News: Three Writing Contests

Everyone wants to be a travel writer, right?  A recent spate of contests are helping to ease the way:

For Women Only

Sorry, guys. The idea: Women writers craft a nonfiction travel story and vie for a grand prize 12-day “spa and culture” tour to Vietnam (land only). Entrants can submit more than one article, but only one in each of the five categories (Adventure, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Off the Beaten Path, and Spiritual). The deadline for entries is Nov. 30, 2009, and the contest is co-sponsored by the website Wanderlust and Lipstick and by Buffalo Tours. Five runner-ups, one in each category, will be awarded goodies like travel pillows and leather bags. Submitted and winning articles may be published on the site, as well as in a later anthology.

courtesy of Japan National Tourism Org

In 2,010 Characters or Less

Why would you like to visit Japan next year? For Twitter-masters, this contest might be a snap. Answer that question with no more than 2,010 characters and the New York HQ of  Japan National Tourism Organization will send you on your way.  The grand prize includes round-trip two Japan Airlines economy class tickets,  three-nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, and two five-day JR East Passes. More than 20 other prizes will be awarded. Deadline is Nov. 30, 2009, and the contest is only offered to United States citizens. Photographers may also enter, provided they submit a 201-word (or less) caption.

Roughin’ It In Tokyo

For a different take on the Japanese capital, WorldNomads.com offers the chance for a seven-day, all-expenses paid, working stint in Tokyo, which will be spent reviewing and writing for ‘The Rough Guide to Japan‘. Afterwards, enjoy an extra four-day “Flavors of Tokyo”  tour with Intrepid Travel, a cuisine-focused insight into the Japanese culture. Essays must be 500 words or less, and crafted to fit one of four themes: A Journey that Changed Lives, Responsible Travel, Adventure in an Unknown Culture, A Memorable Experience Involving Food in a Foreign Country. The trip is set for mid-Feb., and the deadline is Dec. 21, 2009.