Travel Addicts | Brazen Careerist

Hello Everyone,

Could someone tell me how long the webcast tomorrow will last? I live in Seoul and there's a huge time difference.

Thank you in advance.

Felicia S.

Tue, 02/09/2010 - 7:34am

Trying to plan my next trip, and looking at a working holiday in either Australia/NZ or Costa Rica. I stand a better chance of getting a job teaching English in San Jose (have a connection through a friend) but I have ALWAYS wanted to spend time in Australia for a bit. Would be interested in hearing about either place, as I've still got plenty of time to decide!

Brittany Thompson

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 7:18pm

I've visited all three and lived in Australia for a short stint. My recommendation, get a work holiday visa in Australia. Australia is HUGE and it takes time to explore. Costa Rica by comparison is easier to navigate on a 2 week vacation though it does have the added benefit of being a Spanish speaking country. If you have more questions about living and working in Australia or traveling in NZ and Costa Rica I'd be happy to answer them. Happy trails!

Corinne Theile

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 8:16pm

Wow, thanks for the quick reply! So glad to hear from someone who's been to all three places :) I do know a travel agent in Costa Rica so thinking about vacationing in San Jose first before making a decision. Do a lot of the locals speak English there? I have tons of Australia/NZ questions so I might message you offline with some of those, if that's ok :)

Brittany Thompson

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 8:27pm

In my experience, like many Latin American countries, Costa Rica has a huge divide among the classes. The 'upper class' are usually well educated and fluent in English but the majority of the population only speaks Spanish. They didn't seam to mind my broken Spanish often correcting me and offering help which is pretty awesome if you are trying to work on your Spanish. Please feel free to reach out with all your other questions.

Corinne Theile

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 8:40pm

Hey everybody! This Wednesday, 9PM EST, Penelope Trunk and I are hosting a webcast for travel lovers who want to create a Location-Independent career.

You'll learn how to: make a seamless transition from your desk job, build and maintain a network to keep making money and leverage social media to make it all possible.

Click on the link below to register:

http://bit.ly/c83Cee

Spread the word to fellow travel enthusiasts and Location Independents on Twitter, Facebook, blogs and beyond!

Ryan Paugh

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 12:15pm

hoping to be there if I get done with my 7pm meeting in time! This is a HUGE interest for me!

Brittany Thompson

Mon, 02/08/2010 - 7:12pm

Hello, Ryan
I would like to know if the webcast will last one or two hours.
There's a considerable time difference from Seoul.

Thank you,
Felicia S.

Felicia S.

Tue, 02/09/2010 - 7:01am

I note that people have been burned with "DIY" online travel reservations. How much money is a person willing to spend to save the money they would use getting the advice of professional travel consultants? Is it worth hundreds, thousands, to risk buying on the net? Personally I think not.
When I spend my money I want professional help! I would not dream of traveling without full insurance coverage! Traveling internationally is not simple, it requires professionals to make travel arrangements.

JESS Kalinowsky

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 12:20pm

I suppose it matters on how long you're traveling and what sort of services that you are working with. I've always found the best deals booking for myself when traveling, and if I ever needed hotel reservations I use Priceline.Com.

Emily Moore

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 12:50pm

While I respect the hard work that TA's do, I've always booked all of my trips myself. It's relatively easy to find info on questionable hotels (via tripadvisor.com for one) and I like using online agents like www.gotoday.com for package deals. I agree with Emily re: Priceline. I've even written a primer on how to use it: http://aviewtoathrill.net/2008/12/29/a-step-by-step-primer-on-how-to-bid...

Renee King

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 1:34pm

During 2009, I lived in two different countries, three different states, and loved it! The longest stay was teaching English in Korea for eight weeks, and I've really considered going back once I graduate.

Emily Moore

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 9:13pm

Actually, I've considered teaching English as a way to get a job overseas, even if only short term. Was there a particular program you used or did you go through your school? And how much money did you have saved up before you embarked on your journey? :)

Brittany Thompson

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 10:53pm

Teaching English is excellent for getting int'l experience when you don't have a lot of experience (or money!) The program I used was through school, but I ran into foreigns over there from everywhere (Canada and the UK in particular). It's not far to find programs that will train you and find you some great jobs. I'd recommend searching some blogs and see what other people did that got them into their positions.

Emily Moore

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 11:42pm

Thanks for the quick reply! Did you attend school while you were over there as well, or just teach/work (and network)?

Brittany Thompson

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 11:56pm

:) I'm online now.. we've been snowed in, so I've got a lot of pent up energy. This was the summer that I was in between my sophomore and junior year (I'll be starting my senior year next fall). However, studying internationally is a great idea and I really recommend it. I believe that there are several international universities overseas that you can find T.A. positions at.

Emily Moore

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 11:59pm

lol we've been getting a lot of snow here as well... though not snowed in (at least not since January). Anyway, last question of the night.. how much money would you recommend saving up prior to a trip like that? I've been hearing $3-$4K is a good range. Would you agree?

Brittany Thompson

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 12:47am

It depends on the program that you go on. I could have been smarter and made money. But initially a ticket is somewhere from $1,200 - $2000, and living expenses are generally pretty cheap. $3k-4k is a good starting point, but you'll never hurt yourself by saving more.

Emily Moore

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 12:56am

Studied Abroad in Spain back in 2006. It was the most memorable experience of my life. Four years later, and I'd be lying if I said I don't think about the experience often! The people, the culture, the food; it all was completely amazing.

Ryan DeSort

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 10:52pm

No kidding. Study abroad is a fantastic experience for anyone. The things that you are exposed to and have to deal with, excellent preparation for real life. I too studied abroad back in 2003 in Japan and the experience was phenomenal.

Michael Wessel

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 10:55pm

Ryan, 2 years ago I kept daydreaming about my study abroad experience in May 2005. Then 2 years ago, after a particularly draining day at the office, I decided if I don't go see the world now, when will I? At 65? That was too long to wait. So I decided to go to New Zealand for 9 months on a working holiday visa. The first step is the hardest, but it gets much easier as you go.

Wanda Victores

Wed, 02/03/2010 - 4:45pm

Hey thanks to everyone who posted their stories about studying abroad! I'm currently trying to decide between that or getting a job teaching English overseas. Money is a main factor, but I also want to make sure that I'm going through a reliable placement company or school. Any suggestions?

Brittany Thompson

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 10:55pm

Michael - did you know any Japanese or have experience about that culture before you studied abroad there? And Wanda, I've specifically been looking at Australia but also considering NZ. Any suggestions for someone who might be interested in getting a working holiday visa over there?

Brittany Thompson

Sat, 02/06/2010 - 10:57pm

I work for the National Outdoor Leadership School, and we just launched a podcast on wilderness education and leadership. The latest episodes focus on getting a career in outdoor education. http://www.youtube.com/user/nols1965#p/c/9659EC4E6CB94F32/1/medKmpAK23E

William Roth

Tue, 01/19/2010 - 1:17pm

I'm looking to find work in the outdoor industry, possibly start a new guiding business in my area (Bend, OR) and am extremely daunted by the prospect of starting from scratch and getting away from what I really love and why I'm entertaining the idea in the first place, living and working in the wilderness. Are there any people in a similar place in the outdoor industry? I'm hesitant to put too much into a suffering economy when I would be providing a luxury service...

Renee Patrick

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 5:13pm

That sounds like a pretty amazing idea and I can't think of a better place to start. I used to live in Bend and it's certainly a very outdoorsy town! Minutes away from great hiking trails, the mountain, Deschutes.. With the right research and marketing I'm sure it could be a success.

Floreta Cui

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 5:19pm

When starting a new business, be sure to do serious research that what you want to do is needed. Check with the SBA to see if you can get a loan and not use your own money. Good Luck.

JESS Kalinowsky

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 8:06pm

Maybe you could start out with AmeriCorps. They do a lot of work restoring parks and trails out in your neck of the woods. Granted it's a little bit different than becoming a wilderness guide, but at least it's a move in the right direction.

Ryan Paugh

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 8:52pm

Thanks for the input. I've already done the Americorps thing building trail in Colorado, am a guide for another company have have about 7,000 backpacking miles under my belt. It seems to me a business is the next logical step, just very hesitant/scared about going on my own right now! I think approaching SBA is a great next step...

Renee Patrick

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 8:56pm

Have you thought about doing this as a side business on the weekends to test the waters before you dive in completely? That's the beauty of this business, is that most people who take advantage of these services do so on the weekend. Also, have you thought about partnering with an existing guiding business and perhaps add a new service or new trips?

Jessica

Fri, 01/15/2010 - 8:43am

I'm headed to Torres del Paine park in Chilean Patagonia for a short trekking trip at the end of the month, and am pretty excited. Any tips?

Claire Veuthey

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 8:34pm

Claire, I am extremely jelous! I have gone several times and feel a spiritual connection to the place. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world. Are you going with an outfitter of some kind? The first time I went was on my own. I had a tent and did the long circuit, not the W. It took me a bit longer than I thought and I ran out of food. Make sure you are well prepared if you are planning to hike it alone.

Ed Barrientos

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 9:04pm

There is also a very cool company that has eco domes in the park. I stayed with them in 2006. I cannot recall their name, but they focus on providing an eco friendly experience. Not as eco unfriendly as a hotel, but not as raw as a tent. Have a blast!

Ed Barrientos

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 9:06pm

Great endorsement, Ed! I'm going with my parents so we're staying in a hotel- though I wish I'd known about the eco-friendly gig beforehand. We're only doing part of the W; it's a short trip.
I visited the Argentinean side when I was really young (read: 5 years old), so I don't remember much.. It's going to have to go on the very long list of 'places to go back to.'

What's your next destination? I may be moving to Manila for work- excited about travel opportunities in that region, too.

Claire Veuthey

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 9:18pm

I really miss Patagonia. I am looking to return in the next 18 months or so. I also like the Argentinian side. There is a very cool little hippie colony of a town called El Bolson. I look forward to returning there again too. I have never been to the Philippines, but am very curious about it.

Ed Barrientos

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 11:38am

Indonesia is a fascinating country with dramatic landscapes, volcanoes, sandy beaches, coral gardens, over 300 different ethnic groups and bustling, frenetic cities with sultry nightlife.

How do I know?

I went there 10 years ago and still haven't come back!

tempo dulu

Wed, 01/06/2010 - 1:08am

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