Where to Find the Best Pearls in the World

Pearls are a girls best friend, right? Pearls have been a mark of beauty and wealth for centuries. They come in many shapes and sizes, in natural (wild) or cultured (farmed) form. But before buying a necklace or earrings, it’s important to look at key elements like a pearl’s iridescence, color and blemishes.

Whether you’re an experienced jewelry hunter or a newbie, there’s a few things you should know about types and grade of pearls.

Pearls are graded on a system of A values, based on color, surface and luster. Only Japanese Akoya pearls have the highest higher grade, called Hanadama, which is the top 1% of the harvest.

As someone who wears pearls almost every day, here is a round up of where to find the best pearls in the world!

Black Pearls

Tahitian South Sea & French Polynesia

Black pearls are found exclusively in Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands, and despite the name, are found in hues of peacock green, silver green, charcoal, blue and eggplant, among others. They are harvested from the Pinctada Margaritifera oyster.

The darker the pearl, the more valuable. It’s not uncommon to find black pearls in a variety of shapes, from teardrops to baroque. The pearl is Tahiti’s largest export, at over 55% of annual exports.

Golden & White South Sea Pearls

Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines

South Sea pearls are the top grade pearl on the market. They are harvested from a silver or golden-lipped oyster, on the shorelines of Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia. Black and South Sea Pearls are in the larger category of pearl families, and are found between 8mm to 16mm.

Though extremely rare, some pearls are as large as 20mm!

Akoya Pearls

Japan

Akoya Pearls come exclusively from Japan’s saltwater, harvested from Pinctada Fucata oyster, also known as the Akoya pearl oyster. They are highly prized for their white color and rose overtones. To the untrained eye, they appear similar to freshwater pearls, but tend to be rounder, smoother and more lustrous.

The larger the pearl, the more valuable, and  Akoyas live in calm seas with mild temperatures- perfect for stunning pearls!

Freshwater Pearls

Lakes and Rivers in China or Japan

Freshwater pearls are found in the lakes and rivers of China, and to a lesser degree Japan and the USA. They are harvested from freshwater mussels, and tend to be white and pink in appearance.

Freshwater pearls tend to price much less than Akoya or South Sea Pearls, due to their asymmetry, but they are no less visually spectacular. Sizes tend to range from 5mm to 12mm, in the middle of the two extremes.

Keep a lookout for fake pearls!

While a legitimate product, fake pearls—made of glass, shell or plastic—are sometimes falsely marketed as real ones. It’s very rare to find a pearl larger than 15mm, so if you encounter one, keep your eyes peeled.

Unless they are Black Pearls, pearls only come in hues of white, pink and gray. Any other color indicates it has been falsely treated. Fake pearls also tend to be smooth and warm—real ones are gritty and very cold.

This article was put together in partnership with The Pearl Source, a family business for over 25 years the has transformed into the biggest pearl jewelers in the nation. On their website, you’ll find rare pearls from around the world, and education on grades of pearls.

As a big fan of pearls, and as always, all opinions expressed are my own!

 

Where to Find the Best Pearls in the World is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Why All Couples Should Travel Together

If you really want to know if you’re significant other is “the one,” travel around the world with him or her.  If you plan to marry someone, you definitely want to know them at their best and at their worst.

You want to know how he or she responds in the face of adversity and how he or she handles stressful situations.  You want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into if you plan to promise yourself to someone for the rest of your life.

Travel is by far the most valuable tool for not only enriching one’s life, but also finding out who someone truly is.  Travel makes one vulnerable.

Travel inevitably places one in unpredictable and unplanned situations which cause one to think logically, solve problems, and- if you’re traveling as a couple- work as a team.

Having spent the last 5 months traveling together and spending about 23 hours a day, 7 days a week with each other…

we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons that all couples should travel together!

1.  Build Trust

Trust is the most important foundation of any relationship.  Compromise trust and you make room for anger, jealousy, and of course insecurity.  There is simply no better way to build trust in one another than to travel together.

Having to rely on each other in situations which you’ve never even contemplated is one of the best confidence builders one could imagine.

Trust us, when you’re stranded in a strange city at midnight and you have to figure out a foreign public transit system that is half shut down, you’ll quickly learn to trust each other.

2. Learn Each Other’s True Colors

Most would agree that it is rather important to live with someone before choosing to marry him or her.  This is a wonderful way to get to know ones “true colors.”

However, if we want to take this to the next step, move to a foreign country with your partner.  Take away your normal life routine, friends, and all things familiar and watch how the other person adapts to the change.  You’re 100% going to see your mate for who he or she truly is.

3.  Learn to Let Go

Let’s be real…all you really need is each other.  It’s really easy to get caught up in material possessions and believe that they add value to your life, but the truth is they only weigh you down.  Our bags are now substantially lighter than they were 5 months ago when we left Los Angeles.

We have thrown so much crap away and have consolidated all of our possessions into about one suit case and one backpack each.

As you travel with your partner you’ll quickly realize that you can rely on him or her to fulfill your needs and you’ll quickly realize that your physical junk is simply more of a burden.

4.  For the Stories

Everyone knows the best grandparents are the ones with the best candy and the best stories. Instead of sending your grandkids a $5 check for their birthdays, you can spend valuable time with them sharing stories from your adventures.

We can only hope that when we tell our kids and grandkids about quitting our corporate jobs to travel the world that they’ll be inspired to follow their dreams.

5.  Fun!

Our other 4 points have all been relatively serious and have highlighted how travel will help you build upon your relationship, but it is important to note that traveling with your best friend is FUN!

Both of us have traveled extensively with family, friends, and even solo, but the most fun we have had traveling has undoubtedly been together as a couple!  Honestly, what could possibly be better than traveling the world with your best friend?

READ NEXT: Top Romantic Getaways in Italy for Couples

 

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Ten Itinerary Planning Tips for a Trip to Europe

Top 10 Weekend Getaways in Europe

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

Check out these couple travel essentials!

Why All Couples Should Travel Together is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Travel Jobs Around the World: Working in a Hostel

Travel Job

Working in a Hostel

The Job Description

First of all, let’s review what a hostel is, since some people hear the word “hostel” and think of the horror movie!

A hostel is a type of budget-friendly accommodation, which usually offers both dormitory style as well as private rooms. Hostels are cheap options which cater specifically to young people and travelers looking for an affordable place to stay.

Depending on the place, hostels will usually offer different events, parties, excursions, family-style dinners and other social activities to their guests. You can easily meet new, like-minded travelers in the common areas, and will most likely make new friends from all around the world!

Hostels offer a great vibe and an amazing way to save money!

SO, now that you know what a hostel is, its important to know a hostel employee can hold a variety of jobs! I have worked at hostels all around the world, and my positions including 1 or more of the following responsibilities:

• Reception:
  • Checking Guest In and Out
  • Providing Local Information and Directions
  • Mingling with Guests to Create a Social Environment
• Cleaning
• Bartending and Serving
• Events
  • Promoting and Planning Events
  • Leading Bar Crawls and Booze Cruises

Basically, a hostel will need the same types of employees that can be found at a hotel, but will also need people to run the social side of things as well.

Hostel jobs allow you to minimize your cost of living, make amazing new friends from all around the globe, offer accommodation in a prime location for free and allow for an awesome work environment with many fun times to be had!

 

Where I’ve Worked in a Hostel

Croatia

• Adriatic Hostel in Split
• Funky Donkey Hostel in Brac

• Positions Held: Bar Crawl Leader, Receptionist, Promoting Activities and Excursions, Recruiting Guests from Ferry Port

Portugal

• Rising Cock Hostel in Lagos

• Positions Held: Reception, Promoting/Planning/Executing parties, Bar Crawls, Booze Cruises

Argentina

• Hostel Inn at Iguazu Falls

• Positions Held: Event Coordinator and Party Planner

Peru

• Loki del Mar Hostel in Mancora, Peru

• Positions Held: Bartender, Event and Party Planning

Where in the World the Job Exists

You can find hostels jobs pretty much anywhere, particularly places which appeal to backpackers and budget travelers!

Europe in the summer time is a very busy season for backpackers, and December-April in Central and South America will also be hot-spots for finding work. I have not traveled to Southeast Asia yet, but you would easily be able to find hostel jobs, especially during the peak season!

There are obviously more hostels in bigger cities, or cities that are hotspots for young travelers. I have always sorted out a location that I would want to live in, and used that as a starting point for job!

Try to pick a place you’d like to stay in for a while, and THEN begin the job search!

How to Get a Job Working in a Hostel

SO, you’ve decided that you want to work in a hostel- live the good life, make amazing friends, wake up every day to a fun work environment- sounds like a grand old time!

The key to success with finding work is networking and putting yourself out there!

The first thing that I advise you to do, is figure out where you would like to go, and GO! This is not the sort of job that you need to research online, forward your professional resume and follow up with a fancy pants interview in business casual.

This is the type of job that requires you to have a social, likable personality. While you can try to email in advance, and apply online, but it is better to meet the staff, see the hostel and charm their pants off, and apply in person!

You don’t necessarily have to wing it completely; maybe you can send an email or book and mention that you would love to be a staff member if they are looking, in order to show your interest. Once you arrive, in person, that’s when you can seal the deal!

It will help you to get a job if you get to know the hostel staff and locals of the town you are staying in. If you demonstrate that you are a cool, responsible and easy-going fellow traveler in need of work, you will have any easier time securing a position. Try to prove that your personality will mesh with the guests and workers, and that you will be a good fit!

You can use the sites Hostel World and HostelBookers to search for hostels in a given city. You can get the contact info, directions and links to websites for each hostel, so that when you are ready to begin your job search, you will know addresses and names of the hostels.

Also, you can get an idea of the hostel’s character through the info and reviews. Is it a party place? Chill place? Make sure that you are going for hostels that match the type of environment you’d like to work in!

Last but not least, although I have talked about the importance of finding a job in person…it is possible to sort one out beforehand with Hostel Management. This is a search engine for hostel jobs, which allows you to search for hostels looking for employees based on location!

I think that this is a good tool for people who are intimidated on my “wing-it” approach, but keep in mind that you will be living and working at this place, and you want to make sure that it suits what you’re looking for!

What Qualifications They Are Looking For

Even if you have not had any hostel job experience, many of the skills that you have learned from previous jobs are 100% relevant in making you an ideal employee.

If you have good people skills, you are ahead of the game!

If you have worked in hospitality, restaurants/bars, or customer service, you most likely are able to interact with other people with a friendly attitude. Make sure to mention if you have had experience with reception, cash handling, cleaning or other directly related experience.

At the end of the day, your personality is the most important thing to show-off when applying for hostel jobs; the duties themselves are fairly simple to learn, but you have to be the right fit to get the job. Show that you are happy, good-natured and fun, yet responsible and reliable as well.

Availability & Pay for Working in a Hostel

Is it seasonal? Year-round? Do they pay hourly, salary, commission, etc.?

I would say that in most places, hostel job availability goes hand-in-hand with the weather and the season. If you go there at the start of the “peak” season, or just before the start, you will probably have first pick for jobs, before the rest of the crowd shows up.

Sometimes it is possible for an employee to get a wage, but don’t count on it!

Usually hostels offer employment in the form of accommodation, and free or discounted food and alcohol. It is also sometimes possible to make commission from promoting and selling tickets to tours, excursions and other events, and even tips if you are a bartender.

This is not the type of job to go for if you will need a wage- it is for someone looking to extend their stay in a place that they love, and looking for a minimal cost of living while abroad.

When you work in a hostel, you eliminate most of the expenses of traveling (accommodation, transportation, food) so you are able to have a home base for a bit, and have all of the benefits of staying in a hostel, without having to pay for it!

As a plus, you will likely get discounts at local bars, restaurants and shops. For example, as a bar crawl leader, I was never paying for drinks!

WATCH NEXT: Ana’s Tips on Working in a Hostel

 

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Check out these travel and hostel essentials!

Travel Jobs Around the World: Working in a Hostel is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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10 Fun Things To Do In South Africa (Win A Free Africa Trip!)

Things to do in South Africa

South Africa

I’ve traveled to South Africa twice now. It’s one of my favorite countries and an adventure lover’s playground. Here are some great ideas for things to do there.

The Republic of South Africa is a huge & diverse country teeming with wildlife & culture. It has a little bit of everything — dry deserts, high mountains, subtropical woodlands, and modern cities.

After spending close to 2 months exploring the country, I’ve put together a list of my favorite experiences to help you plan your own visit one day.

Win A Free Trip To Africa!

It’s easy for US citizens to fly to South Africa these days with KLM Airlines on their routes to Cape Town & Johannesburg via connections in Amsterdam.

If you’re looking to visit other countries in Africa, they also fly to the cities of Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro.

I’ve partnered with KLM to highlight cool travel experiences in Africa, and help them give away an incredible 6 day safari in Tanzania with 2 free airline tickets (US residents only).

I really hope one of you guys wins it! More details about the contest below.

Things To Do In South Africa

Meeting Lions on Safari

Zebra Fight!

South African Safari

I’ll never forget when a huge lion passed just a few feet from our open Land Rover, suddenly stopping to look up. Everyone froze. Make a wrong move now, and we’d be his afternoon snack.

We were on safari at Phinda, a 56,000 acre protected wilderness area in the KwaZulu-Natal provence of South Africa. The lion was only one of the many incredible animal experiences we encountered, there were also families of elephants, hunting cheetahs, playful zebras, and so much more.

Big Rush Rope Swing

Bungee Jumping Bloukrans

Bungee Jumps & Rope Swings

Three, two, one, jump. I stepped off the catwalk and into the void, falling 288 feet with my stomach in my throat. The world’s tallest rope swing at a soccer stadium in Durban is definitely a big rush!

So is stoping along the Garden Route to leap from the 709 foot high Bloukrans Bridge and bouncing around dangling from your ankles by a larger rubber band. If you’re looking to cure your fear of heights by going to extreme measures, South Africa is the place.

Cage Diving with Great Whites

Scuba Diving with Sharks

Swimming With Sharks

Arguably the most feared animal under the sea, sharks have a notorious reputation. Great whites grow up to 7 meters long and can weigh over 3,000 kg. But you can get an up-close and personal experience with them under water cage diving off the coast of Cape Town.

For the more adventurous, how about diving with sharks minus the cage? It’s totally possible (and pretty safe) to dive with tiger & bull sharks in South Africa this way. Such a cool experience!

Hanging Out in Soweto

Making New Friends

Meeting The People

One of the cool things about South Africa is its diversity. The massive city of Johannesburg is a great place to experience this and meet the different types of people that call this country home. I loved visiting the township of Soweto and learning about the vibrant & important history here.

Meeting local residents and admiring an area’s unique art and culture. Or gathering for a traditional Brai dinner in the rural coastal town of St. Lucia with new friends. Learning about a way of life that’s different from my own.

Hiking Above the Table Cloth

Cape Town Far Below

Climbing Table Mountain

Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most prominent landmark. A huge flat block of sandstone that rises 3500 feet into the air. Table mountain is a national park and a wonderful place to go hiking with over 350 paths to the summit.

Most people take the cable car up but hiking is far more rewarding. The weather changes constantly though, so hiking is difficult sometimes. You could luck out with clear skies and great views or maybe climb into the infamous “table cloth”, a blanket of clouds that often covers the mountain.

Best Feeling in the World

Surfing at Jeffreys Bay

Surfing The Coast

South Africa has some of the best surf conditions in the world. A popular adventure is renting a car and driving up the coast from Cape Town to Durban stopping at different surf spots along the way.

I spent a month honing my surfing skills in places like Muizenberg & Jeffreys Bay. The water can be cold, but the waves & lack of crowds are great. Yes, I know I just talked about how great the sharks in South Africa are too. Don’t worry, they don’t like to eat humans.

Kayaking with Crocodiles

Hippos are FAST!

Kayaking With Hippos & Crocs

The St. Lucia estuary is filled with some of Africa’s most dangerous animals. Paddling kayaks past them on a wetlands safari was super fun. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its diverse wildlife and swamp forests.

The area is home to giant crocodiles, hippos, and even bull sharks. With hippos being the most dangerous animal in Africa. You’d never suspect this at first glance. It looks fat & slow. But they are surprisingly fast & aggressive.

Rafting the Orange River

Outdoor Adventures with Friends

Rafting In The Desert

Home to the indigenous Nama people, the rocky dry landscape surrounding the Orange River is a mix of red, brown, and orange hues — except for the banks, where patches of green vegetation are able to thrive.

The Northern Cape is a huge area with a lot to see and do — and it’s one of the least visited parts of South Africa. Rafting down this winding river in the middle of a desert and finishing the night with a Brai BBQ has been one of my highlights.

Traditional Sangoma Healer

Khula Township

Talking To Spirits

While visiting Khula township in South Africa, I was invited to chat with my dead ancestors by a local Sangoma medicine woman. She communicates with ancestral spirits to share advice and cure ailments.

Sitting down in her sacred healing hut, she gave me details about my future based on what they told her. It’s an ancient profession that’s been practiced for hundreds of years here. The verdict? I’m a very lucky guy. Oh, and my ancestors want me to throw a BBQ for them!

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Fire in the Hole!

Hot Air Balloon Rides

The beautiful Magalies River Valley fully revealed itself as we rose into the sky with the sunrise in a hot air balloon. It’s only an hour North West of Johannesburg, the capital of South Africa.

Once you realize you’re in the air, profound silence is the first thing you notice. Between occasional blasts of fire from the burner, there is no sound. No propeller, no engine, just the birds. Yet soon we are hovering half a mile above the ground, traveling slowly with the wind.

Win A Trip To Africa!

Pack Your Bags!

South Africa is only one of the African countries covered by KLM Airways flights. Another is Tanzania — which is why they’re giving one lucky winner two flights from one of KLM’s American gateway cities to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

The winner also receives a six-day, five-night luxury safari for two from Aselia Africa! Talk about a sweet prize.

How To Enter

Visit The Pack Your Bags Site Here

You will be instructed to click on two items to pack into your virtual “bag”.

Next, you’ll be shown the dream Africa trip that fits your interests based on what you packed.

Then enter your contact information & submit your official ballot.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. (sorry international readers!)

The contest ends on November 17, 2015. Read the full rules here.

Good Luck!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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10 Bucket List Trips to Take in College

College is a great time to experiment—take a leap and try things out of your comfort zone. While living on a college budget can be restricting to travel, it is well worth saving up for, and you can use your spring break or summer vacation to travel, with friends or solo.

Here are 10 bucket list trips to take in college!

Global Water Brigades Honduras

1. Volunteer over Spring Break

Instead of the traditional party vibe that accompanies most Spring Breaks, join a volunteer effort abroad. There are hundreds of ways for young people to volunteer, from building libraries to feeding the homeless.

In my junior year, I joined a student-led volunteer effort in Honduras, Global Water Brigades, which organizes students into clean water programs all over the world.

Read Next: Global Water Brigades Honduras

2. Study Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to explore a country, by spending a semester or school year abroad, you are able to truly immerse yourself into a culture.

Studying in a country is entirely different than a visit for just a week or two, so take the opportunity to get intimate with your host country. You can take courses in the local history, improve your language skills, or get to know a neighborhood market.

If you’re university offers a homestay program, jump at the chance!

Read Next: 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

3. Explore Whistler on Winter Break

Canada is a magical place, and Whistler is by far one of the best winter getaways I’ve had. From snowmobiling, dogsledding, enjoying a Nordic-inspired spa, or skiing the slopes, Whistler is the best winter vacation destination!

Read Next: Top 10 Things to Do in Whistler During Winter

4. California Coast Road Trip

Though not as exotic as a trip abroad, the Pacific Coast Highway is an exhilarating experience.

Start the road in Santa Cruz, travel through Monterey and past the striking coastal cliffs of Big Sur. The drive will take you south through vineyard-rich valleys of San Luis Obispo and Napa, and onto San Francisco. Farther along is Santa Barbara and onto the windswept coast of San Diego.

It’s all the more fun if you can get your friends to come along for the ride.

Read Next: 3-Day California Coast Road Trip

5. Euro Trip

Ah, the Euro Trip, the epitome of youth travel. Though each Euro Trip is different, encompassing how many countries for however long, the dream of a budget, backpacking trip through Europe is a favorite for college-age youth.

It’s a rite of passage for those who have time and reserves, and a great time to test yourself and your friends’ resourcefulness.

Read Next: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe

6. Full Moon Party in Thailand

Okay, so you’re the beach party type but still want to go abroad. Head to Thailand!

The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It’s mostly a tourist event that occurs around each month’s full moon, drawing up to 30,000 people. It’s a fun option if you’re in South Thailand already, as it’s just 30 minutes from Koh Samui by boat.

Read Next: The Beginner’s Guide to The Full Moon Party in Thailand

7. Have a South American Adventure

South America is a popular choice for the traveler in their 20’s—cheap accommodation, short flights from the USA, and a Spanish-speaking majority.

Hike the mountains to Machu Picchu. Go canoeing in the rainforest with a guide. Party in Buenos Aires. South America is the perfect continent for newbie backpackers.

Read Next: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking South America

8. Enjoy Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a great destination for college students interested in biology. There are a number of science centers in the cloud forests designed to study the local fauna and flora.

Learn about the rainforest in a hands-on environment. Follow in the footsteps of Von Humboldt and Darwin and study delicate ecosystems up-close!

Read Next: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking in Central America

9. Experience Amsterdam

If you book early enough, you can stay in Amsterdam on a tight budget, and student rates are often available for groups. Get your friends and hop on a flight to sightsee the canals and check out the local bars and clubs.

Amsterdam is very youth-friendly, with a plethora of free tours and concerts, especially in the summer.

Read Next: Amsterdam Travel Tips

10. Go on The Yacht Week

The Yacht Week is a fun sailing adventure where people can meet and party all week long. I’ve hopped on the yacht five times already, and always eager to go back to the gorgeous island destinations, amazing sea sunsets and fun parties.

Read Next: The Beginner’s Guide to The Yacht Week

Read Next: 20 Trips to take in your 20’s

 

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10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World

 

Check out these college travel essentials!

 

10 Bucket List Trips to Take in College is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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