I’m from a small town in Newfoundland with a population of 30, counting sheep, no joke. So to win this trip feels pretty amazing. Receiving almost 5000 “likes” on my video blew me away! It just goes to show, if you dream big enough and have enough determination, you can achieve anything. I went with armfuls of flyers to every classroom in all the high schools and colleges around, and passed out flyers to all the stores, restaurants, salons, and gas stations. I even posted my video in Loreal Paris’ FB page, wrote Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Beiber?!? and many other celebs. I was posted in the local Newfoundland classifieds (got some pretty interesting responses might I add). Not sleeping for two weeks, losing my voice from rallying so hard for likes, and the carpal tunnel I’m sure I gave myself from writing a million people on Facebook. It was all worth it.
Making it to the Top 3 was what really motivated me to go out and do something crazy. I had some tough competition, so I knew I had to go big or I would be staying home. As soon as I saw that we had to make a video I KNEW what I had to do (even though the thought of it sent cold shivers down my spine). When I told a few close friends about my idea, their reactions, along with their facial expressions confirmed that a polar dip in the Atlantic was what I needed to possibly win this.
That Saturday morning when I woke and saw the weather, it added to my enthusiasm. It was one of the worst snow storms of the year, and although the weather was crazy, I was super pumped about the challenge ahead. We had difficulty finding a place for my polar dip, as all the beaches were packed in ice!
I went to the local coffee shop and asked “Where is a good place to go for a dip today?”. They clearly thought I was nuts, but with their help I found a place, which happened to be in front of 15 houses!! So as I watched people eat their dinners’ in their warm homes, I took the run down the snow bank and into the icy Atlantic ocean. Having an audience just added to how fun this challenge was. I’m happy to report nobody called 911! :)
After a day of laughing until we cried, we made the drive home in the snow storm, put the video together and hoped for the best. The crazy fun day of making the video will go down as one of the funnest days of my life. I want to thank BT for giving me this opportunity, and to thank my friends, family and supporters all over the world! I am truly truly grateful! Cannot wait to make more memories on my trip to Thailand with Beach Travellers soon!
~ Melissa Wells, Golden Ticket Grand Prize Winner.
Congratulations Melissa.. Here is a sampler of what's ahead for you:
Ok, we've got 5 Golden Tickets left to give out through online challenges, so it's time to bring out the big guns, aka the travel photos, to win a ticket into the finals.
THE CONCEPT:
When you think of a BT trip to Thailand or Bali, what comes to mind? You got an idea? Good. Now, take that thought, find a photo that describes it, and share it with us. You can use one of your own photos, use a friend's photo, or find one online. Whatever image captures the essence of a BT Thailand or Bali trip, let's see it.
Here's how the 5 tickets will be handed out:
ON FACEBOOK: Post your choice pic directly on our wall. On Thursday at noon EST, the 3 photos with the most "likes" win Golden Tickets.
ON INSTAGRAM and/or TWITTER: Post your photos using #beachtravellers, we'll select 2 of the best ones and give them Golden Tickets.
To increase your chances, feel free to post your photo on all 3 social media platforms..
Last year’s Golden Ticket contest was such a hit, we had to bring it back. The contest format will be similar to last year's -- and the prize is just as legit. This year's winner gets to decide between a 24 day Thailand trip or a 21 day Bali trip. Touch choice. We'll also toss in a full set-up from our sponsors - DC, Spy, & MyPakage.
Over the next 2 weeks, 22 “Golden Tickets” will be handed out. Afterwards, a series of fun games (aka BT Battles) will go down on our Facebook wall to decide who the grand prize winner is.
So, here is how to get your hands on a Golden Ticket. There are 2 ways (to increase your odds, may as well do both):
1) Enter your name in the contest entry form HERE. 8 names will be randomly selected from the list.
2) Facebook action. We’re handing out 14 Golden Tickets to contestants that partake in the fun & games on our wall.
