If you’re a child of the ‘80s, you no doubt spent countless hours exploring The Oregon Trail, falling asleep reading comic books in your treehouse, and dreaming of the day when everyone would have their own personal jetpack. However, was there anything better than a serious game of hide-and-seek? Well, if you, like we, are still living in a blissful state of arrested development, the game is still just as awesome today. Next month, Belize is launching the most epic game of hide-and-seek ever — a world-first where the entire country will serve as the playing field.
The premise is simple. This November, five contestants will head to Belize for a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip. Four “hiders” will be chosen to enjoy the more relaxing side of the competition by laying low at secluded, off-the-beaten-path resorts throughout the country. The “seeker’s” experience will be far more adventurous. They’ll be paired with an expert Belizean guide to track down the hiders, in between bucket-list-worthy adventures like spelunking the caves at Chiquibul and snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef. If the seeker can successfully locate all four hiders within their seven-day stay, they’ll win the game. Although, if everyone’s scoring a free trip to Belize, it seems like everyone comes out a winner.
Belize is a fitting stage for a nationwide game of hide-and-seek. It’s one of the smallest and most diverse countries in the Americas. Half of its total land mass is occupied by dense jungle and much of the remaining half is lined with the most beautiful beaches in the world. The country boasts thousand-year-old Mayan ruins, jaguar-rich hiking trails, a 240-mile coastline dotted with more than 450 islands (known as “cayes”), and diving with whale sharks along the second largest barrier reef on the planet.
In a press release, Karen Bevans, director of rourism at the Belize Tourism Board, said, “Belize is a curious place, and we are always looking for ways to evoke a child-like curiosity in travelers … we look forward to showcasing all that Belize has to offer in the context of this beloved children’s game.”
The competition is open to U.S.-based applicants through Monday, September 8. Just send an email to hideandseekbelize@gmail.com with the subject “Hider” or “Seeker” and explain why you’re the perfect fit. Visit the official Belize Tourism Board site for full details.
