Vote and Send Someone to Costa Rica
By NomadicMatt | Published: February 22, 2010I finally went through all the applicants for the two week free trip to Costa Rica from Gap Adventures and I. To be honest, I thought I would get more. I only got 42. Apparently, people don’t really like free trips, even when you include airfare. While that’s disappointing, it gives the applicants a better chance at winning. As mentioned on the information page, there’s a public voting section for this contest. Originally, I had planned to select the top 50 but I had planned to get more than 50 entries, so rather than voting on everyone, here are the top 15 applicants. You can choose your favorite by checking off the poll at the bottom of the page.
Contestant #1- Meggie Weirich
Contestant #2- Gina Morra
Gina wrote an interesting blog as to why she should go to Costa Rica.
Contestant #3- Chris Richardson
Chris wants to go to Costa Rica and push the limits.
Contestant #4- Pamela MacNaughtan
Pam wants to go to Costa Rica and become a better photographer.
Contestant #5- Catherine Best
Catherine hopes to not get naked this time in Central America.
Contestant #6- Joshua Johnson
Contestant #7- Shawna O’Flaherty
Shawna wrote a pretty funny post involving a monkey as to why she should go to Costa Rica.
Contestant #8- Wes Nations
Wes explains why he is the wrong candidate for this trip, which he claims makes him the perfect candidate.
Contestant #9- Rob Blasko
Rob’s feet explain why they need exercise in Costa Rica.
Contestant #10- Darren Alff
Contestant #11- Chris Christensen
Chris made an interesting video about why he needs to go to Costa Rica.
Contestant #12- Keith Savage
Keith is looking for a new path.
Contestant #13- Anthony
Anthony the Travel Tart wrote a poem as to why he needs to see Costa Rica.
Contestant #14- Allison Carlton
Allison wants to go to Costa Rica to get a better understand of the world and the people who live south of the border.
Contestant #15- Kate Bowen
Kate wants to go to Costa Rica to get a tan, experience culture, and because she hates resort travel.
[poll id="7"]
Voting will go until March 1st. A winner will be picked sometime before March 10th. We’ll be factoring in the number of votes you get here was well as creativity, style, personality, and story. Important note: If you are suspected of voting fraud (I’ll be checking for bots), you will be disqualified from this contest.
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I couldn’t participate due to lack of lack of vacation time, super surprised there were only 40 contestants though. Awesome selections just the same!
So excited to be a finalist! Thanks again to Nomadic Matt and Gap Adventures for hosting this awesome contest.
Yes! Thank you for the opportunity to participate and be nominated! I’ve never been a part of something like this and it’s just as exciting making the the “top 15″ as it would be to win. Thanks guys!
Thanks, Matt. Just making the top 15 is awesome. Actually winning would be… well… *more* awesome!
Very nice of you to include me in the final 15. Looking forward to seeing the results – whoever wins will be great.
Thank you for selecting me as a finalist! Great opportunity that will definitely be taken advantage of by anyone here.
Hey Matt, my wife and I are moving to Costa Rica next week!
Too bad I didn’t read this post a month ago
Hey winning contestant… come visit!
Jay
note how people vote the top few contestants . i beleive countrie such as australia where its compulsory to vote ( re politics and complicated preferable lists) if your surname is close to A you are a shoo in – near the end of alphabet you have little chance .. good luck to the travel tart at 13!!
I never looked at it that way! That’s an interesting observation, Heather.
Hi allison, think you could find studies that show this re the Aussie elections anyway
you have some interesting photos on your site 
Thank you for checking it out. Recently launched it!
Thanks Matt and GAP for selecting me for the next round. I elected, I promise health care for every Costa Rican…or at least, I promise to have a great time!
Thanks for including me in the to top 15 Matt. Some great entries here I feel for the other 30 odd people that missed out.
Thanks for shortlisting me Matt! Fingers Crossed!
Wow.. kind of disappointed by the entries, I really thought people would be more original. Joshua Johnson is the only one that’s amusing/remotely funny.
I love costa Rica and Darren deserves to go!
Congrats to the top 15! All great candidates with interesting pitches on why they are the one! Pura Vida Costa Rica
Good luck to all the contestant! Wish I’d known about this sooner. I have been wanting to go there for a couple of years now. There is some excellent competition here. I narrowed it down to 4 and finally picked one. Whoever wins the trip – Whoohoo! Onward and upward!
Hello,
I voted for Chris Christensen, and I would just like to mention what an amazing person Chris is. I’ve known him since I was a baby, in fact he is like a father to me. He absolutely loves to travel, and I think I got that desire from him. I know that he views the world as a wonderful adventure that wants to be explored, and I don’t think you would be dissappointed in him if he is chosen!
Considering how much enjoyment I get from Chris’ podcasts, this is the least I can do.
Can’t believe more people didn’t enter! I wasn’t able to cause of grad school.
I voted for Chris Christensen because I too do a fair bit of traveling and reporting back to those who can’t travel. I know how much work that is and Chris it appears has been “doing the work” for a good while. Would like to see him get sent on a free one. Good luck Chris!
How the heck do I vote!? Joshy Wahington all the way.!
Who knew there was a contest?! I would have definitely entered!
Sadly I am to late.
“To be honest, I thought I would get more. I only got 42.”
Matt – Only 42? Forty-two is a LOT of entries and you should be happy about those results! Social media contests are not easy to get people to take part in, especially if they involve multiple steps. People always think, “Oh, someone else will do something better… why bother?” I’ve taken part in putting on social media contests for both of my jobs in Australia, and it was way harder than expected to see the results we wanted. It took a lot more personal involvement (asking individuals personally) to get responses. Companies like World Nomads that get heaps of submissions for their contests are HUGE, and they advertise a lot for it. It’s a different world.
“Apparently, people don’t really like free trips, even when you include airfare.”
That is just not true. From just looking at the comments above, a lot of people probably knew they couldn’t physically take the trip; some may not have known yet; others might not like to travel solo to Costa Rica (a big step for lesser-traveled people).
So… be happy about it man
AND vote for Chris #3!
There’s a little bit of sarcasm in my opening
But that being said, I did expect more but it is all a learning lesson!
Darren seems like a good choice.. He rode his bike for 9 months across Europe! Sounds awesome to me!
cacherin best
awesome
Ok, I voted for Wes. I’m sorry but that guy is a freaking riot and should go based solely on his humor!
Matt, don’t be bummed about 42 – that’s still a phenomenal number of people!
Next time send the winner to Ecuador!
Darren Alff is real good!
Hey Darren.
Don’t forget to say “hi” from Costa Rica.
Good luck from Turkey.
Serdar Gürcan
Hi Darren, hope you’ll be the first name! And after this trip, come to Brazil! Bye.
I voted for Darren Alf because he is amazing individual. He unselfihly shares his experiences with worldwide touring and everybody benefits. I personally learned a lot from him and he has given me the inspiration to commute to work which i have been doing for over five months. As a result, I got off my anti-depressants, I am enjoying work and my family a lot more. darren is the MAN !
Hey Matt,
Looks like you have some great entries – I definitely think quality is more important than quantity when it comes to travel competitions. Don’t get discouraged – it will be an amazing experience for the winner. I’ll be voting soon!
Happy Travels!
Alicia
WorldNomads.com
Darren may seem a bit reserved, but he is a ROCK StAR! He’s helped me so much and he is alwayz willing to lend a helping=hand if he can. I have learned so much from him. He continuez to inspire me on a regular basis. He deservze this trip more than anyone. I can’t recommend him enough!!!!!
Darren in the man, he gets my vote!
Gina Morra’s blog inspried me to want more. Reading about all of her ambition and enormous sense of adventure truly ignited the explorer in me! I really think she deserves to go over some of the others because she has yet to get the chance to travel and expolore, wheras the other contestents seem to have been many places before. I’d love to see what her blog reads after an adventure in Costa Rica!!!!
Meggie’s video is awesome! She looks like the best candidate! Her video demonstrates her want for this trip, and also shows her creativity. It seems that this trip could really open some doors for her and change her life. Very interesting…worth the watch.
Darren (#10) give away ton of information. He’s a nice guy with hands on experience for what he talks about. I vote for him!
hard to choose – so many great ones. what a fun contest, matt!
I think Darren desires it the most.
congrat to all contestant … I hope someday I’ll go to costa rica too
hey darren…
i know that you deserve it more than anyone else here…
I was completely surprised when I met you the first time at Smith’s – when you started to talk to me just because of the German we spoke…
you are so open-minded to the world and interested in new countries, habbits and cultures that you are the only one who would really appreciated this trip!!!! You would make the most of it!!!
Joshua, excellent, entertaining video… I have to lean towards video producers being one myself. Good luck!
Darren Alff’s writings from his travels have always fascinated me; he has a way of sharing with others that makes you think you are there with him. He has taught me and others alot over the last few years on how to travel by bicycle. He also has taught me that, I too, have the capability to lead a life where I am not boxed into my 9 to 5 job…and can travel the world. He inspires me! He gives so much to others, it would be great to see him get something for all the work he has done. Good luck Darren!
Darren is the most inspiring person I know. He has such a personal drive for life. His desire to travel and see the world is everybodies dream and he is out doing it. I vote for Darren because he deserves it so many ways. He has helped so many people through his bicycle knowledge and website.
Darren Alff to win, would love to hear about his adventures in
Costa Rica, makes you feel as your there with him, good luck
Keep going Darren! Hope it works out for you and look forward to reading about Costa Rica!
Tom and I took Darren on a week backpacking trip in the Sierras when he was 12 years old, Now he has gone on 9 long-range bicycle trips and helps other bicycle riders organize their trips,shows them how and what to pack, and tells people how to get free campsites!!. Darren has written many articles about his experiences on his trips. Darren gets my vote!
Chris(Alff) Jeter
Go Darren! No-body deserves this trip more than Darren. He has selflessly helped many people to discover the excitement and adventure of world travel and bicycle touring. I can’t wait to see your videos and read your blogs. Darren-You The Man!!!
Hey, Catherine can actually write and she’s funny too! I think she would be a cracker in Costa Rica and has got my vote. A top group of finalists though, I enjoyed the entries. Good one Matt!
Meggie is #1 in every way!!!!Vote for Meg!
I agree with Tom, Bestie is the one (Catherine)! A true wordsmith. The feet man was funny too.
Vote for Darren! He has an appreciation for adventure that I’ve never seen matched!
Some great entries. It’s a shame that’s not necessarily reflected in the votes for all of the contestants. I hope the winner is decided on the quality of their blog/vlog and it’s not just a competition to see who has the most friends on facebook!!! Good luck everyone!
I say send Gina! Seems like the others have seen a LOT of the world already – give a girl a chance, and change her life!
!
So what in the world was wrong with the site the last 24 hours? People have been getting a parked site and no mention of this poll so lots of folks have not been able to vote for MEGGIE!
*WARNING* DO NOT VOTE 4 GINA MORRA! i went to high school with her and she was a mean, nasty, petty little girl. much hasn’t changed and she definitely does not deserve a free trip ANYWHERE! Ever seen the movie MEAN GIRLS?? She was that times 100! Give this trip to someone who really deserves it, and has a human heart! Just thought you should know some true colors out there…
What is up with the dig at me? Kind of uncalled for! I don’t know any “veronica’s” and since I was, and still am, far from that girl you’re describing, I can only assume you’re making up that you even know me.
Remember, voting isn’t all the contest is based on! May the person who deserves it most, win.
Thanks.
I submit my vote for Joshua Johnson… I have to say though I cannot find where to actually place my vote nor could any of my friends I encouraged to vote. I have tried to find the poll link/voter area in 3 browsers and have come up short – and have heard from others that sometimes it’s there and sometimes – it’s not. Does not sound like a very fair competition. Great idea… maybe better execution next time. For what it’s worth – I say send Joshy Washington on his way!
I have had the same problems as Christopher. My entire office building could only cast one vote… strange. There seems to be some sort of manipulation of votes going on. Hopefully the vote is only a small part of the final judging.
There’s no manipulation. WP-polls stops people from the same IP address from voting. That’s why your office building couldn’t vote multiple times. It’s all from the same IP.
That being said voting is not the only way the winner is being picked. Public voting can be a popularity contest so more than this will be factored into the decision.
Meggie’s video was hilarious. Gotta love a girl with a sense of humor. Really seems like this trip could open up some opportunities in her life. She’s got my vote!!
Came to vote for the first time and received the message I had already voted. Don’t understand why. It’s from my home computer and no one else uses it. Tried to vote for contestant #1, Meggie. Can someone fix this problem? Thanks.
Really enjoyed reading Catherine’s blog – funny and creative. I’m glad the final decision is based on more than just votes as surely the quality of the blog is what counts most in the end (otherwise people won’t keep reading!!). Great competition and good luck to everyone involved.
So when does voting end???
30 minutes ago!
Vote #1 Meggie Weirich
Thanks for putting this all together, Matt! Entering the contest and becoming a finalist has been an exciting experience and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to participate. I can’t thank everyone enough for their overwhelming support! Good luck to all the contestants!!!
What a crazy back and forth race this has been! Congrats to the top three contestants! Now we cross our fingers!
Quite honestly
I was going to do it
But by the time I got the notice it was 4 days to the deadline and I didn’t have the time.
Now I’m kicking myself in the head, only forty two?!
DAMN IT!!! I could have written something up.
Meggie has my vote! This is her first (but not last) time to really stick her neck out and do something ridiculous. Great attitude, goofy as hell, and totally deserving.
It’s pretty simple really… It is impossible not to like her.
Enjoy your trip! PURA VIDA!
I VOTE FOR DARREN ALF TO GO TO COSTA RICA
CONTESTANT#10