Rosie Brooks has travelled the world for free as a competition winner and enjoyed some unexpected adventures. She shares the thrill of getting something for nothing
‘Ready set, go!’ Standing on the deck of the brand new cruise ship, I pressed the large red button as instructed. A bottle of Champagne attached to a pulley swung into the side of the boat, smashing triumphantly. Claps and cheers followed, as well as sighs of relief – it’s unlucky if the bottle doesn’t break.
As I watched the spray fade over the glistening surface of the Danube, I was struck by how bizarre and wonderful this moment was; it only happened because I entered a competition to launch travel company TUI’s new river cruise ships. The two winners would not only launch the ships, they’d also be taken on cruises in order to ‘test’ all of the excursions. As a professional illustrator, I set about completing the application form by drawing illustrations of all the adventures I would have if I won. It must have stood out, as I am now officially a very proud nautical godmother – not something everyone can say!
Ever since I can remember, I have loved entering competitions. I can clearly remember the very first one I won as a child: a Blue Peter poster competition at school. The theme was the Tower of London, and the posters were displayed all over the underground network, which was such a thrill. From then on, I was hooked – and now, aged 42, I still have my Blue Peter badge!
Competition entering – or ‘comping’ as it’s often called online – is a positive pastime for me. It’s relaxing, great for winding down from work and is a good antidote to the draining effect of endlessly scrolling social media. I never enter anything that costs money, so the only energy being used is time. For me, comping is a hobby – like sudokus, Wordle or crosswords are for other people, but with that tiny possibility of a phone call or email to say I’ve won something great.
HONEYMOON WITH A DIFFERENCE
There are countless weekly and monthly competitions for restaurant and theatre vouchers. A few years ago, I even won an electric bike. However, the holiday competitions are undoubtedly my favourite. In the past 15 years, I have won trips to Cuba, Toronto, Berlin, New York and Abu Dhabi. The benefit of being freelance means I am able to take up holidays and prizes at short notice. As long as I have my laptop, I can stay on top of my illustration business.
One of the most amazing holidays I’ve won was a two-week luxury trip to Brazil, including a stay in a five-star hotel on Copacabana Beach and a helicopter ride around the Christ the Redeemer statue. I had always wanted to visit South America, but being freelance and doing all I coul
