(New York, NY – October 4, 2016) Family Travel Forum (FTF) and its travel industry partners are pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship. For 10 years, this annual merit scholarship has been hosted by the award-winning vacation guide publisher to promote teen literacy and reward teens’ best travel blogs with cash prizes for college or future travels.
Between June 1 and July 13, 2016, nearly 2,000 students in US, Canada, American-International schools or home-schools applied to blog about a travel experience, whether near or far, that had a meaningful impact.
The generous sponsorship of Allianz Global Assistance USA, ScholarTrips, Travel Media Showcase, TMS Family Travel, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), CityPASS and Lonely Planet made the 10th annual scholarship possible.
“We are thrilled to have been a part of the tenth annual FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Providing students with an opportunity to learn through travel sets them up for greater success in life and a better understanding of different cultures and ideas. Allianz Global Assistance prides ourselves on this belief, which is why we have continued to support our ScholarTrips program.”
“We cannot thank our sponsors enough for helping to sustain this scholarship,” said FTF Senior Editor Fran Falkin, “which has inspired more than 50,000 young writers to share their travels. We know they’ve connected with students around the world, because both Cambridge University Press and Bildungshaus Schulbuchverlage GmbH have selected these travel blogs as source material for their English language textbooks.”
Three preliminary rounds of judging were done by FTF interns, members of the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and FTF editors who selected Quarter-Finalist, Semi-Finalist and Finalist blogs comprising 25% of the essays submitted.
Winners were selected from the top 1% by a team of professional educators from the JEA, writers from SATW, and representatives from the Society of Professional Journalists, and Tourism Cares, the charitable arm of the travel and tourism industry. Finalist essays were judged on creativity and eloquence; a sense of place; emotional impact; vocabulary and style; and grammar, punctuation and spelling.
We congratulate the winners of the 2016 Family Travel Forum Teen Travel Writing Scholarship and thank all bloggers for submitting such great work.
2016 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship Winners:
Winners receive a cash stipend plus a GoPro Travel Bag:
1st Place – $1,000
“Setting Foot in a Nation of Faith and Resilience,” by Arnold Icaro, Pflugerville, Texas
2nd Place – $500
“On Painting Impasto,” by Samantha Kiss, Chesapeake, Virginia
3rd Place – $250
“A Rose in the Desert – Serenity in Damascus,” by Bakr Marouf, Annandale, Virginia
2016 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship Honorable Mention:
Honorees receive a Certificate of Commendation and a subscription to Lonely Planet Magazine:
“A Grand Design,” by Allison DeBoer, Auburn, Washington
“A Stroll in Berlin,” by Noa Donvan, Washington, DC
“A Thousand Ones,” by Isabel Campbell, Burlington, Kentucky
“Breathtaking Moments: Finding Freedom in Our Vast Planet,” by Kate Shaffer, Ringoes, New Jersey
“China’s Treasure,” Nina Mayers, Richmond, Texas
“Death on the Bridge of Life,” by Jolyna Chiangong, Southfield, Michigan
“Hope in the Midst of Despair,” by Sophia Ebel, Urbana, Illinois
“Joy Amidst Devastation,” by Sarah George, Indianapolis, Indiana
“My Soul for Santa Maria: Life Lessons Learned from a Volcano,” by Hannah Bahls, Port Townsend, Washington
“Navigating the Dark in the City of Light,” by Giuliana Nicolucci-Altman, Chicago, Illinois
“Of Heat and Humanity,” by Allyson Xie, San Diego, California
“Pilatus: The Dragon’s Mountain,” by Mary-Bryant Charles, Greenville, South Carolina
“Rediscovering My Roots,” by Alejandro Jacobo, Pembroke Pines, Florida
“Seoul-Searching,” by Angelica Kim, Vancouver, BC, Canada
“Storming Castles and Hunting Dwarves in Poland,” by Bryson Jones, Gilbert, Arizona
“Sunrise Serenade – Hiking Navajo Peak, Washington,” by Adam Tucker, Mercer Island, Washington
“The Blossoming of Compassion,” by Alexandra Johnson, Raleigh, North Carolina
“The Universal Language: Ice Cream Cones and Crayola Crayons,” by Haley Eblin, Grosse Ile, Michigan
“Too Close for Comfort,” by Alexander Samland, Torokbalint, Pest, Hungary
“Where Humans and Wildlife Collide,” by Justin Velasco, Maple Valley, Washington
About Family Travel Forum
Family Travel Forum has been the trusted vacation planning resource for global travel with kids and grandkids since 1996. FTF’s expert and community content has been seen on Disney’s Family.com and other sites, in “America’s Most Popular Family Vacations,” “The Complete Idiots Guide to the Best Family Destinations,” “Amazing Places to Take Your Kids in North America” and by millions of traveling families. In addition to co-hosting the annual TMS Family Travel Summit and conferences, FTF ventures include the “The Family Vacationist” blog and e-alert; and Family Travel Consulting to the trade in partnership with Taking the Kids.
About Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is a leading specialty insurance and assistance company with operations in 34 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance insures 16 million customers and is best known for its travel insurance plans. Additionally, Allianz Global Assistance supports the education of young travelers by providing them the opportunity to travel the world through their ScholarTrips essay contest. This merit scholarship will be accepting submissions from October 10 to November 10, 2016. Six Grand Prize winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
About TTW Travel Industry Partners
Travel Media Showcase and TMS Family Travel, divisions of J. Vero & Associates, are designed to bring together leading print and broadcast travel media with tourism representatives from around the world to showcase new regions for media to cover, and connect destinations with qualified leads. The Society of American Travel Writers, a tax-exempt, professional association established in 1955, includes journalists, editors, photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, and communications professionals who specialize in the travel industry.
###
Contact: Fran Falkin
Email: FTFstaff @familytravelforum.com
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.