Archive for the ‘travel contest’ Category

Golden Spike Tower, North Platte, Nebraska Train Attraction, Hosts Train Photo Contest

May 11, 2013

Train-loving photographers could have their work on display at one of the most popular train-oriented attractions in the world.

The Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center, overlooking Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, has announced its first-ever photography contest—and the rules are pretty simple.

“The only requirement is that the photo include a train—any kind of train, any part of a train,” said JoAnne Hoatson, executive director of the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center. “The photo can also include people, animals, scenery and so forth—there just needs to be a train somewhere in the photograph.”

The winning photo, selected by a panel of judges, will be enlarged to an 18″ x 36″ print, framed and placed on display in the main entry area of the Golden Spike Tower for one year. The photographer’s name and hometown will be prominently noted as well. The winning photograph will be announced in September.

Entries will be accepted through July 31, 2013. Online entry and contest details are available at www.goldenspiketower.com/photocontest. Cost is $25 per entry. Photos can be black & white or color.

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The Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center provides a panoramic, eight-story high view of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, which claims to be the world’s largest rail yard. For information, visit http://www.goldenspiketower.com.

Voting Opens on “Test Drive Your Dream Retirement Overseas – A Free Month in Nicaragua” Competition from InternationalLiving

May 8, 2013

InternationalLiving.com has stepped up its hunt to find the ideal candidate(s) willing to try out life as expat retirees in Granada, Nicaragua for a month – all expenses paid.

InternationalLiving.com has been inundated with entries since February when it asked Americans and Canadians willing to live for free in Nicaragua for a month to get in touch.

InternationalLiving.com received hundreds of videos from hopefuls who explained why they deserved to win the prize.

These were then trimmed down to the just-released list of 20 finalists, and voting on who should win the trip has now opened.

Now InternationalLiving.com is calling on the public to help them decide who should win a competition for an all-expenses-paid, month-long “retirement test-drive” in Granada, Nicaragua.

“By sending a lucky winner to Granada for a month, we’ll prove you can enjoy adventure, fun, and the joys of a comfortable retirement on less than it would typically cost you to stay home,” explained InternationalLiving.com’s executive editor, Jennifer Stevens.

Nicaragua’s lower cost of living does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of life you have been accustomed to in the U.S. or Canada.

The winning entrant will receive round-trip airfare for two to Nicaragua from his or her “home city” in the United States or Canada, a four-week stay in a furnished apartment or house in the beautiful colonial city of Granada…plus $1,500 spending money.

According to research from InternationalLiving.com, a couple can live well in Granada on a budget of $895 per month, after rent.

Although no writing experience is necessary, the winner will be asked to share impressions and experiences with readers of InternationalLiving.com’s magazine, website and free e-letters.

Winners will be announced on the InternationalLiving.com website on May 30, 2013.

The public can vote on who out of the 20 finalists they would like to see win the prize, here: Top 20 Finalists.

A slideshow of images from Granada can be viewed here: Granada Photos.

Source: InternationalLiving.com

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Contest Encourages Visitors to Follow in the Footsteps of Hudson River School Painters in the Catskill Mountains

May 1, 2013

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site and the Olana State Historic Site has launched the Hudson River School Art Trail contest featuring an artistic hiking trail that follows in the footsteps of America’s premier landscape painters, and ends with the chance to win a weekend getaway to the Catskill Mountains.

The Hudson River School Art Trail features over 20 locations spanning the Hudson River Valley Region and New England. At each of the first eight sites along the Hudson Valley section of the Art Trail, a special metal plaque with a rubbing medallion has been installed, allowing visitors to do a pencil rubbing as a keepsake.

The contest encourages visitors to complete all eight rubbings in either their own notebook or in the official Art Trail Passport, which is available for purchase at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site.  Upon completion, participants simply present the completed series of rubbings to representatives at the Visitor Center for either the Thomas Cole or Olana Historic Sites by November 3, 2013 to receive an official certificate of completion. The first 20 people to complete all eight rubbings and present them at one of the two visitor centers will receive a free copy of the newly released second edition of the Hudson River School Guidebook. Participants who complete the eight rubbings will also be entered in a special grand prize drawing for a chance to win a weekend getaway to the Catskills.

Each metal plaque features a QR code that can be scanned by smartphones for more information and a rubbing medallion with a drawing of the view in raised relief so that participants can easily capture the scene by placing a piece of paper over the design and rubbing it with pencil, crayon or charcoal. For more information about the Art Trail locations, directions, itinerary suggestions and more, visit www.hudsonriverschool.org. See offers.hudsonriverschool.org for complete contest information.

The Hudson River School Art Trail Contest is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Hudson River Art Trail:

The Hudson River Art Trail project maps the sites where America’s premier landscape painters stopped to capture the wild, untamed landscape of the young country’s vast wilderness. The views from these sites appear in famous landscape paintings, and the mobile website at www.hudsonriverschool.org enables people to compare the painted and actual views.

There are 18 sites in the Hudson Valley, two in New Hampshire and one in Massachusetts with sites planned as far away as Wyoming.

The Art Trail begins at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in the village of Catskill, which is fitting because Cole is credited as the father of the Hudson River School. Cole’s former home is now the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, located just two miles from Olana State Historic Site, the former home of Cole’s friend and fellow painter Frederic Church.

Olana is the second stop on the trail, and one of the partners in administering the 2013 art trail contest along with the Greene County Tourism Department and the Columbia County Tourism Department. For more information about the Hudson River Art School Trail, visit www.hudsonriverschool.org.

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Busch Gardens offers Prize of Free Landscaping in Facebook Sweepstakes

March 2, 2013

Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s’ team of expert horticulturalists will take their shovels, mulch, flowers and their creativity on the road this spring for  the Busch Gardens’ Landscaping Giveaway. For the first time ever, Facebook fans will choose one lucky winner to have their yard landscaped by the same team responsible for Busch Gardens’ award-winning beauty. For the past 22 years Busch Gardens has won the “Most Beautiful Park” award from the National Amusement Park Historical Association. The giveaway starts today, March 1. To enter and to vote, visit the Busch Gardens’ Facebook page at facebook.com/buschgardens. The winner will be notified on March 18. The giveaway is open to legal residents of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC and Delaware.

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Enter Peru Sweepstakes from Garnet Hill, Heifer International by March 12 to win trip for two to Cuzco

January 31, 2013

One grand prize winner who enters the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes from Garnet Hill and Heifer International will be awarded an all-inclusive trip for two to the ancient Incan Empire capital of Cuzco. There, they will experience the vibrant local culture and have an opportunity to participate in Heifer International’s local alpaca project in the Andean region near Cuzco, an initiative designed to end poverty in the region and foster sustainable development. The winner will engage with a Heifer family and see first-hand the breadth and depth of Heifer’s impact in combating poverty and will also receive a $1,000 Garnet Hill gift card. The sweepstakes runs now until March 12, 2013.

For seven days, the grand prize winners will work hand in hand with Heifer to foster sustainable development in the community while experiencing the country’s colorful culture through exclusive guided tours. To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, visit garnethill.com.

“We have designed a trip that will be inspirational and transformative, not only for the vibrant and historic culture of Cuzco, but also for the opportunity to work alongside and break bread with a Heifer International family. The winner will participate first hand in one of Heifer International’s projects in Peru that, like all of the organization’s global initiatives, aims to significantly improve the livelihoods of families and communities,” said Marleen New, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Heifer International

The trip includes an introduction to Heifer International’s alpaca projects in the Andean region near Cuzco. The winner will participate in and learn about all facets of alpaca care including feeding, tending to pasture and the business associated with the sale of their exceptionally soft wool to make blankets, ponchos, hats and carpets which ensures a sustainable way of life for struggling families.

For Heifer International, development is about creating a world free of hunger and poverty, where families in need thrive under their own energy and entrepreneurial spirit—on their own terms.

“This really is the trip of a lifetime. It’s a remarkable opportunity for the winner to play a role in helping to end hunger and poverty for a Heifer family,” Wendy Thayer, public relations manager for Garnet Hill, added. “Garnet Hill is thrilled to offer such an authentic way for our customers to engage with our partner in Cuzco.”

Heifer International began activities in Peru in 1963 and continues to support urban and rural communities and small-farmer organizations to improve their quality of life. Peru’s diverse cultural patterns are based on solidarity and reciprocity. Thus, Heifer’s approach to sharing resources is a key element to achieve just and sustainable development. Today, Heifer Peru works in Piura, Lambayeque, Cerro de Pasco, Lima, Junin, Huancavelica, Cuzco, Apurimac and Puno, and has assisted more than 40,000 families. Heifer’s partnership with Garnet Hill began in 2009.

To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, visit garnethill.com.

Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org, read the blog, follow on Facebook or Twitter, or call 1-800-696-1918.

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Enter Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Sweepstakes for Chance to Win Trip to Miami

January 12, 2013

Time Warner Cable is currently running a sweepstakes where five lucky Grand Prize winners will win a trip for two to Miami on February 21-24 to enjoy the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE.

Each of the five Grand Prize winners will get a three-day/two-night trip for two to Miami to attend the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival including tickets to select events at the Festival, select talent meet and greets, $500 in spending money and one year of the best available Digital TV and Broadband Internet service.

To enter the Sweepstakes, entrants must be a fan of the Time Warner Cable Facebook or Mi Cultura Facebook pages in order to fill out and submit the online registration form by January 21. The Official Rules are available at www.facebook.com/TWC or www.facebook.com/MiCultura. The Grand Prize winner will be selected on or around January 22.

No purchase is necessary. void where prohibited. The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Sweepstakes presented by Time Warner Cable is open to legal U.S. residents who reside in a serviceable area of Time Warner Cable or Insight Communications and those living in the same household in the following states/areas: AL, AZ, CA, CO (only in Gunnison), GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MA, MI, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, or WI, and 21 years of age or older. Starts 10:01 a.m. ET 12/26/12 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET 1/21/13.

For the official rules and complete details, visit facebook.com/twc or facebook.com/micultura. Sweepstakes sponsored by Time Warner Cable Inc.

All proceeds from the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU).  To date, the Festival has raised more than $16 million for FIU.  For more information on the Festival,  visit www.sobefest.com.

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Win a Hotel Getaway to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham By Entering Sweepstakes

July 5, 2012

Travelers wanting to get out and have some fun this summer now have the chance to create and win their ideal vacation thanks to the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® hotel brand and its “Design Your Perfect Getaway” sweepstakes.

Now through August 15, 2012, travelers who visit the newly re-designed Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham website (www.microtelinn.com) can enter daily for their chance to win by “designing” their perfect getaway, including choosing a favorite vacation setting as well as daytime and nighttime activities. Plus, participants can earn two extra entries by being, or becoming, a member of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join loyalty program of more than 6,500 hotels worldwide, including those under the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham brand.

“The perfect vacation starts with a great hotel and that’s exactly what guests receive when they stay with us,” said Keri Putera, vice president of marketing for Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. “Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a night in the city or a retreat to the mountains, with more than 300 hotels—all designed from the ground up to be a part of the Microtel family—staying with Microtel means never having to compromise quality for value.”

One grand prize winner will be selected from all eligible entrants to receive a three-night, four-day trip for two to the U.S. or Canadian destination of their choice complete with hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare, midsize car rental and $500 in spending money. Five first prize winners will also receive three free night stays at any participating Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel in the U.S. or Canada, to be awarded in the form of 48,000 Wyndham Rewards points. For full terms and conditions, or to enter, visit www.microtelinn.com.

Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® brand is an award-winning chain of more than 300 economy hotels located throughout North America and the Philippines. Each hotel is newly constructed and offers an array of complimentary amenities including free Wi-Fi access and free continental breakfast. Other amenities available at most hotels include meeting and fitness centers, swimming pools and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham Hotel Group’s guest loyalty program.

For the past decade, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham brand highest in overall guest satisfaction in the economy lodging segment.

Each Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Microtel Inns & Suites Franchising, a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 771-7171, TDD (800) 824-2082 or (888) 304-6835 (Español) or by visiting www.microtelinn.com. For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com.

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Atlantic Brand Luggage Announces its Win a 2-Day LEGOLAND Florida Vacation Sweepstakes

July 3, 2012

Atlantic® brand luggage, part of the Travelpro® family of brands and a market leader in affordable, lightweight family luggage since 1919, announces its Win a 2-Day LEGOLAND® Florida Vacation Sweepstakes.

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With over 50 family rides, “hands-on” attractions and shows, LEGOLAND® Florida provides education, adventure and fun in this second park of its kind in the United States. LEGOLAND® Florida is located in Winter Haven, FL, just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks and downtown Tampa.

“As the official luggage of LEGOLAND® Florida, lightweight, durable and affordable Atlantic luggage is pleased to offer a family the opportunity to a win 2-day fun-filled vacation to LEGOLAND Florida,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic® and Travelpro® brand luggage.

The 2-Day LEGOLAND® Florida Vacation Sweepstakes offers an exciting grand prize package that includes:

• (4) Four, 2-Day Admissions to LEGOLAND® Florida

• (2) Two nights at a LEGOLAND® Florida Bed and Brick property

• Car voucher

• Exclusive behind the scenes tour with a LEGOLAND® Florida Master Model Builder

• A 2-piece set of Atlantic luggage

The sweepstakes begins July 1 and ends August 1. For additional sweepstakes details and to enter drawing, visit www.atlanticluggage.com/legoland or enter here to win.

Also, if you need to stay nice and cool this summer, head over to the LEGOLAND® Water Park in Florida! With a wave pool, tube slides, and body slides, there’s plenty of fun for those hot summer days. There’s something for everyone from 375 foot water slides for the older kids, to DUPLO Splash Safari for the younger LEGO® fans, and families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO® vessel and set it afloat on the 1,000 foot long lazy river.

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park geared specifically towards youngsters ages two through 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

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