Traveling can get expensive especially when you go to far-off places. But there's one way you can get travel discounts or even a free trip: by entering a contest. Many hotels, cruises, airlines, tourism bureaus, travel agencies, and other online travel companies offer various giveaways and contests. Here are a few notable ones:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a Million Smiles contest, asking travelers to hashtag their images on social media with #ThaiMillionSmiles to win a trip for two to Thailand. The tourism board will make a contribution of $15,000 to Operation Smile’s trips and operations for Thai children with cleft lips or left palates. To enter, travelers must upload a photo on Instagram of what makes them smile about Thailand. The caption should read “Why this makes you smile and how it gives you a new perspective on life.” The deadline for submissions is May 31. The winner will be announced June 20. The prize is a five-day, four-night trip to Thailand for two, including airfare, accommodations at The Riverie by Katathani and daily breakfast.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering a free winter escape. One winner will receive two roundtrip tickets on JetBlue Airways, a three-night stay at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, dinner for two at Ocean2000, and two Greater Fort Lauderdale VIP cards, good for complimentary admission to more than 30 attractions. Travelers are required to complete a registration form by April 15
Ace Hotel New Orleans is having a contest in honor of New Orleans’ tricentennial. Entrants have to post a favorite New Orleans memory on Instagram and explain why New Orleans is their favorite place to travel or share why they’d like to wish New Orleans a happy 300th birthday. They have to tag Ace Hotel New Orleans in their post at @acehotelneworleans and include #onetimeinnola and #acenola300. They also have to tag two friends and follow Ace Hotel New Orleans at @acehotelneworleans. The deadline is May 18. The winner will receive a three-night stay at Ace Hotel New Orleans, dinner for two at Seaworthy, breakfast for two at Josephine Estelle, lunch for two at Alto, two tickets to a show at Three Keys, and three exclusive limited edition vinyls of Sister Gertrude, Meters Live on the Queen Mary, Six of Saturns Vol. 1. They will also get an Ace Hotel New Orleans Tote Bag, a 15-minute NOLA cocktail history tour with Beverage Director Matt Ray featuring a cocktail at each stop, and a recipe and history book with hand painted artistry from Ace's bellman, Tyrell Shaw. The winner will be chosen on May 19.
FlexJet, a fractional jet ownership company, will give two contestants a private jet roundtrip flight to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico for four days and three nights. The prize includes travel for the winner and a companion on a private jet provided by Flexjet from anywhere in the continental USA to Cabo San Lucas. They will fly with Kenn Ricci, chairman of the company.Upon arrival in Cabo, they will be taken to Marquis Los Cabos and Spa, a resort on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. To win, contestants must share a unique travel experience that Ricci can undertake with his Instagram followers. His official Instagram account is @KennRicci. Contestants must also follow the Instagram accounts of Flexjet LLC and Marquis Los Cabos San Lucas and tag friends who might be interested in the contest.
Southwest Airlines fans can win a vacation to Cabo San Lucas. They have until April 30 to win round trip airfare on Southwest for the winner and a guest to Los Cabos International Airport. Included is four-night double accommodations at the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. Round trip airport to and from hotel transfers are part of the package. They have to sign up here to qualify.
