About

Welcome to the Global Scavenger Hunt, where adventure meets purpose. Since our inception, we’ve been crafting unparalleled travel experiences that combine the thrill of exploration with the joy of discovery. For over two decades, our event has been more than just a journey; it’s a life-changing adventure that pushes the boundaries of traditional travel.

At the heart of the Global Scavenger Hunt is a passion for authentic exploration. We believe that the world is best experienced beyond the guidebooks, through genuine connections with people and cultures. Our event is designed for those who crave more than just sightseeing. Participants embark on a global quest, unraveling mysteries, solving challenges, and immersing themselves in the world’s most fascinating destinations in a way that’s both exhilarating and deeply meaningful.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a truly unique and luxurious experience. Each year, we carefully curate a new, secret route that takes participants to both iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations, ensuring that no two journeys are ever the same. This element of surprise, combined with our dedication to first-class accommodations, creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who participate.

Our longevity is a testament to the extraordinary community we’ve built. Over the years, adventurers from all walks of life have joined us, forming lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. The Global Scavenger Hunt is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure, curiosity, and camaraderie that unites us all.

Join us on our next adventure and discover the world in a way you never imagined. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious novice, the Global Scavenger Hunt promises an experience that will challenge your perceptions, ignite your passion for travel, and leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime.

Are you ready to embark on the ultimate global adventure? Your journey begins here.

About Charles and Anne

Charles and Anne, the stewards of the Global Scavenger Hunt, are avid travelers with a deep love for exploring new places, tasting exotic foods, and immersing themselves in diverse cultures. With decades of travel experience, they have visited countless destinations, always driven by their passion for discovery and their desire to share those unforgettable moments with others.  Oh, and they have a great time doing it.  Because if you can’t have a good time while traveling, you should probably do something else.

As race directors of the Global Scavenger Hunt, they are not just organizers but true adventurers who believe that travel is about more than simply checking off landmarks. It’s about diving into the heart of a place—connecting with its people, tasting its flavors, and experiencing the unexpected. Whether it’s a conversation with locals about their favorite hidden gem in Istanbul or a shared meal with some new friends in South Korea, Charles and Anne want every trip to go beyond the traditional.  Anyone can book a tour, walk around with a group following a flag, and feel like they have traveled.  But to really experience a place, you have to jump in, talk to locals, and seek out experiences. 

While not every team can win the Global Scavenger Hunt, Charles and Anne are committed to ensuring that every participant returns home with unforgettable memories, a broader perspective on the world, and a deeper connection to the places they’ve explored.

This adventure is not for the typical tourist. If you find yourself in Paris, of course, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, but expect so much more. You’ll uncover the soul of the city in ways you never imagined. The Global Scavenger Hunt is designed for those who crave something different—a chance to truly experience travel, not just observe it.

Charles and Anne are passionate about this journey and look forward to sharing it with you. They believe that the world is full of surprises, and they hope the Global Scavenger Hunt will leave you with stories of your own—stories that are richer than just visiting a museum or snapping a photo of a famous monument. Instead, you’ll be able to say you trekked to a hidden waterfall or tasted fresh seafood at a bustling market.

Whether you are looking to try a Regional trip or you are ready to jump right in to the Global trip,  join Charles and Anne on the adventure of a lifetime and discover what it means to be a traveler.

The story of the Global Scavenger Hunt began in 1989 when William Chalmers participated in an extraordinary travel adventure known as the HumanRace, a whirlwind race around the world using public transportation. Alongside his partner Andy Valvur, William triumphed in this race, covering over 40,000 miles in just 17 days. This experience ignited a passion in William for creating a similar event that combined the thrill of travel with meaningful exploration.

In 1999, while trekking in Nepal, the concept of the Global Scavenger Hunt came to William as a revelation. With his extensive experience in adventurous and culturally immersive travel, he envisioned organizing a world travel championship event. This idea was fueled by his desire to blend his love for travel with his commitment to charitable work, aiming to help others help themselves.

With the enthusiastic support of his then-girlfriend Pamela, who later became his wife and partner, William embarked on the journey to create the Global Scavenger Hunt in the summer of 2000. The inaugural event, initially planned for October 2001, was postponed due to the events of September 11, 2001, but eventually took place in the spring of 2002 as GreatEscape2002: The Global Scavenger Hunt.

Over the past two decades, the Global Scavenger Hunt has grown into a unique and transformative travel experience, taking participants to over 85 countries. The event is designed to offer travelers extraordinary adventures, fostering connections with diverse cultures and people. It is not just a competition but a life-changing journey that challenges perceptions and enriches participants' understanding of the world and themselves.

The Global Scavenger Hunt is committed to providing a seamless, worry-free adventure. The Regional and Global Races invite travelers to embrace the spirit of adventure, test their skills, and experience the world in a way that is both exhilarating and deeply meaningful.