3rd Annual Around-the-World Travel Competition

Looking For Globetrotting Participants

November 16, 2004

Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA - The previous winners of an around-the-world travel adventure competition are getting ready to defend their titles as “The World’s Greatest Travelers” in GreatEscape2005: The Global Scavenger Hunt beginning April 15th, 2005.

Outside magazine calls The Global Scavenger Hunt, “…one of the most amazing trips in the world!” NPR’s “Savvy Traveler” host Dianna Nyad, thinks that GreatEscape “…is just such a great idea!” And nationally syndicated Pierre Wolf of “Pack Your Bags,” agrees saying that the competition is, “The most remarkable travel adventure I’ve ever heard of…truly, a one of a kind global event. This is what travel should be all about!” So far, travelers from over three-dozen countries have applied to join the annual adventure.

Created for independent travelers who thirst for spontaneity, new experiences and human interaction, the around-the-world event is designed to be a rally rather than a flat out race. The 2005 edition will have Teams travel across 4 continents over three weeks between April 15th and May 8th, 2005, with Teams earning points by completing a series of cultural-oriented scavenges in each of 10 exotic destinations. Three winning Teams will divide $100,000 in prizes, but only the First Place Team will earn “The World’s Greatest Travelers” crown.

Circling the globe is everyone’s ultimate travel fantasy every travel poll declares. It took Magellan over three years to do it. It took Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg character 80-days to it. Amelia Earhart would have made it in about 45 days. It took those participating in GreatEscape2004, the world’s only travel adventure competition, just 22 days to do it!

One participant called The Global Scavenger Hunt, "A cross between Abercrombie & Kent and Lonely Planet!...and I am richer for the experiences!” Another international traveler called it, “…like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and the Eco-Challenge all rolled into one except with much more cultural interaction!” All former participants agree that the global competition combines the style of 19th Century Grand Tours with the jet-setter reality of 21st Century travel. But the Amazing Race and Survivor TV-reality shows are strictly for amateur wannabes and armchair voyeurs. This real life travel adventure is for only the truly travel savvy among us who crave authentic adventure, genuine exotic travel, intimate cultural immersions, real competition and world-class fun.

Teams have already started getting ready for the 3rd annual installment of The Global Scavenger Hunt and applications are currently being accepted at www.globalscavengerhunt.com …but again, couch potatoes need not apply because GreatEscape2005 is seeking only the most travel savvy of globetrotters.

Like 1930’s, anthropologist-adventurers hot on the path of the Holy Grail, contestants will ride elephants to sacred temples, jostle atop camels around the Pyramids, haggle in ancient souks, partake in bizarre cultural festivals, and, in between the escalating daily thrills, catch their fair share of Himalayan sunrises and Mediterranean sunsets. Former participants treasure this once-in-a-lifetime around-the-world adventure. “Our travel adventure competition moves Teams away from having their noses stuck in guidebooks and gets them engaged in the human connection of travel,” says William D. Chalmers, travel book author and the events organizer, “It’s from those personal interactions and up close ‘n personal experiences that we all grow as people. That’s what The Global Scavenger Hunt is all about. Our unofficial motto has become trusting strangers in strange lands.”

The 3rd annual charitable fundraising event will take an exclusive group of 25-Teams of two on a three-week adventure of a lifetime from Los Angeles to New York—the long way! Teams will circle the globe while completing unique cultural-oriented scavenges in unusual locations and be competing for cash and “The World’s Greatest Travelers” trophy before returning to New York City on May 8th, 2005.

“Our annual event is designed as a true cultural immersion. We believe that travel brings people closer together, fosters global understanding and improves compassion for all involved,” continues Chalmers, who was dubbed the ‘world’s greatest traveler’ by National Geographic Traveler magazine (April 2002), “Going around-the-world on one trip is an exciting prospect and when we add a lot of Indiana Jones–like adventure to it, we feel that The Global Scavenger Hunt has all the makings of a classic travel adventure competition bar none. I believe that you never feel more alive then when overcoming unique challenges…not climbing Mount Everest mind you, but overcoming language barriers, cultural differences and the inevitable transportation snafus that happen on a global adventure like this.”

Teams will be limited to using local public transportation while solving clues. “Public transportation makes a foreign environment seem, well, more foreign!” continues Chalmers, the winner of a previous race around the world, “Participating Teams will get more than some snapshots, a sunburn and souvenirs, they’ll replenish their memory banks with exciting and exotic experiences. I suspect, like the Eco-Challenge for physically fit marathon trekkers, that GreatEscape2005 will be the ultimate cocktail hour competition among true travelers. More than just a travel a competition however, Teams will be helping to raise a million dollar goal for some great charities.”

Applications are being accepted at GlobalscavengerHunt.com or by calling 310.281.7809. Teams will be reviewed for suitability; single applicants will be paired with like-minded travelers in what may be the ultimate Blind Date with The World! The entry fee of $9,900 includes all airfare, hotels and special events for the three-week adventure. (Some expenses associated with the event may be tax-deductible—please consult with your accountant or tax-advisor.)

The GreatEscape Foundation uses the annual travel competition as the springboard to raise funds for worthy international humanitarian organizations, including: Nobel Peace Prize winning Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, International Special Olympics, Conservation International, Habitat for Humanity International and the World Monuments Fund, among others.
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For additional press related information, including: GreatEscape2005’s E-Press Kits, a Video News Releases (VNR), past Travel Photos, Traveling Press rates, or scheduling interviews with participants or event organizers, please contact:

Pamela L. Finmark
plf@GlobalScavengerHunt.com
513 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 364
Santa Monica, California – 90401
USA
310.281.7809
GlobalScavengerHunt.com

Source: GreatEscape Adventures, Inc.

Weblink: http://www.GlobalScavengerHunt.com

Contact Info:
Pamela Finmark
GreatEscape Adventures, Inc.
310.281.7809
plf@globalscavengerhunt.com

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