Pay to Play Global Scavenger Hunt's 'Amazing Race'-Like Contest

Update: We apologize for calling Global Scavenger Hunt a TAR clone. It actually debuted in 2000, one full year before Amazing Race.

The Amazing Race has spawned yet another clone. The Global Scavenger Hunt, similar to companies like Competitours, sends wannabe TAR contestants in a race all over the world. Thing is, instead of a million-dollar prize, you'll have to settle for a "World's Greatest Travelers" trophy and free race entry next year to defend your title. You'll also have to pay to play; the race costs $9,900. It's a lot of dough to play your favorite TV game, but it does include all international airfare, hotels, about 40 percent of meals and special event gear.

All the details and the little bit of charity, after the jump.

In addition, the company asks for your help in promoting its GreatEscape Foundation. Teams are supposed to secure a dollar for every kilometer traveled in walkathon-like pledges for the international charity. Since the race has 40,000 kilometers, that's a big roadblock. Getting donations isn't required, though if you don't, "no accrued instant karma," the company says.

Two-person teams have to apply (singles can also apply) for the 25 group slots. The three-week event will take you across 10 countries, whose identities are being kept hush-hush. Past challenges include taking an elephant safari in search of Bengal tigers in Rajasthan; learning the Cyrillic alphabet over a pint of beer with a new friend in Bulgaria; working in an orphanage in Cambodia; finding the Tunisian coliseum where Gladiator was filmed while watching a Saharan sunset; making baklava in a Turkish bakery; and bluffing your way into a film festival. Contestants are given a list of tasks to do each day and they must complete as many as they can before a certain time. Teams receive points for every completed task and those with the most points win.

If you can drum up donations and pay the entry fee, you can join The Global Scavenger Hunt's sixth annual event from April 9 to May 1. Just please, don't pull a Zev and Justin and lose your passport.

Related Stories:
· Wannabe Amazing Racers Listen Up: Competitours Explained [Jaunted]
· Amazing Race coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: The Global Scavenger Hunt]

Jaunted

Select a Destination:

Tags: Adventure Travel / Package Tours / Amazing Race / Competitours / → All Tags