winners), your contest submission can often be tweaked and submitted to literary magazines, travel publications, or other contests.
    • For example: Your essay submitted to the Wanderlust Travel Writing Competition might be re-edited and pitched to an online travel journal or a literary magazine with a travel-themed issue if it doesn’t win. This maximizes the return on your writing investment.
  4. Celebrate Small Victories: Even just being shortlisted or getting an honorable mention is a testament to your ability. Use these achievements to boost your confidence and update your writer’s bio.

Keeping the Momentum Going: It’s a Long Game

Consistency is the absolute bedrock of a successful writing career.

Here’s my long-term strategy:

  1. Keep a Contest Spreadsheet: Track contest names, deadlines, entry fees, your submission title, and results. This really streamlines your process and helps you spot recurring opportunities.
  2. Continuously Look for New Opportunities: The contest landscape is always changing. Stay subscribed to newsletters, check aggregator sites regularly, and keep your ear to the ground in online communities.
  3. Keep Writing and Traveling: Your best stories come from experience. The more you write and explore, the more material you’ll have for future contest entries.
  4. Network Proactively: Connect with other travel writers. Share insights, critique each other’s work, and tell each other about promising opportunities. The travel writing community is often incredibly supportive.

The Ultimate Payoff: Recognition and Beyond

Winning a travel writing contest or award isn’t just about the immediate prize; it’s a catalyst. It’s a testament to your voice, a validation of your unique perspective, and a powerful way to open new doors. These accolades truly make you stand out in a crowded field, offering tangible proof of your ability to craft compelling narratives that transport readers. By strategically finding opportunities, meticulously preparing your submissions, and cultivating resilience, you can harness the power of contests and awards to elevate your travel writing journey from just a passion to a recognized and celebrated profession.