Win a travel writing adventure to the Caribbean
Plus be mentored by professional travel writer Tim Neville.
Want to learn how to become a travel writer in a tropical paradise?
We're sending three aspiring travel writers to explore beyond the sandy shores and crystal waters of the Caribbean. On the 14-day trip you'll attend a workshop with NY Times contributor Tim Neville then put what you've learned into practice and tackle real-life travel writing assignments.
To apply, all you need to do is submit your best 700-word travel story.
Find out more and check out all the prizes below.
What you could win
Free flights
Receive round-trip airfare from your closest international airport to the Caribbean.
Professional mentorship
Attend a 4-day workshop with Tim Neville at a Selina hostel coworking space.
10-day trip
Then, go on a 10-day all-expenses-paid trip in the Caribbean with bamba.
Travel apparel
Be outfitted with sustainable travel clothes and gear from Toad&Co.
Portfolio review
Get feedback on your writing from Nat Geo Traveler editor at large, Norie Quintos.
Travel insurance
As always, travel insurance for the trip provided by World Nomads.
In partnership with:
Applications close in
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.
Turn your passion into your profession
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 World Nomads website on 30 April 2020.
The judging panel
Important dates
FAQs
Need more information? Here are our top three most frequently asked questions. For the full list of frequently asked questions, visit the FAQ page.-
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.
