How Ann Won 3 Amazing Trips Through Competitions
From a dream trip to the Calgary Stampede in Canada to exploring Uluru, Ann (aka 'travlmad') shares how she turned her competition hobby into unforgettable travel experiences.
Total Prizes Won
3 Trips + More
Estimated Value
$15,000+
Years Comping
10+ Years
"My biggest win was so unbelievable, I thought someone was playing a prank on me!"
â?? Ann, on winning her trip to Canada
3
Trips Won
1hr/day
Time Invested
25 WOL
Favourite Entry Type
Canada
Dream Trip Won
Ann's Major Wins
Trip to Canada - Calgary Stampede
BIGGEST WINAnn's most incredible win was a trip to the Calgary Stampede in Canada. "It was extra special as we own horses and had talked about going for years," she says. The Calgary Stampede is like the Easter Show but focused entirely on horse events - a dream come true for horse lovers!
How She Won:
25 Words or Less competition - though Ann admits her winning answer was "so corny I'm embarrassed to repeat it!"
The Block Christmas Party - Melbourne
A trip to Melbourne to attend The Block's exclusive Christmas party - rubbing shoulders with the show's contestants and crew. Perfect for fans of Australia's favourite renovation show!
4 Days in Uluru
An unforgettable 4-day trip to Australia's spiritual heart - Uluru. Experiencing the outback, stunning sunsets, and indigenous culture.
$1,000 Gift Card
"This one was very unexpected," Ann recalls. A substantial win that came out of nowhere - proving that consistency pays off!
The Moment She Found Out
"When the organiser rang about the Canadian trip, I honestly thought one of my friends was playing a prank on me. The poor girl took a while convincing me it was all on the level!"
"After that, I burst into tears and couldn't talk. My husband had to take over the call - he thought someone had died in the family!"
The other wins were not as dramatic as I received an email first and the confirmation call came afterwards - time enough to compose myself.
Full Interview with Ann
How long have you been entering competitions?
Cannot really remember when I started but probably 10 years ago, more or less.
Do you have a system to track your competitions?
"No system - I like being surprised!"
How much time do you spend entering?
I probably spend up to nearly an hour a day entering competitions.
What's your dream prize?
"Another overseas trip! A European river cruise is on the list, a car would be nice too, or a big cash prize to keep travelling. Yes, it is an obsession of mine."
What's your favourite type of competition?
"My favourite are the easy ones, but I always give the 25 words a go as that's how I won my travel prizes."
Are your family and friends supportive?
"At first my family thought it was a big joke, but now I have won a few trips they encourage me. My husband keeps ribbing me if I haven't won for a while. My friends are just encouraged to know someone actually does win these things and share in my excitement."
Ann's Winning Tips
Always Give 25 WOL a Go
"I always give the 25 words a go as that's how I won my travel prizes. Don't waste your time on 25 WOL for tickets or small things - save your best efforts for big prizes."
Be Original and Fresh
"I try and think of things a bit left of field - upbeat, funny and witty. But who knows what the winning formula is? It depends entirely on what tickles the judges."
Just Give It a Shot
"Just give it a shot - you never know if that's the winning entry. I enter comps that appeal to me rather than trying to win everything."
Always Say Thank You
"I always make a point of ringing or sending a thank you card after the prize is taken to the sponsor or company involved. The organisers looked after us beautifully."
Key Takeaways from Ann's Story
25 Words or Less wins trips
1 hour/day is enough
Be original and witty
Focus on big prizes
Enjoy being surprised
Always thank sponsors
Ready to Win Your Dream Trip?
Ann proves that with persistence and creativity, travel prizes are within reach. Start entering today!
"You never know if that's the winning entry." â?? Ann