Travel Jobs Around the World: Skydiver

Travel Job

Skydiver

The Job Description

A skydiver is (obviously) someone who works with the sport of skydiving, whether as an instructor, a coach, a parachute packer or a photographer!

Originally I was going to do this article only on the instructor position, but I decided that I wanted to feature a few other jobs for those who aren’t necessarily interested in making a full-blown career out of skydiving!

There are other job opportunities available for skydiving-enthusiasts, that involve less licensing and less of a commitment.

So, let’s go over a few of the potential positions that are out there:

A skydiving instructor is that thrill-seeking, adrenaline junkie who jumps out of planes for a living…and teaches others to do the same!   Their job is to take their students 2 and half miles into the sky, and free fall through the clouds at 100+ mph- sometimes up to 10-12 times per day!

This job is actually not as reckless as the description makes it sounds; in fact, this role, as with all skydiving employee roles, is all about safety. Before all of the jumping and flying can happen, the skydiving instructor thoroughly educates their students on landing procedures, body positing and other safety instructions.

Once proper training has been completed and the equipment has been checked on the ground, the instructor and the students will take-off into the clouds, and make the jump. Instructors may go with a student, in what is called a tandem jump- during which the instructor and student are attached and the instructor is in control of the jump; OR, the instructor may act as a supervisor to solo jumpers going for their skydiving license.

A parachute packer is a skydiver who assists with packing the parachutes for instructors and students. Although this may not be the most thrilling job in the drop zone, it is a good way to network with other skydivers, and can get you quick cash for every parachute that you pack!

The on-site photographers and footage editors will be the skydivers who are filming, photographing and editing the footage of the jumps!

Usually, most skydiving schools offer their students the option of purchasing pictures and videos taken during the jump- therefore, there is placement for skydivers who don’t necessarily have enough licensing to become an instructor, but are able to solo jump and capture the footage for the other jumpers.

If you have never been skydiving before- don’t be too quick to rule these options out.

Some people try skydiving for the first time and absolutely fall in love with the sport! If you have always wondered what it would feel like to fly, to float in the clouds with beautiful 100-mile views in all directions- maybe you should give skydiving a shot. It may be the perfect travel job for you!

This is definitely not your typical 9-5 job, but every day is new and exciting. You will be sharing a unique experience with strangers, which they will remember for the rest of their lives.

It is a fulfilling and exhilarating day of work, every time!

Where in the World the Job Exists

Skydiving is based on the weather, and so although positions can be found around the world, they may only exist during a particular season. Locations with mild weather year-round, such as California or other warm-weather places, may have a need for employees throughout the entire year.

If you would like more specific information on where this job may exist, you can visit Dropzone, in order to get a map view of dropzones around the world.

How to Get a Job as a Skydiver

Well, in order to get a position as a skydiving employee, you will need some skydiving experience! The process goes something like this:

• First, you will need to sign up for your first jump! You can google to find dropzones in your desired location, and book your jump. First, you will go over the safety procedures and receive your ground training, and then you will make a tandem jump with an instructor. Flying high through the sky!
• If you loved your first jump, you can continue in the licensing process by taking your AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) ground training, after which you will be able to make your first of many solo jumps! During the first 8 solo jumps, an instructor will accompany you- but after that, you will finally be cleared to jump with minimal supervision.
• Once you have reached 25 solo jumps, you will be ready to take an exam to go for your A License. With your A License, you will have proven yourself to be a serious skydiver, and recognized as being legitimately capable of helping out at the drop zones!
• If you would like to go further with your licensing, or would like to become an instructor, you will need to take more training courses and get much more experience in the air – at least 500 jumps under your belt and 3 hours of free fall time.

Just to clarify, even if you don’t have your A License, you can still be trained to help out with parachute packing and video editing- jobs which don’t take place in the air! This may be a goo way to supplement the costs of your jumps or courses!

After having experience with jumps or going through licensing, you will probably at this point already be pretty well networked, and can use that to your advantage. Ask your fellow skydiver friends for advice and contacts with finding a new job, join Facebook groups and become active with message boards on skydiving-related websites.

If you are trying to pick up work while traveling, call ahead or stop by the nearest dropzone to see if you can spend the day assisting with rigging or packing parachutes. Instructors will probably be happy for the help, and you can earn $5 per rig and $10 per tandem!

If you’d like to base around one location for a while during your travels, and you’re good with a camera, see if you can act as the GoPro handler or video editor! Your skills may be just what they are looking for, and you will have an opportunity to do some jumping, and make some money.

Skydiving jobs are fairly flexible, so another option would be to offer to fill in for a full-time employee who may be looking for some time off. Win-win situation!

Last but not least— a very important tip for getting a job: be likeable! Show that you are a cool person to help out around the dropzone. You are bound to mesh with the other skydivers, since you already share an extreme passion for the same sport… so just demonstrate that you are a qualified, hardworking and FUN individual!

I would recommend using Dropzone and USPA if you are interested to learn more details with skydiving, to search for dropzone locations and/or to read through the user forums!

What Qualifications They Are Looking For

As mentioned, in order to be a parachute packer or video you editor you don’t necessarily NEED your A license. You may just need training, the required skill-set for whichever job you’re going for, and hopefully a passion for skydiving!

It is definitely preferred that you have your A License in order to demonstrate that you are qualified and up to date with the safety procedures, if you plan on doing any sort of job in the air. The more licenses you have, the better!

As for becoming an instructor- you will need to go through extensive training, and have a minimum of 500 jumps and 3 hours of free fall logged. YIKES!

But, the commitment will pay off if you end up doing something that you absolutely love every day!

Availability & Pay as a Skydiver

Availability is very dependent on the location and weather. Some locations will be closed during the cold months, and all trips will be off depending on the rain- there needs to be clear skies in order to make the jumps!

Some jobs are individually contracted, so you could sign up to work in one location during the season, and line up other work afterwards. If you would like to help out at the dropzones as you travel, make sure that your job search is in line with the skydiving season of your location!

Salaries for instructors can range from $25-$35 per jump, and at around 1000 jumps per year for a full-time instructor, earnings can be expected as about $30000 annually!

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Are there any travel jobs you want to learn more about? Let us know!

Travel Jobs Around the World: Skydiver is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Best Resorts in Bali for Couples

For such a small island, Bali is one of the most incredible places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Everything from the beaches, to the food, to the people, and especially the resorts are nothing short of world class.

If you think choosing the right region to spend your time in Bali is tough, we expect finding the right resort might be even more challenging.

We have visited just about the entire island of Bali and have put together a list of 4 resorts which we believe are the best resorts in Bali for couples. So instead of scouring TripAdvisor and cross referencing your results against reviews, look no further!

Here is our list of the best resorts in Bali for Couples!

Four Seasons Jimbaran

Summarizing the experience of our stay with the Four Seasons at Jimbaran in less than 1000 words of praise and adoration is going to be quite a challenge. The property has been perfectly constructed to provide a panoramic view of Jimbaran Bay regardless of where you find yourself on the property.

The magic of Bali and Jimbaran itself are both reflected through each and every aspect of the resort as well as the staff who are some of the most hospitable and kind people you’ll ever meet.

We honestly had multiple conversations about how overjoyed we would be if we could move into our villa and never leave the property. Our villa sat just about 100 meters from the ocean, so our view was obviously to die for.

Top that off with a private pool, outdoor shower, and every amenity one could wish for.

If you need more swimming room than your villa’s private pool offers, you can make your way to one of two beautiful infinity pools the resort boasts.

For a quiet, romantic, experience choose the “quiet pool” where you’ll find one of the most breathtaking views overlooking all of Jimbaran, and for a beach/restaurant experience where kids are welcome, head to the Sundara pool that also happens to be the longest pool in all of Bali.

Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you’re welcome to rent a day bed here and enjoy some incredible cocktails. Sundara has their own signature drinks that are the perfect combination of top alcohol and the best fruits Bali has to offer.

Regardless of where you choose to swim you’ll likely work up an appetite. Four Seasons Jimbaran offers a number of dining selections but our preference is the aforementioned, Sundara, which has the best Balinese cuisine we had during our entire stay in Bali.

If all of that wasn’t enough, we capped our stay with a 2.5 hour heart chakra balancing spa treatment from Heaven. This was an absolutely euphoric experience that is all too perfect for couples!

Five stars does a disservice to the Four Seasons Jimbaran who place themselves well beyond most five star resorts!

Four Seasons Sayan, Ubud

Walking into the Four Seasons (FS) Sayan is an experience in and of itself. A bridge separates the real world from a gorgeous lotus pond and a resort that is simply magical. The entire property was constructed so that each piece of the resort is enveloped by the jungle of Sayan (just outside of Ubud).

The inspiration for the property comes from local traditional Ubud culture and history and is richly visible through the architecture, staff, food, and vibe of the resort.

The aforementioned lotus pond made for the most romantic dinner on our lives! The FS Sayan staff set up a private table surrounded by rose pedals, flowers, and glowing candles to create an absolutely unforgettable dining experience. This is an imperative for couples visiting FS at Sayan.

For those of you wishing to embrace another rich aspect of Balinese culture, head to the open air yoga studio which is made of bamboo and situated in the middle of beautiful rice fields that approach the Ayung River that flows behind the property.

If you travel up the river just a bit you’ll come to the pool which has to be one of the most beautiful and unique swimming pools we have ever seen. Rather than trying to describe it, just check it out for yourself!

We didn’t get a chance to have a spa treatment in Sayan but we did tour the spa facility. Wow! Just wow. The spa is essentially an island in the middle of a lotus pond. The aura of the spa is so peaceful and serene. Definitely plan a couples’ massage when you visit!

Similar to our Jimbaran villa, we had an outdoor shower, a private pool with a huge deck/backyard, and a couch, minibar, etc. You can literally walk around naked outside and no one at the resort can see you. It was truly so private and romantic and so in tune with nature.

Again, 5 stars does a disservice to the team at FS. When you plan your trip to Bali, make sure to include both FS Jimbaran and FS Sayan on your itinerary.

Kamandalu

Kamandalu truly embraces the nature aspect of Ubud with sprawling rice paddy fields and a stream running through the property. Two pools are offered and fit different tastes.

The larger of the two is at the middle of the property and even has a bar, lounge chairs in ankle deep water, and much more. The lower pool is a beautiful infinity pool that is secluded enough to feel as if you’re in the middle of the Ubud jungle.

If you’re considering a wedding in Ubud, the Kamandalu ought to be one of your first choices. The presumed venue is a gorgeous amphitheater that has a similar view of the jungle to the aforementioned infinity pool. The essence of love can be felt simply from the venue itself.

There seems to be a theme here… our favorite resorts in Bali all have incredible villas. Seriously though, our villa at Kamandalu was wonderful!

The backyard had a daybed that faced the jungle of Ubud and the bed…. oh dear lord, the bed…. honestly we aren’t sure what to call the bed. It was far too large to be a king…maybe a XXL King? We laid on opposite sides of the bed and laughed as we could hardly reach each other. Seriously perfect for couples that like to sprawl out while they sleep.

The bathroom has an in-floor bathtub, his and hers sinks, and the shower is outdoor which was especially nice on the night we stayed as we were able to see a beautiful sky full of stars.

Kamandalu is an experience, and a wonderful one. The property, staff, and overall experience were one we hope to enjoy again in the near future. There is no doubt about it that Kamandalu earns 5 stars in our book.

Intercontinental Resort Bali, Jimbaran

For planning purposes you can likely see a trend that ought to be followed. Ubud and Jimbaran are musts on your trip to Bali. The Intercontinental Resort Bali sits just in the middle of Jimbaran Bay, about equidistant between the two sets of local seafood restaurants found on the beach.

After having spent a month researching and visiting what we believed would be the best resorts for couples in Bali, we can confidently say that the Intercontinental is the best resort we found for couples with children.

With multiple restaurants, a number of bars (including a swim-up bar at the main pool), and a no children high tea room, there are plenty of escapes for couples without children. However, for couples with children, the family aspect of the water park (for lack of a better term), playground, and a surf school that’s located nearby are absolutely perfect.

Adults and children alike will love the number of hammocks that are scattered around the property, each hanging between two palm trees; defining relaxation and paradise.

The most important thing to highlight in this piece was that during our stay with Intercontinental we stayed in the Club Intercontinental.

Club Intercontinental has many amenities not accessible to other guests including larger suite style rooms, a private pool, a complimentary cocktail reception at one of a number of locations around the property, complimentary breakfast, and a 24 hour butler service.

In conclusion…

Realistically, you’re going to have an amazing trip regardless of where you spend your time in Bali. Balinese culture is easily the most humble, friendly, and hospitable culture we have encountered.

However, if you would really like to take your trip to the next level, any of these four resorts will be sure to elevate your time in Bali to surpass any and all expectations you might have.

If you need more details about any of the properties or have specific questions, feel free to connect with us in the comment section below.

We will do our best to respond to each of you!

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Check out these Bali-inspired couples travel items!

Special thanks to Four Seasons Jimbaran, Four Seasons Sayan, Kamandalu, and Intercontinental Resort Bali for hosting us as their guests. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely our own.

The Best Resorts in Bali for Couples is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Best Day Trips from Sydney

As much as you love Sydney, or are excited for your next trip there, you may want to get out of the big city and explore. Australia is home to some of the most diverse wildlife and landscapes in the world, so don’t limit yourself—rent a car and hit the road.

Here are the best day trips from Sydney!

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 – Blue Mountains –

The Blue Mountains are only 90 minutes outside of Sydney and they are a must-see if you’re considering a day trip from Sydney.

Named after the dark haze that settles above them, it’s a perfect playground for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. Take part in a guided bushwalk, through enchanting woodlands and lush gorges, and wander past crystal and subterranean rivers in the Jenolan Caves.

Don’t miss the Three Sisters, a trio of spectacular sandstone formations, or the modest but vibrant collection of art galleries, cafes and markets in surrounding towns.

– Manly Beach –

Manly Beach makes a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sydney. Catch a 30-minute ferry to the beach from the main harbor and you’ll find a laid-back vibe, eighteen beaches, coves and inlets, and a plethora of swimmers and surfers.

There are also tons of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied in between suntans!

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– Hunter Valley –

Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s main wine regions, and only a 2 hour drive north from Sydney.

Home to more than 100 vineyards, it’s famous for its shiraz and semillon grapes. You can definitely spend a whole day experiencing some of the country’s best wine tastings and local markets.

(source)

– Royal National Park –

The “Nasho,” as it is affectionately known, is the second oldest national park in the world- after Bogdkhan Uul in Mongolia.

Though best enjoyed as a weekend, it also makes for a great day trip, and it is easily accessible from Sydney by car, train or hourly tram.

Throughout the National Park you’ll find bike paths, beaches, hidden waterfalls, valleys, rain forests and rivers. Walk along sandstone cliffs, with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Sydney, or rent a kayak to take up Kangaroo Creek.

Lastly, Wattamolla Lagoon is an ever-popular surf and swim site. It tends to be crowded, so best to arrive mid-afternoon or very early, and don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water with you. If you don’t, there are a few kiosks, cafes, and takeaway delis in towns on the park’s perimeter!

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– Byron Bay –

Byron Bay is a delightful coastal town and a short airplane ride away from Sydney. A laid-back surf culture permeates through the city, creating a hippie, alternative atmosphere.

At its essence, Byron Bay is a small town— as is evident in its farmer’s markets, wild nightlife, skydivers, and crowds of backpackers and students. The crystal-clear water are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fly down for a couple of days and you won’t regret it!

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– Jervis Bay –

Jervis Bay is known for the gorgeous Hyams Beach. Though a bit of a drive from Sydney (3 hours), the pristine white shore alone makes it worth it. Break up your swims with a lunch at the local beach cafe.

On the way, be sure to stop by Berry to sample the wines at Silos Estate Vineyard, or the hundreds of chocolates and confectionaries at the Treat Factory.

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– Cockatoo Island –

Just a 30 minute boat from Circular Quay, this island is a UNESCO Site as an Australian Convict Site. A sleepy Sunday is well-spent on Cockatoo Island!

Wander around the derelict docks, admire views of the bay and sip down cocktails at the local Island Cafe. You can also play tennis or charter a boat for a sunset sail.

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The Best Day Trips from Sydney is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Ultimate Foodie Getaway Guide to Aruba

With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and beaches, nearly perfect weather year-round, and a unique cuisine like no other, Aruba is the ultimate girlfriend getaway!

There are countless treasures located all over Aruba, so renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island while you work up an appetite.

Watch the ultimate foodie getaway guide to Aruba below!

Breakfast at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizzas

Aruba is a Dutch island, but it’s also a unique melting pot of cultures. Most locals speak Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish.

Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizzas is a family restaurant that has been serving authentic Dutch Pancakes for over 13 years. If you have the chance, you need to try the sweet concoction of Brie, Walnuts and Honey, and Strawberries and whipped cream, or you can create your own masterpiece with a choice of 40+ toppings!

There’s no better place to enjoy savory Dutch favorites like Bacon and Gouda cheese or the succulent Apple and Bacon.

If for some (bizarre) reason you’re not in the mood for crepes, Linda’s also serves pizza, soups, sandwiches, tenderloin, and stays open until 10 PM Mondays through Saturdays.

Have a Fresh Caught Lunch at Zeerovers

You’ll definitely not want to miss the lunch at Zeerovers, famous for their whopping platefuls of seafood. Meaning “pirate” in Dutch, Zeerovers serves up fresh seafood straight from the sea, and if you arrive early enough, you’ll find local fisherman bringing in the “catch of the day”.

The locals rave about the catch-of-the-day, shrimp and deep-fried reef fish served in a casual, low-key atmosphere.

Don’t skimp on the Papaya sauce!

While filling up on Zeerover’s perfectly fried barracuda, and the most delicious shrimp you’ve ever had, don’t forget to dip each bite in Papaya hot sauce. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and hot island heat.

Be warned, even the mild packs a pretty spicy punch.

It was so good, in fact, that we had a few bottles shipped home. Trust us, this stuff is good on just about everything.

Work Up an Appetite at Arikok National Park

The Arikok National Park is home to a diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Established in the 1980s,  you’ll find rock outcroppings, gold mines, caves, ponds and remains of old farms and plantations throughout the park.

Keep your ears and eyes out for orioles, burrowing owls, brown-throated parakeets, bats and wild goats. Climb through the picturesque Guadirikiri Cave, and catch glimpses of local reptiles like the cascabel (rattlesnake) and the santanero (cat-eyed snake).

After you’re all dusty, you’ll want to clean off by taking a dip in the Natural Pool!

The West Deck for Sunset Cocktails

This casual Caribbean restaurant has a large wooden deck set right on the beach. Chill vibes are served alongside traditional food and delicious cocktails.

At The West Deck, sip on a mojito-in-a-coconut, and try some other Arubian specialties like fried funchi with Dutch cheese and Trocadero garlic shrimp. Our favorite bites were the Fire & Spice crackling calamari and, surprisingly, their New York cheesecake.

Aruba even does dessert well!

It’s a perfect place to kick up your sandals, sip on a refreshing cocktail, and watch as the landing planes touch down on Aruba.

Dinner IN BED at the Screaming Eagle

Screaming Eagle blends gourmet dining with–​wait for it​–​dinner in bed. We cuddled up in a super chic bed surrounded in white linen and were served a three course dinner by the chef himself.

It is a perfect restaurant to wine and dine with close friends or a date, where menu items include mouth-watering Peruvian ceviche, creme brûlée and Hungarian duck liver, escargots de Bourgogne, lobster bisque, and a fresh catch of the day.

While we highly recommend the full chef’s tasting menu, we especially loved the ahi tuna “tartare,” steamed Arubian rock lobster and grilled fresh yellowfin tuna!

Even their seemingly simple dishes, like grilled sole or crepes suzette, enjoy a creative flair. The wine cellar is also stocked with an impressive selection of over 100 wines and 120 cocktails.

Whether you reserve a bed or not, come for the food!

Dine on the Beach at Atardi at the Aruba Marriott

For a different restaurant experience, head over to Atardi (formerly called Simply Fish), one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Located on the beachfront of the Aruba Marriott, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic sunset dinner.

Enjoy seafood dishes at their finest, sitting under an thatched umbrella with your toes wriggling in the sand. Savor every bite of rock-lobster tail and roasted sea bass, in the exquisite company of swaying palm trees and bright stars above.

Make Your Own Keshi Yena

One of the most traditional foods you can try in Aruba is Keshi Yena. Back at the Aruba Marriott Resort, we got the chance to get our hands dirty in the kitchen learning to make traditional Keshi Yena from scratch.

When you think of island destination specialties around the world, you might think of tropical flavor and cool relief from the tropical heat. But that’s not the case with Keshi Yena!

Served fresh out of the oven, this cheesy, melty, wholesome dish is a savory spin on island comfort food. Keshi Yena is a reflection of Aruba’s melting pot of culture. Starting with traditional Dutch gouda cheese, you then add just about every ingredient in the kitchen- from olives to raisins to capers to ketchup!

The whole thing gets melted together and, despite sounding like a really strange mix of ingredients, it is SO yummy!

For more girlfriend getaways around the world, be sure to subscribe to The Getaway Girls on YouTube!

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The Ultimate Foodie Getaway Guide to Aruba is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Holiday Cruise-Inspired Travel Nails

I’m currently on a 15-day Brazilian Holiday cruise with Crystal Cruises, my first cruise ever! After departing from Puerto Rico, we’re cruised to Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana for a tropical Christmas, before arriving in Brazil to spend New Year’s Eve on the beach in Rio!

So… I wanted to try out a travel nails style that was loosely inspired by the my first cruise over the holidays!

If you’re looking for some cruise and nautical inspiration, definitely try this style out. The white color is Purity by Zoya and the gold color is Ziv by Zoya.

I love Zoya Nail Polish because it is the longest wearing, natural nail polish available. All the colors are toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and Camphor Free as well.

Shop Polish for Holiday Cruise-Inspired Travel Nails

Purity by ZOYA

Ziv by ZOYA

Holiday Cruise-Inspired Travel Nails is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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