Sponsor a FlyerTalker for this?
 

This contest will crown "the world's greatest traveler". Wondering if we as a group shouldn't sponsor our own candidate.

"Around And Around They Go, Where They Stop No One Knows?
50 Global Adventurers Take A Blind Date With The World"

Contact: Pamela L. Finmark
GreatEscape Foundation
310.264.1983
[email protected]

Kyoto, Japan (August 7) - Ever fantasize about racing around the
world? Then GreatEscape2002: The Global Scavenger Hunt is your
passport to make your dreams come true and possibly win $100,000!

Beginning October 18th, and over the next three weeks, 50 intrepid
global adventurers will take an incredible Blind Date With The World
(travelers won't know their destinations until they're onboard a 747
over the International Dateline) and visit at least 10 countries on 4
continents in the 2nd Annual travel competition that will crown "The
World's Greatest Travelers" in New York City on November 10th, 2002.
They'll be traveling from Los Angeles to New York - the long way!

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 GreatEscape2002 "...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!"

"It is like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and the Eco-Challenge all
rolled into one except with much more cultural interaction," is how
one previous competitor, Marvin Schmidt of Canada, explained his
participation in the 1st Annual global competition that combines the
style of the 19th Century Grand Tours with the jet-setter reality of
21st Century travel. But the Amazing Race and Survivor reality shows
are strictly for amateur wannabes and armchair voyeurs. This real
world travel adventure is for the truly travel savvy among us who
crave authentic adventure, genuine exotic travel, intimate cultural
immersions, real competition and world-class fun.

Sure it took Magellan over three years to do it and Jules Verne's
Phileas Fogg character 80-days to do it. Amelia Earhart would have
made it in about 45 days. It takes the Space Station just 38 minutes
to do it. And it will take those in GreatEscape2002 just 23 days to do
it. The "it" they share, is circumnavigating the globe! And by the
time one daring Team (2 travelers per Team) competing in The Global
Scavenger Hunt finish the hundreds of exotic cultural scavenges and
crosses the finish line, all 25 Teams will have collectively walked,
bicycled, flown, boated and ridden camels, elephants, ox-carts and
rickshaws, over a million miles! But there are more than clues to
uncover and $100,000 in prizes to win. There are lives to be changed.

The 2nd Annual travel adventure is helping to raise funds toward a
$1 million goal for humanitarian groups like: Doctors Without Borders,
UNICEF, CARE, Mercy Corps International, International Special
Olympics and the World Monuments Fund.

"Our cultural immersion will move Teams away from having their noses
stuck in guidebooks and get them engaged in the human connection of
travel," says William D. Chalmers, travel book author and the event
organizer, "It's from those personal interactions and intimate
experiences that we grow. That's what GreatEscape2002 is all about:
having our travelers trust strangers in strange lands."

"GreatEscape2002 is all about having our travelers trust strangers in
strange lands," says William D. Chalmers, the events organizer, "Some
have called our annual event the 'Olympics of Travel', some refer to
it as 'A Blind Date with the World' because our travelers won't have
any foreknowledge as to where they're going until they're onboard a
747 bound for parts unknown, some have even called it a 'Magical
Mystery Tour'. I liked that one."

"The Global Scavenger Hunt has certainly captured the attention of
some of the world's best travelers and that's what we are creating--a
truly international travel adventure competition." And Chalmers, as
the winner of a previous around-the-world race and a travel book
author should know, organizing this annual travel competition has
become a dream come true. "I would love to participate, but setting up
this annual event is equally challenging. We're attracting world-class
contestants." National Geographic Adventure magazine recently knighted
Chalmers the "world's greatest traveler." (April 2002)

Travelers are asked to either raise or pay at least $7,900 to the
GreatEscape Foundation to enter the Fall 2002 event. Fees include all
international airfare, 23-days in first class hotels and about 40% of
meals. (Portions of the fee may be tax-deductible and travelers are
asked to please consult their tax advisor.) All interested travelers
should contact the GreatEscape Foundation at 310.281.7809 or visit the
world famous commercial-free travel website at www.GreatEscape2002.com.

Truly the "Olympics of travel adventure," Teams will earn points by
completing a series of cultural-oriented scavenges in each of the 10
exotic international destinations. A true cultural immersion, the
event is designed to be a rally rather than a flat out race to test
the wildly diverse Teams ability to combat not only jetlag, but
language difficulties, Team dynamics, cultural differences, inevitable
logistical snafus and the ever present heat of competition.

Participants of the first event enjoyed the thrill of the competition,
the mystery aspect, the cultural immersion, the food and the hotels.
Here's what a few competitors said of their experience competing in
The Global Scavenger Hunt travel adventure:

Carol Branson of Indianapolis: "...the awesome quantity of art - in
churches, temples & museums...and the smiles of the peoples."

Victoria Rivers of Vancouver: "...the concept of not knowing my
destinations was a wonderful experience, and finding random items in
markets all over the world was one of my favorite parts of the
scavenger hunt. My charade skills have been fine-tuned!"

Joan Havard of Austin: "...the thrill of the hunt was exciting...I'm not
ready for it to end!"

Michael Hickmon of California: "Riding an elephant and climbing to the
center of the pyramid were my favorite experiences...the scavenges where
we learned about cultural differences were the most interesting. I now
know that I can go anywhere..."

Willi Massinger of Key West: "The ease of air travel was great...the
hospitality events were simply super!

David Matichuk of Edmonton: "It was exactly how I thought The Global
Scavenger Hunt would be...global, challenging and adventurous. A great
competition."

Travelers and adventurers participating in GreatEscape2002 will be
limited to using public transportation only while solving clues in
country. "Public transportation makes a foreign environment seem,
well, more foreign!" continues Chalmers, "The 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
GreatEscape2002 will be the ultimate cocktail hour competition among
travelers. More than just a travel and competition however, Teams will
be helping to raise a million dollar goal for some wonderful
humanitarian organizations."
__________________________________________________ _______

For additional press-related information, including: obtaining travel
photos, Press Kits, e-Press Kits, a video news release (VNR),
information about covering the event, setting up interviews with past
and future contestants and/or the events organizer, or any other
media-related questions, please contact:

Pamela L. Finmark
GreatEscape Foundation
310.264.1983
[email protected]
513 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 364
Santa Monica, CA 90401 - USA

Should definiteyly sponsor a team Randy. Random drawing or some sort of internal FlyerTalk contest. Or first come first serve? Pick me!- Skip

I'm seriously intrigued by this, and have a colleague who might just be game. Just wondering if there are other Flyertalkers who are considering doing this independently? It would be great to have a bunch of FTers doing this -- some great war stories for the next 'Do.

ditto!

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pray for peace!

If I could somehow manage to get the time off from work and get paid, I'd love to do this!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif (Assuming of course that one earns miles and points during one's travels in this race...)

Randy -

Sounds like a great idea and great fun. I'd love to be a part of this.

Luke

The good news is: This sounds GREAT!!
The bad news is: Could never, ever take that much time away from work......

Nonetheless, I think the idea is a great one, and I hadn't heard about it anywhere else, but would be willing to do whatever I could to help an FT'er undertake the 'journey'....

Thanks Randy and Best Wishes.

Since I am currently in between jobs this sounds like an excellent idea! If I get a sponsor http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Qualifications:
- 11 years of intl. travel all continents except Antartica (working on that though!)
- over 5 million miles earned with bum in seat
- speak a couple of languages and able to get by in more
- highest tier in 1w (2x), *A (2x) and Skyteam at least until the end of the year.
- active geocacher-so I am used to scavenging

I nominate Chexfan! I will donate to "The Chexfan GreatEscape fund"!

MEMEME http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Considering how many of us already do this kind of stuff using our own wallet, it should be a cinch to find candidates for it.

Alas, my job prevents me from joining the hunt, but to all those who will join.

Buona Fortuna

[edit: forgot to mention that I'd be willing to chip in to the fundraising for an FlyerTalk team]

[This message has been edited by Plato90s (edited 08-08-2002).]

I'd do this in a heartbeat. I have the flexibility in my school schedule to do it.

Hey stimpy! You up for this? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Just as Plato90s, I can't take the time off but would be willing to chip in for a FlyerTalk team. Count me in.

"All I wanted is to write the ULTIMATE Trip Report"

I'm ready to read that one.

Or write it.

I would love to participate, and perhaps could get the time off of work. Let us know Randy if there is an application process.

What would they "do" at each location? Is it similar to AR in that they get to a location and have to do some dare-devil task?

I could work my client work around it...

This sounds fabulous! I would definitely help sponsor a team (and like everybody else, would love to participate). The great thing is the fact that they're raising $$. Doctors Without Borders is one of my favorite charities! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Isn't Doctors without Borders the same firm that sponsored the Guatemalan Siamese Twins?

Excellent thought! Thanks for bringing it up, Randy! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm thinking about it! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

If my wife gives the okay, I'd probably go! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

That is, of course, as long as it's not a new realiity TV show! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Is there any age limitation - like you have to be over 40 yet under 50! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

Any one working on the potential nomination/selection process yet? If you need me, please let me know! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

-Mark

I would do it! It sounds like a great time, and I have nothing but time on my hands. Will we get miles for this? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Randy..count me in ! This couldn't have come at a better time as I was planning a RTW anyway. I have the time and disposition for this excursion of a lifetime.

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MRKEY

"But there are more than clues to uncover and $100,000 in prizes to win. There are lives to be changed.

The 2nd Annual travel adventure is helping to raise funds toward a $1 million goal for humanitarian groups like: Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, Mercy Corps International, International Special Olympics and the World Monuments Fund."

Wow, all these FTers with so much time on their hands. For those of us that aren't rushing to be candidates, has anyone come up with a process where FTers can sponsor someone worthy. A fund or something? And, Randy, will you be the one picking someone, if this all comes to fruition?

And am I correct to understand that any prize money, if our candidate wins any of it, will be donated back as well? I think the charities this cause supports are stellar.

Great thread Randy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Wow!!. Awesome idea..!

23 days off for something like this is a non-issue. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Then again, 10K apiece for two people is a bit steep for our budget. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Count me in! I'd be willing volunteer as a participant or donate a couple of VIPOWs to any FT sponsered participants on any AA segs. I would also be willing to donate a few $ to any FT sponsered participants.

The coolest thing about this is any FT participants would have access to all of our help & support, which would be significant!

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to say something regarding "do we get all the miles too" , but the fact remains, this would be a KILLER adventure that I would like to take a part in as well. LOL

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Ohhhh so THAT'S what First class is!

[This message has been edited by KahunaJax2anywhere (edited 08-09-2002).]

Maybe Freddie Jr. should tag along as the nominated person's sidekick. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

I wanna get picked!!!!

I would so love to do this. Certainly have the time, but coming up with the most of the required moolah would be a challenge (tax letters for the pro bono nonprofit consulting I do sadly don't help with inflating the discretionary travel account http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif). Now, if there was real prize money available, I would be happy to return any contributions back if we were fortunate enough to win any (and then give the rest to the charities involved).

Now, if anyone needs a partner, keep me in mind, pretty please http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I am a pretty good photographer (if you ever wanted to travel with someone who knew how to take pictures of you) and though far from fluent, I speak/read the three most common languages in the world (and could probably ramp back up in basic Russian by October). And most importantly, if I managed to smooth talk our way into a seat/hotel upgrade but only one was available, I would let you have it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Come to think of it, I would even give back the FF miles for an opportunity like this!


[This message has been edited by fallinasleep (edited 08-10-2002).]



[This message has been edited by fallinasleep (edited 08-14-2002).]

This sounds just too good.... Would love to be part of it! I've got enough time, but as far as financial resources are concerned: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Anyway, should there be a FlyerTalk team, let airOli be their official carrier! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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airOli, the Swiss Air Line. ;)

I know fallinasleep, and along with all his other qualifications, he has a smile and upbeat attitude that can't be beat, something which I've found will open more doors than just about anything while traveling.

Can I nominate someone for group sponsorship? If so, I enthusiastically nominate fallinasleep! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited to add "upbeat attitude"!]


[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 08-10-2002).]

Hey, I'm all for this. I've got an excess of time on my hands and a paucity of ca$h, so I'd make the perfect sponsor-ee http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

JD

lisamcgu, I just came back from another day of "work" and I am speechless (as well as a little embarassed). I don't think I will ever be able to live up to those words, but I can guarantee that the next round is on me the next time I pass by HB http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Uh, isn't this pretty much what we already do? But hey, sounds fun to me. I'll join in the party.

Edited to add, we do get miles and it is in biz or first class, right?


[This message has been edited by stimpy (edited 08-10-2002).]

Humph! Sounds like what I do for a living lately. It'd be a busman's holiday.

I think stimpy and essxjay would make a great team!

But whatever FlyerTalkers do participate, if you get to Germany, particularly the southern part, drop me an e-mail. (I'm assuming that Internet access is allowed, or even encouraged. If not, and you're in Munich, just drop by the Hofbräuhaus - I'll be the one with a beer. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )

Seriously, though, along the lines Dudemon suggests, it might be appropriate to establish an aid network for "our" participant.

[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 08-11-2002).]

It wouldn't be fair to let flyertalk have a team...IT WOULD BE NO COMPETITION...We would win hands down.

Count me in!!

I'd do it. I've got 6 months off starting Oct 1st. What do you say Empress, you into it?

YGM...count me in.

Some updated info on the event:

- FF miles can be earned on some of the long haul flights; hotel points are earnable as well
- Since the flights won't be announced until day or two before departure, your chances for upgrading will be tough, but doable if you have status with the carrier.
- Announced First prize is $50K in cash and prizes; realistically $30K will be cash, the other $20K in prizes. So, figure $15K per team member.
- Actual cost is $10K if you want to compete for Prizes; $8K if you just want to do it for fun. Figure another $2k in non-included expenses (visas, customs, immunizations, approx. 50% meals,travel prep/equipment/clothing, etc.)
- approx. 50% of the $10K cost will be tax deductible

I would like to float this trial balloon regarding an 'incentive' approach to sponsor recruitment:

20 units of $600 required= $12K

- each unit would be eligible for a drawing of 8 United SWUs (chances of winning 1:2.5)

- each unit would be returned $750 if I finish First; $500 if I finish second; $250 if I finish 3rd...it is at your discretion if you want to donate any or all of your proceeds back to event charity.

- Here's the rudimentary math:
- $600 unit gross commitment
- $300 is tax deductible; if you are in the 35% tax bracket= $100 write off
- UA SWU valued at approx. $300

$600 gross unit cost
-$100 write-off
-$300 SWU winning drawing

$200 adjusted unit cost

So, sponsors would get upfront benefit (40% chance of winning SWU drawing) plus backend refunds if our team performs well.

I trust that this strategy allows for sponsors to enjoy more tangible benefits for their effort and risk.

Look forward to appropriate feedback.



[This message has been edited by beaubo (edited 08-14-2002).]

I think beaubo would have been the guy to figure out how to turn a profit (no pun intended) at The Last Supper! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You go, bobo!

Certainly seems a better investment risk than buying United stock right now!

I don't get this bit...