Shock Top beer wants to empty your bucket list before the world ends

If you believe the doomsayers and the Mayans, then December 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world. That means we have just 287 days left to live and if you are anything like me, you probably still have a lot that you would like to accomplish before we all meet our demise. Fortunately, Shock Top beer has announced The Final Challenge, which will give four lucky winners the opportunity to scratch one last item off their bucket lists before the end arrives.

The Final Challenge is all about doing something epic with our remaining days on the planet. Whether that means climbing Kilimanjaro, parasailing over the Amazon, or jumping out of a plane above the Mojave Desert, Shock Top wants to hear about it and they may even make that last wish come true.

To enter into The Final Challenge simply visit the Shock Top Facebook page and click the “Like” button. From there you’ll have the opportunity to create a challenge of your own, describing in 140 characters or less what it is you would like to do before the end of the world is upon us. You can even invite three of your friends to join you on this excursion and if Shock Top finds the challenge worthy, you could all be whisked away on one last adventure. Contestants are allowed to enter more than once and if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration you can read the challenges that others have posted as well.

In all, four winners will be selected with the first winner announced on March 21. After that, Shock Top will announce another winner about every month running through June. That gives you several opportunities to clear items off of your bucket list before December 21.

So? If the end really is just a few short months away, what is it that you’d like to do?


Bermuda takes over New York’s Grand Central today

If you pass through Grand Central in New York today, you might catch a little piece of Bermuda during what’s being called “Experience Bermuda” day. The Bermuda Department of Tourism will be offering commuters samples of Bermudian cuisine and tropical beverages, chances to win giveaways, and live performances–including Bermudian musicians and the H&H Gombeys Cultural Dance Troupe.

Stop by to win one of 50 round-trip airline tickets to Bermuda in a dance contest that will place participants “virtually” on the island, or get a picture next to one of the pink Vespa scooters that can be seen on the island. The day will end in a Bermuda shorts runway contest on a pink runway, where one lucky winner will walk away with a trip for two to the island.

It’s all taking place in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall (just off the main concourse) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you can’t make it to the terminal, WCBS-FM will be broadcasting the event live from 6 to 10 a.m. on the “Dan Taylor Morning Show,” and will be giving away vacations for two to Bermuda from February 13 through February 17.

Photo of H&H Gombeys Cultural Dance Troupe by GoToBermuda / Flickr.

New York hotel suite up for auction for an entire year

This year, Affinia Manhattan plans to make Sunday nights special for one lucky winner. From January 19-Feruary 2, 2012, the hotel will be auctioning off an entire year’s worth of Sunday night stays in a newly revamped one-bedroom suite. The package is worth $20,000 and is perfect for business travelers and those in the outer boroughs or nearby suburbs who come into the city often.

Along with the suite itself, the winner will also get added perks, such as:

  • A virtual closet to store clothing and belongings
  • Late check out at 5PM
  • Free high-speed internet access
  • Sunday “tips” like free parking and free comedy shows

And to make the event even better, a portion of the proceeds will go to help The New York Restoration Project.

Interested in bidding? Visit charitybuzz from January 19-February 2.

Tickets for the Nomading Film Festival in New York go on sale Friday

After a successful run this past June, the Nomading Film Festival is returning to New York this summer, June 23, 2012. Nomading Film Festival is an event that showcases stories caught on film during peoples’ travels, giving new talent a chance to share their stories and viewers a chance to travel all over the world without leaving Brooklyn.

The really early bird tickets will be sold at a very discounted price this Friday, November 11, 2011. Not only that, but travelers of all ages from all over the world can begin submitting their travel videos (must be under 15 minutes). Until April 30, 2012, submissions are only $10, and selected filmmakers will be notified by May 15, 2012. Prizes, such as trips, flights, and gear, are awarded in three categories:

  • The nomad I want to travel with
  • The most enlightening trip
  • Simply put, that trip makes me want to travel, now!

Guest speakers, workshops, games, and music will also be part of the fun. For more information, visit their official website. To get a better idea of what to expect, check out one of Nomading’s travel-inspired films:


Enter to win free accomodation at any Delta Hotel and Resort in Canada

Delta Hotels and Resorts, Canada’s premier hotel management company, have partnered with Traveling Canucks bloggers Nicole and Cameron Wears to offer travelers the chance to win one free night stay at any of their 46 properties across Canada, such as the popular Whistler, Victoria, Sun Peaks, and Banff locations.

There are two steps to entering the contest:

The last day to enter is November 9, 2011, and the rules of the contest include:

  • Only one entry per day (multiple entries are encouraged)
  • Must be a Canadian citizen
  • Must be a Facebook Fan of the Traveling Canucks
  • Must have reached the age of majority