A Photo Travel image is a portrayal of the real world we live in, as it is found naturally. There are no geographic limitations.

1. If the image is predominantly or exclusively a land-, sea- or cityscape, these “scapes” must include characteristic, distinctive and recognizable physical features, although it is not necessary that the image identify the exact location;
   
2. Images that predominantly or exclusively depict people and their activities must illustrate a distinctive culture of a country, region, or continent;
   
   
3. Images that predominately or exclusively depict animal populations are allowed, if the animals are in their native environment and are characteristic of that country, region, or continent;
   
   
4. Portraits or other close-ups of people or objects, in addition to meeting the above paragraphs as applicable, must include elements depicting some of the surrounding environment to make it obvious that the image was not taken in a studio setting;
   
   
5. Images from events or activities arranged for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are NOT allowed.
   
   
6. Time exposures are allowed, if they do not dominate the image as a special effect (star trails, for example, are a dominating effect).
   
   
7. Highly distorted images such as those produced by fish eye lenses are NOT allowed.

Borders: In Reality Divisions in S4C  (Nature, PhotoTravel, Photojournalism) single white or grey borders of 3, 4, or 5 pixels in width are permitted. Larger, smaller, black, or color borders are not permitted. Entrants are, however, advised that borders of less than 5 pixels may appear incomplete in the smaller images used in the final Catalog due to jpeg artifacts.

Note 1: An image taken just while traveling may or may not fit this definition. The primary elements of the image must be characteristic, distinctive and recognizable physical features with respect to features or culture.

Note 2: Entrants are cautioned that the sentence on arranged events or activities includes any images that appear to be arranged to the judges - even though the judges will give benefit of the doubt to the maker. Entrants are therefore advised that such images may well be disqualified (DQed).

Note 3: For an excellent article clarifying the Photo Travel definition please read "Photo Travel" by Roy Killen, also downloadable from the PSA website.