YJI Travel Writing
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism contest category by YJI for young writers aged 19 and under, celebrating experiential and observational travel journalism pieces. Entry fee $7 USD.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7 for one student, $15 for a team of up to 3, $25 for a team of 4 or more
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
Duration
Annual contest cycle
Time needed
Submission of previously published work
Eligibility
Open to non-professional journalists aged 19 and under worldwide. Work must have been published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year. Entries must be accessible online with a public link.
- Age range
- Up to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Published travel writing piece accessible online in English
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Award Certificate
Custom-made award certificate for winners from first place to honorable mention
Recognition
International Journalism Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 13 Feb 2026
- Results
- 2 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published work
- 2Pay entry fee of $7 USD (fee waivers available for financial hardship)
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be non-professional journalists aged 19 or under
- All entries must be accessible online with a public link
- Work must have been published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year
- Entries accepted from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues
- Previous first-place winners cannot re-enter the same category
- Judges may reassign entries to a more appropriate category
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual entry fee is $7 USD. Team entries cost $15 for three people or fewer and $25 for four or more. Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship: write to contest@youthjournalism.org. Waiver requests are limited to two entries.
Financial support
Fee waivers available for individuals experiencing financial hardship. Contact contest@youthjournalism.org. All financial information is kept confidential.
About this opportunity
The YJI Travel Writing category is part of the annual Youth Journalism International Excellence in Journalism Contest, recognizing outstanding travel journalism by young writers. This category celebrates experiential and observational pieces that capture the essence of places, cultures, and experiences through a journalistic lens.
Non-professional journalists aged 19 and under from any country may submit previously published travel writing in English. Entries should demonstrate strong observational skills and the ability to convey the character of a destination or travel experience through vivid, descriptive prose.
Winners receive custom-made award certificates, with recognition from first place to honorable mention. All entries are evaluated by a global panel of more than two dozen judges, including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts from around the world.
The category provides an international platform for young travel writers to showcase their work and develop skills in descriptive journalism, cultural reporting, and narrative storytelling.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published travel writing by a global panel of judges
How entries are judged
Entries evaluated for descriptive quality, observational journalism, cultural insight, and ability to convey the character of travel experiences
Selection process
Winners are selected based on the quality of their submitted travel writing pieces, as determined by the judging panel.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements judges look for in a winning travel writing entry?
Judges prioritize descriptive quality, strong observational journalism, cultural insight, and the ability to vividly convey the character of travel experiences and destinations. Originality and a unique voice are also highly valued.
How can participants effectively manage competitive pressure during the contest?
Focusing on personal growth and the joy of writing, rather than solely on winning, can help manage pressure. Celebrating the opportunity to share work internationally and receive feedback is also beneficial for participants.
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