Sunday, December 6, 2015

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Whistler

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Whistler

Whistler Snow

Snowboarding Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb

Maple Latte Whistler

Beaver Tails Whistler

Zip Lining Whistler

Snowmobiling in Whistler

Hot Cocoa by Fire

Toboggan in Whistler

Ice Fishing in Whistler

Dog Sledding Whistler

Dog Sledding Whistler

Dog Sledding Whistler

Helicopter ride in Whistler

Helicopter ride in Whistler

Scandinave Spa

Visiting the Scandinave Spa in Whistler

Ketel One Ice Room Whistler

Ketel One Ice Room Whistler

Ketel One Ice Room Whistler

As a notorious “summer chaser,” I find myself seeking sunny destinations far more often than winter wonderlands. But, last New Years, I traveled to Whistler for a week of fun in the snow!

My trip to Whistler ended up being one of my all time favorite trips. Not only is it absolutely beautiful there, but there’s so much to see and do.

In town, don’t miss a maple latte, a sugary Beaver Tail or a big plate of savory poutine.

Winter in Whistler is all about the great outdoors. For a local’s experience, head to a frozen lake for ice hockey, ice fishing, or, if you’re like me, bring along a bottle of bubbly and ask for a pull on a toboggan.

You can also go on a sunset zipline tour with Ziptrek Ecotours, shred the slopes at Blackcomb, take a scenic helicopter flight, go snowmobiling, or, book a dog sledding experience for the ride of a lifetime.

After you’ve gotten your fill of adventure, book a day at Scandinave Spa and unwind in a Nordic-inspired oasis is surrounded by spruce and cedar forest. If you’ve ever experienced a “snow-cuzzi” you’ll understand why this is a dream Winter experience!

And last, one of my favorite experiences was visiting the Kettle One Ice Room. There’s something about getting bundled up in a freezer and drinking off a “shot-ski” that says “Whistler” all over it.

For an adventure packed winter vacation, visit Whistler!

READ NEXT: Top Ten Things to Do in Whistler

 

Check out some of my favorite Winter travel items!

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Whistler is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Saturday, December 5, 2015

The Best Budget Trips for Winter Break

Budget Trips for Winter Break

Looking to get out of dodge for winter break? For the college crowd, this can mean anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. But between rent, tuition, books and of course- food- the real questions is where can you afford to getaway to!

Here are the best budget trips for winter break that I would recommend!

Kona Kai Resort, San Diego

– Hit the Beach –

Forget the stress of finals in the warmth of the golden sunshine! The golden sands of Florida and California beckon you to their pristine shores, and invite you to relax.

Winter is low season in both destinations, which means hotels are more affordable to book than ever. Skate down the boardwalk, fill up on homemade sorbet or enjoy some delicious Mexican or Cuban food.

San Diego has a bunch of holiday events going on, including their annual Parade of Lights on the bayfront, and Balboa Park decked out in holiday cheer. Los Angeles has so much to offer the holiday tourist as well!

Party hard in a tiki-themed cocktail bar or escape inland to one of the many theme parks- Universal Studios, Disneyland, and a bunch of others all within a few miles.

Christmas Las Vegas

– Las Vegas –

Adopt the life of a high roller for a few days in Las Vegas! Though the Neon City is known for its excessive spending and gambling, you can still enjoy all the Strip has to offer on a budget.

Breakfast buffets and friendly hostels are a great way to maintain your budget while savoring Vegas’ hottest casinos and nightclubs. Watch the Bellagio Fountain show which goes off every half hour, stroll down Fremont Street, and check out happy hour specials!

Montreal in Winter

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– Montreal –

Want a white Christmas? Head up to visit the northerly neighbors in Canada! Montreal and Quebec City should be your first stop—both have the charm of the old world with the festive spirit of the new.

Hit the ski slopes, practice your mad snowboarding skills, or have a calm afternoon at the ice rinks, which is free at certain rinks around the city in winter.

Youth hostels are a-plenty and very affordable, around 15 CAD, if you’re traveling on a budget. Plus—good news for the sophomore—the drinking age is 18, so you can sample those classy cocktails you’ve always wanted to try!

Chichen Itza Mexico

– Mexico –

Still looking for some sunshine? Take a week or two from your winter holidays to fly down to Mexico! Snorkel and party on the beaches of Cancun or opt for the more easygoing Puerto Vallarta.

For a less crowded destination, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula are great destinations, as they still have a authentic Mexican vibe, Caribbean-like pristine waters and Mayan ruins to explore!

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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– Puerto Rico –

For my American friends, enjoy the feel of another country without a passport! Puerto Rico’s San Juan is adorable and colorful, and you can spend hours wandering through the colorful streets of the old city.

Nurture your spirit of adventure in the El Yunque rainforest or the bioluminescent bays just off the coast. Practice your Spanish, and enjoy cheap accommodation and dynamic surf!

READ NEXT: 10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World

 

Shop my favorite Winter break essentials!

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

5 Inspiring #Journeymakers I’ve Met On My Travels

Exploring Ireland

Pedro from Guatemala

Journeymakers are the people you meet who make your trips more memorable. People who share their spirit & enthusiasm with everyone they encounter.

This month I’m partnering up with American Express for their 100th anniversary to highlight some of my favorite Journeymakers after 5 years on the road.

Who are Journeymakers? The people you meet on your travels who inspire you or somehow make your journey extra special.

The tour guides, locals, or others who find a way to enrich your travel experience.

It was difficult for me to choose, as I’ve met so many amazing Journeymakers during my travels. But these are the people who stand out the most.

Pedro The Volcano Man

Guatemala is where I met my first Journeymaker, Pedro. With my Spanish just as bad as his English, communication was basic as he guided us up the 9000 foot Volcano San Pedro on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan.

However you don’t need to speak the same language to make a new friend. Pedro was joking around with us all the way up — stopping to point out his favorite flowers, mushrooms, and birds as we climbed.

When he isn’t growing coffee along the nutrient rich slopes of the volcano, Pedro guides intrepid travelers to the top, clearing a path through the jungle with his trusty machete.

The view from the summit was breathtaking. It’s humbling to know that he hikes this giant volcano every day to earn a living. Makes you appreciate how easy the rest of us have it.

Pedro’s enthusiastic attitude about sharing his knowledge of the local landscape helped make our volcano adventure feel extra special.

Exploring Ireland

Sorina from Romania

Sorina The Gypsy

While traveling through Spain I met a remarkable community of gypsy travelers who live inside abandoned caves. Originally from Romania, Sorina and her friends kindly invited me to hang out with them and spend the night in their cave.

We shared stories, food, and played music all evening. They explained how they support themselves by selling homemade crafts to tourists in Granada. Other members of the community would pop in and join us from time to time.

The next day I helped them all build a vegetable garden.

The generosity of Sorina & her friends will always stay with me — sharing their crowded cave with a complete stranger simply because I was curious about their lifestyle. It made me want to go out and return the favor for someone else.

Thanks to them, my time in Granada was the highlight of my trip to Spain.

Exploring Ireland

Isaac from Panama

Isaac The Jungle Guide

While traveling through Panama, I teamed up with a friend to visit the Darien Gap. We hired a local Kuna indigenous guide named Isaac to lead us through this mysterious wilderness where no roads exist.

Trekking deep into the rainforest in search of rare frogs, birds, and snakes — Isaac used his knowledge of the area to locate animals we’d never have spotted on our own.

But the journey didn’t stop there. Rather than pay for a guesthouse, Isaac invited us to stay with him and his family.

Fishing is a major source of both food and income for the indigenous people living here. We spent an afternoon on the river hand-line fishing in the rain, later grilling our fresh catch for dinner.

Thanks to Isaac’s hospitality and outdoor skills, we received a fascinating glimpse of life in Darien that not many people get to experience.

Exploring Ireland

Rudy from Nicaragua

Rudy The Ex-Soldier

I first met Rudy while searching for street food late one night in the city of León, Nicaragua. After ordering a giant chicken empanada with rice & beans I sat down to eat alone.

Another customer invited me over to join him. “No one should eat alone” he said. A former soldier from the Nicaraguan revolution, Rudy was visiting from Luxembourg where he lives now.

He told me the odd story of Dr. Abraham Paguaga, a famous doctor with magic healing abilities. Together we tracked down locals to verify his tale.

Eventually we ran into a pair of elderly sisters who were treated by the doctor. They invited us in for tea to share how he healed them both from sickness when no one else could.

Thanks to Rudy, I learned something unexpected about an enchanting place. He sparked my curiosity and helped add a layer of intrigue to local history.

Exploring Ireland

Fleming & Ellen from Denmark

Fleming & Ellen The Adventurers

While trekking 10 days across Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail, I unexpectedly met Fleming & Ellen from Denmark at a remote wilderness cabin 50 miles from civilization.

We chatted for a few hours waiting for the steady rain outside to subside.

At 70 years old, they’ve hiked the 100 mile long Arctic Circle Trail 6 times now. They’ve also spent a month trekking completely across Greenland’s vast ice cap, pulling their own food & supplies on sleds…

If that wasn’t enough to impress, they’ve both hiked to Everest Base Camp and climbed Mont Blanc (Europe’s highest mountain). They didn’t even start trekking until their 40’s either!

Before we parted ways, these incredibly inspiring senior citizen adventurers gave me tips for crossing a deep river further ahead on the trail, and ideas for my next adventure.

Thanks to Fleming & Ellen, I will never feel too old to seek out challenging new travel experiences. If they can do it at 70, so can we all.

Who Are Your #Journeymakers?

All these people shared their time & kindness with me while enriching my travel experience to help make it more memorable. Have you met any Journeymakers on your travels who deserve to be recognized or thanked?

Visit The Journeymakers Website to create a personalized postcard to thank someone who made your trip extra special.

Remember to share your story in the comments below too! ★

READ NEXT: Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen

Who has inspired or enriched your travels?

American Express

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.



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The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe

The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe

Less than 2 hours’ drive from Reno, North Lake Tahoe makes a great weekend getaway setting for you and your gal pals. We spent a weekend filming a new episode of The Getaway Girls in North Lake Tahoe and had a blast exploring the best there was to offer.

Whether you want to kick up your heels by the cobalt lake or tackle the ski slopes of the Sierras, it’s a perfect place to escape with your girlfriends for a few days. Quiet cafes, The lake and its surrounding snow-capped mountains provide an unbeatable backdrop for a variety of snow and water sports.

In summer, you can go paddle-boarding or mountain biking; in winter, warm your toes by the fire in a lakeside cabin. So there’s no excuse—forget the drudgery and the deadlines and go roast some s’mores!

Watch the ultimate girlfriend getaway guide to North Lake Tahoe!

Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency

If you’re going to stay in North Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt Regency is an awesome place to do so. The property is upscale, garnished with a lagoon-style pool, a plethora of restaurants, and unforgettable mountain views of the Sierras!

If you feel like treating yourself, there’s the renowned Stillwater Spa and Salon, or if you’d rather hit the slot machines, try your luck at the Grand Lodge Casino.

Book a deluxe room with oak wood accents, or splurge for the lakeside cottage with its alpine décor. If the weather is nice, I suggest going for a sunset sail on the hotel’s private 55-foot catamaran!

Getaway Girls Tahoe

Where to Eat: Lunch at Gar Woods

Grab a bite at the Gar Woods, a stylish and comfortable seafood grill. Their lunch menu includes snapper, Dungeness crab and beer-battered coconut prawns served with mango-mustard marmalade.

In the winter, you can’t go wrong with an cup of French Onion Au Gratin for appetizer and a fresh slice of apple cobbler for dessert.

Hot summer day? Go for a refreshing combo of ahi poke and a Wet Woody Cocktail—Tahoe’s signature drink that originated at Garwoods!

Getaway Girls Tahoe 4

Where to Hike: The Flume Trail

Catch up on your hiking or biking skills on Flume Trail, which circles around the Lake Tahoe, affording gorgeous views of the water.

One of the best ways to enjoy the views is by renting a mountain bike for a day or two. Start with a simple climb from Spooner Lake, through Aspen-lined paths and streams, then take a break with a packed lunch at Marlene Lake.

You’ll want to stop by Monkey Rock for its panoramic view. Then ease your way nine more miles downhill to the bike shuttle that will whisk you back to the rental shop.

Getaway Girls Tahoe

Where to Paddle Board: Sand Harbor 

Sand Harbor is by far the best place to go paddle boarding on the lake—with its crystal-clear, aquamarine waters.

It’s perfect for first-timers, as the water’s not that deep near the shore, but fair warning the lake’s mountain water does tend to get quite cold—so waders beware!

Don’t worry about bringing your own board—noobs and vets alike can rent from shops nearby.

Getaway Girls Tahoe 29

Where to Visit: Incline Village

At Incline Village, you’ll find Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful mountain retreats. Stylish cabins abound!

You can also picnic on a relaxing lakeshore beach or rent a fishing boat for the day. Relax and unwind in the quiet outdoors or step into one of the casinos in the area.

In winter, skiers march up to Diamond Peak, and in summer, the crowd congregates to the regional Shakespeare Festival, located in Sand Harbor.

Getaway Girls Tahoe

Where to Unwind: Sunset S’mores at the Hyatt

Once you’ve explored your share of north Lake Tahoe, head back to the Hyatt to unwind and rejuvenate yourself over some desserts. The hotel sells gourmet s’mores kits so you can roast your own marshmallows at the lakeside fire pits.

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

 

The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver in a Weekend

Vancouver-in-a-Weekend-feat-image

Spend a worthwhile weekend in British Columbia’s largest city Vancouver to sample the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer. From awesome breweries, stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, Vancouver has it all!

Here’s my ultimate guide to Vancouver in a weekend!

Vancouver Canada

– Brewery Hopping –

Vancouver’s microbreweries are the talk of the town—and if you feel like some company, book a tour with a fun company like Vancouver Brewery Tours. The best neighborhood is East Vancouver, where you’ll find most of the top breweries clumped together.

Vancouver Canada

Stop by Granville Island Brewing, which opened in 1984 as Canada’s first microbrewery, or sample the popular brews at 33 Acres Brewing Company, who craft a range of delicious floral IPAs, schwarzbiers, and lemony Belgians.

You’ll find smaller, neighborhood breweries with tasting rooms, like Brassneck Brewery that have fun atmospheres as well!

Mom's Grilled Cheese Vancouver

– Food Trucks –

There are awesome food trucks abound in Vancouver, and there’s no better way to fill your tummy up for a low price. Grab a smoothie at the Juice Truck or a handheld pie at the Aussie Pie Guy.

If you’re a cheese-lover, check out Community Pizzeria– where you’ll get pizzas cooked from scratch and in a wood-fired pizza oven- or Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck!

For the best fish tacos this side of the border, head over to Tacofino and then top it off with some banana churros or diablo cookies.

Vancouver

– Momo Sushi –

For cheap eats that you can enjoy sitting down, try Momo Sushi in Gastown. The food isn’t the most gourmet in Vancouver, but it’s a great place to sample nigiri and rolls at a low price point.

They serve everything from takoyaki and avocado rolls to bento boxes and chirashi—and most dishes are under $10. The place tends to be fairly busy during rush hour at noon, so grab a seat just before or after!

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– Stanley Park –

Stanley Park is a massive 1,000-acre outdoor area, Vancouver’s popular and wild backyard. Head here in the morning and expect to spend a few hours enjoying the zoo, train, swimming pools, beaches, historical landmarks and aquarium.

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Grab lunch at the Fish House or Waterfall Cafe, or go for a quiet tea hour at the Teahouse. If the weather is good, I recommend playing a game of tennis or golf, or going for a peaceful hike among the 500,000 cedar and fir trees!

Vancouver Canada

– Vancouver Aquarium –

Within Stanley Park, you’ll find Vancouver Aquarium, which opened in 1956 and regularly hosts educational events, exhibitions and kid-friendly activities.

It has a total of 166 aquatic displays featuring a diverse array of dolphins, sea otters, beluga whales, anacondas, sloths, eels, sea lions, eels and more.

Vancouver Canada

Plus every winter there is an annual visit of “Scuba Claus” where Santa Claus dives in the tanks and swims with the fishes- talk about holiday spirit!

Vancouver Canada

– Granville Island Public Market –

The Public Market is where you’ll find a fun assortment of fresh food, homemade products, and handmade gizmos. Support local art and take a look at the fine jewelry, and photography, and maybe pick up a souvenir of handmade soaps, bath products and silk scarves.

Vancouver Canada

The Farmer’s Market here is open every Thursday from June to September. Shop for warm baked goods, preserves, plump fruit—and don’t leave without trying the candied salmon!

Vancouver

– Bella Gelateria –

Get a pre-dinner scoop of old-world handcrafted gelato at Bella Gelateria. This upscale gelateria is immensely popular with visitors and locals alike, and it’s no wonder—with original flavors like Amarena Cherry, banana bread, earl gray, lavender, matcha green tea, and fior de latte.

They also serve sorbets (can you say strawberry lime?) and excellent coffee!

Vancouver

– Dinner at Nicli Antica Pizzeria –

End a fun weekend in Vancouver and look for the red neon “Pizzeria” sign in the old neighborhood of Gastown! At the Nicli Antica Pizzeria, you’ll find authentic wood-fired pizza along with a chic atmosphere.

Go traditional with the Marinara, a tasty mix of pomodoro, oregano, garlic confit and fresh basil, or jump on the creative train and order the Cavolo Nero e Funghi, with its grana padano cheese, marinated mozzarella, tuscan kale and mixed mushrooms.

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– Buck Buck Mule from The Diamond –

Top off an active day of sightseeing at the Diamond, a classy cocktail lounge above Maple Tree Square. Sit back and relax with the Buck Buck Mule, a refreshing mix of gin, sherry, cucumber juice, cilantro, lime and ginger beer.

Cozy, old world vibe. share it with some bar snacks like charcuterie, ceviche, and the house cuban sandwich!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Vancouver Brewery and Food Truck Guide

 

Check out these Vancover-inspired must haves!

The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver in a Weekend is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Travel Jobs Around the World: Vacation Host

Travel-Jobs-Vacation-Host

Travel Job

Vacation Host

The Job Description

Well, I am not sure if “vacation host/trip manager” is the official title of the position that I am about to refer to…but I think that this name suits this role!

Basically, there are companies out there which provide packaged vacations to young people; this can include party-oriented companies which offer spring break trips and other summer getaways, or more travel-oriented companies which offer all-inclusive type trips and tours.

A “vacation host(ess)” is someone who works for one of these companies as the on-site employee who oversees all guests and activities.

Ana Vacation Host

A vacation host is the mascot of these vacation companies; they are the one who represents the spirit of the company, who rallies the troops, who sets the tone for the events, who makes sure that people are loving life and loving the trip!

They help to organize and execute the activities, all while ensuring the satisfaction and safety of the guests. They are the outgoing, energetic, enthusiastic social butterfly who encourages the guests to mingle with one another, and spreads good vibes to all!

Where I’ve Worked as a Vacation Host

I personally worked for a company called “Life is a Beach Party”, on the island of Ios, Greece. As you may have assumed by the name…this company fell more on the party end of the “vacation host job” spectrum.

Although on the surface Ios appears to be a typical quaint and charming Greek island- white buildings dotting the winding stone streets, rocky beaches, mules, gyro shops- all of that good stuff- Ios…is ABSOLUTELY WILD.

The island is home to countless bars, beach clubs and crazy times! It is a haven for young party-goers and draws huge crowds of 20-somethings every summer!

Life is a Beach Party is an Ios-based company which offers packaged vacations for young people looking for an all-inclusive type of trip in summertime paradise. They offered specials on events and accommodation, and provided its guests with a set itinerary of amazing day parties and nightly bar crawls.

Ana Vacation Host

As a “Life is a Beach Party” employee, my job was to help promote, set up and execute booze cruises, pool parties, barbecues and nightlife activities. I was involved with everything having to do with the events- from selling tickets, to assisting with event coordination, to mingling with the guests, to topping off drinks.

Where in the World the Job Exists

Although Life is a Beach Party is based in Ios, there are opportunities for aspiring vacation hosts all around the world!

In the US and Canada, many vacation-package and spring break companies will have locations in popular beach destinations such as locations in Florida, Mexico or the tropical islands of the Caribbean.

Student City, STS Travel and IS Tours are some examples of spring break companies. Each of these examples provide affordable all-inclusive deals to college students, looking for sunny skies and fun times!

I have never worked as a Spring Break Destination Rep, but as a guest on an STS Spring Break vacation…l can 100% guarantee that the employees were living the dream!

The Yacht Week is another example of a party-oriented company which seeks “interns” to manage and organize activities. For more travel-oriented companies, locations vary from club-hopping trips through Ibiza, to nature treks in South America, to tours through some of Europe’s finest cities.

Ana Vacation Host

Life Before Work, Intrepid, G Adventures, Contiki and Busabout are a few examples of companies which offer trips with set itineraries to 18-35 year olds, looking to vacation in a group setting with other like-minded and similarly-aged travelers!

Although these agencies still provide fun times, the “trip managers” or “tour guides” have a bit more balance, and a lot more responsibility for these companies. A position with one of these companies, although fun, can be very demanding and exhausting.

How to Get a Job as a Housesitter

Well, as we’ve determined, a “vacation host” can work for companies ranging in character and location. Consider these factors in order to narrow your focus- do you want ‘girls gone wild’? Wild life of the amazon? Exploring the underground catacombs of Prague? OR exploring the underground clubs of Berlin?

Decide where you’d like to fall on the vacation host spectrum!

Once you’ve reached this decision, it’s time to do some research! Google applicable keywords like “party vacation packages” or “tour guide jobs”, google the companies that I’ve mentioned above, and take the search to Facebook pages while you’re at it!

Once you have found your dream employer, look for the “work with us” or “contact us” tab, and apply. Even if you are applying out of season, or if there doesn’t appear to be any jobs available…still send an email!

Introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest, show your support toward their vision even before you are working for them, what do you have to lose?

Ana Vacation Host

Networking is key – I have no shame when it comes to emailing employers or companies I’d like to work for. For example, even though Life is a Beach Party wasn’t hiring, I emailed the founder directly, with a long message exclaiming how much I admire people who are able to create success from something about which they are passionate- which is absolutely 100% true! I am always emailing people or companies that I admire!

After corresponding back and forth, to the point of becoming friends, we eventually worked out a summer job opportunity for me! Success!

You have to be persistent- if these types of jobs were easy to get, everyone would be doing them!

Depending on the type of job you are applying for, make sure your resume is filled with experiences that showcase you as a hard worker, efficient multi-tasker, and socially proficient individual.

You have to be an energetic, enthusiastic, people-person for this type of job, so highlight positions which require that kind of character. I would also mention your ability to adapt, and to handle different roles- anything having to do with marketing, sales, hospitality, service are all relevant types of employment!

In addition to your resume, I would recommend that you write a customized cover letter, in which you can express your interest in a more personal way. As mentioned, by sending a detailed email to Life is a Beach Party, they were better able to understand how interested I was with working with them!

If you want to take it a step further- this idea might only apply to a handful of you that have the necessary experience- consider making a secondary “party resume”. I actually have a “party job resume” in addition to my regular resume! HA!

My second resume focuses on my past job experiences in party-oriented roles, such as club promoter, booze cruise leader, bar crawl leader, bartender, and hostel employee. I think it further shows that I am able to balance a professional side and a wild side…which is kind of a requirement for a vacation host!

If you really REALLY want to take it a step further- make a youtube intro video! It doesn’t have to be world-class filmography- you don’t have to edit it to perfection- the goal is to make you stand out from the sea of other applicants, and to show how committed you are to expressing your interest!

Introduce yourself, let them see who you really are, bring some life to your resume and application!

Ana Vacation Host

What Qualifications They Are Looking For

As long as you are a hard-working people-person, I think that you’re qualified enough! It’s all about personality with this role, as mentioned, so just be sure to mention previous employment or personal experiences which characterize you properly for the job.

For companies like Contiki and Busabout, the right candidates will be provided with training.

Availability & Pay as a Housesitter

MANNNNN come on! It’s not about the Benjamins! You are living the dream, remember that!

Well…you do get paid, but don’t expect a whopper of a paycheck- the perks of the job are pretty great though. Payment depends on the company you work for so it is difficult for me to answer this question…but I can try!

  • If you are a Spring Break destination staff member for example, you will have a free vacation out of the deal! You also can get commission for trips that you sell, and depending on the company, may have a wage as well.
  • With my job at LIABP, I got a small weekly wage, but had free staff accommodation, parties, activities and free or discounted food and alcohol everywhere in Ios.
  • For more profitable and professional tour companies like Busabout and Contiki, you will have an actual salary… but it will be low. Tour guests are expected to tip, and you can also expect your travel expenses, food, etc. to be covered.

As for availability, these positions are seasonal for the most part. Availability will be in line with popular vacation dates, in accordance with good weather of a given destination.

If you would like to see more information on finding a Vacation Host job, feel free to take a look at my follow-up video:

Watch Ana’s Vacation Host & Trip Manager Guide here!

Check out these Vacation Host essentials!

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



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