Matador Bounty Board

Top 5 Adventure Gear Companies You Should Know And Why

The Matador Team — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 11:55:11 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorGoods.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

This article will focus on five adventure gear companies that stand out from the pack. How are these companies unique? Do they give back to the community? Do they have low environmental impacts? Tell us specifically what aspects of these companies help them make the list.

Introduce these companies to your readers. Give a little background history as well as detailed accounts of what makes these companies special. We need you to tell readers why they should be paying attention to these guys.

Your piece should be between 500 - 800 - words. Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to: lola[at]matadornetwork[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

The Top 10 European Cities for Earning Euros While You Travel

The Matador Team — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:04:33 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Not all of us are blessed with a bottomless bank account or hold the limitless Amex black card. Some of us have to make sure our income can cover our expenses. And with the exchange rate working against us, that can prove more difficult than expected.

So we need you, Euro income expert, to help us out. Tell us which are the top ten European cities where we can earn that ca-a-ash in the midst of traveling. Is it easier to land a temporary job there? Do employers offer a higher pay per hour? Do they pay under the table (read: tax free!)?

Use concrete examples and be as specific and detailed as you can. Personal anecdotes would be a nice touch as well.

Your piece should be between 500 - 800 - words. Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to: david[at]matadornetwork[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

Top 30 Expat Towns Worldwide

The Matador Team — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:32:09 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: TheTravelersNotebook.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Expats everywhere know that there is a drastic difference between vacationing in a foreign country and getting down day to day with the locals.

From visas to the daily grind, trying to create a life in another country can be tough. It can also change a person's first impressions of the city in which they choose to live.

Matador wants to hear from you, a seasoned expat familiar with some of the popular expat towns around the world!

Pick your top 30 and detail your reasons for why they make the list. Is it easy to communicate if you're just starting off learning the language? Are there many bureaucratic hoops to jump through to land a visa? What makes this location a great place to live for expats? We want you to unveil to us what we didn't know we were missing out on.

Your piece should be between 500 - 800 - words. Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to: david[at]matadortravel[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

Wanted: Entertaining and insightful travel blog posts

The Matador Team — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:06:14 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: iloho.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Is there a travel topic that you've been dying to write about? Well here's your chance.

iloho.com is looking for passionate travel gurus to write interesting and compelling posts for its blog. All subject ideas are welcome and length can vary from 500 words upwards. Content ideas should be topical and informative.

Recent posts cover Green Travel Tips for China, a boutique hotel review in Barcelona and news that Bangkok is the World's Best City 2008.

For more samples please visit: http://blog.iloho.com/past/tags/travel.

Contact: Email emma.t [at] iloho.com.

Payment: USD 25 per article

About iloho:

iloho, www.iloho.com, is a place for travellers across the globe to interact and to access the very best travel information on the web from under one roof – from the latest news to airline reviews to inspiring itineraries to practical advice to travel photography.

All of iloho's content is submitted by travellers for travellers to make it as relevant, useful and insightful as possible.

The Emptiest Wilderness Areas in America

The Matador Team — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:42:57 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorGoods.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

The American writer Thoreau had it too easy: his journey toward serenity and quietude ended in his backyard. Even in the relatively bustling New England metropolis that was 19th-century Boston, most of the city's action was concentrated into a few square miles, making it easy to sneak away to the area's many Walden Ponds.

Today, it's far more difficult to find a place without light pollution, ringing cell phones, or the steady hum of traffic even on the most "desolate" highway. Most campgrounds have been stabbed with garish signage and Porta-potties every few miles.

We want to know: Where in America do you go when you really want to get away? What about a wilderness area within another wilderness area? Say, an undiscovered backcountry nook in Yosemite?

At 700-1000 words, your piece cover between 10-20 key areas, explaining where they are, what access is like, best times of year to go, and any special tips.

Photographs are helpful -- your own, or others' used with permission (Creative Commons works, too).

Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to:

david[at]matadortravel[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

10 Steps For Starting Your Own NGO

The Matador Team — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:57:03 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador.org

Status: This assignment is being edited

Have you or someone close to you set up and NGO? If so, could you take us through how you did, breaking it down step by step for readers?

Matador is seeking a short (500-800 words), encouraging, and easy to follow guide to setting up your own NGO.

Advice should be backed up with links to relevant sites and outside resources, as well as your own anecdotes and experiences. Potential topics to cover: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when creating you own NGO? What is the number one mistake most people make when setting up their first NGO, and how can you avoid it?

Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to: david[at]matadortravel[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

Various Expat and Traveler Articles Needed

The Matador Team — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:00:42 -0500

Bounty: $20

Publication: TheProfessionalAdventurer.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Are you an Independent Traveler, Expat or Adventurer?

Then write for us, we are currently accepting submissions for 300+ word articles with a minimum of one photo - Or interesting travel related videos

What to write about?

We are looking for a variety of Independent Travel and Expat articles – anything from How-To, Personal stories from your travels, gadgets, cost of living around the world and commentaries. The articles must be based on personal, 1st hand experiences only. Sorry, no purely researched articles – if you didn’t do it then we don’t want it, lol.

To also get an idea about what we are looking for just browse through our site and see what others have written: www.theprofessionaladventurer.com

If you have an idea for a story then send us a title and summary your ideas and I’ll tell ya if it’s something we are interested in.

We pay 20.00 Bucks (USD) an article/video – enough for a hotel in Cambodia or two drinks in an airport bar. Just submit one or write for us on a regular basis. We pay monthly for regular authors and on-delivery for occasional authors. Authors with a PayPal account preferred.

For submissions or questions please contact James at: james [at] theprofessionaladventurer [dot] com

10 Secrets For Having Fun in NYC for Free

The Matador Team — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:20:45 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

We're confident that not all of New York City's 30 million annual visitors come to the City with money clips in their luggage. Can you tour the Big Apple without emptying your bank account? Share with Matador your 10 best secrets to having fun gratis in New York City and earn $25.

Maybe you're Robert John Burck -- better known as the Naked Cowboy -- and you've been entertaining yourself in Times Square since '98 with nothing more than an old guitar and a clean pair of underwear. One-man dance party: $0.

Not bold enough to shed your shirt for free kicks? Perhaps you prefer the southwest corner of Washington Square Park, where you can sit down to challenge some of the park's famous chess enthusiasts. Tabletop checkerboard rental: $0/hr.

Whether you're a native New Yorker or an annual visitor, we know you have tons of ideas for FREE means of entertainment in the City. From duck-watching to bar-hopping, we want to know your original ideas for having a good time without spending a dime.

Your piece should be between 500 - 800 - words. Please send story ideas and links to published work in an email to: writingjulie[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

News Stories that Inform and Inspire

The Matador Team — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 20:24:34 -0500

Bounty: Good Karma

Publication: EthicalTraveler.org

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Calling all travel writers: get experience, published clips, and those feel-good volunteer fuzzies by writing for Ethical Traveler!

Ethical Traveler (http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/) is currently seeking writers to submit one brief story (200-400 words) per month to our news feed. These stories cover topics that inform travelers about pertinent ethical issues (especially relating to the environment and human rights) in tourist destinations worldwide.

Recent story topics include: the controversy surrounding a Thai temple accused of illegal tiger trading and animal cruelty; how eco-tourism might be an accidental conduit for a deadly virus among endangered gorilla populations; and whether cruise ships and coral reefs can "co-exist."

For more samples, please visit our news archive:
http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/news_story.php

Because we are a (very!) non-profit, our writers work on a volunteer basis. We hope this changes in the future. Til then, you'll get writing experience, exposure, professional editorial guidance, and good karma — all for just a few hours a month. ET also has a tendency to open doors: past ET writers and editors have written for National Geographic Traveler, Budget Travel, Sierra, and VIA (AAA's travel magazine).

About Ethical Traveler:

A projet of the Earth Island Institute, Ethical Traveler unites adventurers, tourists, travel agencies, and outfitters — everyone who loves to travel, and sees travel as a positive force in the world. We are dedicated to educating travelers about the social and environmental impact of their decisions, showing how travel can be a potent form of diplomacy, and giving travelers a forum through which their voices can serve the world community.

To learn more, please contact ET's News Editor, Jenny Williams, at jennydwilliams (at) gmail (dot) com. You can also find her on Matador: http://matadortravel.com/travel-community/jennywren

Top 10 Websites To Use When Buying A House

The Matador Team — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:47:16 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Lookero.com

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

We're looking for a "Top 10" piece that is informative for someone thinking about buying a new house. We also want to the intro to use humor, to make the article more fun.

You can contact me with any questions. jaykumar1[at]gmail[dot]com

Thanks for your interest!

World’s Coolest, Most Technologically Advanced Airports

The Matador Team — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 02:28:29 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: TheTravelersNotebook.com

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

This topic may seem boring to some, but the combination of rapidly advancing technology and the demand for hundreds of thousands of travelers to reach their respective destinations on a daily basis is creating a reason for world cities to build airports representing gargantuan achievements in engineering, technology and design.

What are the 10 coolest airports in the world?

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 650). It should have a brief intro/conclusion and the body should be in list format like the other pieces we publish, each with a title, location and description telling our readers why it made the list. Links and practical info are obviously important.

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the airports they plan on choosing and a single sentence regarding why.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

10 Coolest Trips That Are “Too Dangerous” To Be Popular with Most Travelers

The Matador Team — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 02:25:47 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Some of the very best trips of my life have been to places that others warned me were far too dangerous. People fear places they’re not familiar with and both Hollywood depictions and isolated world events can make a place like Colombia seem like a war zone, when in fact, it’s safer than parts of the US.

Matador seeks a comprehensive list of destinations from all over the world, that most people have written off as “too dangerous”, but that boast amazing adventure and don’t come with hordes of tourists.

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the destinations they're going to pick, and a sentence or two telling why.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

50 Rowdiest bars in the US

The Matador Team — Sun, 8 Jun 2008 23:12:52 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorNights.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

MatadorNights is looking for the quintessential list of rowdy bars for drinking, dancing and debauchery in the US. Dancing on the bar? Insane sports fans? Rockin' live music? Yes. We'd prefer virtually unknown dives over 'coyote ugly' tourist attraction types, however famous bars like the Champagneria in Barcelona are welcome.

We're also interested in 50 rowdiest bars in the world.

If 50 is too many, 25 might work -- but the more the better.

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the bars they're going to pick.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

Skate Parks of the World!

The Matador Team — Sun, 8 Jun 2008 23:03:25 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

Matador is seeking articles on skate parks, worldwide. A couple we’re especially interested in:

20 best skate parks in California
50 best skate parks in the US
20 best skate parks in Europe (also looking for Latin America, Asia)
Biggest skate park in the world

These articles should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 650). They should have a brief intro/conclusion and the body should be in list format like the other pieces we publish, each with a title, location and description telling our readers why it made the list. Links and practical info are obviously important.

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the skate parks/spots they're going to pick.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

10 Ski Areas where where you can still get your Ski / Ride on in the US / Canada

The Matador Team — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:07:43 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

What's available for those who didn't get quite enough turns in this winter?

A-basin? Mt. Hood? What else?

Are there some areas that still have good coverage that it's legal to hike into? Would it be worth it? How about side-country areas, backcountry? The Front Range of Colorado? Anything up in BC?

Matador is looking for a roundup of ski/snowboarding options for this spring / early summer. At 750-1,200 words, the article should round-up 7-10 areas, including any areas that are still open, as well as classic late-season backcountry and sidecountry options, plus links for more information, and most of all, any special tips you have for late-season riding / skiing.

Interested writers should send story ideas and links to published work in an email to david[at]matadortravel[dot]com

How to take your First Backcountry/ Sidecountry Ski this Spring

The Matador Team — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:57:42 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: TheTravelersNotebook.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

With Spring (and summer) nearly upon us, those of us in the Western US have a chance to get up into the highcountry for some spring and summer skiing. Whereas backcountry skiing in the winter poses significant risks of avalanches, storms, and hypothermia, the milder spring season brings corn snow, low avi-danger and a great chance to escape the crowds and see the mountains in a whole new way.

Matador is looking for a concise but comprehensive guide aimed at first-timers who are interested in spring / summer backcountry or sidecountry skiing. At 1,000-1,500 words, the piece should cover conditions / terrain to look for, equipment choices, packing, and safety considerations.

Interested writers should email story ideas and links to published work to david[at]matadortravel[dot]com

Top 15-20 Towns Known for Outdoor Adventure, Worldwide

The Matador Team — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:54:15 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: MatadorTrips.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Queensland, NZ? Interlaken, Switzerland? Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Arequipa, Peru?

There are four that would make our list. What town are on yours? We're looking for a writer/adrenaline junkie for this one.

This article should be in between 550 and 800 words in length, (aim for 650). It should have a brief intro/conclusion and the body should be in list format like the other pieces we publish, each with a title, location and description telling our readers why it made the list. Links and practical info are obviously important, (more the better).

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the towns they plan on choosing.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

5-10 Volunteer Opportunities That Allow You To Travel For Free

The Matador Team — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:58:22 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador.org

Status: This assignment is being edited

We are looking for a writer who's also an experienced volunteer and has had at least a couple stints of volunteering abroad at zero cost. This could be working on an organic farm, teaching, or practically anything else where all (or most) is paid for through free room and board. Of course, to make a list of 5 to 10 of these opportunities, you'll have to do some research as well.

This article should be in between 500 and 800 words in length, (aim for 600). It should have a brief intro/conclusion and the body should be in list format like the other pieces we publish, each with a title, location and description telling our readers why that opportunity made the list.

It's also important that you include links to practical information such as schedules and contact info so that our readers have all the tools they need to apply for work at the organization and get themselves there.

Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. Priority will be given to writers who include a rough list of the opportunities they'd pick.

ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador!

The World's Wildest Native Tribes

The Matador Team — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:23:36 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador.org

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

As our world gets increasingly complex and things as we see them are driven more and more everyday by technological advancement, we might have a lot to learn from people who live off the land and progress through generations without much changing with regard to their way of life.

This is just as much of a research piece as it is a cultural writing and observations assignment.

We are looking for the world's most isolated, independent, resilient and wild people. Like many Matador pieces, this one will be in list format. It's not a countdown to the wildest people on Earth; it doesn't have to be "10", but we'd like an intro, a list (each with some interesting and educational details about the people and their way of life), and a very short conclusion.

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 500). Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador.

The First Annual Costa Rica Pages Travel Writing Contest

The Matador Team — Sat, 10 May 2008 10:50:38 -0500

Bounty: Winner gets free trip to Costa Rica valued at $3,000

Publication: www.CostaRicaPages.com

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL COSTA RICA PAGES TRAVEL WRITING CONTEST

THE ASSIGNMENT

Interested writers must register on our Competition website (http://www.costaricapages.com/Competition) to post a 300 to 800 word essay or other piece of text describing their most memorable vacation moment and how it changed or affected them. All submissions that meet the guidelines (http://www.costaricapages.com/Competition/?page_id=6) will be published on the website for excellent exposure. The judges from Costa Rica Pages will choose one winner, who will be contacted by August 4th.

THE PRIZE

A 6-night luxury stay in three of the top hotels in Costa Rica. Lodging, ground transportation and a canopy tour are all included in this vacation valued at over $3,000. The only thing not included are meals and travel to the country. Guests will take a private transfer to each of the following: Hotel Alta in Santa Ana, San Jose; La Mansion Inn Arenal, Arenal; Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio.

KEY DATES

* Competition starts: Tuesday, May 6, 2008

* Deadline for Submissions: Friday, August 1, 2008.

* Winners announced: Monday, August 4, 2008.

* Prize Dates: Sept. 13 – Sept. 19, 2008

APPLICATION PROCESS

http://www.costaricapages.com/Competition/?page_id=15

CONTACT

Claire@costaricapages.com

www.costaricapages.com/Competition

800.606.1860

Costa Rica Pages

Rohrmoser

San Jose, Costa Rica

National Geographic Glimpse Correspondents Program

The Matador Team — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:41:10 -0500

Bounty: $600

Publication: National Geographic Glimpse

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

ANNOUNCING THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLIMPSE CORRESPONDENTS PROGRAM

If you are a talented storyteller; specialize in writing, photography or video; and will be living or studying abroad in Fall 2008, this is your opportunity! As a Glimpse Correspondent, you will receive a $600 stipend, a professional editor, and the opportunity to be published in National Geographic Glimpse. The application will be ready in mid-May--register your email address today to be notified when the application goes live!

Glimpse Correspondents

* Are especially talented storytellers specializing in writing, photography, or video
* Have some experience with media outside their specialty and are willing to learn
* Are between the ages of 18-30
* Will be living or studying abroad for at least 10 weeks between August 15 - December 31, 2008
* Are willing to commit to a professional editorial process

WHAT IS GLIMPSE?

Glimpse is a new National Geographic platform -- in print and online -- about real life abroad. It features stories by young Americans that delve beneath the surface of global cultures and day-to-day living overseas. By providing a mainstream audience, Glimpse empowers talented young storytellers to help others see the world in a new way.

BENEFITS

Each correspondent will receive a $600 grant and be assigned a professional editor to help them produce high quality, multimedia stories. Correspondents' work will be published in National Geographic Glimpse (Glimpse Magazine and/or Glimpse.org) and exceptional pieces may also be featured in other National Geographic platforms.

KEY DATES

* Application becomes available: Early May
* Application due date: June 20, 2008.
* Winners announced: July 15th, 2008.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application will require the following:

* Letter of Interest
* Resume with references
* Writing Sample (minimum 1,000 words)
* At least one of the following
o Link to an online photo album or photo portfolio
o Link to an online video
o Link to an online multimedia product (slide show with audio, etc.)

CONTACT

correspondents@glimpse.org
glimpse.org/correspondents
800.549.4802 ext. 2
National Geographic Glimpse
1145 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States

Mega-parties done right: San Fermin, Pamplona

The Matador Team — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:47:25 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Nightlife

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Every year tens of thousands descend on the small mountain town of Pamplona for the San Fermin feria and the running of the bulls. Matador seeks a seasoned veteran who can share insight on how to get the most out of this chaotic mega-party. Our readers are interested in finding an affordable place to crash, having a couple go-to plazas and/or bars in mind once they arrive, and running (with the bulls).

Being someone who went without a solid game plan, tried to sleep in the park, ended up not sleeping at all, running in the morning and getting the hell out of there--I am interested to see what you come up with.

I know being 'comfortable' during this week is a tricky proposition, but finding the balance between partying, rest and safety--and putting it into an article that is both descriptive and informative, is the assignment here.

This article should have a healthy dose of practical information, links, street addresses and general advice for a first-timer. I would prefer choosing an author that has run since there is a lot of valuable advice to be had on that subject. Arm your readers with knowledge they can use the second they arrive.

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 500). Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador.

Mega parties done right: Full Moon Parties, Thailand

The Matador Team — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:19:06 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Nightlife

Status: A writer is working on this assignment

The first Full Moon Party either went off in 1987 or 1988, no-one is really sure; and supposedly, it was someone's birthday. It was such a good party that the same crew met up again at Paradise Bungalows and partied under the next full moon. From there on the party grew to be a mecca for travellers in the 90s and then became the global dance music festival that it is today, attracting thousands of visitors from dozens of different counties and walks of life.

There are now over 10 major sound systems on the beach playing everything from trance to drum and bass. Crowd sizes vary from around 8,000 in low season to 30,000 in the high season

Matador seeks a seasoned veteran who can share insight on how to get the most out of this chaotic mega-party. Our readers are interested in knowing how to get there, what needs to be planned in advance and what to expect once they arrive. This party can either be an amazing time or a total disaster. Address concerns about personal safety, thieves, and drug use.

This article should have a healthy dose of practical information, links, as well as general advice for a first-timer. Arm your readers with knowledge they can use the second they arrive and if planning is necessary in advance, point them in the right direction. Most travelers in Thailand will be on a budget, so keep that in mind as you make recommendations.

Knowing what you know, what are the things you wish someone had told you before you went to your first full moon party.

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 500). Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador.

Mega-parties done right: Carnival, Rio de Janeiro

The Matador Team — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:59:47 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Nightlife

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Every year hundreds of thousands flock to Rio for the largest Carnival celebration in the world. Matador seeks a seasoned veteran who can share insight on how to get the most out of this chaotic mega-party. Our readers are interested in meeting the most people, going to the craziest bars, staying at the coolest places--all while spending the least money. I know this is tricky proposition, but finding the balance and putting it into an article that is both descriptive and informative, is the assignment here.

This article should have a healthy dose of practical information, links, street addresses, safety tips and general advice for a first-timer. Arm your readers with knowledge they can use the second they arrive.

Knowing what you know, what are the things you wish someone had told you before you went to Rio for Carnival for the first time? We're looking for someone who is from Brazil or who has lived there for a significant stretch of time.

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 500). Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador.

Mega-parties done right: Oktoberfest, Munich

The Matador Team — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:53:45 -0500

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Nightlife

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Every year hundreds of thousands flock to Munich for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world. Matador seeks a seasoned veteran who can share insight on how to get the most out of this chaotic mega-party. Our readers are interested in meeting the most people, going to the craziest bars, staying at the coolest places--all while spending the least money. I know this is tricky proposition, but finding the balance and putting it into an article that is both descriptive and informative, is the assignment here.

This article should have a healthy dose of practical information, links, street addresses and general advice for a first-timer. Arm your readers with knowledge they can use the second they arrive.

Knowing what you know, what are the things you wish someone had told you before you went to Oktoberfest for the first time?

This article should be in between 450 and 800 words in length, (aim for 500). Photos are a plus, but not a deal-breaker if you don't have any.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you for your interest in writing for Matador.

Discovering the best underground bars and clubs in NYC (5 venues)

The Matador Team — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:07:02 -0600

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Nightlife

Status: This assignment is being edited

The thing that always blows me away about New York City is that the coolest places are always unmarked! Whether it's a wine bar with live jazz or a salsa club packed with sweaty dancing, many times, the best nightlife in New York hides behind random addresses and dark curtains.

This could either be a profile on one place, or a collection of up to five. I would prefer more than one and if they have a common theme such as same hood or same genre of music ++.

Photos are crucial because they'll likely be tough to find on Flickr or elsewhere. It's also really important that you have physically been to these places in the last month or so. I would prefer someone who is from NY or have lived there for more than five years.

500 words or less.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you.

Profile one of the very best NGOs on the Matador Organization Network.

The Matador Team — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:48:58 -0600

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Volunteering

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

NOTE: This BB post will not go yellow or red. This assignment is 50 pieces in one.

I want to highlight 50 or so of the best organizations that have found Matador and opened a profile.

The piece should be approached with a critical eye. I'm not looking for someone to go do a report on the information you see on the org's profile page. I want to learn things about this organization that aren't discussed on their Matador page. Quotes from the people behind the organization are crucial. It would be great to also seek out people (whether on Matador or not), who have volunteered or worked for the org.

Another crucial aspect is a healthy practical info section. What is the process if I want to volunteer? What do they offer? What is the cost, if any? What can I expect to do day-to-day? What skills do I need to have? Why will it be an enriching experience for me as the traveler? What can I hope to accomplish in the couple weeks/months I'm there working?

I'd like to focus on real grassroots NGOs--meaning more non-profit, less corporate. More concerned with making a positive impact on a specific community, than sales numbers for new volunteers next quarter. "Voluntourism" is becoming a huge business and while most of the orgs on Matador are not concerned with profits, I'd like to seek out the ones that are squarely focused on a specific problem and addressing it with an organized workforce of volunteers. Someone who is passionate about the people or animals they are aiming to help; someone who has lived in that community for a number of years.

I can think of 15 off the top of my head, that would make perfect highlight organizations. Dive in. Ask tough questions. Uncover the passion, stories and people behind these projects. Where would you volunteer?

500 words or less. Photos from the org that aren't on their profile page, are a plus.

Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.

Thank you.

Travel Writing and Photography Contest at inTravel Magazine

The Matador Team — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:57:21 -0600

Bounty: Winner gets $100

Publication: inTravel Magazine

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

Travel Writers/Photographers Contest

Submit your travel articles and travel photography to inTravel Magazine™. The article (or photography showcase) in each issue with the most votes wins $100. Anyone can vote. All authors/photographers whose articles are chosen for publication will receive a t-shirt, tote, mousepad, or custom luggage tags. Contest begins with March-April 2008 issue.

We can be found at: www.intravelmag.com

Please submit travel stories on the following subjects:

Traditional festivals, indigenous cultures, and unique cultural experiences: 'indigenous'

Solo travel: 'individual'

Travel blunders: 'inept'

Travel on a budget: 'inexpensive', or the opposite: 'indulge'

Articles on natural wonders and how the natural world functions: 'insight'

In depth stories of an extensive journey: 'in-depth'

Romantic places: 'in love'

Reviews of international culinary festivals, local specialties, or unique restaurants: 'in good taste'

Reviews of unique B&B's, inns, & small hotels: 'innkeeper'

Reviews of yoga or meditation retreats or spiritual experiences: 'inhale'

International school exchange experiences/living in another country: 'interchange'

Volunteering in other countries: 'involved'

Also seeking:

Travel photography showcases of a particular country, city, or area: 'in focus'(submit 8-16 photos)

One great photo: ‘indescribable’

Ongoing submissions: Feel free to send articles at any time.

Articles should be previously unpublished word or text files, all pictures should be in jpeg format for web publishing. Pictures should be sent as jpeg attachments rather than embedded in a word file. If you have an article with pictures you’d like to submit, but are unsure about formatting please contact us and we’ll help you out. All articles should include at least one picture and up to 12.

See our site for more submissions info: www.intravelmag.com or send submissions to: submissions [at] intravelmag [dot] com Thank You!

Not Your Typical Ski Vacation

The Matador Team — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 09:57:55 -0600

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Trips Ideas

Status: No writer is on this assignment yet

No chairlifts, condos or turtleneck sweaters - MatadorTrips wants destination guides to truly epic ski or snowboard experiences that go beyond a standard resort experience. Make me drool with a guide to searching out back-country powder stashes in Hokkaido, or heli-skiing in British Columbia. What trip will be so memorable that I'll still daydream about it 10, 20, 50 years down the road?

Send queries to me, Tim Patterson, at hokkaidotim(at)gmail.com.

Doctors Without Borders

The Matador Team — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:58:05 -0600

Bounty: $25

Publication: Matador Volunteering

Status: This assignment is being edited

Interview someone who has worked extensively with Doctors Without Borders. You come up with the questions but make sure to include what (if any), are the opportunities for people who want to work with Doctors Without Borders. Are there positions for non-doctors? What countries do they currently operate in etc. Photos are pretty crucial. less than 500 words.
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Please contact me if you're interested in this piece. ross [at] matadortravel [dot] com.