Skip to main content

Belize Announces World’s First Nationwide Hide-and-Seek Competition

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.

Hide And Seek

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.

Belize Blue Hole Reef
Aerial of the Blue Hole, Lighthouse reef, Belize Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
There’s a reason this travel spot is known as the Maldives of Mexico
An affordable alternative to the Maldives
Color graded picture of a pier with clouds and blue water at the Laguna Bacalar, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Picture pristine turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see, surrounded by lush greenery and white sandy beaches. This luxurious scene isn’t just a dream reserved for far-off destinations like the Maldives. Situated in the southeastern corner of Mexico lies a hidden gem that rivals the beauty of its distant Asian counterpart: Bacalar. 

Bacalar, often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico,” is a gorgeous destination renowned for the Bacalar Lagoon, otherwise known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” Bacalar, Mexico’s crystal clear waters, resemble the famous hues of the Indian Ocean surrounding the Maldives. But what sets Bacalar apart isn’t just its striking resemblance to the Maldives—it’s the accessibility, affordability, and unique experiences it offers travelers without the lengthy journey. So pack your bags and head to Mexico.
Where is Bacalar, Mexico?

Read more
The most popular Grand Canyon trail reopens this week
Your favorite Grand Canyon trail is back in action
grand canyon national park bright angel trail view bright angel lodge

The Grand Canyon National Park has announced the much-anticipated reopening of Havasupai Gardens Campground, Bright Angel Trail, and Tonto Trail, set for April 15, 2024. This marks a celebratory moment for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, as one of the most renowned trails in the park becomes accessible once again after a temporary closure.

These closures began way back in December 2023 due to the Transcanyon Waterline project at the Grand Canyon National Park. This project involved extensive construction activities aimed at upgrading and replacing the water distribution lines in the park. The work included the replacement of water distribution lines throughout the Havasupai Gardens area and at the 1.5 and 3-mile rest houses, located along the Bright Angel Trail.

Read more
The best hotels in NYC for a spring or summer stay
Off to NYC? Here's where to stay
Waldorf Astoria NYC.

Travel season is upon us, but with a metropolis like New York City, the logistics can be daunting. The Big Apple is home to some 700 hotels alone. So, where does one stay in NYC for the ultimate stay?

The best NYC hotels excel in a few important departments. They are ideally situated and offer unmatched amenities. They tend to involve cool architecture and aesthetics, ranging from iconic and bold to chic and new. And they often have great in-house bonuses, like stellar bars and restaurants.

Read more