Santa Monica, California, USA (November 12) – Couch potatoes need not apply. This real world travel adventure competition is only for the hardiest and most travel savvy Type-A globetrotters. GreatEscape2003: The Global Scavenger Hunt is for those who crave authentic adventure, genuine exotic travel, real competition and world-class fun. For three incredible, thrill-packed weeks beginning April 25th, 2003, 25 two-person teams made up of Indiana Jones-types will compete in this 2nd annual around-the-world competition and global scavenger hunt travel adventure for $100,000 in prizes and “The World’s Greatest Travelers” title.

Like 1930’s, anthropologist-adventurers hot on the path of the Holy Grail, contestants will ride elephants to sacred temples, jostle atop camels around the Pyramids, haggle in ancient souks, take part in bizarre cultural festivals, and, in between the escalating daily thrills, catch their fair share of Himalayan sunrises and Mediterranean sunsets. Travel savvy participants will treasure this once-in-a-lifetime around-the-world adventure. “Our cultural immersion will move Teams away from having their noses stuck in guidebooks and get them engaged in the human connection of travel,” says William D. Chalmers, the event organizer, “It’s from those personal interactions and up close ‘n personal experiences that we all grow as people. That’s what GreatEscape2003 is all about. We want our travelers to trust strangers in strange lands.”

And Chalmers should know, as a travel book author and winner of a previous race around-the-world on public transportation, organizing this annual travel competition is a dream come true. “I would love to participate, but setting up the annual event is equally challenging. Teams will be combating jetlag, language barriers, personal dynamics, cultural differences and the inevitable logistical snafus of an epic around-the-world adventure. The winners truly will be ‘The World’s Greatest Travelers!’”

Teams competing in The Global Scavenger Hunt will also be doing it for a good cause logging over one million miles collectively to help raise funds towards a $1 million goal for lauded organizations like: Nobel Peace Prize winning Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, International Special Olympic, Conservation International, Habitat for Humanity and the World Monuments Fund.

Teams will be interviewed for their suitability upon applying. The cost is as low as $7,900 per person with portions being tax-deductible (includes all international airfare, First Class hotels along with some special events and meals). Interested travelers should contact GreatEscape Foundation at 310.281.7809 or visit the world famous website at www.GlobalScavengerHunt.com.