Prizes - what would you want?

[Kim]

So I'm in the mood to hit up companies for prizes for contests I want to run.

I need to know - what would you want? Tell me the things that you would be happy to win that has something to do with European travel. I'm looking for a whole range of stuff so whatever is on your mind, let's hear it!

Kim

[LHR02]

Menda'a little bullet shaped emergency kit

shortwave radio by Grundig...a must have for staying in touch

wrist watch compass

how big do you want to go?

Eagle Creek pack, waist belt, day pack

guide books for everywhere! ;D

rail pass

pre-paid Walking tours of London/Florence/Paris....Enjoy Rome tours....Mad Max trips to Stonehenge....

Ferry passes to Greece

you've opened youself up here girlfriend!

[LHR02]

Sportiva hiking boots....the best IMHO

free nights hostel

day passes on any big city public transport

any budget airlines voucher

less?

immersion heaters, folding cups, sleep sheets, maps, first aid kits, laundry kits, journals, one use cameras, film, prepaid developing envelopes.....

[LHR02]

asking for me AND Patrick...can mods still win???

[Kim]

Those are awesome suggestions!! ;D

And of course you and Patrick can win, anyone can!

I've got an email in to EBags asking for a couple Continental Journal Backpacks, so cross your fingers!

Menda (who we LOVE) is sending us a bunch more stuff soon - maybe it will include another bullet emergency kit, I can't part with the one they sent last time! ;D

Aquis sent me an email a few days ago saying they are sending a bunch more of those great quick drying travel towels.

Off to request more things - everyone else, I need your suggestions as well! If you don't mention it, you won't have a chance of possibly winning it!

Kim

[Kim]

I've thought of free nights at hostels before but can't figure out the ligistics of it - as in, would you make a reservation and and mention it then?

Then you get into the details regarding online reservations cause you couldn't use it if, say you booked through this site cause there is no spot for a coupon..

Or would it be just a show up and if you're lucky you would get a bed?

What do you think, Ging - can you think of a way it could work?

Kim

[Michelle]

-I think backpacks would be an awesome prize!! They cost quite a chunk of change, so it would definately help a backpacker's budget.

-Gift certificates to online travel supply companies, airlines, raileurope

-Guidebooks for Europe

-Free HI card, ISIC or IYIC cards

-Pre-paid Hotel accommodations to have a nice change from staying in hostels/dorms

-Any other small supplies that you have found useful on a backpacking trip! (Ziploc bags!!! hahahaha)

[Patrick]

cool, we can win stuff too ;D

The things that would interest me I guess would
be packs (which are pretty large items though)

and guidebooks, i love guidebooks and they're not
overly expensive that companies couldn't donate some.

[LHR02]

>>>>-Pre-paid Hotel accommodations to have a nice change from staying in hostels/dorms<<<<<

I love this idea! Even for one who does not stay at hostels, but bare bones hotels....a stay even for a night in a 'nicer' hotel, with private room, bath, hopefully tub ;D.....what a special break this could be. And vouchers for 'better' hotels should be much easier to arrange than hostels I should think.

good thinking!!

[Kim]

OK, I've done a bunch of budget airlines and I'm hoping maybe one of the big camera companies will give us a digital camera - wouldn't that be cool??

[Patrick]

camera would be amazing!

[Kim]

I'm now working on restaurants as well - it's always nice to have a gift certificate to go out for a nice meal.

I swear, I've never sent so many emails in my life! ;D

[LHR02]

How about asking ImageEvent....where we have our photo gallery...for a years' site subscription? A place to post your trip pics? Or any of the online photo galleries for that matter. For camera stuff....don't forget the big online stores...B & H, Adorama, Ritz camera, etc. Gift certificats....try Magellins, Travel Smith, Lands End, Eddie Bauer......oooh, how about magazines like Arthur Frommers Budget Travel, the best for heads up on any bargains and deals floating around.

[LHR02]

>>>>What do you think, Ging - can you think of a way it could work?<<<<

The only way I can think this will work if it is agreed upon between you and the hostel that there is really no way for the 'reservation-ee' to input this info and they agree to honor the voucher when, and if, the winner turns up. Or.....maybe once reservations are made it will be up to the winner to fax or phone the hostel and alert them that they are holding said voucher? But, depending on where you are calling/faxing from it could likely cost darn near as much as the price of the room to send along that info after reservation is made, for free, online.

[Kim]

Great ideas!

I've already sent one to Magellans but the rest are great - sometimes with being Canadian, I don't know a lot of the major US places besides the real obvious ones.

As far as the hotels go, the ones I emailed I said that they could set any restrictions (as in, not valid for holidays etc. and set a time frame as to when the person would have to email them and set up a reservation (like a month before, 2 weeks before). Then they would just present the voucher or gift certificate upon arrival. I also said it would include a guideforeurope business card to ensure it was valid. I think that sounds good, don't you?

I did email some walking tours as well, including Mad Max..

Kim