Rumor has it that there are only six degrees of separation between you and anyone in the world. A new travel contest from VisitBritain looks to test that theory, as well as the power of Facebook in getting through those six layers.

Unite the Invite is a unique travel contest that has participants racing to find a complete stranger on Facebook in order to win a trip for two to the UK. Sound crazy? It might be, but it also sounds interesting and fun.

How it works:

Go to the Unite the Invite facebook page. You’ll register for the competition with all of your contact information and upload a photo of yourself. This photo will become a clue to another contestant that has to find you, so make it recognizable! Once you’ve registered, you’ll be sent half of a virtual invitation to the UK. The other half will be given to another contestant. If you find them and unite your invite faster than anyone else, you’ll each win your choice of a trip to London, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Cardiff. Your only clue to find one another will be the photo you upload when you register.

The race starts on Monday February 21st and runs through Sunday March 13, 2011 at 11.59 pm EST – or until the first match is made.

I’m all registered and eagerly awaiting my invitation!

Pssst… this is the photo I used:

Good luck!

(Not really – I really want to win!)

This post is a contribution from the UpTake Getaway Crew Austin. Visit them today and get a local spin on the great city of Austin!

Lake Travis behind the tasting room at Stone House Vineyards in Spicewood. Photo courtesy of Stone House Vineyards

It’s true: the Texas wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and the Hill Country region is one of the fastest growing wine tourism areas in the nation.  Recently, the New York Times picked the region as the #1 place to go this summer.

With rolling hills that see warm days and cool nights, the Hill Country is prime terroir for growing a variety of grapes, and many wineries are taking advantage by producing fine estate wines out of Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even Pinot Grigio, to name a few. There are now 27 wineries in the Hill Country appellation, scattered among a number of routes known locally as Wine Trails. They are easy to navigate and explore by car on day trips; most of them include tasting rooms, and Flat Creek Estate even has an on-site bistro.  Read More »

If you can't hear the bell you've lost the spirit of Christmas. It's true.

Have you been on the Facebook (now a major motion picture)? Of course you have. My parents are on it, and if my parents are on it then you’ve got to be on it. Yes, my parents are that cool. Also, aces and neato.

There’s a new crew out there (there being the aforementioned Facebook, but also Twitter and places you would least suspect!) and with your help they’re sharing local events in your community. Join them, won’t you?

Here’s what’s happening in the wide world of sports UpTake Getaways:

Read More »

UpTake Orlando on Facebook

Any seasoned traveler will tell you that the best information about your destination comes from the locals.

This is especially true if you’re heading to a popular tourist trap destination like Orlando, Florida.  Companies spend big money to show up in Orlando guidebooks and internet searches for “things to do in Orlando” – but that doesn’t necessarily mean those companies offer the best deals or experiences.  If you want the real low down, ask a local.

But what if you’re planning a trip to Orlando and you don’t know anyone who lives in the area?  Head on over to Uptake’s Orlando Facebook page!

Recently launched earlier this month, UpTake Orlando on Facebook is all about getting the best information about what to do, see and eat in Orlando straight from the best sources – people who live, work and play in the area every day.  We also feature content from UpTake and other sites about current events taking place in Central Florida.

UpTake Orlando on Facebook can help you fill your vacation with events you’ll never find in the guidebook provided by your hotel.  Have a free night during your vacation?  Check out the charity event taking place at a local night club.  Not sure what to do with that afternoon between amusement park visits?  Head over to the surf competition at Cocoa Beach.  If you’re planning an Orlando vacation and have specific questions, you can post those, too.

If you live in the Orlando area, become our friend and join in the conversation!

Photo by UpTake (and messed with by Britt Reints, with permission.  After the fact.  Which still counts.)