Enter to win the chance to live in IHG hotels around the world for an entire year

After more than a year of hardly any travel to speak of, the world is opening up once again, with news coming in seemingly every day that yet another country is reopening its borders to international travelers.

There's a new optimism in the air, with people everywhere remembering what it's like to experience the thrill of traveling to a new place and taking in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a different country.

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If you're ready to get back out into the world -- and want to do so in a big way -- look no further than this new contest launched by IHG Hotels and Resorts.

The chain has created a new program, called the Department of Epic, "which will help guests bring their travel dreams to life," according to an IHG press release.

The newly formed Department of Epic is offering one lucky traveler the opportunity to live in IHG properties around the world for an entire year. You read that right. The winner will be able to ditch their permanent residence for a year while traveling around the world and spending 365 nights at different IHG brands, which include options such as the InterContinental, Six Senses, Kimpton and Holiday Inn.

It's not just free accommodations, either. The contest winner will receive numerous perks during their year of hotel living, including a complimentary snack basket upon check-in at each property; one included on-site meal per month; the option to replace their home mattress with their favorite they encountered at the hotels; access to a private car at select properties; a free Kimpton robe to take back home at the end of the year; automatic Spire Elite status; and access to a personal booking concierge.

They'll be entitled to "Epic Extras," too, like a pair of plush slippers or a surprise upgrade to a penthouse suite.

If this sounds like exactly what you need, you can enter the content beginning now through July 20. The instructions for entrants are simple: "Tell IHG why they need a vacation -- without telling IHG they need an epic vacation." Post your submissions to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #IHGTellMeContest and be sure to tag @ihghotels in your post.

And for those who simply can't wait to get back in the vacation mindset can tune into the Clubhouse app any time today through midnight Eastern Time to join IHG as it broadcasts a "hotel audio soundscape that will take listeners through a virtual journey of a hotel experience." You'll get to hear all the familiar sounds of a hotel stay, like the hushed chatter of a lobby, splashing in the pool and music from the bar as you enjoy a drink before retiring for the evening.

The lucky winner of this once-in-a-lifetime contest will be announced Aug. 2, and you can find the full terms and conditions of the contest here.