Lowell Thomas Travel Writing Awards – We won!

I’m trying to play things cool today. But inside I’m jumping up and down like a kid. I won, I won, I won! (a silver Lowell Thomas award for best travel blog)

The Lowell Thomas travel writing awards, sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, are the main writing awards in the travel world. They’re judged by journalism faculties around the country – this year, by folks at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I’m thrilled that my little blog stacked up against those put out by my former employer, USA Today (Ben Mutzabaugh’s industry leading Today in the Sky blog took the well-deserved gold). The independent Travel Savvy Mom won the bronze honors. It’s been tough to be out here on my own, so the recognition feels really good.

And of course, no blog succeeds without interested and engaged readers. I love you guys, and have enjoyed sharing travel stories and tips from the road together. I love the comments and conversation that have come out of this, as well as the advice I’ve received from other bloggers along the way. So a big thanks to all of you for sticking with me this past year. That’s what’s kept me going through it all.

Here’s the full list of winners. Some great company on there, including SF Chronicle travel editor Spud Hilton (who puts out a section all by himself), CruiseCritic who I’ve written for and Laura del Rosso who first talked me into writing an iPhone app. And also actor Andrew McCarthy, who is apparently a travel writer now (who knew?) Congrats to all!

Tagged as: blogging, journalism, Lowell Thomas travel writing awards, SATW, travel blogging