Travel Contests Galore! Who wants a free trip?

Lately it seems everywhere I look I see a new travel (or travel inspired) contest out there.  I'm sure a lot of this is to do with the proliferation of the internet and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and others.  And another thing I'm sure of is that every company that sponsors one of these contests is getting an awful lot of bang for their marketing buck by running them.  For the travel obsessed like myself, these contests represent an opportunity to potentially see a little more of the world on someone else's dime!  Sure they may be a longshot but they sure are fun--and some of the prizes to be had are pretty fabulous.

Best Travel Job Ever - Earlier this year my friend Alesha and I participated in the Best Travel Job Ever which was a contest sponsored by Flight Centre, Air Canada, Intrepid Travel, Roots and Henry's.  The entry required contestants to enter a video that was posted on Youtube and the entries that received the most votes were put before a panel of judges to choose finalists and eventually a winner.  This one was a lot of fun and I can only hope they might do it again.  The site is still up and if you are looking for some inspiration you should check it out.

Paradise Hunter  - 52 Weeks of Paid Vacation - This job offer is open until November 5, 2010 but I think it qualifies for this post.  In a one minute video you need to show why you should be the next host for Paradise Hunter.  There are some great videos and host job winner will also get a $60 000 salary and their very own piece of paradise at the end of the year.  Open to applicants around the world over 18.

Transat Holidays - This one is positioned more as a job offer than as a contest but I still think it also fits this post.  The successful applicant will have the opportunity to travel on Transat Holiday trips throughout the next year and then write and video their experiences.  In addition to the travel there's a $40 000 salary too.  You need to be over 21, have a valid Canadian passport and submit a maximum 2 minute video and your resume.  I couldn't help myself so I've applied for this one--I love my job and don't want to leave it but the opportunity is so good I had to give it a shot!

GAP Adventures - Earlier this year GAP had the Create Your Adventure Contest. This one was kind of cool and the grande prize winning entry by a young man named Ryan will be on offer in the 2011 GAP Adventures brochure.

Intrepid Travel - This one is current.  Real Life Experiences or Win 30 Trips in 30 Days.  Choose one of the trips from the map and explain in 25 words or less why you want the trip and you might be selected to win that trip.  If you are planning on booking with Intrepid soon enter!  Just for entering you will be emailed a voucher that is good for 20% off an Intrepid trip.

Facebook Contests: Facebook also has tons of contests (travel and otherwise) if you know where to look.  Find the pages of your favorite products and services and they may just have something for you!
Here's a few current ones to check out:


Travelocity and the Mexico Tourism Board - Like these two on Facebook and figure out where  the Travelcity Gnome is in Mexico.  Winners get a Mexican vacation and contest is open to US and Canadian residents 21 or older.

Cathay Pacific - Want a pair of business class tickets to Hong Kong?  Like Cathay Pacific on Facebook and enter your Asian inspired dessert to win.  It could even be served on their flights.  Open until January 2011.

Baileys Brings You Home - Who doesn't love this Irish tipple?  Baileys wants to reunite you with your family and friends for the holidays and is giving away round trip tickets to anywhere in the US.  Entrants submit a video or essay--and like Baileys and Facebook too.  To enter you have to be a US resident and over 21.  Enter before December 10th.

So take a chance and enter one or all  of  these (of the ones still open anyways).  It might just be your lucky day.  And if you hear of any cool travel contests drop me a line!  In the meantime get your cameras rolling, your keyboard tapping and your creative juices flowing.

Until next time happy travelling!