Making the planet a little less lonely

You’ve danced around the world, you've travelled to great heights and you’ve explored the deepest regions of the world. We love seeing you travel, and we want to see more of it. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Lonely Planet and Intel to help you share your adventures, and even get a chance to win cash for your next one.



Until August 11, we invite you to upload your favorite travel video to Lonely Planet’s YouTube channel for the chance to win $10,000 to create the adventure trip of your dreams. Upload your video at youtube.com/lonelyplanet to one of these categories: outdoor, urban, visual, culinary or family. Lonely Planet will select finalists based on these criteria, who will be announced on September 7. Voting runs from September 7 to 12, and the grand prize winner will be announced on September 26.

Safe travels!

Lee Hadlow, International Program Manager, recently watched, “Cooking in a hotel room with Natalie Tran - community channel.”

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Video the natural world for National Geographic

Footage of natural wonders can be awe-inspiring, but many of our planet's most striking environments are at risk. Our new Planet Inspired program, presented by The North Face, gives you the opportunity to celebrate the natural world and highlight environmental issues via your own short film or by remixing content shot by National Geographic's globe-trotting reporters.

The most original entries will be voted on by the YouTube community, and the winner will receive a National Geographic weekend photography workshop and $1,000 gift card from The North Face. Get started by checking out the Planet Inspired channel to create your remix about the natural world. Here are the details:



Tiffany Shelton, Program Producer, recently watched "The Camera and the Shark."

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New travel program offers an eye on the world

Autumn may be upon us soon at YouTube HQ, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think about warmer weather, exotic locations and the thrill of getting away from it all. There’s no shortage of videos on YouTube to inspire travel plans, and our new program Vacationer Presented by NCL brings the best of our partners’ travel content into a single destination.

Whether you’re seriously planning the trip of a lifetime, or just need an excuse to do a little online escapism, Vacationer is packed with reports from authorities in the space, channels like Lonely Planet, National Geographic and the Travel Channel. After all, you don’t need to be following in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps to enjoy his take on authentic eats in some of the world’s most memorable destinations.



If you do make plans for a cruise, a camping trip or even some close-to-home sightseeing, don’t forget to pack your camera, shoot your own video clips and post them on your YouTube channel. Launching The Vacationer reminds us that millions of people all over the planet turn to YouTube every day to experience new places through fresh eyes. We hope you’ll be inspired to share your own travels with the world at large.

Mark Day, Sales Development, recently watched “How to Treat a Sunburn.”

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Wanted: Travel Videos of American Journeys

The My Journey program is all about creating and sharing videos of your memorable American journeys. Some great videos have come in so far, but we want more! You've got one week left to submit a video about your favorite American spot or trip. (Entries are due October 25, 2009.) The YouTube community will then decide who earns a seven-day travel reporting assignment in San Francisco, as well as a feature on LonelyPlanet's website and YouTube channel. The winning videographer will also receive video equipment and advice from the Lonely Planet team on how to take his or her reporting skills to the next level.

You're always showing us the world through your eyes, and we can't wait to see your American journeys. Get inspired by the examples below, and enter your videos here.

My Journey is presented by The T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G.

Sadia Harper, YouTube Travel, recently watched "The Cheeseburger Show: Episode 11."

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Share Your American Journey, Win a Travel Assignment

Have you gone road tripping to find the world's best BBQ? Does your Aunt Mindy have an awesome collection of outdoor gnomes? Is there a must-see monument in your own backyard? Visit My Journey and share your memorable American journey in three minutes or less. Let the Lonely Planet team and the YouTube community decide whether you're worthy of a professional seven-day assignment in San Francisco, to be featured on LonelyPlanet's website and YouTube channel.



In addition to the trip, the winner filmmaker will receive video equipment and advice from the Lonely Planet team on how to take your reporting skills to the next level. You have until October 28 to submit your entry, and there are five contest categories covering everything from the great outdoors to big city life so you don't have to reach the Grand Canyon to make your mark. (Sorry, all entries must reflect American journeys and only American users can enter this contest.)

Need some inspiration to get started? Check out these sample videos that transport you to Los Angeles, Cape Cod and New Orleans. You're always showing us new ways to look at the world, and we can't wait to see your proudest American journeys. Enter your videos here. My Journey is presented by The T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G.

Sadia Harper, YouTube Travel, recently watched "NYC night Skate - My Journey Contest Video."

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