Nadine Godwin, Travel Weekly’s editor-at large, will retire from the trade publication at the end of December after 37 years.
Godwin, who served as editor of Travel Weekly from 1997 to 2001 and was ASTA’s Travel Journalist of the Year in 2002, says she decided to retire from full-time writing because she was seeking a lifestyle change from her 5-days-per week writing obligations.
Godwin, who authored a book on travel agency and distribution technology in 1982, says she will continue to write part time, as she has for a couple of years, for the start-up, Best Trip Choices, where she is editorial director.
The author of Travia: the Ultimate Book of Travel Trivia, Godwin wrote about travel technology and the GDSs, when they were known as CRSs, and how technology was impacting the retail travel agency. She authored the Complete Guide to Travel Agency Automation in 1982.
Godwin, based in Manhattan, has had an almost 4-decade love affair with travel agents, and keeps lists of her agency contacts that might fill a Manhattan phone book. Well, almost.
She’s mastered the inside workings of a travel agency, with all of its complexities, the way a car buff might be familiar with every clank and secret of a favorite automobile.
Before her 37-year stop-over at Travel Weekly, Godwin, a Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in journalism from the University of Iowa, did journalistic stints at the Des Moines Register & Tribune and Travel Agent Magazine.
Godwin is in Miami today, Dec. 9, on what might be her last assignment for Travel Weekly, covering Farelogix’s rollout of a new merchandising platform.
At a Farelogix dinner last night, a group of 30 industry veterans and press — including former Travel Weekly colleagues Michele McDonald, Andrew Compart and myself — honored Godwin’s career and retirement with a toast.
Asked how she might celebrate her retirement at the end of the month, Godwin, an avid cross-country skiier, says if there is snow on the ground she’ll be heading to Vermont to get in some skiing.
She’s not retiring, really, but just trying out her writing skills as she tries to conquer a new hill.
[Full disclosure: Godwin, as Editor of Travel Weekly, hired me as technology editor there in 2000.]
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Nadine is a true class act and one of a kind. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her over the past ten years as a source or subject and she always asked amazing questions to get to the story. She’s like the Internet for Travel – she’s that good.
I wish her great success in her next endeavor – her objectivity and creative enthusiasm for the inner workings of our industry will be missed.
Chelle: I agree, obviously. Let’s hope her insights will still get out there in some way, shape or form.
I agree. Nadine is a true class act, an old friend and a good friend and the most prolific writer and accurate reporter that I know. She’s objective, to the point, examines issues and explains complicated topics in a way that I can even understand. We will truly miss her, but once the snow melts and her skis are hung up or waxed or whatever you do with skis after the season ends, we’ll be hearing from her—from all points on the globe. Her wanderlust and curiousity will get the best of her!
Gay: All true. Regarding Nadine, have camera and pen means destination writing.
Nadine hires young travel tech guy in 2000 and a mere 9 years later he’s at the top of the charts running the next beacon of information – tnooz! Nadine is a font of knowledge, an excellent photographer and an outstanding journalist. She will do well in any endeavor!