I just discovered this incredible essay contest for teens, but the DEADLINE IS JULY 27!!! The Family Travel Forum and the Society of American Travel Writers want to know,

Do you have fun travel stories to share?

“Have you ever taken an unexpectedly wonderful — or terrible but funny — trip with your family?  Or have you journeyed somewhere with a school group or sports team and have some advice on how to make the most of your experience or destination?  Have you gone somewhere — near of far — that opened up new ways of looking at the world?”

Your essay can be serious, funny or thoughtful. Just get it down on paper and get it in to this contest right away!

Cash! Awards!

Top winners get cash awards. Twenty-five finalists win honorable mention awards and travel gifts such as passes to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions. Ten finalists win a pair of CityPASS ticket booklets containing prepaid admission to the top attractions in their choice of 10 North American destinations: New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle or Toronto.

There’s a How-To video, list of rules, and FAQs on the Family Travel Forum website. Don’t put it off–remember, the deadline is JULY 27!! PASS IT ON.

Bonus: the contest website also has a terrific video on how to write a great college essay.