Perhaps we should rename 2009 from the "year of the stay/nay/yaycation" to the "year of the ridiculous travel trip contests meant to utilize the hell out of social media and get free press." We've had the "Best Job in the World" Australian gig, which kicked off this craze; the Murphy-Goode drink-some-wine contest; and even Orlando jumped in the mix with the theme-parked "67 Days of Smiles" gig. A little late to the game, and with a rather vague "prize," The Big Trip is trying to cash in on this latest PR stunt of sending people places and getting them to write about it. Run by the "Couture Abro Group," The Big Trip's mission is set to "increase tourism awareness in The United States and establish The Couture Abro Group LLC as a leader in the travel marketing industry."

So far, this means that they're not really sure what happens when you win. In their own words: If chosen from the group of finalists, your trip will begin in the spring of 2010.

You will spend 15 weeks traveling around The United States in style. You will see the country by land, air and sea. The detailed 15 week itinerary is still being worked out, but we will give you glimpse of what to expect ...

Some of the glimpses include stops in Times Square, driving a Ferrari on the Las Vegas strip, skydiving in the Red Rock Mountains of the Western Deserts and scuba diving in the Florida Keys. Though nothing is confirmed, this trip seems like it will be packed with events and experiences, but my guess is that it will also be harried -- and since you'll be all over the country, I would expect to be knocking back a few Red Bulls in order to participate, videoblog, and also write about it daily. This will not be a six-month-kick-back on the beach gig. The prize, beyond the trip (TBD) is a cool $50,000. Check out the requirements and the application questions.