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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Win Airline Tickets Courtesy of The Passport Party Project and JetBlue!

October 26, 2013


Calling all travelers! Calling all travelers! The Passport Party Project is giving away two (2) free roundtrip airline tickets courtesy of our friends at JetBlue! Wahooo! Who wants another passport stamp!?! 



That's right! One adult and one teen will travel to the destination of their choice via JetBlue! What makes this #traveltastic giveaway unique is The Passport Party Project gets to yet again empower a tw/een with the gift of travel - this time through an adult winner. Because while you have to be 18 years of age or older to enter, each 18+ entrant will represent a team of two: One adult and your favorite teen (11-15) will fly off into the wild blue yonder. Hollaaaaa!


All you have to do is properly execute the travel-themed tasks posted on this page every #TravelTuesday between now and December 31, 2013 and you will be entered into a random drawing being held on January 14, 2014. And yes, it's that easy! Ready to take a chance at winning? Here are the deets:



1. Adults! Find a teen you want to empower and take a creative travel-themed photo together. If you don't live in the same city or state, improvise and create a fun little avatar that best represents the two of you.
2. Come up with a creative name for your dynamic traveling duo! Keep it fun and keep it light!
3. Adults! Register by sending your new photo to TeenPassport@aol.com and then go to the comments section of this blog post (could take up to 7 days) to look for confirmation of your entry. Only one entry allowed per team. Only one entry allowed per household.



Bookmark this blog post and come back to it every #TravelTuesday to see what's next!


#TravelTuesday Travel Tasks
All travel tasks must be completed no later than 1/17/14.


10/29/13: JetBlue flies to over 60+ destinations, some of which require that you bring your precious passport. Find your entry in the comments section below, and by clicking "reply" on your entry, list the 3 international destinations (from JetBlue's destinations, of course) that you would pick from if you were to win this contest. =)
11/5/13: Where do you want to go that you have never been before? Name just one country (because I'm sure you want to go to more than one place) and then share two interesting cultural facts about the people in that country by clicking reply on your last response in the comments section below. 
11/12/13: Based on your answer from last week, name two passport facts about the country you have never been to before. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below.
11/19/13: What is the full name of the airport closest to your residence? What is the airport code? Name one interesting fact about your airport. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below.
11/26/13: Whether you are going on a domestic or international journey, name five (5) items you simply cannot travel without. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below.
12/3/13: In honor of #GivingTuesday, share three (3) details about your favorite voluntourism organization. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below!
12/10/13: You're in a foreign country on a vacation. You realize you've lost your passport. What are the first 3 things you do? Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below.
12/17/13: Name five (5) JetBlue airline partners that would take you to 5 places you long to go. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below. Hint: JetBlue.com
12/24/13: Besides sampling the local cuisine, name three (3) things you like to do when you arrive in a new destination. Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below.
12/31/13: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Where will your travel dreams take you in 2014 and beyond? Reply by clicking on your last response in the comments section below. And thanks for playing along! HINT: There is no wrong answer. ;-)

BONUS: Did I mention that all confirmed entries will automatically be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win an Around The World board game!?! Well, yeah. #score



Travelers! Ready to have some fun?! Let's do this!

Contest Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
1. ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are 18 years of age or older. As a condition of entry, Contest entrants irrevocably grant The Passport Party Project, contest entities and its affiliates, legal representatives, assigns, agents and licensees a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sublicensable, unconditional, perpetual and transferable right and license to use the Entrant’s submitted name, image, likeness, statements, biographical material in contest promotions  in any media format or medium and through any media channel. The Contest Entities shall have the right to disqualify any entries that they deem to violate the contest rules at its sole discretion.
2. HOW TO ENTER: Properly execute the prompts on this blog post during the contest period of October 29, 2013 through December 31, 2013, 11:59 p.m. PDT.  Enter the contest at any time during the contest period.  All properly executed entries will be automatically entered into contest. One winner will be selected at random. Winner will be announced in the comments section of this blog post and via various social media channels on January 14, 2014.  
3. CONTEST PRIZE:  Two (2) travel certificates good for roundtrip non-stop travel between any of JetBlue's 60+ destinations.Travel is valid through August 14, 2014, blackout dates may apply, and redeemed travel is subject to availability and seats may not be available on all flights. No substitution of prizes. Prize may not be redeemed for cash value. If the individual selected declines to accept the prize by reason of accident, illness or emergency, there will be no cash compensation.
4. PRIZE: Limit one prize per person. The Contest Entities will award prizes only upon winner confirmation, verification and final approval. No substitution, transfer of any prize or cash alternative permitted.
5. GENERAL CONDITIONS: The Contest Entities are not responsible for technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunctioning of any computer or web site. The Contest Entities are not responsible for lost, interrupted or unavailable network server or other connections, for incorrect or inaccurate entry information, howsoever caused, or other error of any kind whether human, mechanical or electronic. Entrants found tampering with or abusing any aspect of this Contest, as solely determined by the judges, will be disqualified. If disqualified for any of the above abuses, the Entities reserve the right to terminate entrant’s eligibility to participate in the Contest. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be in violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Contest Entities reserve the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Contest Entities’ failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. The Contest Entities reserve the right to terminate, cancel, suspend and/or modify the Contest if any fraud, virus or other technical problem corrupts the administration, security, or proper play of the Contest, as determined by any of the Contest Entities in its sole discretion. In such event, the Contest Entities reserve the right to award the prize to the entrant whose submission has received the highest average and most number of ratings at the time of the impairment. Only the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In no event will more prizes be awarded than those listed in Rule #3. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an online entrant, the online entry in question will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail. The authorized account holder shall be the natural person to whom the applicable email address has been assigned by the Internet access provider, service provider, or other online organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. A Potential Winner may be requested to provide the Sponsor with proof that the Potential Winner is the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the winning entry.
By entering the Contest and/or accepting the prize, entrants/prize winners agree to: (a) be bound by these rules; (b) release the Contest Entities, their parent companies, or organizations, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion partners, agents and their estate and/or family members from all liability, claims, action, or proceedings relating to the Contest and from injuries or damages arising in connection with or relating to participation in the Contest, or use or misuse of the prize; and (c) waive any right to claim ambiguity in the Contest or these Official Rules. By accepting the prize, winner further acknowledges that The Passport Party Project and any other entity involved with this Contest have neither made, nor are in any manner responsible or liable for, any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied in fact or in law, relative to the prize or prize suppliers or to any portion thereof, including but not limited to its quality, merchantability, mechanical condition, or fitness for a particular purpose including, without limitation, use of any equipment associated with the prize. The Passport Party Project reserves the right to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Contest, to void suspect entries and/or cancel, terminate or suspend any portion of this Contest should a virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes beyond the control of The Passport Party Project corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the Contest and, in any such event, at its discretion, select winners from eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the event requiring such termination, cancellation or suspension.
Contest Entities are not responsible for typographical or other errors in the offer or administration of this contest, including but not limited to errors in advertising, the Official Rules, the selection and announcement of winners, or the distribution of any prize.
*END*

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

6 Ways To Get Your Kids Traveling When Money Isn't Falling Off Of Your Backyard Tree

October 23, 2013

I believe in the power of the passport. It is a rite of passage for many kids from underserved communities for a number of reasons, but mostly because of the shift that comes with any rite of passage (hopefully), and that is a shift in mindset


The world actually becomes your child's oyster once she is in possession of the little blue travel booklet and she now has something tangible in her hands that will help to foster her travel dreams. She is now in possession of the ultimate ticket. I guess that's why National Geographic Traveler recently referred to me as The Ticket Master for my work with The Passport Party Project: A passport is a proverbial ticket to the world. 


But wait. How do you fund your child's oyster? How do you get your child traveling (whether domestic or international) without getting a second third job? Travel doesn't have to be luxurious, but it certainly costs something, right? 

For those of you who want to give your children the gift of travel (and not just on a family vacay), here are 6 ways to get your kids traveling when money isn't falling off of your backyard tree (oh, how I wish it were):

1. Crowdfunding


Crowdfunding very simply means to finance or fund a project via a crowd of people on the Internet. Just like 14 year old Shannon who got her first passport via The Passport Party Project, won a trip to Belize, and is now committed to raising money online to go to Paris. She's even offering prayers for people who make $25 donations (how sweet). 

Shannon is crowdfunding using GoFundMe.com, however, there are a number of other sites dedicated to crowdfunding as well. Try FundMyTravel.com, FundRazr, Indiegogo, etc. Of course, I believe that no one owes you anything and that there are ethics concerned with asking strangers to pay for travel. I will not personally contribute to any crowdfunding campaigns that aren't cause-related or a part of a non-profit, but if it's about helping give kids a world view on an independent travel or study abroad journey, I'm all in. 

See also > 5 Tips for Running a Successful Crowdsourcing Campaign. Tweak it and make it work for you.

2. Traditional fundraising


There are a number of traditional fundraising methods - like lemonade stands and weekend car-washes - that can contribute to travel as well.  Shannon is supplementing her crowdfunding efforts (it ain't that easy) with selling baked goods. So far, she has raised over $200 and she's gearing up for Halloween by selling decorated cookies and cupcakes.  

My advice is to stick to something you love doing and don't spend more money on supplies than you will actually bring home in donations. How about gift wrapping for the neighborhood this holiday season? Think of something creative!

See also > A Beginner's Guide to Fundraising. Again, everything won't be a fit; just make it work.

3. Earn Airline Miles Via Rewards Programs

Did you hear about the engineer that earning 1.25 million airline miles from buying pudding or the clever guy that earned 4,000,000 airlines miles buying dollar coins? Seems to me that airplane ticket might just be a little closer than you think for your teen once parents start using an airline credit card to earn airline rewards through every day purchases.  

And while there are more opportunities available if you have a credit card than if you don't, the truth is, a debit card will do just fine. Here's how: 

Step 1: Choose an airline you want to be loyal to and open a frequent flyer account. 
Tip 1: In order to get the most bang for your buck, open just one frequent flyer account so that all of the points don't get spread out among more than one airline program. Otherwise it'll take FOREVER to earn that free ticket! 
Step 2: See what kind of offers/programs your chosen airline program is linked to. For example, one airline carrier was offering 1,500 miles for each purchase of flowers through their vendor! This can work for hotel stays, rental cars and other retail purchases (like pudding or dollar coins) as well.
Tip 2: Stay on top of the offers and use them when it makes sense for your family. Might as well earn miles if you need to send someone flowers, right? 

See also >  6 Ways To Earn Extra Frequent-Flier Miles.

 4. Compete For Travel & Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants 


Travel writing contests are a great way for teens to win money to use towards travel. In fact, there are a number of travel and study abroad grants and scholarships ripe for the picking! Naturally, your tw/eens must be able to articulate themselves well on paper (and often via video) in order to win, so exceptional grammar skills are key. 

The Passport Party Project offers girls who get their first passports through the program free writing and grammar assistance with any essays that will be used for any contest submissions that include travel, including opportunities like Disney Dreamer's Academy, where the winning kids (ages 13-19) are flown to Walt Disney World for a long weekend of empowerment and encouraged to dream big. 

Don't know where to go to find a travel writing or study abroad scholarship or grant? Start with the Society of American Travel Writers annual Teen Travel Writing Scholarship or The Passport Party Project's Travel Writing Scholarship (opens February 1, 2014). 

For study abroad info, visit Diversity Abroad and Google "study abroad scholarship" and have at it!

5. Enter Trip Contests

I don't know about you, but when I see a trip contest advertised on Facebook, in magazines, on television, or anywhere else, I enter to win! Even if the odds are a million to one, someone has to win and it could be you (and your teen) or me! LOL  

But please, try not to obsess after every entry. Just enter and walk away. But remember: Ya gotta be in it to win it.

6. Save your money. 


I know, I know. A pretty novel concept, right?

Look. Whether you put your money in a savings account (where you will earn interest), or whether you plop your coins and dollar bills in a good ole piggy bank, the old-fashioned way of earning and stashing still works. If you have a specific trip in mind, set your savings goal, establish a time frame and figure out how much money you need to save per week/month to meet your goal.


Don't have a passport yet? Don't have a specific travel goal in mind? Have your teen start by saving $10-$20 a month anyway. Encourage them to have a stake in their travel dreams. Even if it takes 12 months to save enough to get that first passport, she will have accomplished something at the end of 12 months as opposed to just talking about it. 

If she already has a passport, then whatever savings is accrued can be on the ready. Stash those pennies and coins, people. They add up!

Ready? Let's travel! 


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

2013-14 National Geographic Traveler of the Year


I am proud and humbled to announce that I have been named as one of National Geographic Traveler's "2013 Travelers of the Year" for my work with The Passport Party Project. Do you believe it?!?!? I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To be in the company of so many thoughtful travelers is quite the compliment. Click here for the profile. =)



When I got the email months ago while out of the country that I was being vetted, I was SO honored. I tried not to think about winning either. Who nominated me? I thought. How did this happen? And then I got word that I had actually been selected. Seriously? I wondered and squealed at the same time. Is this a mistake? But, alas no. It wasn't a mistake after all. The Passport Party Project matters. The Passport Party Project is not a mistake.

And so. If you think that encouraging newly-minted teen passport holders to travel with heart is inspiring, please consider voting for me for People's Choice Traveler of the Year as an added bonus. It would mean a lot. You can vote once daily through October 25, 2013.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement... from the bottom of my heart.