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Tuesday, April 29, 2014
CHEAP NORWAY FARES!!!
Monday, April 28, 2014
STA Travel helps make dreams a reality!
Check out the most recent ad from STA Travel (statravel.com)! They always have some good finds, but this one is...well DOWN UNDA', MATE! AND a legal way for you not only to get some discounted travel, but to make some cash money while you're there! What an experience! Get on it!
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Earn $17 to $28 an hour working for a high-end hotel, resort, or restaurant. Your job is arranged before you arrive in Australia and your flight is discounted when you sign up for a work experience package. | ||
 | Wait tables in Alice Springs You could land a job working as a food and beverage attendant in this thriving Northern Territory town. Get paid to work in the heart of Australia surrounded by the beautiful outback landscape. Discuss your options here » | |
 | Work for a trendy restaurant Calling all foodies! You could get the chance to work in some of the most beautiful and upscale resorts across Australia as a chef, cook, or kitchen staff member. Learn more here » | |
 | Be a barista in a Sydney coffeeshop Take your passion and love for this wonderful beverage and share your caffeinated creations with the beautiful people down under. Discover more here » | |
| Check out other jobs available around Australia! | |
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Bartend in a big city
You've got mixologist talent. Now use your passion for cocktails to snag a job as a bartender in the heart of Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth.
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Plan a major event
Spend your time in Australia completing an event management internship. You could get paid to plan major events such as banquets and receptions.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS: Customers must be eligible candidates from a visa subclass 417 or 462 country. Applies to new bookings only starting 04/21/2014. Must book and pay deposit by 05/31/2014. $500 discount on flight is valid for travel only through STA Travel from now through 12/31/2014. Discount is not transferrable or redeemable for cash value. Offers not combinable with other promotions. See Full Terms and Conditions at www.allianceabroad.com
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| © 2014 STA Travel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CST#1017560-40 750 State Highway 121, Suite 250; Lewisville, TX 75067
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Swing over the equator
Treehouse + swing? Sounds like my childhood dream home!
It exists in Ecuador, and it's ultra-special not because it is the fairytale desire of most children but because its swing floats out over a cliff volcano and the treehouse is a seismic check point (go figure). The path up the mountain provides incredible views, but none quite like what you'll get if you gather your courage and swing out over the edge!
Take a look! (Don't miss the last picture of the slideshow)
New York City...in 17 syllables
From the Haiku contest held by The New York Times, come a plethora of great poems from the inside-out and the outside-in. Sad, happy, melancholy, funny, and witty, but mostly just real.
Worth taking a look at how people from near and far see the Big Apple in just three short lines.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Buzzfeed Bucket VERSUS # x #
So, if you've enjoyed any of the fun games and fill-ins that I've posted, I'm sure you'll enjoy getting a score based on someone else's bucket list on Buzzfeed. I'm not knocking it. I tried it, too! I got an 84/120. Not bad, I guess, for comparing myself to someone else's idea of all of the things one should do it his or her life...
but I think the # x # list might attract all of your wanderlust folk a bit more than someone else's idea of what life is all about because...well, let's face it, your idea of what's "normal" and "acceptable" for you life just ISN'T actually the overall average. So, take the Buzzfeed Bucket, because lists and instant feedback are fun, I admit! but when you're done with that, read this...and get a 100% when you complete YOUR goals in life (except the catch is, you don't have til you kick the bucket, so you might want to read it now.
but I think the # x # list might attract all of your wanderlust folk a bit more than someone else's idea of what life is all about because...well, let's face it, your idea of what's "normal" and "acceptable" for you life just ISN'T actually the overall average. So, take the Buzzfeed Bucket, because lists and instant feedback are fun, I admit! but when you're done with that, read this...and get a 100% when you complete YOUR goals in life (except the catch is, you don't have til you kick the bucket, so you might want to read it now.
Tokyo in Reverse in Reverse
...no I did not stutter.
WOW...A man walks backwards through Tokyo...and then reverses the footage.
It's actually mind blowing.
The escalator reel gets my brain. The last clip makes me smile...such happiness!
Thanks, man walking backwards in Tokyo...you made me smile for nearly 10 minutes straight!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
From an Irish Friend...
...at the end of multiple weeks of European travel:
Sad that my trip around Central and Eastern Europe is coming to an end today. From the gelaterias of Rome to the thermal baths of Budapest. Just under 5 weeks, 8 countries, 18 destinations, 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pizza, sorbetti, Weiss beer, wiener schnitzel, goulash, bread dumplings (avoid!!), probably about 500km of walking, mostly on Achilles-rupturing cobblestones or up steps to one of the gazillion look-out tours, and importantly lots of banter. Europe is an immense continent. You don't have to move very far to hear a completely different language, see different architecture, experience wildly varying cultures and customs, eat different cuisine, and talk to completely different people. I used not appreciate having such a vast library of travel on our doorstep.
I do now.
Sad that my trip around Central and Eastern Europe is coming to an end today. From the gelaterias of Rome to the thermal baths of Budapest. Just under 5 weeks, 8 countries, 18 destinations, 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pizza, sorbetti, Weiss beer, wiener schnitzel, goulash, bread dumplings (avoid!!), probably about 500km of walking, mostly on Achilles-rupturing cobblestones or up steps to one of the gazillion look-out tours, and importantly lots of banter. Europe is an immense continent. You don't have to move very far to hear a completely different language, see different architecture, experience wildly varying cultures and customs, eat different cuisine, and talk to completely different people. I used not appreciate having such a vast library of travel on our doorstep.
I do now.
Couldn't have said it better! Thanks James S.!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
A Fun Quiz: Social Studies 101
You probably had to do something like this in high school...I know I did. You think you know the world...and maybe you do...how many nations can you name in 12 minutes? I wonder how well we'd do if we also had to point them out on the map?
This quiz opened my eyes to my lack of news sources and information on the African Continent (most of the names I pulled out of my head were parts of headlines or snippets I've heard on the radio). I think that means some change in my news-seeking habits is in order.
This quiz opened my eyes to my lack of news sources and information on the African Continent (most of the names I pulled out of my head were parts of headlines or snippets I've heard on the radio). I think that means some change in my news-seeking habits is in order.
My high school history and world studies teacher would be proud...I think. How do you score?!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Mongolia...a new tradition
A new hunter is on the horizon of falconing and it's not your typical birder.
13-year-old Ashol Pan is not different because of size or age, but because of gender; This falconer may be the first and only known female to be taught the skills known to only around 400 people in the world: the art of hunting with the companionship and natural prowess of a golden eagle. Weighing around fifteen pounds, female golden eagles are chosen from the nest to become the hunting partner of a falconer...or in this case, a falconress!
An incredible story from BBC, told mostly through photographs by Asher Svidensky, takes place in the Mongolian countryside with this bright and talented young girl as a centerpiece, as well as a testament to changing times.
13-year-old Ashol Pan is not different because of size or age, but because of gender; This falconer may be the first and only known female to be taught the skills known to only around 400 people in the world: the art of hunting with the companionship and natural prowess of a golden eagle. Weighing around fifteen pounds, female golden eagles are chosen from the nest to become the hunting partner of a falconer...or in this case, a falconress!
An incredible story from BBC, told mostly through photographs by Asher Svidensky, takes place in the Mongolian countryside with this bright and talented young girl as a centerpiece, as well as a testament to changing times.
Do not be afraid of the Unknown
We are often afraid of the Great Unknown...wondering "what if..." and "what happens when..." instead of just taking experiences head on without fear.
Obviously not everything should be taken head on...sharks, for example, might be something worth getting to know before approaching them
Ocean Ramsey knows sharks and she might avoid the head-on encounter and opt for the fin-ride instead. The world is wide and wondrous and full of new experiences and adventures if we only take the step to cast away our fears and choose learning over ignorance, by choosing experience over hearsay.
Obviously not everything should be taken head on...sharks, for example, might be something worth getting to know before approaching them
Ocean Ramsey knows sharks and she might avoid the head-on encounter and opt for the fin-ride instead. The world is wide and wondrous and full of new experiences and adventures if we only take the step to cast away our fears and choose learning over ignorance, by choosing experience over hearsay.
Do not be afraid of the unknown. Make it yours.
Through the Eyes of Others
I often find it entertaining and enlightening to hear about my own country through the eyes of outsiders. I am often one of the first to criticize it and the policies that the powers-that-be create, but I am also quick to defend it when outsiders start their own critiques. It's a strange dichotomy.
Anywho, here's a list of some things people from outside of the USA find different from their home country. Food for thought.
Here are some that I'VE heard:
I've definitely been told we are the loudest group, but also the friendliest. I'm not sure if this is relevant only for when we travel out of the US or if it includes when people visit here.
Recently, while abroad, someone told me that in the US we have an overwhelming amount of flags compared to other places...and then I realized it's totally true!
People are surprised at how inefficient (or non-existent) our bike lanes are.
I remember when studying Spanish in high school that one of our videos explained that many foreigners imagine that all Americans are cowboys and cowgirls, and are tall, blonde-haired and blue-eyed.
People were surprised at how many people of different races and cultures live in the US when they finally visited. This is probably from TV under-representing the variety of people that make up our population. People thought I exaggerated the percentage of different races until they could see for themselves!
A similar video from Europe showed that many Europeans thought that all Americans smoke cigarettes, a misconception that I am glad to say is not the case!
So many things are related to TV. Many people assume that all Americans are sex-addicts from all of our shows and movies, or that we have crazy cheating and scandalous stories like Maury and other similar garbage shows.
Foreigners are often surprised that we treat our pets like part of the family.
I have heard people exclaim that they didn't realize that the US had so much open space and countryside (not cities).
People generally don't understand just how huge the US is, because many of them come from countries the size of some of our states.
I often have friends ask if I'm ok when they've seen news about fires, earthquakes, or tornadoes...I find it difficult to explain that (most of the time) those things are usually about as far away as they are from where I live (and thank goodness for that)!
We have a holiday for everything. And we make up reasons just to have parties.
Our red solo cups intrigue people.
What kinds of things have you seen that are different or surprising about the US as a visitor? What kinds of things have you, as a resident or citizen, heard about our little oddities from visitors?
Anywho, here's a list of some things people from outside of the USA find different from their home country. Food for thought.
Here are some that I'VE heard:
I've definitely been told we are the loudest group, but also the friendliest. I'm not sure if this is relevant only for when we travel out of the US or if it includes when people visit here.
Recently, while abroad, someone told me that in the US we have an overwhelming amount of flags compared to other places...and then I realized it's totally true!
People are surprised at how inefficient (or non-existent) our bike lanes are.
I remember when studying Spanish in high school that one of our videos explained that many foreigners imagine that all Americans are cowboys and cowgirls, and are tall, blonde-haired and blue-eyed.
People were surprised at how many people of different races and cultures live in the US when they finally visited. This is probably from TV under-representing the variety of people that make up our population. People thought I exaggerated the percentage of different races until they could see for themselves!
A similar video from Europe showed that many Europeans thought that all Americans smoke cigarettes, a misconception that I am glad to say is not the case!
So many things are related to TV. Many people assume that all Americans are sex-addicts from all of our shows and movies, or that we have crazy cheating and scandalous stories like Maury and other similar garbage shows.
Foreigners are often surprised that we treat our pets like part of the family.
I have heard people exclaim that they didn't realize that the US had so much open space and countryside (not cities).
People generally don't understand just how huge the US is, because many of them come from countries the size of some of our states.
I often have friends ask if I'm ok when they've seen news about fires, earthquakes, or tornadoes...I find it difficult to explain that (most of the time) those things are usually about as far away as they are from where I live (and thank goodness for that)!
We have a holiday for everything. And we make up reasons just to have parties.
Our red solo cups intrigue people.
What kinds of things have you seen that are different or surprising about the US as a visitor? What kinds of things have you, as a resident or citizen, heard about our little oddities from visitors?
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Things You Learn When You Travel
How to read a map.
How to use every transportation type known to mankind.
It's not about the money.
There will always be differences in opinion. You know what's more important than opinions? People.
The world speaks English on the average,
but it's so much better that we have so many different languages!
The world is a symphony of language and cultures.
We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
There are functioning medical systems.
There are dysfunctional governments.
People and their governments are not interchangeable (you recognize this and do not generalize an entire nation by the few who govern them).
The pictures never do justice to the experiences.
Your home isn't perfect.
There is no such thing as perfect.
...except moments; You learn to see, to recognize, to bask in, and to cherish the perfect moments.
You can never be "normal" again.
Every day is a brand new experience.
Travel can happen in your own backyard.
Sometimes there is nothing more you can say than, "You had to be there."
You can sleep when you're dead.
Stay out later than is usually reasonable...that's when the crazy stories come to pass.
There is more to life than work.
What makes you comfortable.
What makes you UNcomfortable.
What scares you.
That not everything is as scary as it seemed from afar.
There are people out there who dream as big as you do.
There are people around the world who want peace.
There are people who have "nothing," that actually have "everything."
That a simple life is better than a million "things."
Judgement says nothing of others and everything about you.
Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it pours. Sometimes it's sweltering hot or polar vortex frigid.
But it's always a good time.
People are doing their best.
People want to be helpful.
We are not the same, and that is what makes us each so beautiful.
We are all the same, and that is what makes us all so powerful.
Who you are.
What you want.
What love really is.
You can be in a foreign place in a few minutes or hours.
You can be heartbroken to be so far away from it in an equal amount of time.
You can go back.
It's worth it to chase whatever is around the next corner.
It's worth it to see the touristy things.
It's worth it to go off the beaten path.
It's worth it.
One week is never enough.
One lifetime is never enough.
There is always more to see.
Take every opportunity you get.
Treat everyone like the human being that he or she is.
Be humble.
Be willing to learn.
Be willing to change.
Be willing to grow.
Be willing to travel.
You will be an eternal student and your outlook will be that of a child: ever hopeful, ever happy, ever kind, ever non-judgemental, ever excited, ever joyful, ever yourself in your purest form.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Working and Traveling
So you've always wanted to travel but you had a million excuses, and your number one was
"I can't afford to miss work and not have the income."
I met a girl named Sarah once upon a time in Costa Rica. I've followed her on Facebook since, where I've tracked her through nearly every continent and a plethora of countries. I asked her one day how she does it. How does she find jobs that allow her to keep moving between places and that don't leave her stuck without money or the ability to move on. She said she often works on ships. She has the experience, and they're going somewhere she wants to go, and they'll hire her and it works well for both. What if there were a place where someone like Sarah could plan ahead...knowing the skill she has that people want, and she could time it to coincide with her arrival from the previous trip?
What if you could use some of your skills wherever you went, when you wanted? What if there were a site that allowed you to search ahead of time for places you could work and have it already planned into your traveling plans so you could pay for your trips AND get that amazing experience?
Well...dream no more. It's happening. There's a new site that was created to mimic AirBnB's calendar of availability and match it with peoples' needs and travel itineraries. It's called AVBL, and it's at AVBL.com.
The company and site are just getting started, but they are already taking steps to verify users to make sure they are legit as well as beginning to gain some steam in the media.
Will this alter the way you travel? The way you work?
Check out an article that includes an interview with the starter of the company
and why he sees it being valuable (and the way of the future)!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
World's Happiest Countries...
People have probably thought I was biased for years, until recently, when Costa Rica grabbed the title of #1 happiest nation on the planet Earth multiple years running, and 2014 is no different! Coming in at number one on the Travel Channel's list once again, is Costa Rica, Central America. With a little bit of everything for everyone, it makes it not only a fruitful place to live (literally!) but also an epic place to adventure to, as well!
Check out the list! I've been two 4 of the top 10...how many have you been to?
Want to know more about Costa Rica?
Check out:
&
You can also see posts about my recent trip to Norway
(#2 on the list):
Friday, April 4, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The basics of air travel booking on a budget!
You want the basics on buying tickets to travel by air? Here they are.
I call them basic because they are the bare bones. But if you don't know 'em, you're lost in the world of high prices or one-in-a-million stumble-upons, because it's unlikely you'll develop a science better than the basic rules.
What is your favorite trick or tip for booking air travel? What's your favorite site? Alternately, what's your LEAST favorite site? Why? What would your ultimate airline booking experience be? What would make it great?
I call them basic because they are the bare bones. But if you don't know 'em, you're lost in the world of high prices or one-in-a-million stumble-upons, because it's unlikely you'll develop a science better than the basic rules.
What is your favorite trick or tip for booking air travel? What's your favorite site? Alternately, what's your LEAST favorite site? Why? What would your ultimate airline booking experience be? What would make it great?
Share your experience in the comments section!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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