Travel Guard® North America to Decide World's Unluckiest Traveler® in December

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Guard® North America (www.TravelGuard.com) has named the last finalist in its year-long search for the "World's Unluckiest Traveler." The title of World's Unluckiest Traveler, and a $10,000 vacation, will be granted to the finalist who can collect the most final votes through December 31, 2010. Stories and photo galleries can be found at www.TravelGuard.com.

Among the 11 finalists is "Cliffhanger," a doctor's tale of a medical mission to Saigon. When nature called, the doctor's answer came with a 30-foot fall and two broken legs. "Tippy Canoe" tells the story of two student travelers storm-tossed at sea in an overcrowded open catamaran. The ensuing downpour made matters worse – and then the food sickness began.  "24 Hour Honeymoon" details every couple's newlywed nightmare. Rife with mechanical trouble, flight delays and lost luggage, these unlucky newlyweds were left with only 24 hours to enjoy their first vacation as husband and wife.

More than 800 travel mishaps were submitted for consideration. One finalist per month since January has been chosen by nationwide popular vote. Throughout December, the 11 finalists will compete against one another through email, Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to collect votes in support of their stories and to make the case for their credentials as the first-ever "World's Unluckiest Traveler." A randomly selected voter will also walk away with a $10,000 dream vacation. Voting is open to the public through www.TravelGuard.com.

For information on the search for the World's Unluckiest Traveler, please visit www.worldsunluckiesttraveler.com or call 1.800.826.1300. Travelers seeking more information about travel insurance and assistance plans through Travel Guard can contact their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com or call 1.800.826.1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas.  Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks.  Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allow clients to receive best-in-class care.  Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels.  The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc.  For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

The Travel Guard "World's Unluckiest Traveler" Promotion ends 11/30/10 at 12:00:00 a.m. EST.  Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. (except PR and all other U.S. territories) and D.C., who are 21 years of age and older, and residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) over the age of majority in their province/territory, at the time of entry.  The Promotion consists of a Video/Photo Contest ("Contest") and a Voter Sweepstakes ("Sweepstakes") Component.  To Enter the Contest:  Beginning 12/1/09 at 9:00 a.m. EST and ending 10/31/10 at 11:59:59 p.m. EST go to TravelGuard.com/unluckiest and submit either a video or a photo along with a story describing your submission (no longer than 200 words), about your worst travel calamity, along with the required information.  Contest Entries must be submitted by the Submission Period End Date in order to be eligible for that particular Monthly Contest.  Only Finalists are eligible for the Grand Prize Contest.  Limit 1 Unique Contest Entry per person/household per day.  To Enter the Sweepstakes:  During the voting period for each Monthly Contest go to TravelGuard.com/unluckiest, and vote for one of the eligible Contest Entries and enter the required information.  Sweepstakes begins 01/01/10 and ends 12/31/10.  You will receive 1 entry into the Sweepstakes for that particular Monthly Contest for your Vote.  Limit 1 Vote/Entry per person/e-mail address per day.  Non-winning Votes will not be rolled over into the next Month's drawing.  Void in PR, all other U.S. territories, Quebec and where prohibited by law.  Subject to full official rules available at TravelGuard.com/unluckiest.  If you want to be removed from our sweepstakes/contest mailing list, contact us at 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI  54482.

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Travel Guard's sponsorship of the World's Unluckiest Traveler Contest is not intended to represent in any respect that Travel Guard's insurance plans cover any of the events depicted in any single entry. For full and complete insurance coverage details, please contact Travel Guard directly.

SOURCE Travel Guard