Travel Award to Portugal for Writers from World Nomads 2019

World Nomads is looking for 3 aspiring travel writers to go on assignment in Portugal and be mentored by professional travel writer and contributor to The New York Times, Tim Neville.

On the trip you'll attend a comprehensive travel writing workshop with Tim and witness the evolution of this age-old civilisation as it emerges as a hub for digital nomads and creatives. Then, you'll be sent off to uncover the stories of the people who give life to the historical heart, sweeping coastlines and cobbled lanes of one of the oldest countries in Europe.

The travel writing workshop in Portugal will take place on August 13 - 17, 2019 and the individual trips will take place from August 18 - 27, 2019.

Eligibility criteria:

1. You need to be 18 or over at the time of the application deadline (before March 13, 2019).
2. 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.
3. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. However, you must have an exceptionally high degree of proficiency in written English to be considered for the scholarship. Please note: you do not need to supply an English proficiency certificate to apply.
4. You do need a current passport with at least eight months left before expiry. They will assist the winner in acquiring a visa and reimburse all associated costs. However, the applicant must be eligible to obtain a Portuguese visa.
5. Your application have to be in English, the judges will not be able to understand your story unless it is written in English. The travel writing workshop will also be run in English.
6. You can only submit one story per person, make it a good one!
7. Photos are not allowed to be added to the submission, simply because you will be judged on the quality of your writing alone.

Your writing should showcase:

1. Great descriptive ability (without getting flowery)
2. A well-structured narrative and a strong eye for detail
3. Ability to uncover a great travel story and tell it in a compelling way
4. Excellent spelling and grammar and a knack for avoiding clichés

What you could win?

1. International Flights: Receive a round-trip airfare from your closest international airport to Portugal.
2. Professional Mentorship: Attend a 4-day workshop with Tim Neville and receive a portfolio review from Norie Quintos.
3. 10-day Trip; Embark on a bespoke 10-day adventure with US $1000 and free accommodation.
4. Writing Guide: Score a copy of Lonely Planet’s 'How to be a Travel Writer'.
5. Rail Pass: Explore more of Portugal and Europe with a 1-month Global Eurail (or Interrail) pass.
6. Travel Insurance: As always, travel insurance for the trip provided by World Nomads.

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