This past March, Booking.com, an online e-commerce platform that connects travelers with accommodations all over the world, launched a contest to find its first Chief Booking Officer or CBO.

"I use Booking.com for my travel plans and, one day, I saw a rogue email about this contest come through when I was booking a trip," recalls Cameron Phillips, a 23 year-old gay social media influencer. "When it popped up I thought, 'I should apply for this.' So I threw down three sentences about my passion for travel and sent it in." As did the other 9,000 other applicants who had the same idea.

After several audition rounds, Phillips, an avid Instagrammer with more than 20,000 followers, beat out the competition to be chosen as the e-commerce company's first CBO.

The reward for landing this plum gig? Phillips gets to spend up to $50,000 and 50 days traveling to as many of the site's unique "Book the U.S." list. properties.

For just shy of two months, Phillips (with his boyfriend in tow) will first head across the Midwest before venturing down the West Coast before finally ending the trip on the East Coast. His cross-country journey began on July 16 with a stay at The Villa Casa Casuarina, inside the former Versace mansion on South Beach. The couple will spend two to three days exploring attractions and soaking in the local culture for each part of the trip.

"Here, our activities relate to themes of magic and LGBT inclusivity," Phillips tells NewNowNext from Miami Beach. "We've already visited the Erotic Museum, which has definitely been an interesting experience." The World Erotic Art Museum is home to a massive international private collection of erotic art. "It is a place you are able to talk about things in an open way. It's very liberating."

As for some of the places Phillips most looks forward to seeing?

In Utah, the pair will stay at Under Canvas at Zion, located on 196 acres that borders Zion National Park.

"It's a lot like glamping," explains Phillips. "And Zion is one of the most amazing places in the world. When you're there, it almost feels spiritual."

"I'm staying at the Borealis Basecamp in Alaska," adds Phillips. "I've seen photos of similar properties—there's a glass dome over the bed for watching the northern lights—and I've always wanted to say in a place like this."

Fans can follow Phillips on his travels by visiting phenomenaltraveler.com.