How To Win A Free Trip Abroad
Thanksgiving Travel: Vacation Ideas For The Holiday
November 13, 2017Taiwan Travel Information: 6 Things To Do In Taipei
December 9, 2017
Of course, this goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway. The first thing you need to do to win a free trip abroad is to simply show up? Now you probably wondering, “Show up where?” In my case, I joined a community called Travel Massive in October of 2016 after attending an event they hosted at the TBEX conference in Manila. Being a traveler, it was only logical to remain active with the Chicago Travel Massive chapter once I returned home. A question you can ask yourself; however, is:
What can I gain from joining a group like travel massive or something similar?
Local events with like-minded travelers
Most of the Travel Massive events I’ve attended have been pretty darn awesome. Drinks, food, sometimes dancing, but always great conversation and connections made.
- The first event I attended upon returning home was hosted by Toronto tourism. Although I didn’t win anything, my attendance at least gave me a chance. And attending alone was a blast! It was held at Goose Island Brewery and featured an open bar, great food, a tour of the brewery, and a networking session with other travelers and travel professionals.
- My second event was hosted by Fort Myers and Sanibel tourism. While the food wasn’t as good as the spread put on by Toronto tourism (sorry Fort Myers…just keeping it real!), I did win one of the prizes of the evening. Not a trip, but a pretty sweet backpack—baby stepping toward the BIG prize.
Thanks Fort Myers and Sanibel Tourism!
- I’ve heard the phrase, “third time’s the charm” and I must admit—it just might be true. I am EG III, after all, named after my father and grandfather, but the third and most modern version. And at my third and most recent Travel Massive event (which took place during the third week of November–coincidence I think not), out of hundreds of attendees, yours truly won the golden goose. Roundtrip airfare and a 5-day, 4-night stay at a boutique hotel in Taipei, Taiwan!
Well, I sort of won…
How it all went down
A big reason why going to the events and networking is important are the people you meet and the friendships/relationships you build. While attending the Fort Myers event, I had the opportunity to speak with several people throughout the course of the night. One person from that evening, Arnold, crossed my path once again at the Taiwan-hosted event. While I won’t go into all the conversation details, the most important exchange went kind of like this:
“Where’s your plus-one that will accompany you if you win?” I asked.
“I didn’t bring one. What about you?” he replied.
“Couldn’t make it. My sister was supposed to join me and she canceled last minute.” I followed.
“Well, how about this? If I win, you’re my plus one and if you win, I’ll be yours.” Arnold continued.
“That’s a bet. Deal!”
Imagine my surprise when the first name chosen was Arnold! And the rest, as they say, is history…
Even though my name wasn’t called, thanks to a bit of luck and perhaps divine intervention, I still managed to walk away a winner!
Other places to look for scoring a free trip abroad
Travel Massive is not the end all be all when it comes to winning a free trip abroad. If you live near a major city, then be on the lookout for tourism boards that periodically come into town to promote their destination. Another option is by simply entering competitions online. Begin your search at websites like the balance, which have comprehensive listings for numerous trips and competitions you can enter for free. Or simply check back here periodically or other travel blogs like MyTouristMaps and you just may stumble upon a deal!
Best of luck my travel friends, and remember if you’re in need of a plus one—I’m your guy!
The view of Taipei from Elephant Trail hike
Paparazzi was out and I was all smiles!
In the comments below, let me know what the best thing you’ve ever won has been!
70 Comments
Yes, one must show up. This means a lot of hard work, a friendly nature and help from God. By the way, I clicked the link of the balance website. I thought I would let you know that.
Thanks for checking out the link and stopping by. Please return anytime!!
oh my gosh I wanna experience this too!!! I never had a chance to travel abroad but I do love traveling in different places in the country.. one thing great about living in an archipelago is that each island offers dfferent taste and experience hehe
Anyway, since you have mentioned that TBEX in Manila… I suppose they have chapter here in my country too (Philippines)
Gosh I would like to meet other travel buddies through ths group too
I met a TON of bloggers from the Philippines at TBEX Manila. You should definitely link up with some because your country rocks when it comes to social media activity and engagement!
What a great turn of events! Nice way to end your third travel massive. And what a heartwarming story. I’m sure your friendship with Arnold was solidified then too!
It sure was…looks like 3 is my lucky number!
Wow, congrats man, and kudos to Arnold for keeping his word! I’ll definitely be checking out Travel Massive after reading this. Even if i don’t win a trip, the connections and experiences seem amazing
Glad you’re willing to give it a go! It’s a great organization.
A free trip? I’m down for that. I’ve always thought things like this were too good to be true but I guess not!
I was skeptical as well. I was in the crowd discussion conspiracy theories before I won lol.
Sooo I never heard of Travel Massive, and now I have to research, especially if it means a free trip. I have always been skeptical about entering contests for trips because I never thought they actually chose a winner.
I was a skeptic too…but now I’m living proof!! It kind of reminds me of a time I went to see a pair of illusionist perform. I was a skeptic then until they took me up on stage and I became a part of the performance.
I always consider myself lucky. I win things, but never anything as cool as a trip to someplace over seas. Congratulations! This is such a fantastic experience.
Thank you 🙂
I need to win a free trip! I got the travel itch back in July was able to travel again in September and now I’m itchy again. HAVE FUN!!!
It’s been less than a month since that trip and I’m already itchy again!
This is awesome! Who doesn’t love a good free trip!
ikr…nothing beats that!
Congratulations! Winning a trip to abroad is great. You are so lucky. I never tried showing up for any kind of conferences n stuff so I think I need to do that. Thanks for sharing .
You definitely should…especially the free ones!
SO AWESOME!!!!! I am seriously so jealous!! I never win anything so enjoy!!!!
So many great ideas!
Great article! I’m realizing I need to travel and get out more! Great post!
Thank you!
This sounds like a fabulous idea! I need to win a free tip to ring in the new year!
I’m a major lover of travel. Going to put your tips to good use!
Hehehe, so lovely! Hope you and Arnold had some great time in Taipei. I’m sure you’ll write about that one, right?
Incredible how everything regarding travel can be unpredictable, even at such an event! 🙂
Dope! I gotta get out more and see this world. Loved this post.
Congrats! This is awesome! Thanks for sharing! Until now, I had never heard of Travel Massive or anything similar.
I’ve never heard of this group. I definitely need a vacation so I may have to consider it.
That’s awesome!! Congrats!
Nicky
http://www.nickyinsideout.com
Congratulations. I had a streak where I would win lots of prizes at events. I once won a small smoker/bbq grill, but I left it at my old house when I moved.
Well hopefully this is the beginning of a travel win streak for me!
This is really cool! I gotta get my son to do more traveling. He is 18, has a passport, and I don’t think he understands the powerful combination of a US passport and youth!
YES!!! Please do. Took my first international trip at 18 and haven’t looked back since!
That’s so freaking dope. Sometimes timing is everything, you were at the right place at the right time. Congrats! I can’t think of anything I’ve won that was amazing. I need to enter more contest.
I need to be a part of this travel massive. I’ve never traveled abroad but looking forward to it nest year.
thanks for the heads up about Travel Massive, I just had a look and joined up – but looks a little quieter over here in the UK. The balance looks really cool – do you know if its only open to US residents though, non e of them seem to be available for anywhere else 🙁
While a large majority of their contest do tailor toward US/Canadian residents, they have some international ones as well.
These are great tips and orgs to join for travel lovers. Congrats on sort of winning the free trip, lol! Looks like you had a great time!
I receive their emails but never read them.. I literally deleted an email from them yesterday.. heads to deleted files to go retrieve the email now
Haha, good thing for the retrieve option!
I love Travel Massive. I am a part of their Philadelphia chapter! I have to check out their events though!
I am definitely down for winning a free trip abroad haha! I just checked out Travel Massive for myself and it sounds like a wonderful community to be part of! I just joined .
That’s awesome. Welcome aboard!!
I’ve never heard of Travel Massive before. But I must say it’s exciting to hear that there is a chapter in my hometown Chicago. I’d like to go to at least one even to see what it’s about. So I’ll check them out next. Thanks!
Well, if you join you’ll have to introduce yourself at some events!
My man international!… Whenever you get back in Chicagoland Area, we gotta get up at L.A. Fitness so I can run you out the GYM!!!
That’s a bet. I need someone to push me through some more pushup challenges!!
I want one of those! 🙂
This sounds amazing and totally worth it!
It was. I came prepared to walk away a winner and it happened!
You’re so lucky!! Looks like Travel Massive is a great community to join to, enjoy your travels!
It really is…you should consider joining a chapter in your area!
That adventure looks and sounds magical!
Magical is an understatement!
Congrats! There’s nothing I need more rn than a free trip! Will have to start looking for similar offers in my area!
How fun! That is so awesome that you won!
I still can’t believe I actually won…the whole thing was pretty surreal!
I did not know about this!! Great article!!
Thanks!! 🙂
You are the coolest guy who is a master at connecting and letting the forces work for you. You are my inspiration! I have never won anything yet but I am certain I will.
I’m certain you will as well Officer Polly 🙂
Never heard of this but it looks like a great idea. I definitely want to do more traveling next year.
Well, now is the time to start making those travel plans!!
WHOA!!! What the??? I never heard of this before. I need to get hip and connected! That’s what’s up!
Damn! I need to get up on that! There’s a big world to see. Congratulations
Thanks brother. We need to get out and explore beyond our country’s borders!
Eddie, great article! Congratulations doesn’t seem adequate. Can you say LUCKY BASTARD! Really, my absence secured your victory, if i had been there Arnold would have to have gone without you. Regardless, I’m so excited for you as begin your domestic journey to continue your international life . I know Mommy is beaming because you are living her dream of seeing the world! LOVE YOU BROTHER!
You’re right, considering the fact that your passport is expired haha! Love you too sister!