For the win: travel-related contests

For those wanting a way to share their travel experiences or get back on the road (or to earn a little extra money), I’ve seen a few competitions recently that might interest you. Check them out:

Road Junky 2008 Gonzo Travel Writing Contest—Hell Trips
To apply: Submit a story about one of your own true-life hell trips—described in the contest guidelines as “your worst journeys, your near-death experiences, when you were robbed, beaten up, extorted, heartbroken or brainwashed.” The story should be 800-1500 words long.
Prizes: $400 (first), $200 (second), $100 (third)
Deadline: December 31, 2008
Check out last year’s winners.

Lonely Planet TV—Best Travel Video
To apply: Upload your favorite travel video, on any subject, from any location, shot with any type of camera. If chosen, it’ll become a part of Lonely Planet’s permanent collection, and be featured on both the lonelyplanet.tv website and LP’s YouTube channel.
Prize: $500
Deadline: I could be wrong, but it seems open-ended
Check out the videos already posted on their site.

2009 WorldNomads.com Travel Writing Scholarship
To apply: Write a 500-word travel essay on either ‘A Journey that Changed Lives,’ ‘Responsible Travel,’ or ‘Adventure in an Unknown Culture.’
Prize: A trip to India for a 10-day tour with The Blue Yonder. Then touch base with a travel writing mentor before another 10 days of reviewing and writing for the Footprint India Handbook.
Deadline: January 9, 2009
Check out last year’s winner.