Explore our wild america...

Sweepstakes Title/Link - National Geographic Trips Sweep

Prize(s)- Period 2: 8 day trip for two, Feb. 12-19, 2011, to La Paz, Mexico
Period 3: 20 day trip for two, Oct. 21-Nov. 9, 2011, to South American cruise to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
Period 4: 12 day trip for two, March 13-24, 2011, to South Africa

End Date - November 20, 2010

Entry Frequency - 1x per person/email/ entry period

Simone's Thoughts - Did anyone else grow up watching Marty Stouffer? His show was so awesome, although I'm sure a naturalist letting a bear live in his house is probably not considered kosher anymore. This sweep is about as research based as they come.

The first entry period is over, but the rest are available. The entry periods for the different trips are below, just take note of the tax burden before you enter - some of these have a very high ARV.

Entry Periods

2 -  October 24 - November 6

3 -  November 7 - November 13

4 -  November 14 - November 20

Mexico

Sweepstakes Title/Link - Journeys Mexico Sweep

Prize(s)- 4 night trip for 4 to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

End Date - October 1, 2010

Entry Frequency - 1x per person/email

Simone's Thoughts - While yestereday's option of a spa vacation without my son sounds blissfull, this option is probably more realistic. Perhaps at the beach at least he wouldn't be getting bored with constant museum trips...

Sacrificial lamb

Sweepstakes Title/Link - Yahoo Mexico Sweep

Prize(s) - 5 day trip for two to Chichen Itza, Mexico

End Date - March 23, 2010

Entry Frequency - daily per person

Simone's Thoughts - We recently got back from a cruise to Mexico and got to visit a Mayan ruin. It was pretty neat and our tour guide was excellent. This would be a great trip for anyone.

Los Cabos Dream

Sweepstakes Title/Link - Discovery Los Cabos Sweep

Prize(s) - 4 night trip for four to Los Cabos, Mexico

End Date - August 31, 2009

Entry Frequency - daily per person

Simone's Thoughts - Continuing my 'plan ahead for winter' theme this month. I just like dreaming of cold and tropical places in the heat of the summer. I have never been to the Baja Peninsula, and this seems like a decent trip.

A lesson in ARV that may be worth it to take.

Sweepstakes Title/Link - NAUTICA ESCAPE SWEEPSTAKES

Prize(s) - 7 night/8 day trip for 6 to the Dulce Suenos Villa in Manzanillo, Mexico

End Date - January 31, 2009

Entry Frequency - daily per person/email

Simone's Thoughts - OK, the ARV, or approximate retail value, on this win is $19,800. The way sweepstakes work in the US is anything you win over $600 you have to pay taxes on (this is the easy version of the tax law - I know its more complex, but that is the gist of it.) So, if you win this trip you will pay taxes on almost 20k. How much you pay will depend on your tax bracket, but the thing to remember is you aren't getting a vacation for free on this one. That being said, this would be the most awesome trip to Mexico ever and thats why I posted it for you. Not to mention, those 5 friends and or relatives will love you forever for taking them. Check out the villa - have fun drooling!