Hey Gang-
As you, no doubt, have learned about me, I like to travel. A lot. I’m lucky enough that I spend months of my year investigating new places, seeing the world, and meeting up with wonderful people (friends and strangers alike). I want to share the blessing with one of you.
So here’s the deal. If you are willing and able to go somewhere (continental U.S.) on New Year’s eve/day, I’ll cover your airfare (some restrictions, but not many, apply). I don’t care how long you go. Make it a two night trip. Stay gone for a month. It’s up to you.
Interested?
We need FIFTY people to comment below with where they’d go and why. Doesn’t have to be a lengthy answer, but those answers are better. Provided there are at least 50 responses by 11:59 p.m. (central) on Sunday, December 30th, I’ll randomly draw a winner then.
I’m sure I’m not answering a bunch of questions (because I just came up with this right now). Something unclear? Ask below.
Ready?
Go!
*UPDATED* Ok, so a couple of people have started planning out the ol’ one way trip, refund the return portion trick. I applaud your ingenuity. Since I’m redeeming frequent flyer miles to get the flight, it wouldn’t really be that simple. BUT, if you’re up for a one way adventure, I guess I can do that and float you $150 cash.
*UPDATED AGAIN* I’m seeing a lot of beautiful responses from people who say they’d love to go on a trip for fun, but they don’t want to do so at the expense of others who haven’t seen family in years. SO, because I believe in people spreading the love to strangers, if your name is randomly selected, but you want to hand over the winning to somebody else who entered, I will give you that power.
*UPDATED AGAIN, AGAIN* My responses don’t count towards the 50. As of 11 p.m. 12/29, we still need about 10 more entries to hit the 50 mark.
*UPDATED AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN* Because travel has to begin on the 31st or the 1st, I’m going to draw the winner at 10 pm. I’ll email him/her immediately. If he/she doesn’t respond quickly, I’ll draw winner #2 and so on.
*UPDATED AGAIN x 4* I’ve made three attempts to pick a winner. None of them have responded. Wendy (comment #2), Elspeth, and Heidi McHugh. If none of them steps forward, I’ll choose a fourth attempt in the morning when I wake up on New Year’s Eve.
*OMG, SOMEBODY PLEASE STEP FORWARD UPDATE* I’ve now picked six people. Three of them, Wendy, Paula, and Jason aren’t able to travel. Three others, Elspeth, Heidi, and Erin have not stepped forward.
*LAST UPDATE! We have a winner. Cassandra, the seventh person picked, took me up on the offer. She’s traveling from Houston to Boise this week. Have fun! Thanks everybody for participating. Keep an eye on this site for more stuff like this in the future.
I’d go see my best friend in DC. I haven’t seen her in months. That or I’d visit Jacksonville. I got accepted to FSU and had to turn them down. I’ve never been to Florida.
I would love to go see my Mother. I have not seen her in 5 years, she lives in Kansas and I live in Alabama. Would love to see her face to face instead of blowing up our phones talking! Miss not being able to go to her house and have a girls day out!
Wendy, that sounds great. Where is she in Kansas?
I wod love to go somewhere in the South West. Santa Fe would be great. I made it there once while working for 48 hours and they very few hours I spent not working we’re spent exploring. I would love to go back and see all that I missed.
If you were only there 48 hours, there’s definitely a lot more to check out. If you haven’t been to Taos, that’s another cool stop.
Well, the 30th is my birthday, and also on that day I’m giving away 5 signed copies of my new novella,Driving Alone at goodreads.
But one thing I’ve always wanted to do, is head down to Key West and visit Hemingway’s house.
Seems like a good place to spend the new year.
I’d love to go to Pensecola, FL so I could see my daughter, her husband, and my2 grand babies (6 & 2) (whom I’ve never seen yet). Until last month, they lived in Spokane. Her new husband & young babies daddy, is stationed out near Pensecola now. I haven’t seen my daughter (26) since my mom died in 2004.
Boston – I love the city and felt right at home as soon as I stepped off of the plane.
I am replying so that there are 50 responses and somebody gets to go on an adventure. I think that it would be the best adventure to just show up at the airport and not know where I’d end up, but just see a new place and meet new people. I work 2 jobs to make ends meet, so I don’t get to go adventuring, but I would be excited to hear the tale of whoever is chosen. Thank you for giving this gift. May the New Year bring you many adventures and much happiness.
I think I answered twice on Twitter, but the more I think about it, the more I think it might be fun to visit relatives in Phoenix. I’ve never seen buttes before. And it’s warm there, right? My wish list includes Australia, Belize, Hawaii, NYC, Paris, and back to my old love, Milan.
I would go to the Colorado mountains. But I have my munchkins til the second.
My niece and her husband are adopting an adorable little two year old boy early in January. I’d love to be in Idaho Falls to welcome little Zayden into our family. Thanks and Happy New Year!
I’ve been to the States twice before, each time to NYC; each time involved an unpalatable amount of heartache. It seems like a beautiful country and I want to see the great landscapes (mainly Snake River and the Tetons) that Ansel Adams shot, so that I can see (and shoot) with my own eyes where the work of one of the great inspirations of my life took place, and have some memories across the pond that put a smile on my face.
I know I don’t really count as I live in London, but in the spirit of distance I would go to Barcelona, which I haven’t been to since I was 20, young, and in love.
I lived there for a year, and although I don’t live that far away I have never been brave enough to go back and try and see the world in the same way that I did then, and experience things through the eyes of my mid-30′s self.
What a lovely thing to do, and I hope that whoever you enable really enjoys it.
x
I’m posting but I won’t need the flight. I’ve just flown into your hometown and all I need from you is your company while I’m here. However how about a trip to Europe with me? Croatia?
I already have big plans for New Years, but would much rather ditch those plans altogether, not to mention the people associated with those plans, and fly to Washington state, rent a car, something flashy and wildly inappropriate — wait, scratch that, I’d rent a truck, after all this is Washington, there are mountains, so I’d rent a truck, something four-wheel drive, because you never know when you’ll need to engage the transfer case for extra power during slick unexpected moments or rough conditions — then I would turn off my cell phone and drive west, toward the edge of land, climb the tallest mountain and park my rented truck and turn on the radio and watch the sun set beyond the snow encrusted spruce and pine trees, sit back and relax and smoke a bowl since the good people of that state have come to their senses and took the initiative and legalized that shit. That would be a New Year’s Eve to remember.
I would fly into Dulles to surprise my best friend whom I have not seen in a year.
I want to fly to Paris and eat truffles and champagne and see some catacombs and art.
I’d love togo to Denver to visit one of my closest friends and her mom, but my sister would kill me if I went without her. So second choice (by a nose) would be to Wilmington, NC, to visit two of my closest friends and ring in the New Year on the beach!
Sorry- missed the ” domestic US ” rule. How about San Diego to see my family and eat a really good burrito. Need to bring toddler with me.
Tough one! I’ve got a buddy going through a divorce so I’d like to help her wrap things up in Seattle. I also reconnected with a dear friend and I’d love to go see him and my other best friend and her daddy who is in a nursing home – that would be in Boston. Also, I’ve lost my job so I would selfishly like to pop down to the Keys for a bit of R & R and diving. Really, what I would like to do is see my great uncle whom I’ve not seen in years, he just celebrated his 89 and a half year birthday. He and his two brothers were born in Canada and lied about their ages so they could all enlist in the US Army together. They served in WWII and all three went over for the European Theatre, and the Battle of the Bulge. So, his American birth certificate says 90, and he’s truly 89. I’d love to get some of his stories down on tape because my other great uncle has passed and my Grand wouldn’t talk about the war and he’s gone as well. I’m hoping Tom would share a bit with me, and it’d be easier to convince him in person….that’s up in Northern CA in Lodi. This is a very cool idea, and I’m excited to hear the best stories!
I absolutely love this. Getting those stories down is important and in total spirit of what I hope somebody does with this contest.
I would love to fly to Knoxville, TN to spend more than a couple of hours with my siblings. I saw them as I was driving through on a road trip in November, but that couple of hours was not enough to close the gap that 2.5 years had made. Our dad died in October, and we need some time together to grieve together.
Sorry for the loss, Cassandra. I hope you and the rest of the family get together soon, regardless. How far is Knoxville from where you are now?
Thanks, Ben. I am about a 15 hour drive away. I live in Houston, TX.
I would go to Austin, I’ve wanted to go for along time and haven’t had the opportunity. I don’t know anyone out there but from everything I’ve read it seem like it would be the perfect place to spend a few days.
I went to http://www.generatorland.com and had it generate my destination. It choose Savannah, GA. I’ve been to Savannah twice. Once I drove through, didn’t see the city really at all. The second time I was shackled to my then in-laws for a wedding and was there for only one night. That morning, though, I got up at dawn and went for the best run of my life. The longer I ran, the longer I was free to do as I pleased, and the city offered up square after square after square, each beautiful and unique. Giant oaks, Spanish moss, old benches and memorials. The squares kept me going. I ran for more than an hour. Along the way, I passed a place called the Firefly Cafe. It sits down below street level, so when you look through the windows you’re looking at the top of people’s heads. There was a server, setting up for breakfast in the otherwise empty restaurant, putting out little bouquets of flowers. The place looked so perfect and peaceful. I wanted to go there for breakfast. But there were obligations to be met. If I went back to Savannah, I would go to the Firefly Cafe.
I would add, though – I hope the woman who hasn’t seen her mother in five years gets the trip. That’s far too long to go without seeing your mom.
Beautiful. I love seeing strangers say things like this. I’ve updated the rules to include a provision that a winner can take the trip or opt to give the trip to another.
I would go to Naples Fl for a break at the beach and to spend time in the Everglades.
Donna, I love your idea of time in the ‘glades. Lordy, how I miss them, and all the critters therein. I lived in Pt. Charlotte for a couple years, and have two years of wonderful memories, and marvelous friends! Good choice;-)
I just want someone to get an adventure too! I’m having a tough time choosing! One of my favorite destinations is San Francisco, but I’d also love to go to New York. I just recently reconnected with a good friend from high school who now lives in New York. It’s such a fabulous town and I’d love to see him and spend some time in that great city!
I’d go somewhere like Penobscot Bay. There’ll be a blizzard that cancels the flight, which’ll be ok because the Brass Fox = booked and the zipper on my warmest jacket’s broken and I’ll’ve wound up having to work, anyway. Rather than take the next flight, optimistically projected for mid-February, I’d (after reading your fine print and finding nothing to call this cheating) get the ticket refunded and use all but $2 of the monies to rent a week of manservant for Jen. With the remaining $2, I’d buy two lottery tickets, one of which will win me sufficient funds to purchase you a winged horse, so that your own adventures are never curtailed by the vagaries of weather or airlines (them stallions can fly through ANYthing), and me a new zipper. With a properly closed jacket, I’ll content myself with local adventures and hope that this contest thing doesn’t come with a one-winner-per-household-per-year clause. *really just bumping up the comments for the 50 goal so someone gets to go somewhere, because I LOVE the idea
I would go back home to North Carolina. I’ve lived in Wisconsin for a few years now and desperately miss my family, my cat, the food, and the beach. This past year I was unable to go home and it absolutely broke my heart, so I’d love to get to go this year, even for just a few days.
I would like to go to Michigan to visit with friends before a major trip next year where I will be on the other side of the Atlantic.
Does Alaska count as “continental USA”? If so, Anchorage, please, and from there I would go up north as far as I could get and hope to see the Northern lights… if not, then San Francisco, please. So I could use it as a base go back to my beloved redwoods and visit them again, and drink in again the silence and the majesty of the groves (I’d take you up on the flight down but I’d probably cash in the return ticket and hire a car and drive back home again along the coast…) Third choice, New York City. I’d love to go skating in Central Park on New Year’s Day.
Dec. 30 is my birthday so I would love to go to Indianapolis, IN, for the first time, to visit my cousin who just graduated from nursing school and an old friend who now lives there.
I would go to Kentucky to visit my in laws, who I didn’t get to see this year. (But I’m mostly commenting so there are 50 responses. Someone needs to go on an adventure.)
That’s the spirit!
I would go to New England. I love history. I’ve walked a portion of the Trail of Tears, the Naches Trace, and visited civil war battlegrounds. As a child, I’ve been at San Quan Capistrano for the return of the swallows. Missions and museums scattered across the northwest and southern borders states. But I’ve never been to the east coast historical sites. I’d love to see the history of the east coast.
If you are choosing randomly, my entry pales in comparison to many here. I can’t compete with people not seeing parents for 5 years, siblings, kids, etc.
However, let this be a legit entry toward your 50. Cause I would always take a free ticket. I would like the option to travel vicariously through someone who posted here.
Hope I win, cause it will make my year!
While I would love to travel, and hope to soon, what I would like NOW is time to spend with my wife, without guilt, without anxieties, without fear of the future, without worrying about what will or won’t happen if we go over the fiscal cliff. I’d like to spend time cuddling in front of a fire, covered in cats, and be assured that the world outside is fine and that people are, in general, treating themselves well and listening to what is being said — not waiting for a break in the conversation for THEIR turn. Oh, and a slice of apple pie, with some really good vanilla ice cream.
Loren, I’d like to buy you and your wife a whole apple pie and a gallon of premium ice cream. Is there a local bakery that might be able to help this along?
I would love to go to New York. I fell in love with big cities living in Hong Kong as a missionary for my church, and New York is the quintessential big city. Also, I’m between jobs, and dropping myself somewhere off my usual turf would be a good motivator for that.
I’d go visit my friend Lindsay in San Diego. She and I lived in Chicago and she often made me peas and pierogies. I miss that.
It’s damn cold here in Philadelphia right now … Another reason to go to San Diego.
I’d want to go to Providence, RI.
I write horror, and Lovecraft (despite him being a jerk of a human being) was one of my big bonds with my Dad, and is one of my touch stones as an author. I want to go to Providence to walk Lovecraft’s streets, see where he’s buried. I’ve always wanted to, and it would give me something to think about that isn’t upcoming cancer tests.
What a beautiful idea! I’m commenting to get this up to 50 responses, as I live in the UK and don’t qualify – some of the stories about people not seeing family for years really touched me (having just got back from visiting my Dad 600 miles away in Scotland for the first time in a year) and I’d love to be part of someone else getting a chance to see their loved ones.
For what it’s worth, and in the spirit of the thing, if the rules were different I would want to travel to Canada again. I went when I was 13 and spent time in St Catherines and Toronto, Ontario, as well as my favourite place on earth – Algonquin. I’ve finally found someone special enough to want to take back and share it with.
What a sweet idea. If I went I would go to LA to see the Rose Parade. I went a couple times several years ago and loved it.
But I too will not go in place of someone trying to connect with family.
Good Karma points to you, sir.
Oh, what a delightful ‘contest’ — I would fly to Bandon, OR and spend my time on the Oregon Coast with friends I haven’t seen in years.
After 37 years of marriage, would love to give my bride the gift of New Year’s Eve in New York City.
Eureka, California -why? Why not? This makes 50 I think – someone should be going somewhere!
I’d go to Seattle for a few days to see my cousin. Her husband died earlier this year, and she’s all alone. It would be a great surprise for her. What a nice gesture on your part to do this! I think you will make someone very happy.
I would choose Madison Wisconsin and give the ticket to my husband so he could spend New Years eve with his mother. She is the most amazing woman and I know he misses her.
My husband says that if we are chosen to please give the ticket to whomever you wish for he has not missed a New Year’s Eve kiss with me in 25 years and he is not going to start now ; )
I would fly to Seattle and see the friends I consider family that I’ve been missing most of this year. It would have to be a short trip (time waits for no cheesemonger), but I think I could face the new year a little stronger.
I’d go to Washington D.C.
I’m a historian – and I’ve always wanted to spend more time in the capital and investigate the museums, learning more about our history. (Bonus: They’re FREE)
My work these days centers on the current political realm, mostly involving either disability politics or policy around women. Maybe I can’t get an interview with anybody, but if I went to D.C. I’d surely be knocking on doors and trying to ask questions.
Plus, there’s people there who miss me.
I have a very good friend in New York City I’d love to visit. She’s been having some health problems and having to spend a lot of time alone at home. I’d like to take her to a show, maybe a couple museums, and just visit for about a week. I can’t afford a flight to NYC, but I could probably afford one to Minneapolis, if the ‘from’ has to be US, too.
Thanks for this chance!
If the flight was early enough, I’d head to Memphis to watch the Iowa State Cyclones in the Liberty Bowl. I’d let my husband and son flip a coin to see who goes with. And I’d get to see my nieces who I haven’t seen in years!
Rhode Island. My roommate from college lives there, and aside from a day here, a few hours there, I haven’t seen her in ten years.
I can’t travel that day, and I am blessed to have everyone with me in Kansas. I just want to comment to make sure you have enough entries so that someone gets to go.
I’d love to go see the Yankees play in Yankee Stadium! (Okay, really I want to see Derek Jeter and maybe stalk him for a little bit)
New Orleans, I think – or New York! I’ve got online friends in both places I’d love to meet in person. But truth to tell, if I won I’d give it to the lady who wants to visit Pensacola. That’s my hometown, and I’d love for her to see it!
I’d go to Memphis and visit my Grandparents. I spent a few happy years living with them as a child and I’d love to see the city as an adult. Have breakfast at the Peabody and see the ducks march. Beale Street Blues. Graceland. But most of all… my family.
First I want to say you’re a pretty rocking person for this and all the other things I’ve seen you do over the holiday season. You lead by example and I like that in a person. I think if I could go anywhere it would be to Indiana so I could visit my best friend, whom oddly enough, I’ve never met in person. We found each other on twitter and have supported each other on this crazy quest of trying to go from being a writer to an author. She’s held my hand when I had problems outside the realm of writing and kicked my butt when I wanted to give up. She’s essentially the most important person in my life I’ve never met.
I don’t know if I could ever afford to meet her in real life as I’ve taken on my niece and nephew while my sister is in Afghanistan, on top of having three kids of my own. Kids are pricey, yo. Anyway, that’s my story and even if I don’t win, thank you for doing this for whoever does!
All my best to you and yours in the new year!
Minneapolis, Minnesota. My college roommate and I didn’t know each other at all when we first moved in together. We just lived in this tiny apartment near school and bonded over old videogames and how we like to dye food unnatural colors. He works at a movie theater in Minneapolis and is throwing a huge New Years party/showing of “The Iron Giant.” It would be cool to go because I haven’t seen him since he left four years ago.
And it’s closed BUT I SAW THE WINNERS HADN’T RESPONDED so I decided to try my luck and squeeze in before the next drawing!
I’ll enter if you’re begging for a winner. I’d go to Texas and visit my friend Denise who I haven’t seen in years. We worked together in Nevada for 3 years and were the only Southern teachers in the entire school. Parents would complain because their kids started saying “y’all” at home. We had a blast every day and I miss her.
Even if a winner didn’t make it, this was fun, and I thank you for the offer. I hope you have a marvelous, healthy, fun, and properous 2013!
Thank God for Cassandra! I hope this trip is all she hopes for and more.
Yaaaaayyyyy for Cassandra!
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