Larry graduated from Georgetown University, where he was named a George F. Baker Scholar, and for some reason decided he could support himself by writing. His very first article was on Scuba diving in the frigid lakes of New England, and ever since, his body of work has always featured an emphasis on participatory journalism and active sports. After a few years of toiling for obscure publications and being paid in contributor’s copies, Olmsted became a weekly (and soon thereafter twice weekly) columnist for the national newspaper Investors Business Daily, with a regular byline on the front page. His column, “News For You,” was focused on lifestyle topics for upscale readers, from food and wine to sports and travel, and it became a precursor for much of his other work. Over a nearly 8 year span he wrote several hundred articles for Investors Business Daily.

 

Since then, he has held a variety of editorial positions, received recognition for his work from various press groups, and visited more than 40 countries around the globe. His picture has been in Playboy, he has set two Guinness World Records™, had dinner with the late great Julia Child, skied with Olympians and has had all kinds of grand adventures. Along the way he picked up a Master’s Degree from Dartmouth College, where he later presented a graduate seminar on writing for publication. His collection of experiences is always growing and his outlets always changing, but here is a current snapshot of his career:

 

Professional Affiliations:

Active Member: Society of American Travel Writers    

Former Member: North American Snowsports Journalists Association

 

Industry Positions:

Contributing Editor: Travelocity.com

Travel Rankings Panel: Cigar Aficionado

                                                           

Editorial Positions:

“Life on Vacation” Columnist: USA Today

Contributing Editor, Travel: Cigar Aficionado

Contributing Editor: Lexus Magazine

Wine & Spirits Columnist: Elite Traveler Magazine

Golf Travel Columnist: USAToday.com

Travel Correspondent: The Big Show, Michigan Talk Network (statewide)

(Former) Contributing Editor: US Airways Magazine

(Former) Contributing Editor: Elite Traveler Magazine

(Former) Editor: The Golf Insider

 

Awards & Recognition:

George F. Baker Scholar, Georgetown University

2006 Golf Writers Association of America Awards, “Magazine Feature”

2007 North American Travel Journalists Association, “Culinary Travel”

Society of Professional Journalists, Named one of Nation’s “10 Extreme Journalists.”

Guinness World Record™ for Greatest Distance Traveled Between Two Rounds of Golf Played in Same Day (2004)

Guinness World Record™ for Marathon Casino Poker Session

ESPN Top Ten Play of the Day (twice!)

 

 

Published In (partial list)

Magazines:

Inc. Magazine

Worth

Playboy

Men’s Health

Men’s Journal

Cigar Aficionado

Outside

Outside’s Go

Diversion

Backpacker

Golf Magazine

Travel & Leisure Golf

Luxury Golf

The Golf Insider (editor)

Golf For Women

Golf & Travel

Elite Traveler

New York Magazine

Relish

James Beard House

Robb Report

American Way

LINKS

Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel

Caribbean Travel & Life

Sports Afield

Ritz Carlton Magazine

Four Seasons Magazine

Lexus Magazine

Elegant Bride

Airtran Magazine

Amtrak Arrive

Destination Hyatt

Escape

Cadillac Magazine

Latitudes

Pursuits

Wealth Today

Women's Sports & Fitness

 

Newspapers:

USA Today

Investors Business Daily

NY Daily News

Boston Globe

Denver Post

 

Guidebooks:

Unofficial Guide (multiple titles, Frommers)

Michelin Green Guide

Golf Travel By Design

 

Radio & Television:

Numerous appearances on national and local network, cable, and radio as guest expert on various topics.

Good Morning America

Today New York

Today LA

ESPN Sportscenter

CBS Evening News

NBC Local News

The Big Show

Pauline Frommer’s Travel Show

Outdoor Life Network

CBS Radio