Closed: Win a 14-day Travel Writing Trip to Portugal!
This opportunity is now closed and we have announced the winners.
Ready to take your travel writing to the next level?
This year we're looking for 3 aspiring travel writers to go on assignment in Portugal and be mentored by professional travel writer and contributor to The New York Times, Tim Neville.
On the trip you'll attend a comprehensive travel writing workshop with Tim and witness the evolution of this age-old civilisation as it emerges as a hub for digital nomads and creatives. Then, you'll be sent off to uncover the stories of the people who give life to the historical heart, sweeping coastlines and cobbled lanes of one of the oldest countries in Europe.
Find out what you could win and how to apply below.
In partnership with:
This opportunity is now closed.
What you could win
International Flights
Receive a round-trip airfare from your closest international airport to Portugal.
Professional Mentorship
Attend a 4-day workshop with Tim Neville and receive a portfolio review from Norie Quintos.
10-day Trip
Embark on a bespoke 10-day adventure with US $1000 and free accommodation.
Writing Guide
Score a copy of Lonely Planet’s 'How to be a Travel Writer'.
Rail Pass
Explore more of Portugal and Europe with a 1-month Global Eurail (or Interrail) pass.
Travel Insurance
As always, travel insurance for the trip provided by World Nomads.
How to apply
1. Select your story theme
'A leap into the unknown''Making a local connection'
'I didn't expect to find'
2. Write a travel story
Use your chosen theme to craft a compelling story about a travel experience you've had in 700 words or less.
3. Complete the application form
Fill in your personal details so we know how to contact you should you make the shortlist.
What the judges are looking for
To be chosen for this scholarship you'll need to convince our judging panel through your writing that you have the spirit of adventure and passion for travel writing. Your writing should showcase:
- Great descriptive ability (without getting flowery)
- A well-structured narrative and a strong eye for detail
- Ability to uncover a great travel story and tell it in a compelling way
- Excellent spelling and grammar and a knack for avoiding clichés
The 3 recipients of the Scholarship, along with the shortlist of best travel stories will be published on the results page on 30 April, 2019.
The judging panel
Important dates
FAQ
For the full list of questions check our FAQ page.
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Can professional writers apply? Am I considered a professional writer?
The scholarship is not open to professional writers of any kind. Essentially this is a 'learning opportunity' for someone who is looking for an introduction into the travel writing industry and more importantly, is keen to be mentored.
For the purposes of this opportunity, we would consider you to be professional writer if you have been published regularly in commercial blogs, newspapers, magazines or journals. We would also consider you to be a professional writer if you derive more than 25% of your income from writing of any kind.
If you have only had a few stories published, or keep a regular travel blog then we would not consider this professional.
Please consider the spirit of the program which is intended to help those with a burning desire to be a professional travel writer and need some help getting started.
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Where can I find winning applications from previous Travel Writing Scholarships?
You can see last year's winners and shortlisted applicants here. We encourage everyone to read these before applying.
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I'm not sure if my application was submitted correctly. How do I check?
Successful applications will be visible in this section. If you cannot find your application here, we have not received your submission. Please apply again.
