Geocaching – The New High-Tech Travel Treasure Hunt

Here at Offbeat Guides we are known for the “Best Online Travel Guides” but did you know we also bring you news on Travel Trends? Welcome to the 21st century’s version of a treasure seeking expedition—a worldwide scavenger hunt with a technological twist—called “Geocaching” (pronounced “geo-cashing”).

The movie “Splinterheads”—to be released in November 2009—has a teaser that describes “Geocaching” watch it here:

The word “Geocaching” is perfect for this global pastime that takes outdoor travel and adventure into a very modern direction, since “geo” means earth, and the definition of “cache” is a hiding place for treasure as well as a technological computer term.

How Does Geoaching Work?

The ancient treasure map as a navigational tool is replaced with a GPS (Global Positioning System)—and instead of voyaging by ship, people travel worldwide by foot—and shipmates, fellow pirates, and treasure-seekers are now called “Geocachers,” while the treasure chest is now “Geocache” and the “booty” is now called “swag.”

Equipped with GPS devices and a mission, geocachers of all ages from families with young children to adults ready for a rugged adventure play this adventurous treasure-hunting game by hiking throughout the world.

How Far Does Geocaching Go?

This avant-garde travel sport began several years ago and seemed merely a fad, but it is most definitely now a growing trend with trekking accessories which include different types of GPS devices, special tools, geocaching gear, and even websites devoted to geocaching gifts for the geocachers’ wish list.

Because this recreational travel sport has become so popular you can even find tips for responsible Geocaching to help preserve our planet, such as those that Tread Lightly has. And there are numerous Geocaching associations and clubs throughout the United States and other countries from Poland to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

A New-Fashioned Extreme Game of Hide-and-Go-Seek

Geocachers can hide cache anywhere in the world. Then they post the longitude and latitude coordinates of the cache location which they rate for difficulty, on websites such as Geocaching.

Then other geocachers can look-up the coordinates on a website. In order to hunt for the secret treasure they enter those coordinates in a GPS to pinpoint the exact geographical location of the cache, and then traverse to seek the treasure.

Once they find the treasure, they share online their victory and experiences of their journey with other geocache enthusiasts.

There are many Geocache variations such as the “Traditional Cache” which is the original cache type consisting of (at a bare minimum) a container and a log book, to “Mystery or Puzzle Caches” where you must solve a difficult puzzle to determine the coordinates before setting out to discover the cache.

The next time you feel a bout of wanderlust try Geocaching, just make sure to hang a sign on your door that reads “Gone Geocaching!”

Geocaching and the Goods

Geocaching brings you many cache-hunt helpers and has created a great Geocache iPhone Application.

Geocache Journal for geocache news and how-to’s.

Get Out Geocaching Check-out their fun blog and recommendations for swag.

Caching Now is an online magazine with ideas for family geocaching.

PodCacher is a site with weekly podcasts on Geocashing.

Geocaching Online has Geocaching information such as events and other valuable links, including a comprehensive directory of Geocaching Resources.

Caching Box offers a very good selection of Geocaching tools such as unique cache containers (even custom cache containers like Fruit Cache Containers), educational kits, Geocoins, cache lights, and other accessories.

[photos by Myki Roventine, respres, heartbeaz, and krossbow via Flickr]

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Tags: cache, geocaching, GPS, Splinterheads, swag, Tread Lightly, treasure hunt