This post has been sponsored by Doubletree by Hilton.
As global travel gets easier, the world is getting smaller and the way we share our travel experiences is changing. Blogging and Facebook and even Twitter were just the beginning of revolutionizing the exchange of information. YouTube allows us to share videos of our favorite places. Now, Instagram lets us share where we are with a funky lens to make us look like awesome photographers. Vine has recently crawled its way onto the scene and allowed users to upload their lives in quick six second bursts of sound and action. All of these ever changing forms of media allow travelers to capture the little things that matter as they journey and make memories
Not surprisingly, a brand like Doubletree, who has always understood importance of the little things (chocolate chip cookies anyone?), has created a revolutionary new way to share the experience of travel. DTour, a first-of-its-kind YouTube channel created in collaboration with Google, offers travelers a whole new way to plan and share their trips. The website integrates all major social media networks in one place, making it easy for travelers to share memorable moments – whether it’s a photo snapped on Instagram or video uploaded to other social media channels.
DTour is the first custom-built YouTube brand channel in the hotel industry. Users can also explore other travelers’ favorite photos, videos, tips and stories to get inspired to plan the trips they’ve always wanted to take. The site also features tips, videos and suggestions from the hotel team members who offer travel advice from a local perspective.
Want to Travel for Free? Take a DTour of a Lifetime
To celebrate the launch of DTour, DoubleTree by Hilton is conducting a year-long DTour of a Lifetime competition, a search for six people ready for the adventures of a lifetime. They will serve as brand ambassadors, traveling around the world, experiencing DoubleTree by Hilton hospitality, meeting locals and curating their own travel tips and stories for DTour. Each “DTourist” will embark on a two-week to two-month adventure to one of the six continents where DoubleTree by Hilton properties are located – and their “assignment” is to capture and share the highlights of their journey on the DTour website via blog entries, photos, videos and social media posts.
To enter DTour of a Lifetime, contest entrants can visit www.doubletree.com/dtour and share an audition tape describing a nearby landmark, unique culture or not-to-be-missed travel spot while on vacation or in their hometown. Video submissions must be at least 30 seconds to three minutes in length, and have a description that is no more than 300 words. Twenty-four finalists will be selected by a panel of judges – with the six winners selected by consumer voting on the website.
Each winner will be awarded one of the following travel experiences, featuring stays in several iconic DoubleTree by Hilton properties, including:
· A journey across North America, featuring sunny beaches and big city fun.
· An exciting trek among the cities and cathedrals of Europe.
· An adventure that spans the length of Africa and the Middle East, including South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania and Dubai.
· An adventure across Australia – a continent that DoubleTree by Hilton is entering this year.
· An excursion through Asia, featuring visits to China, India, Thailand and Malaysia.
· A visit to the tropical beaches and rain forests of Central and South America.
DTour of a Lifetime entries will be accepted through May 31, 2013. For complete contest information and rules, visit www.doubletree.com/dtour.
~Orlando Doubletree~
Enter to Win a night at a Doubletree Property
Maybe you want to travel a little closer to home? You can still enjoy one of the 330 upscale Doubletree hotels across five continents by entering this contest. Doubletree is offering a one-night voucher to one lucky reader. Enter using the Rafflecopter below and good luck!
Angela says
I would love to see california.
Megan Claire says
What an amazing competition! Time to bring out the video blogs!
Meg –
http://whereintheworldismeganclaire.tumblr.com/
Jessica says
Do you think they would let me bring my kids? It would certainly be a different perspective!
D SCHMIDT says
I would love to visit Portland, Maine
Mary Happymommy says
I'd like to see Charleston, SC.
InACents says
Hmm, options. 1) Go out and explore the town…2) Stay in and gorge myself on cookies until I can't move. Tempting.
Elisabeth says
I'd love to visit London with my husband!
DANIEL says
I'd love to visit morocco. are there any doubletrees there?
Carolsue says
I would like to travel to Southern California to visit relatives & friends there
Kimmy @ AfterGlobe says
I may have to try out this whole video thing.
As of right now, I've been really wanting to be on Maui. Getting close to my anniversary and I wish we could go back for it.
Leidy says
I would like to go to Orlando, Fl
Marcia Goss says
I would go to Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Amy Moore says
I really want to get to Washington DC. I have never been, and I think the kids would love it!
Jennifer says
Yellowstone National Park would be awesome.
Keryn @ walking on travels says
I am really trying to go to NYC when I am back east this summer. Hotels and even rentals are wicked expensive in the summer. Fingers crossed!
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters says
It's a toss up between heading to Alabama to visit friends or sneaking away with my husband for a romantic getaway.
Heidi says
I'd love to take a weekend trip to Houston :).
Nicole at Arrows Sent Forth says
Wow, they have a lot of properties in the UK! I'd love to get a free night to explore our new "home!"
Donna says
Great giveaway and I love your blog.
Dawn Monroe says
I would love to travel to Tennessee!
Jenn L says
The destination wouldn't be as important as the time away from the kids! LOL! I would go spend the night alone or with a girlfriend or two for a getaway from the kiddos. 🙂 I love DoubleTree! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Terri @ Travel 50 States with Kids says
Great contest, Jessica!
Marla Zickefoose says
My husband and I are hoping to travel to Ireland soon!
Julia says
Ooh, somewhere on the east coast!
Keri says
What a great giveaway! Thanks! I'd love to travel just about anywhere right now. We don't get out much with our little ones!
Katie says
I love doubletree hotels! Great giveaway — my kids would love a little staycation this year.
Joy Anderson says
I would love a night away from the kids! Maybe Austin!!
Crystal says
My dream vacation is Italy…but right now I would love a beach anywhere!
Stephanie Grant says
I would love to go to New Orleans La!
Jana says
I'm hoping to make it to Atlanta this summer!
Leslie H (tripswithtykes) says
Hoping to take a tour of some midwest baseball parks this summer!
Ashley says
South Padre is my list for 2014!
Tina says
Could use a getaway with hubby!
susan says
NY
Jen5253 Range says
I would love to get away to New England in the fall for an anniversary celebration. I've never been to New England.
Sara says
Portland
Trisha Dowling says
atlanta!
Phxbne says
Want to go back to Portland OR
Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk says
Those cookies look so good. I have to say I love technology it's pretty cool how much information we have at our finger tips.
Jen says
Somewhere in California…maybe wine country?
Shannon Entin says
There are so many places I want to visit, it's too hard to choose one. But If I could choose from those six adventures, I'd definitely choose Australia. Or, wait, maybe South America. Or… 😉
Shannon Schmid says
WHat a fun question! I think we'd love to find a Double Tree in Florida! It be great to take the kiddo to Disney, but then have an adult sanctuary to recoup in at night like The Double Tree! Thanks for the entry! 🙂
Dona Hightower Perkins says
REALLY just need a staycation this summer close to home! I've been caring for two kids, one husband, six dogs, and my mom who broke her back on April 18, and I need a vacay BAD. 😉
Stephanie F. says
The double tree has high quality hotels all over. You get a good night’s rest with quality service and a great experience!!!
Tabathia B says
I would love to stay and travel to the one in Charlotte, NC
Jill L says
I would love to go to Philadelphia. I have stayed at that one before and it's really nice. Made for a very pleasant visit.
Renee D says
I am looking to have a quick getaway before we add two more kids. I'm thinking St Louis would be a good little family getaway.