Grand Prize Winners: National Geographic Traveler, Michael DeFreitas, Michael Luongo, Rebecca Rhoades, and Visit Tampa Bay

PASADENA CA – The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) has announced the winners of its 2014 NATJA Awards Competition.  Awards were given to publications, travel writers, and photographers whose work was represented in print, electronic and online media from October 2013 through September 2014. Additionally, awards were given to the top convention and visitors bureaus, PR agencies or destination marketing organizations. The competition, now in its 23rd year, honors the “best of the best” in travel journalism.

“NATJA received an overwhelming number of entries in this year’s awards competition. The stories and photographs were so compelling and life-like that they placed the reader in that moment. This made it challenging for the judges to select the winners,” said Helen Hernandez, CEO of the organization. “The award entries this last year were clearly, the best ever in NATJA’s history. We congratulate all of the Grand Prize winners, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for bringing to life their travel experiences for the general public.” This year’s Grand Prize winners were selected for their superior execution of narrative and photography. National Geographic Traveler is a publication that effectively combines world-class journalism with visually stimulating photography to provide an entertaining and engaging reader experience; Visit Tampa Bay for their comprehensive and well-communicated marketing for their destination; Michael DeFreitas for his spectacular and captivating photography; Michael Luongo for his unique and thought-provoking stories; and Rebecca Rhoades for her fascinating and diverse story-telling.

Additionally, one first place (Gold) winner is chosen in each of the categories along with 2nd (Silver), 3rd place (Bronze) and Finalists.

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. NATJA publishes TravelWorld International Magazine, which is proudly written and photographed by

A complete list of the winners and finalists is below.

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GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

Publication: National Geographic Traveler
Photography: Michael DeFreitas
Travel Journalism: Michael Luongo & Rebecca Rhoades
Destination Marketing Organization: Visit Tampa Bay

PUBLICATIONS

Category 300: Travel Magazine

  • Gold: National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Ensemble Vacations, Summer 2014
  • Bronze: Private Clubs, Fall 2014 Issue

Category 301: In-Flight Magazine

  • Gold: enRoute Magazine, November 2013
  • Silver: Delta Sky, April 2014
  • Bronze: U.S. Airways Magazine, May 2014: Hidden Treasure
  • Finalist: Celebrated Living, Autumn 2014: Celebrated Cuisine

Category 302: Online Travel Magazine

Category 303: Travel Journalism Website

Category 304: Commercial/Publication Travel Blog

Category 305: Independent Travel Blog

MEDIA – General Travel Articles

Category 100: Destination Travel, Domestic Newspaper

  • Gold: Michael Luongo, “Argentina Rediscovers Its African Roots/In Tango & Tunnels, Rediscovering Its African Roots,” The New York Times
  • Silver: Jill Wilson, “Stetsons to Beer Steins,” Winnipeg Free Press
  • Bronze: Suzanne Corbett, “Marching Down Georgia’s Gone with the Wind Trail,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  • Finalists:
    • Max Anderson, “Heart of the prairie,” Sydney Morning Herald
    • Julie Carl, “Stepping Out in Minneapolis,” Winnipeg Free Press
    • Bob Cooper, “Celebration on the Sea,” Houston Chronicle
    • Suzanne Corbett, “Harbor Hopping in Door County, Wis.,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    • Cindy Ladage, “Outdoors in Southern, Illinois,” The Prairie Land Buzz
    • Irene S. Levine, “New York Hamlet Home to a Masterpiece,” Chicago Tribune
    • Ceil Miller Bouchet, “In Chicago, colorful Pilsen broadens its palate,” The Washington Post
    • Anja Mutic, “A Wanderer Returns,” The Washington Post
    • Anja Mutic, “Longing at First Sight: My Curious Affair with Lisbon,” The Washington Post

Category 101: Destination Travel, Domestic Magazine

  • Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “Sleepless in Seville,” Travel + Leisure
  • Silver: David Lansing, “Paradise Lost and Found,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Bronze: Kim Brown Seely, “Into Bhutan,” Virtuoso Life
  • Finalists:
    • Max Anderson, “Man vs. Wild,” Australian Gourmet Traveller
    • Andrea Granahan, “Meeting Rosie the Riveter,” RV Life Magazine
    • Joseph Guinto, “Where the Beers Are,” Private Clubs
    • Theresa Medoff, “Mane Attractions–and More,” AAA World
    • Peter McBride, “The Granny Diaries,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Andrew McCarthy, “Untamed Ireland,” Travel + Leisure
    • Andrew McCarthy, “Steeped in Darjeeling,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Bruce Schoenfeld, “Danish Modern,” National Geographic Traveler

Category 102: Destination Travel, International Newspaper

  • Gold: Peter Johansen, “Starry, Starry Sark,” Montreal Gazette
  • Silver: Rich Grant, “Yosemite and the 150th Anniversary of National Parks,” Global Village, Mexico City News
  • Bronze: Lisa TE Sonne, “Underwater Treasure Off Cancun,” Pique Newsmagazine

Category 103: Destination Travel, International Magazine

  • Gold: David Noyes, “Reveling in Greenland’s Icy Lure,” Town & Country, Thailand
  • Silver: Peter Johansen, “Camels and Karma,” United Church Observer
  • Bronze: Sarah Elbert, “Where to Go Now,” Delta Sky Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Lucas Aykroyd, “Maui’s Mellow Magic,” Good Times
    • Lucas Aykroyd, “A Taste of Adventure in the Iles de la Madeleine,” Just for Canadian Dentists
    • Steve Marsh, “Cidade Maravilhosa,” Delta Sky Magazine

Category 104: Byline Travel Column – Greater than 250,000 Circulation

  • Gold: Andrew Zimmern, “Fork & the Road,” Delta Sky Magazine
  • Silver: Aurélie Resch, “Under the Sea in a Galapagos game of yellow-flippered tag,” Metro News Toronto
  • Bronze: Aurélie Resch, “The Big Easy: Where life is a little slower,” Metro News Toronto
  • Finalist: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer,” Air Canada’s enRoute

Category 104A: Byline Travel Column – Less than 250,000 Circulation

  • Gold: Carolyn Ali, “Gondola lifts lazybones high above Squamish,” The Georgia Straight
  • Silver: Aurélie Resch, “Wadi Rum, Land of Lawrence,” TraveLife Magazine
  • Bronze: Susan Cohn, “Mmm…Mmm… Montgomery: Alabama’s Capital Food Scene,” San Mateo Daily Journal
  • Finalists:
    • Susan Cohn, “Art Pops in Pittsburg: The Andy Warhol Museum Honors a Native Son,” San Mateo Daily Journal
    • Aurélie Resch, “On a quest to see the Yukon’s Night Show,” TraveLife Magazine

Category 105: Travel Series – Magazine

  • Gold: Clark Norton, “Blue Sea, Red Sea; Bird is The Word; Now You Sea It,” Porthole Cruise Magazine
  • Silver: Sarah Elbert, “1 City 5 Ways,” Delta Sky Magazine
  • Bronze: Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer,” Air Canada’s enRoute

Category 105A: Travel Series – Newspaper

  • Gold: Janet Podolak, “Cuba – 3 parts,” The News Herald
  • Silver: Ron Pradinuk, “Cruising Series,” Winnipeg Free Press
  • Bronze: Warren Resen, “Various – See The USA,” Observer News

Category 105B: Travel Series – Online

  • Gold: Gary Arndt, “West Africa Cruise,” Everything Everywhere
  • Silver: Ann Abel, “Mount Kilimanjaro,” Yahoo Travel
  • Bronze: Whitney Stewart, “Finding Reiner,” TravelGumbo.com
  • Finalists:
    • Lindsey Galloway, “Living In… (Tokyo, Istanbul, World’s Most Visited Cities),” BBC Travel
    • Donna L. Hull, “One Healthy Change (4 articles),” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
    • Janet Podolak, “Cuba Blogs,” The News Herald

Category 106: Destination Travel, Online Publication

  • Gold: Fyllis Hockman, “Halong Bay: A True Surrealistic Watercolor,” TravelHoppers.com
  • Silver: Lucas Aykroyd, “Welcome to the ‘No Grunge’ zone,” OttawaCitizen.com
  • Bronze: Matthew Long, “Tracking Dinosaurs in Alberta,” LandLopers
  • Finalist: Gary Kraut, “The French Ardennes,” France Revisited

MEDIA – Special Focus Travel Articles – Print

Category 120: Local Lifestyle

  • Gold: Elaine Glusac, “Ghost Towns, Puffins and Unspoiled Views,” New York Times
  • Silver: Andrew McCarthy, “Mon Paris – Living Like a Local in the City of Light,” Westways
  • Bronze: Daisann McLane, “Saving Old Bangkok,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Finalists:
    • Damon Banks, “Hidden Beaches – Puerto Rico,” Bespoke Magazine
    • Patrizia Chen, David A. Keeps, Shane Mitchell, Jane Szita, Gisela Williams , “Shop Like a Local,” Travel + Leisure
    • Margie Goldsmith, “Reindeer Herding in Lapland,” Ensemble Lifestyles
    • Fyllis Hockman, “Where the Wild Women Meet Wildlife,” Low Country Sun Newspaper
    • Peter Johansen, “Camels and Karma,” United Church Observer
    • Natasha Mekhail, “Retail Zen,” Mercedes-Benz Magazine
    • Anja Mutic, “A Wanderer Returns,” The Washington Post
    • Janet Podolak, “A Bit of the Paris of Old,” The News Herald

Category 121: Luxury & Leisure Travel

  • Gold: Neal McLennan, “Fantasy Island,” Experience: Bombardier Business Aircraft Magazine
  • Silver: Andrew Sessa, “Puglia: The Italy You Don’t Know (But Should),” Private Clubs
  • Bronze: Tim Leffel, “Nicaragua Unplugged,” Global Traveler Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Max Anderson, “Whirlwind of rich rewards,” Sydney Morning Herald
    • Damon Banks, “Starfire’s Commitment to Effortless Service,” Upscale Living Magazine
    • Vivian Holley, “Villa Feltrinelli – Luxury on Lake Garda,” Meta Luxe
    • Jason Oliver Nixon and Jackie Caradonio, “NYC Hotel Confidential,” Delta Sky Magazine
    • Eve Thomas, “The Shape of Sicily,” Experience: Bombardier Business Aircraft Magazine

Category 122: Sports & Recreation

  • Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Surf’s Up,” Global Traveler Magazine
  • Silver: Jayme Moye, “Stand Up and Fish,” Alaska Magazine
  • Bronze: Elaine Glusac, “How to Sport Like an Irishman,” Virtuoso Life
  • Finalists:
    • Jeff Ritter, “The Mexican Golf Course That Survived the Drug War,” Golf Magazine
    • Christine Kassar, “The Highest Summit,” Elevation Outdoors Magazine
    • Margie Goldsmith, “Chase the Tail of the Dragon,” American Way
    • Lisa TE Sonne, “Piranha Fishing in High Season,” Pique Newsmagazine

Category 123: Resorts

  • Gold: Elaine Glusac, “Economic Booster,” Private Clubs
  • Silver: Rebecca Rhoades, “All-Inclusive Punta Cana,” AAA World
  • Bronze: Paul Rubio, “Game-Changing Trends in Africa Lodging,” Private Clubs
  • Finalists:
    • Stacy Tillilie, “Universal Appeal,” AAA World
    • Vivian Holley, “Bora Bora – a South Pacific Treasure,” Meta Luxe

Category 124: Cruises

  • Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Cruising South America,” Grand Luxury Magazine
  • Silver: Janice Wald Henderson, “Boats Afloat,” Private Clubs
  • Bronze: Chris Clayton, “15 Chefs Walk into a Cruise…,” Delta Sky Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Janice Mucalov, “A River Safari on the ‘Zambezi Queen’,” Cruise & Travel Lifestyles
    • Janice Mucalov, “Hawaii Un-Cruising,” Cruise & Travel Lifestyles
    • Justin Paul, “How to Launch a Riverboat,” Virtuoso Life
    • Clark Norton, “Tahitian Delivery,” Porthole Cruise Magazine

Category 125: Personality and Profiles

  • Gold: Rebecca Rhoades, “Mr. Johnson’s Opus,” AAA World
  • Silver: Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “The New Age of Adventure,” Women’s Adventure Magazine
  • Bronze: Bob Cooper, “The River Queen,” Porthole Cruise Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Christine Kassar, “Who Killed Mike Rust,” Mountainflyer Magazine
    • Warren Resen, “Patrick Smith – A Man Remembered,” Farmer & Rancher
    • Sarah Staples, “The Frequent Flyer: Bruce Poon Tip,” Air Canada’s enRoute
    • Andrew Zimmern, “The Maestro,” Delta Sky Magazine

Category 126: Historical or Hobby Travel

  • Gold: Ceil Miller Bouchet, “Over There,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Tara Isabella Burton, “A Toast to Georgia,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Bronze: Nancy Wigston, “Gallipoli: A Solemn Reminder of War,” Canadian Jewish News
  • Finalists:
    • Lucas Aykroyd, “Allure of Mexico’s Aztec,” The Vancouver Sun
    • Rich Grant, “Little Big Horn Redux,” Global Village, Mexico City News
    • Irene S. Levine, “A little church in New Mexico with some big healing power,” Washington Post
    • Michael Luongo, “Argentina Rediscovers Its African Roots/In Tango & Tunnels, Rediscovering Its African Roots,” The New York Times
    • Rebecca Rhoades, “The Colors of Bravery,” AAA World
    • Michael Schuman, “Atlanta Marks 150 Years Since Key Battle,” Miami Herald
    • Lisa TE Sonne, “A Weekend in — George Washington’s Barbados,” American Way

Category 127: 50+ Travel

  • Gold: Lola Akinmade Åkerström, “The New Age of Adventure,” Women’s Adventure Magazine
  • Silver: Don Mankin, “Driving the Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast of Ireland,” Active Over 50
  • Bronze: Don Mankin, “Namibia: Raw and Wild,” Active Over 50
  • Finalists:
    • Victor Block, “From a bomb site to a beach destination,” The Beacon
    • Don Mankin, “Traveling By Train From Moscow to Beijing,” Active Over 50

Category 128: Intergenerational and Family Travel

  • Gold: Barbara Graham, “California Dreamin’,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Aaron Gulley, “How To Raise a Global Citizen,” Virtuoso Life
  • Bronze: Maureen Littlejohn, “Travels with my Dad,” Travel World International Magazine
  • Finalist: Kate Pocock, “Taking the Kids Back to Nature on Mexico’s Riviera May Coast,” Ensemble Vacations Magazine

Category 129: Culinary Travel

  • Gold: Bill Addison, “Chile: South America’s Next Culinary Star?,” Private Clubs
  • Silver: Andrew Brathwaite, “Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2013,” enRoute Magazine
  • Silver: Remy Scalza, “Perfecting Pinoy,” Fairmont Magazine
  • Bronze: Brad A. Johnson, “Off the eaten path: Basilicata, Italy,” Orange County Register
  • Bronze: Elizabeth Woodson, “A Foodie’s Guide to Asia,” Delta Sky Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Damon Banks, “A Sweet Finish,” Bespoke Magazine
    • Dave G. Houser, “Tequila,” TravelWorld International Magazine
    • Brad A. Johnson, “Running the tables in Las Vegas, for Chinese,” Orange County Register
    • Irene S. Levine, “New York Hamlet Home to a Masterpiece,” Chicago Tribune
    • Andrew McCarthy, “Steeped in Darjeeling,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Gary Shteyngart, “Maximum Bombay,” Travel + Leisure
    • Mario Stojanac, “Carmenere – From Extinction to Distinction,” Ensemble Vacations
    • Barbara Wayman, “Charlie Palmer’s Sonoma,” Home & Away Magazine

Category 130: Cultural, Educational, Self-Improvement Travel

  • Gold: Carl Hoffman, “It Takes a Village,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Mark Jenkins, “America’s Cathedrals,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Bronze: Glen Abbott, “Chasing Cajuns – A Ride to Find the Real Mardi Gras,” HOG Magazine (Harley-Davidson)
  • Bronze: Christine Kassar, “The Highest Summit,” Elevation Outdoors Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Kenneth Brower, “The Great White Hope,” National Geographic Traveler
    • David Lansing, “Paradise Lost and Found,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Michael Luongo, “Argentina Rediscovers Its African Roots/In Tango & Tunnels, Rediscovering Its African Roots,” The New York Times
    • Kate Pocock, “Lending a Helping Hand… Abroad,” Healthwise Magazine
    • Guy Trebay, “A World Apart,” Travel + Leisure

Category 131: Eco, Environmental or Special Purpose Travel

  • Gold: Aaron Gulley, “Just Deserts,” Virtuoso Life
  • Silver: Scott Wallace, “Over the Horizon,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Bronze: Kenneth Brower, “The Great White Hope,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Finalists:
    • Michael Luongo, “Argentina Rediscovers Its African Roots/In Tango & Tunnels, Rediscovering Its African Roots,” The New York Times
    • Kate Pocock, “Lending a Helping Hand… Abroad,” Healthwise Magazine
    • Veronica Stoddart, “Namibia is up to its neck in rare species,” USA TODAY

MEDIA – Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet

Category 140: Local Lifestyle

  • Gold: David Noyes, “Gypsies, Gods and Dromedaries,” Maptia.com
  • Silver: Andrew McCarthy, “Clear Eyed in Calcutta,” WorldHum
  • Bronze: Johanna Piazza, “Ohrid,” Yahoo Travel
  • Finalist: Fyllis Hockman, “Namibia: Where Wild Women Meet Wildlife,” FabPlacez.com

Category 141: Luxury and Leisure Travel

  • Gold: Julie Hatfield, “Go Heli-Fishing in the Middle of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia,” JustLuxe.com
  • Silver: David Noyes, “Romantic Expectations,” TravelWorld International Magazine
  • Bronze: Elaine Masters, “Scuba Diving Lembeh Strait, Indonesia,” AuthenticLuxuryTravel.net
  • Bronze: Shelly Rivoli, “On Safari in Sonoma: Our Tour of Safari West Wildlife Preserve,” Family Travel 411
  • Finalists:
    • Donna L. Hull, “Luxurious Winter Fun at the Resort at Paws Up,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
    • Lisa Richardson, “On Two Wheels in Washington Wine Country: A Soul-Satisfying Balance,” Epicurean-Traveler.com

Category 142: Sports and Recreation

  • Gold: Jeff Ritter, “Club Campestre: The lone golf club in Juarez, Mexico, that overcame the drug cartels,” Golf Magazine
  • Silver: Fyllis Hockman, “Cowboy College: Channeling “City Slickers”,” TravelingBoy.com
  • Silver: Kristin Winet, “Adventurous Romance in Costa Rica,” TravelWorld International Magazine
  • Bronze: Jayme Moye, “Surf’s Up,” EpicLife.com
  • Finalists:
    • Carolyn Ali, “Go Argentina! How an accidental soccer fan learned to love World Cup futball,” The Georgia Straight
    • Mindy Poder, “Surviving Bungee Jumping in New Zealand,” TravelAgeWest.com

Category 143: Resorts

  • Gold: Peter Johansen, “Conversation, Nature and Passion,” Inns E-Magazine
  • Silver: Tim Leffel, “Panoramic Pacific Views from Pelican Eyes,” Hotel-Scoop.com
  • Bronze: Damon Banks, “24 Hours at the Boca Raton Resorts and Club,” LuxeGetaways.com
  • Finalists:
    • Tim Leffel, “Chilled Out Luxury at Viceroy Zihuatanejo,” Hotel-Scoop.com
    • Kristin Winet, “Following the Turtle: Hotel Poco a Poco, Monteverde,” Hotel Scoop

Category 144: Cruises

  • Gold: Carole Herdegen, “Greenland, Land of the Midnight Sun… Cruising the Settlement around Disco Bay,” Travel World International Magazine
  • Silver: Chris McBeath, “Cheapskate Cruise,” TravelWorld International Magazine
  • Bronze: Jacqueline Harmon Butler, “Up a Lazy Canal – Cruising the Canal du Midi in France,” FoodFlirtOnline.WordPress.com
  • Finalist: Kit Bernardi, “First Time Cruiser Family Checks Out the Disney Dream,” TakingtheKids.com

Category 145: Personality and Profiles

  • Gold: Jayme Moye, “Bravery on a Bike in Afghanistan,” ESPNW.com
  • Silver: Vivian Holley, “Peggy’s Passion,” Meta Luxe
  • Bronze: Jeff Ritter, “Club Campestre: The lone golf club in Juarez, Mexico, that overcame the drug cartels,” Golf Magazine
  • Finalist: Jenn Smith Nelson, “Corner Gas movie hails Saskatchewan life,” Vacay.ca

Category 146: Historical or Hobby Travel

  • Gold: Rebecca Rhoades, “A Beautiful Afterlife,” AAA World Online
  • Silver: Michael Luongo, “Relearning Polish History Through the Eyes of a Resistance Fighter,” Tablet Magazine
  • Bronze: Lauren Gelfond, “Jaffa: A Tale of 2 Cities,” The Daily Beast
  • Bronze: Dan Schlossberg, “Coming to Grips with Ground Zero,” NewYorkNatives.com
  • Finalists:
    • Kit Bernardi, “Driving Patterns,” Midwest Living Magazine
    • Kay Grant, “Calculated Risk,” American Way (Online Only)
    • Bobbie Green, “Visiting Timan Faya National PK & Fire Mountain,” www.offbeattravel.com
    • Fyllis Hockman, “Mary King’s Close: 400 Years of History,” TravelingBoy.com
    • Shelly Rivoli, “Jurassic Pilgrimage: Visiting Dinosaur National Monument with Kids,” Family Travel 411
    • Josh Roberts, “Walking the Great Wall of China: A Bucket List Trip You Can Actually Afford,” SmarterTravel.com

Category 147: 50+ Travel

  • Gold: Don Mankin, “A World of Contrasts on the Trans-Siberian Railroad,” Huffington Post
  • Silver: Don Mankin, “Namibia: Raw and Wild,” Huffington Post
  • Bronze: Mattie Matthews, “67 & Dumped: On Her Own in Rome,” Yahoo Travel
  • Finalists:
    • Victor Dorff, “Luxury, Then and Now,” Huffington Post
    • Donna L. Hull, “Riding the Prince Rupert Ferry,” My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel
    • Don Mankin, “Driving the Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast of Ireland,” Huffington Post

Category 148: Intergenerational and Family Travel

  • Gold: Michael Luongo, “Relearning Polish History Through the Eyes of a Resistance Fighter,” Tablet Magazine
  • Silver: Tim Leffel, “The Other Side of the Yucatan,” Perceptive Travel
  • Bronze: Shelly Rivoli, “One Night in the African Tent Camp: My Review of Safari West,” Family Travel 411
  • Finalist: Laura Begley Bloom, “A Gift for My Daughter: Elmo’s Trip to Costa Rica,” Yahoo Travel

Category 149: Culinary Travel

  • Gold: Damon Banks, “Spain’s Gourmet Dining Scene,” Luxury Link Lifestyle – Online Magazine
  • Silver: Gary Kraut, “The French Ardennes,” France Revisited
  • Bronze: Darrin DuFord, “Istria’s Edible Empires,” Unmappedmag.com
  • Finalists:
    • Darrin DuFord, “Enjoying Croatia’s Oysters and Estuaries,” GoNomad.com
    • Peter Johansen, “Feasting in a ‘Restaurant Without Walls’,” Troy Media
    • Gary Kraut, “25 Paris Restaurants: A List Beyond The List,” France Revisited
    • Matthew Long, “The Unusual Story Behind the Best Ice Cream in Ireland,” LandLopers
    • Kathleen Mangan, “Let’s Talk Scotch,” Privateclubs.com

Category 150: Cultural, Educational, Self-Improvement Travel

  • Gold: Michael Luongo, “Fighting Back With Faith: Inside the Yezidis’ Iraqi Temple ,” The Daily Beast
  • Silver: Michael Luongo, “Relearning Polish History Through the Eyes of a Resistance Fighter,” Tablet Magazine
  • Bronze: Lisa TE Sonne, “Tasty Tagines in Morocco,” watchBOOM.com
  • Finalists:
    • Victor Englebert, “Stealing the Gold of El Dorado,” Fascinating Humanity
    • Irene S. Levine, “A Unique Museum: The Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge,” FlightNetwork.com

Category 151: Eco, Environmental or Special Purpose Travel

  • Gold: Christine Kassar, “Return to Hyalite Canyon: Veterans Build Community that Stretches Beyond Mountains,” National Geographic Adventure Blog
  • Silver: Michael Luongo, “Fighting Back With Faith: Inside the Yezidis’ Iraqi Temple ,” The Daily Beast
  • Bronze: Paula Froelich, “On the Frontlines of the Rhino “Genocide”: Saving a Species on the Brink,” Yahoo Travel
  • Finalists:
    • Victor Dorff, “Bonaire: Fantasy Island, For Real!” Huffington Post
    • Darrin DuFord, “Man vs. Fish,” RoadsAndKingdoms.com
    • Dave G. Houser, “The Harsh Legacy of Grytviken,” OffbeatTravel.com

Category 152: Budget Travel

  • Gold: Kate Armstrong, “African safari alternatives that don’t cost a fortune,” LonelyPlanet.com
  • Silver: Peter Johansen, “Win Your Next Vacation,” Troy Media

MEDIA – Electronic, Video, Broadcast

Category 153: Travel Broadcast – Video & Television

  • Gold: Andrew McCarthy, “Breaking Boundaries,” AOL Travel
  • Silver: Paula Froelich, “Yahoo Travel: A Broad, Abroad,” Yahoo Travel
  • Bronze: Glen Abbott, “Chasing the Chicken: Cajun Mardi Gras,” Harley – Davidson’s HOG Magazine – online edition
  • Finalists:
    • Glen Abbott, “Secrets Revealed – Nashville Music City,” The Village Celebration (Online Magazine)
    • Kathleen Curry, “Episode 306: Visit Germany’s Fairy Tale Tail,” The Travel Brigade Radio Show and Podcast
    • Ian Fitzpatrick and Tonya Fitzpatrick, “Midwest Treasures: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis & Michigan’s State Capitol,” Blog Talk Radio
    • Christine van Blokland, “Secrets of St. Patrick’s Cathedral,” Curious Traveler

Category 154: Travel App

  • Best Travel App: Just Ahead: Death Valley National Park

PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATION

Category 170: Overall Excellence

  • Gold: Peter McBride, “Paradise Lost and Found,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: David Noyes, “Gypsies, Gods and Dromedaries,” Maptia.com
  • Bronze: Jen Judge, “Just Deserts,” Virtuoso Life
  • Bronze: Peter McBride, “The Granny Diaries,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Finalists:
    • Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson, “Danish Modern,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Robert Jerome, “Dresden: A German Christmas,” The Rail Monthly

Category 171: Cover Photo, Illustration

  • Gold: Gunnar Knechtel, “Big Bold Baku,” Fairmont Magazine
  • Silver: Jen Judge, “Black and white and read all over,” Virtuoso Life
  • Bronze: Chris Plavidal, “Pin This,” Virtuoso Life
  • Finalists:
    • “Enchanting Italy,” AAA Living
    • Gunnar Knechtel, “Around the World in 14 Ways: From Tel Aviv’s beaches to Taipei’s markets,” enRoute Magazine
    • Brian Bowen Smith, photographer; Lloyd Dangle, illustrator, “Howard Schultz, Seattle,” Delta Sky Magazine
    • Peter I. Rose, “Book Cover (back),” Postmonitions of a Peripatetic Professor

Category 172: Landscape, Seascape

  • Gold: Jake Stangel, “My Own Private Montana,” Travel + Leisure
  • Silver: Gary Arndt, “Lightning over Jasper National Park – Alberta, Canada,” Everything-Everywhere.com
  • Bronze: Michael DeFreitas, “Utah Rocks,” RV Lifestyle Magazine
  • Finalists:
    • Gary Arndt, “Rainbow over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe,” Everything-Everywhere.com
    • Dale Sanders, “Grande Slam,” Luxe Beat Magazine

Category 173: Portrait, People

  • Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Put a Face to a Place,” Photo News Magazine
  • Silver: David Noyes, “Kalbeliya Dancer,” Maptia.com
  • Bronze: Robert Jerome, “Riet Jonkers-Slegers, age 80, Budapest World Masters Athletics Competition,” Metropop
  • Finalists:
    • Gary Arndt, “Playing Child in Monte Café, Sao Tome,” Everything-Everywhere.com
    • Michael DeFreitas, “Cuban Man with Fighting Cock,” Photo News Magazine
    • Gabriel Rinaldi, “Alex Atala,” Delta Sky Magazine

Category 174: Facility, Architectural

  • Gold: Robert Jerome, “Radio City Music Hall at Christmas,” Metropop
  • Silver: Robert Jerome, “Metropolitan Cathedral, Brasilia,” The Rail Monthly
  • Bronze: Barb Sligl, “Tacoma Turnaround,” Going Places
  • Finalists:
    • Gary Arndt, “Fireworks Over the Sydney Harbor Bridge,” Everything-Everywhere.com
    • Robert Jerome, “Zagreb’s Mirogoj Cemetery on All Saints’ Day,” The Rail Monthly
    • Matthew Long, “Quiet House in Alberta,” LandLopers

Category 175: Nature

  • Gold: Michael DeFreitas, “Bald Eagle Fishing,” Photo News Magazine
  • Silver: Gary Arndt, “A Bull Moose with Water Dripping from his Antlers in Northern British Columbia,” Everything-Everywhere.com
  • Bronze: Gary Arndt, “UNESCO World Heritage Site: iSimangaliso Wetland Park,” Everything-Everywhere.com

Category 176: Photo Essay

  • Gold: Susan Seubert, “Saving Old Bangkok,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Michael DeFreitas, “Put a Face to a Place,” Photo News Magazine
  • Bronze: Gary Arndt, “Visions of Namibia,” Everything Everywhere
  • Finalists:
    • Korena Bolding Sinnett, “Seoul Rising,” Virtuoso Life
    • Catherine Karnow, “Positively Tel Aviv,” National Geographic Traveler
    • Jen Pollack, “Marrakech,” SNAP Magazine

MEDIA – Miscellaneous

Category 190: Travel Book or Guide

  • Gold: Shelly Rivoli, “Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel With Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler,” Published by Travels with Baby Books
  • Silver: M. Pasquesi, “Rome with Kids: An Insider’s Guide (2nd Edition)”
  • Bronze: Linda Lang, “Five Star Recipes from World Famous Hotels & Resorts”
  • Bronze: Greg Vaughn, “Photographing Washington”
  • Finalists:
    • Alden Jones, “The Blind Masseuse: A Traveler’s Memoir from Costa Rica to Cambodia,” University of Wisconsin Press
    • Doreen Pendgracs, “Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate,” Wizard of Words Productions

Category 191: Trade Travel Article

  • Gold: David DeVoss, “The Golden Age of Airports,” Global Business Travel
  • Silver: Chris McBeath, “Attracting Seniors,” InnFocus
  • Bronze: Mindy Poder, “Stealing the Scene,” TravelAge West
  • Finalists:
    • Tim Leffel, “MICE Mexico City,” Global Traveler Magazine
    • Michael Luongo, “Iraque Kurdistan: Open for Travelers,” Travel + Leisure
    • Skye Mayring, “A Brave New World,” TravelAge West
    • Mindy Poder, “The King of the Castle,” TravelAge West
    • Theresa Storm, “New Skywalk Opens in Alberta,” TravelAge West

Category 192A: Travel Roundups – Print

  • Gold: George Stone, “Traveler 50,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Silver: Isabella Brega, “Made in Italy,” National Geographic Traveler
  • Bronze: Mindy Poder, “50 Bucket List Travel Experiences,” TravelAge West
  • Finalists:
    • Victor Block, “Warm(er) winter destinations beckon,” The Beacon
    • Ron Pradinuk, “Ten Tips to make your travels more enjoyable,” Winnipeg Free Press

Category 192B: Travel Roundups – Online

  • Gold: Tim Leffel, “Digital Nomads: How to travel the world without quitting your job,” LonelyPlanet.com
  • Silver: Anja Mutic, “Restored Village Retreats,” Departures
  • Bronze: Dan Schlossberg, “The Final Four: Cool places to cool off in New England,” New Jersey Lifestyles
  • Finalists:
    • Lanee Lee, “America’s Strangest Museums,” Travel + Leisure Digital
    • Kathleen Mangan, “Top 10 Fall Things to Do in Ireland and Northern Ireland,” NationalGeographic.com

Category 193: Travel Tips & Advice

  • Gold: Virtuoso Life Staff, “How to Travel Better,” Virtuoso Life
  • Silver: Michael DeFreitas, “Put a Face to a Place,” Photo News Magazine
  • Bronze: Irene S. Levine, “Bicycle Vacations: Boomers’ Latest Travel Trend,” PBS NextAvenue.org
  • Finalists:
    • Brittany Jones Cooper, “Travel Hacks,” Yahoo Travel
    • Theresa Medoff, “Packing Tips from the Pros,” AAA World
    • Traci Suppa, “Preparing Your Teen For Their First Trip Without You,” FamilyVacationCritic.com
    • Kristin Winet, “Tipping Culture: A Quick Guide to Global Tipping Customs,” En Voyage, Eva Air’s in-flight magazine

ORGANIZATIONS

Category 200: Visitors’ Guide (Printed or Electronic)

  • Gold: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, 2014 Outer Banks Travel Guide
  • Silver: Pocahontas County, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pocahontas County Visitors Guide
  • Bronze: Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visitor’s Travel Guide
  • Finalists:
    • Discover Newport, Discover Newport Visitors Guide
    • Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Branson Meeting Convention & Sports Guide
    • Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2014 Greater Lansing, Michigan Visitor Guide

Category 201: Destination Video

  • Gold: Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona: Most Beautiful Place on Earth
  • Silver: Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Show Me the Way”
  • Bronze: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, #OuterBanksSoul – The Outer Banks, NC

Category 202: Destination Website

  • Gold: Visit Tampa Bay, VisitTampaBay.com
  • Silver: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, AlexandriaPinevilleLA.com
  • Bronze: Visit Sarasota County, VisitSarasota.org

Category 203: Social Media or Marketing Campaign

  • Gold: M. Silver // A Division of Finn Partners, “The Beach Looks Good on You” Winter Promotion
  • Silver: Visit Tampa Bay, Visit Tampa Bay, IIFA Marketing Campaign
  • Bronze: Meet Minneapolis & Spong PR, #askMPLS Campaign