The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching "Easter Egg" Travel Bug

Congratulations on finding this virtual Travel Bug within the pages of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, 3rd Edition.  Normally, you should only log a Travel Bug if you actually find the tagged item "out in the world".  However, we have received special permission from Groundspeak to include this virtual Travel Bug as a sort of "easter egg" hidden within the pages of the book.  Feel free to write your own "Discovered" log on this page to let us know you found it and how you are enjoying the book so far. Thank you for taking the time to read the book and we applaud you for being inquisitive enough to discover this little hidden treasure. 

We will see you on the trail...

 - Monkeybrad and MissJenn

Groundspeak Travel Bugs

What is a Groundspeak Travel Bug?

Simply put, a Groundspeak Travel Bug is a trackable tag that you attach to an item. This allows you to track your item on Geocaching.com. The item becomes a hitchhiker that is carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world and you can follow its progress online.

What does a Travel Bug do?

It's really up to the owner of the bug to give it whatever task they desire. Or no task at all. The fun of a Travel Bug is inventing new goals for the Travel Bug to achieve. One Bug's goal may be to reach a specific country, or travel to 10 countries.

How does a Travel Bug work?

Each Travel Bug has its own unique tracking number stamped on it. This tracking number is used as proof by the user that they found the item. It also doubles as a way for the user to locate the personal web page for the Travel Bug. Travel Bug Trackables are tracked with the help of users who go online and 'grab' them from caches, or receive them from users. The idea is by picking up and dropping off Travel Bug Trackables on the web site you are mirroring the Bug's real world adventures. Each Travel Bug has its own 'diary' that follows its movements.

What do I do if I find a Travel Bug?

Don't panic! You have already made the first step by visiting this web site, where you can log that you found it. We have a how-to page that explains in more detail how to pick up and drop off Travel Bug Trackables.

Is there any Travel Bug etiquette?

Use the Golden Rule when you find a Travel Bug. Most owners would rather see their Travel Bug do a lot of travelling, so try not to hold on to a Travel Bug for too long. If you plan on holding onto the bug for more than 2 weeks, make sure to send a courtesy email to the owner letting them know.

How do I get a Travel Bug?

US Orders
Visit Shop Geocaching to purchase Travel Bug Trackables for $4.99 each with discounts for 4 or more.

International Orders
Unfortunately, we do not ship directly to customers outside the United States. We do, however, have a growing list of partners outside the US who would be happy to take your order. Visit our most current list of partners on the Shop Geocaching web site.