Boulder, Co. – September 8, 2023 – Outside Interactive, Inc., the world’s leading creator of active lifestyle content, services, events, and experiences, announced it is the recipient of seven Lowell Thomas Awards presented by the Society of American Travel Writers.

For its 39th year, the Lowell Thomas Awards honored the best in storytelling and travel journalism. The prestigious awards honor excellence in writing for the outstanding work in helping make the world of travel accessible, understandable and achievable. This year, Outside tied for first place for the most awards (along with Travel & Leisure)—more than the New York Times, National Geographic, and Conde Nast Traveler, among others.

“Every year, Outside has had the opportunity to showcase its caliber of talent and in the last five years has been the recipient of more than 40 Lowell Thomas Awards,” said Chris Keyes, editorial director for Outside. “These accolades are a testament to the Outside team’s unwavering commitment to producing captivating and insightful travel stories that inspire our readers to get outside. It also underscores the dedication of our entire team to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in journalism.”

The travel team at Outside, led by Mary Turner with Tasha Zemke and Alison Osius, won bronze for their overall travel coverage, recognizing the outstanding coverage in print and online this year. Tasha Zemke had two other stories win awards—one in the Health/Safety category and another in the Environmental Tourism category. Alison edited an essay that won an award in the Personal Comment category.

Longtime Outside contributing editor and travel writer Stephanie Pearson won gold for travel journalist of the year, a huge acknowledgement of her contributions to Outside. 

Editor Alex Heard edited a story that won a gold award for Special Purpose Travel. Abbie Barronnian edited a beautiful essay written by Lewann Babler about traveling with her son that also won bronze in this category.

Check out the full list of awards and links to the stories:

Travel Coverage in General Magazines

Bronze:  Editors: Mary Turner, Tasha Zemke, Alison Osius, and the entire Outside magazine staff

Robert Haru Fisher Award for Travel Health/Safety Coverage

Honorable Mention: Jen Murphy, Should I Travel to Mexico or Costa Rica Right Now? I’m 

Concerned About Safety, Editor: Tasha Zemke

Service-Oriented Consumer Work

Silver: Grayson Haver Currin, Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: A Beginner’s Guide, Outside

Environmental and Sustainable Tourism

Silver:  Kate Siber, Should I Stop Flying? It’s a Difficult Decision to Make, Editor: Tasha Zemke

Special-Purpose Travel

Gold: Tim Neville, The Last Ride of Legend, a Pony Who Lived Up to His Name, Editor: Alex Heard

Bronze:  Lewann Babler, The Brief, Wondrous Life of Little Leo, Editor: Abigail Barronian

Personal Comment

Bronze: Roger Marolt, Aspen Has Been Overrun by Zillionaires. Has the Town Lost Its Gonzo Soul?, Editor: Alison Osius

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in the endurance sports, outdoor, and healthy living spaces. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its 30+ media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, access to NASTAR courses, and more. Learn more at OutsideInc.com.

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