The news today is good indeed: On October 6, the gifted experts who research and write the information you trust at Frommer's earned three more annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards from the respected Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
Our founder Arthur Frommer called SATW "the foremost organization of travel journalists in North America" and he considered its Lowell Thomas awards "highly prized by travel writers, travel publications, and travel broadcasts across North America."
Congratulations to our multitalented Managing Editor Zac Thompson and our esteemed regular contributors Jane Woolridge and William J. McGee for taking home well-earned prizes for their work in the 2024–2026 awards overseen by the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Here are the three journalists who have been freshly honored (again—some were already past winners) by the SATW, along with the judge's comments about their award-winning contributions, which are linked.
Category: Guidebook
Bronze Award: Jane Wooldridge, Comfort in the Wild: 100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required
Judge's comment: "The author, a former Miami Herald travel section editor, understands that not all adventurous travelers want to set up/sleep in a tent, or in the open air while tucked into a sleeping bag. So she conducted research to find high quality mattresses, en suite bathrooms, and tasty prepared meals. The types of adventures covered include safaris, desert life, island stays, jungle exploration, and forest habitats. The book covers adventures not only within the USA, but also Canada, Great Britain, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the African continent, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Mongolia."
Category: Travel News/Investigative Reporting
Honorable Mention: William J. McGee, America’s Air Traffic Control Needs Fixing—Here’s What to Do (and Not to Do)
Judge's comments: "An expert evaluation of the U.S. air traffic control system gives readers a serious look at the real dangers that may lie ahead for America's air travelers. Based on the expertise of a longtime aviation authority, the problems facing the airline industry are revealed as dire, and the proposed solutions as insufficient and troubling. The beneficiaries of this author's smart, sensible and well-argued solution are members of the traveling public."
Category: Service-Oriented Consumer Work
Silver Award: Zac Thompson, What Is the Best Travel Pillow for a Long Flight? Our Tests Revealed a Clear Winner
Judge's comment: "Who hasn’t needed a little more rest while traveling? This article gives its readers a rundown of several popular travel pillows on the market, outlines how the staff picks were made and what criteria they used in judging. And, the travel pillow is accessible to all levels of travelers looking for a little more comfort. This article takes a comprehensive look at a small thing that can make your trip even better by putting these products through their paces."
Frommer's is proud to have published their work and it's gratifying to see it celebrated on the national stage. Three cheers to them!