Skip to content
Can Tho, Vietnam

Hidden gems without the hassle.

10.0452° N, 105.7469° E
Let's Go How It Works
Lima, Peru

Hidden gems without the hassle.

12.0464° S, 77.0428° W
Let's Go How It Works
Ephesus, Turkey

Hidden gems without the hassle.

37.9499° N, 27.3631° E
Let's Go How It Works
  • Explore the world
  • Experience different cultures
  • Engage in exciting challenges
  • Create unforgettable memories
As seen in
time cnn-travel national-geographic wall-street-journal npr usa-today the-boston-globe msnbc san-francisco-chronicle toronto-star

GSH Is Not Your Average Adventure

It's The Ultimate Travel Challenge

GSH isn’t a tour, and it’s not a vacation. For over two decades, we’ve been redefining what it means to travel—pushing competitors beyond the guidebooks, into the heart of adventure itself.

Over multiple secret destinations, teams of two will decode clues, tackle immersive cultural challenges, and out-travel the competition—all without knowing where they’re headed next. No guidebooks, no pre-planned routes—just you, your teammate, and the world at your feet.

For those looking for a shorter but equally thrilling challenge, our Regional Race Series offers high-energy competitions across Asia, South America, and Europe—designed for adventurers who want to test their skills on a smaller scale.

2025 - 2026 Race Season

Four races. Multiple continents. One mission.

Do you have what it takes? Join an elite group of travelers competing in a scavenger hunt. Whether you're racing across multiple continents or testing your skills in a regional event, every journey is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

Spots are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Lock in your price now and secure your place before rates increase.

The adventure won’t wait—neither should you.

Limited Spots – Act Fast!

Asia '25

Jul 12 to Jul 27
16 Days
6 Secret
Countries
Let's Go
$9,500
Early Bird Special

Europe '25

Sep 19 to Sep 28
9 Days
4 Secret
Countries
Let's Go
$7,900
Early Bird Special

Global '26

Apr 18 to May 10
23 Days
10 Secret
Countries
Let's Go
$15,500
Completed

South America '25

Jan 24 to Feb 02
9 Days
3 Secret
Countries

Global vs. Regional

Which race fits your travel style?

One competition spans the world. The other dives deep into a single region. Which adventure calls to you?

Global Races

  • Duration
    23 days
  • Destinations
    10     secret countries across multiple continents
  • Commitment Level
    High - Requires extended travel time and financial investment
  • Competition Intensity
    High - leaderboard-driven global race
  • Scoring & Challenges
    Every challenge counts toward the final ranking
  • Mystery Factor
    Total surprise—destinations revealed just before departure
  • Travel Style
    Fast-paced, immersive, unpredictable
  • Who It’s Best For
    Travelers seeking the ultimate test of adaptability, cultural immersion, and competition

Regional Races

  • Duration
    9 - 16 days
  • Destinations
    Multiple countries within a region
  • Commitment Level
    Moderate – Shorter time away, lower costs, more flexibility
  • Competition Intensity
    Moderate –Balanced mix of competition and exploration
  • Scoring & Challenges
    Points tracked, but with a more relaxed pace
  • Mystery Factor
    Some hints provided on region
  • Travel Style
    More flexibility, time to explore at your own
  • Who It’s Best For
    Adventurers who want the thrill of discovery without the extreme commitment

Curious to See the Challenge Firsthand?

Drop your email, and we’ll send you a real scavenge book from one leg of the race. Get a glimpse of the clues, challenges, and twists that make this adventure one of a kind.

Don’t Take Our Word for It. Take Theirs.

A well-rounded experience! Fun, yes. Hard, yes. Full of growth opportunities? yes…I can’t believe I just did that! I’m a better traveler, and a stronger person, than I was before.

10671290_937491829606936_5432182495123437736_n-450x300-1
Jennifer C.

This was a truly remarkable life-enhancing, life-enriching experience.

Rubin_Karen-Iceland-090611_2118e4a-327x300-1
Karen R.

GSH is an artful tapas feast of the world…the element of surprise and curated experiences cannot be beat!

IMG_1980-300x300-1
Avni L.

An adventure like none other: awesome and exhilarating.

margo-244x300-1
Margo T.

A phenomenal journey. We’ll treasure it forever. I thought I had traveled before…but this expands everything in terms of what it is like to really see the world.

L1010442-400x300-1
Mike P.

Top Questions, Quick Answers

Imagine a travel competition where the world is your playground, and every destination is a mystery. GSH is the ultimate around-the-world travel adventure, designed to challenge and inspire explorers from all walks of life. Over 23 days, teams of two race across at least ten secret countries, solving scavenger challenges that immerse them in local culture.

This isn’t your typical vacation—it’s an adrenaline-fueled journey that tests your travel instincts, adaptability, and curiosity. Since 2000, GSH has crowned The World’s Greatest Travelers, earning a reputation as the Olympics of travel. It’s an experience that goes beyond sightseeing, pushing you out of your comfort zone and into the heart of the unknown.

If you’re ready for an unparalleled adventure filled with surprises, cultural discovery, and the chance to compete for a free trip around the world, this is your call to action. Are you in?

GSH is not just another travel competition—it’s a real-world test of exploration, strategy, and cultural engagement. Unlike races that prioritize speed or TV productions that manufacture drama, GSH is an authentic, immersive challenge designed for those who love travel with depth and purpose.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • A Level Playing Field – No advance route planning, no guidebooks, no pre-trip research. Every team starts fresh with only instincts, adaptability, and resourcefulness to rely on.

  • No Staged Challenges, No Scripted Moments – Every scavenge is designed to engage with real cultures, local people, and unexpected experiences. There are no producers setting up shots—just pure, unscripted adventure.

  • No Eliminations, No Drama – Unlike TV competitions, GSH is about the experience, not the spectacle. All teams complete the journey, and camaraderie is encouraged over cutthroat rivalry.

  • Strategy Over Speed – The competition isn’t about who gets there first. Winning requires smart decision-making, creativity, and cultural curiosity—not just rushing from place to place.

  • Independent, Self-Guided Travel – You won’t be following a set itinerary or being led by a crew. Teams must navigate the unknown, problem-solve on the fly, and embrace the unexpected.

  • A Title That Means Something – GSH is the only travel competition that crowns The World’s Greatest Travelers based on real travel skills, cultural intelligence, and adaptability—not just physical endurance.

Whether you’re racing through the streets of Bangkok, decoding historical clues in Rome, or uncovering hidden traditions in South America, GSH challenges you to experience travel in its purest form. No staged moments, no shortcuts—just the ultimate adventure for those who want to truly explore the world.

We take applications seriously because GSH isn’t for just anyone—it’s for bold, adventurous travelers who embrace the unknown. Here’s how it works:

  1. Apply Online – Fill out our application and tell us why you’re the perfect fit. Share your travel background, experiences, and what excites you about this challenge.
  2. Initial Screening – Our team reviews your submission and may reach out with a few follow-up questions to better understand your travel style, problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for the unknown.
  3. Interview – If you advance past the screening, you’ll have a one-on-one interview with our Race Director via Zoom, FaceTime, or phone. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the event, and demonstrate that you have the right mindset for this adventure.
  4. Invitation to Compete – If you’re selected, you’ll receive an official invitation and complete the necessary paperwork to confirm your spot.
  5. Get Ready to Go! – With mystery destinations ahead, there’s little you can pre-plan. Just pack smart, bring an open mind, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Each year, we receive hundreds of applications from passionate travelers across the world. Only a select group makes the cut.

Think you have what it takes? Apply now and take your first step toward becoming the next winner.

This journey is more than a competition—it’s a shift in perspective. You’ll return not just as a more seasoned traveler but as someone who sees the world through a different lens. The experience cultivates resilience, adaptability, and curiosity, leaving you with newfound confidence, a deep appreciation for cultural differences, and a more adventurous spirit.

Didn’t find the answer you are looking for? See more FAQs