Wild Junket » Working abroad

How to Work in the Travel Industry

Nellie Huang — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:32:39 +0000

Bitten by the travel bug and want to make travel your lifestyle? Or are you fresh out of college, ready to explore the world one inch at a time? Whether your dream is to travel for a living or simply build a new life abroad, you can work at making the dream come true. I’ve received many questions from readers and friends about how I made travel my lifestyle. Since going into travel writing, I’ve never been happier. If you’re as crazy about travel as I am, then you might like to check out these possible jobs that can allow you to wander the world.

Travel Writer/Photographer

Let’s face it, it’s everyone’s dream job to be a travel writer or photographer. It’s not easy to get but it’s also not impossible. To begin with, you can first set up your own blog to showcase your work. It’s best to take a writing/photography course to help you lay down the groundwork and have basic knowledge in the field. From there, you can research on possible outlets and perhaps start working for free. It doesn’t happen overnight but when once you get your first paid gig, it’s much easier to go from there. I’d highly recommend checking out Matador U and VIVA Travel Writing Bootcamp (which I attended and it landed me a gig as a guidebook author).

Flickr photo by Ben Stephenson

Travel PR

If your vocation is public relations, then veering into travel PR will be an easy option to unleash the wanderlust in you. PR professionals working with tourism boards, hotel chains or cruise companies tend to travel frequently on press trips (i.e. fully sponsored trips). Qualifications to work in travel PR vary, but generally you will need an education in either public relations, communications or business management. There are numerous PR agencies out there that work with clients in the travel industry, make your pitch and see where life takes you.

Hospitality Jobs

Working in hotels or resorts would be an excellent way to relocate abroad. Start by looking into large-scale resorts and five-star hotels in popular tourist destinations such as the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, Spain and Thailand. These jobs usually don’t require much qualifications, although you can gain an edge over others by attending hospitality management schools. Some all-inclusive resorts also tend to hire animators or entertainment staff who are basically involved in daily entertainment programs in the hotel. These jobs allow you to live abroad, explore and experience a totally different culture and environment.

Flight Attendant

Another practical option to lead a jetsetting lifestyle, working as a flight attendant will definitely give you the chance to see more of the world and rub shoulders with seasoned travelers. Most airlines usually require just a high school diploma and some experience in customer service. Requirements tend to vary from one airline to another, although most of them focus on your general physique (weight and height), etiquette and the way you present yourself. Check out the airline websites to apply online.

Cruise Ship Jobs

For the young graduates or gap year students, cruise ship jobs might just be right up your alley. They give you the chance to cruise from one port to another, have some leisure time to explore when off work and learn a thing or two about tourism. But as you can imagine, the cruise industry is competitive and to stand a chance to work on a cruise, you’ll need to display plenty of potential. One way to give yourself an edge over others is to have some experience in customer service, retail or the F&B industry. Speaking more than one language would also put you at an advantage. Some good places to look for cruise ship jobs would be the classifieds and cruise ship websites.

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8 Things I’ve Learnt While Living Abroad

Nellie Huang — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:08:48 +0000

In the past 5 years, I’ve lived in various countries – from sun-kissed Miami to the cold winters of London and the tapas capital of Madrid, back in my hometown Singapore and now in Granada, Spain. Living abroad has never been easy; in fact it’s quite an emotional ride and a continuously steep learning curve. Considering the beautiful memories I’ve carved, intriguing cultures I’ve dug into and the numerous things I’ve learnt – I would do it again in a heartbeat. Just to share with you my personal experiences, here are some things I’ve learnt while living abroad.

1. You learn something new every day

Part of the beauty of living abroad is discovering something new everyday: it might be a new aspect of the country you never knew about, or a new art district you just stumbled upon, or a new word in the language you’re learning. I personally feel more alive, with a better sense of being when I’m constantly learning something new.

2. Initiative is key

When you first move abroad, you’re literally thrown into a new environment – you’re on your own. You either try your best damnest to meet new people, socialize and build up new relationships, or you’re just stuck in a foreign country, alone. It’s easy to feel depressed when you first move abroad, but with some initiative, you’ll be clinging glasses with new friends and tasting life away from home.

3. Meeting more locals helps you to adapt

Instead of sticking it out with fellow expats or friends from the same country as you are, why not make more local friends to understand a bit more about their culture? I find that meeting locals gives me an interesting perspective of life in the country and I get to experience the country in a deeper level.

5. Respect local culture

When I first moved abroad, I was still a fresh graduate, armed with many wrong ideas in my head. I’ve come a long way since, and I understand that it’s extremely important to respect the differences between the local culture and that of your own. While I still don’t understand why certain things are done in a particular way in Spain, I laugh about it rather than get vexed and frustrated.

5. Learning the language is essential

Language holds the key to a country’s soul. It is definitely essential to learn the language when you’re living abroad – in fact, it’s best to start learning it before you move abroad. Even when you live in a place like Singapore or Norway where locals speak English well, it’s best to pick up the language to completely immerse in their culture.

4. Independence and Confidence

Living abroad is an excellent confidence builder if you treat it as an opportunity. Since my move 5 years ago, I’ve been living out of my comfort zone, learning to be independent, meeting new people and in the process, gaining self-confidence. It definitely comes naturally– you simply learn to become more adaptable and independent.

7. Unexpected setbacks

When living abroad, there are many uncalculated setbacks – like homesickness, sudden illness, problems with finances and marriage issues. You need to learn how to deal with them, but also try to be prepared for them before they strike. The best way to prepare for these setbacks is do ample pre-trip preparation – speak to your local bank, do a medical checkup and get comprehensive health insurance (if you’re sent overseas for work, it’s best to purchase a business insurance health beforehand. Business insurance rates are lower than individual ones. If you’re traveling with a group of colleagues, you could also get a group health insurance quote before the trip. )

8. Have a positive mindset

Last of all – and most importantly – having a positive mindset helps you adapt to the new environment, deal with potential problems and lead a happy life abroad easily. I’ve met many people who constantly compare life abroad with life back at home and dwell about minor issues, instead of appreciating the interesting and new aspects of life abroad. You won’t come close to finding happiness this way, so keep in mind that being positive is key.

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8 Ways to Spice Up Your Travels

Nellie Huang — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:13:45 +0000

Since travelling became a significant part of my lifestyle, I’d come to realize that a conventional travel itinerary was just not enough to feed my thirst for complete cultural immersion or adventurous endeavors. It was time to ditch the guidebook and delve a little deeper, to get to know my destination inside out. Slow travel (usually means spending more than a month at a place) definitely does the trick, but if you haven’t got the time, here are some other ways to help spice up your journey and make it more than just travel.

1. Volunteer

Over the past ten years, voluntourism has gained popularity, especially among young travelers. Many people include a short volunteering stint in their travel plans. I personally volunteered at an education office in a small village in Tanzania two years back – the emotional ride was one of the best times in my life. Programs such as the Peace Corps assign volunteers to places that need help. Many organizations require a program fee, so do your research before signing up.

2. Hop on a Cruise

I’m not talking typical Caribbean party cruises. Think mid-sized cruises that bring you through the isolated Norwegian fjords or the massive icebergs in the Arctic and island-hopping in the Galapagos. Cruising offers a different perspective, especially in remote and secluded areas like the North Pole. They allow us to get to territories that cannot be visited otherwise. Discount cruises can be an interesting way to travel and even a cost-cutting one.

Photo from Destination360

3. Learn A Skill

From culinary classes to meditation courses, there are plenty of learning opportunities that gives you the chance to know the local culture better. Traveling to China? Take a tai-chi class or a kung-fu introductory course and you’ll leave with more than just photographs. In Japan, you can take a class from a veteran geisha to learn about their traditional ethics and behavior. Many embark on culinary tours around Italy and Spain to dig deeper into their gastronomy, learning to whip up typical Mediterranean dishes and sample local wine.

Photo from Tripadvisor

4. Couchsurf

The trend is here to stay: couchsurfing is now used worldwide, where members contact locals who are willing to offer them a couch to crash in or just meet up for a coffee. I personally have tried couchsurfing several times and have had amazing experiences every single time. It’s the perfect way to meet locals, understand their lifestyle, cultural habits and customs. Check out my previous post on couchsurfing.

Photo from shoestringmag

5. Book an Adventure Tour

Whether you are climbing icebergs in the Patagonia or trekking through the Amazon Jungle, an adventure tour definitely gives you the thrills of travel. It challenges you to your limit, gives you an adrenaline-pumping experience and allows you to explore a part of the country you might not be able to on your own. A tour usually takes up a chunk of your travel budget, but hey, no pain no gain. It’s often cheaper to book the tour at your destination rather than through the internet.

6. Pick Up a New Language

Another popular traveling option is language immersion: the most typical being Spanish classes in Guatemala, Argentina or Spain. Latin America is a top choice for language courses thanks to the low cost of living, rich culture and wide range of options available.These days, Mandarin is becoming the hottest language – so why not head further afield to Beijing? English is not commonly spoken, so you’ll definitely get plenty of practice.

7. Homestay

Most study-abroad programs consist of homestays where local families host you in the comfort of their homes, cooking you typical meals and speaking to you only in their language. Those who have had first-hand experience only have good things to say about this. Many build strong relations with their host families and often keep in touch after returning home. Even if you’re not a on study-abroad program, there are still many opportunities to go on a homestay. For instance, accommodation in Cuba is often in the form of homestays. They are cheaper and a better choice for many.

8. Get a Part-time Job

Work as diving instructor, teacher, chef, au-pair or cruise crew, there are thousands of working options available. For many countries, being a native English speaker gives you the advantage to find work easily. In Spain, you can easily find work as a teacher in an English summer camp. Depending on your skills, short-term work not only allows you to earn an extra income, but also gives you the experience of living and working in a new country.

Photo from Season Workers

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World’s 7 Best Cities to Live

Nellie Huang — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:36:54 +0000

From Asia to the U.S. and Europe, there are hundreds of cities that constantly attract new residents, thanks to low crime rates, quality of life and many other factors. Spending the past few years moving from one city to another, I’ve had my fair share of scouting for new nesting ground. Having picked up a trick or two on where’s best and where’s not, here’s my own list of 10 best cities to live based on my own likings and experiences.

1. Melbourne, Australia

This vibrant city at the Southern end of Australia is a treasure trove of beaches, seaside esplanades and quirky antique shops. Edgy urbanites co-exist with aboriginal culture in a city that grooves with urban culture. Melbourne is just an hour away from the Great Ocean Road, a stretch of coastal cliffs bursting with wildlife and hiking trails. The Grampians mountain range are also just several hours’ drive away. It’s definitely my favorite city in Australia, just be careful, you might never want to leave.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona: progressive, new-age, explosive and colorful. The hip crowd can hang around the beach at Barceloneta, while the artistic ones can mingle around works of Gaudi. Barcelona, best experienced on a hop on hop off Barcelona bus tour, is a sprawling city with the conveniences that every cosmopolitan city has, yet it has completely come to its own.

Spain might not be ranking tops in the European ranking of infrastructure or GDP, but everyone who’s been there knows about the immeasurable quality of life. The three most important things in life for the Spaniards – cerveza (beer), siesta and fiesta.

3. Singapore

Coming in at number 1 in Mercer’s 2009 Worldwide Infrastructure Ranking, Singapore is definitely one of the best places to live in Asia. There’s not just low crime rate, but also excellent connection with the world, good career opportunities, high standard of living and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Urbanites who like living in a metropolis will definitely appreciate the vibrant nightlife and entertainment establishments available. Being a bilingual nation also helps a foreigner get by easily.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

One of my favorite cities in Europe- Prague is cheaper than most west European countries, but has equally stunning architecture, historical monuments and rich culture. In terms of security and stability, it is also on par with its neighbors. The weak currency makes cost of living here much lower as well- an important point to consider when relocating. The proximity to neighboring Germany and Austria also make it a good base to explore the area.

5. Dubai, UAE

Ranking as the top Middle Eastern city in the quality of life index, Dubai has been an expatriate-hub in the recent years. Plenty of friends looking to work abroad are seeking out opportunities in Dubai and it looks like they’re doing better than before. Quoted as ‘the fastest growing city in the world’, Dubai is now home to the tallest building, largest man-made marina and the most luxurious hotel in the world. Adventure seekers can also head out to nearby sand dunes to surf in the sand.

6. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the most influential city in the whole of South America, despite its economic debacle in 2002. Stretching from old neighborhood like San Telmo to the swanky riverside zone of Puerto Madero. the city holds on to its history and culture like no other. Littered with gorgeous architecture, melancholic tango bars and antique shops, Buenos Aires is reminiscent of Europe, yet completely its own. A unique place to live and smell culture, this is the perfect place to live for art lovers who seek a bohemian lifestyle.

7. Seattle, U.S.

Surrounded by magnificent mountain range, Seattle is said to be one of the best residential cities in the U.S. Being the 13th largest metropolitan area in the States, it’s neither too big nor too small. Temperatures are also milder here, which means comfortable winters and summers. There’s a vibrant music scene and plenty of outdoors options from boating to hiking. For housing costs, check out Seattle property management.

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How to Make Money While Traveling

Nellie Huang — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:18:25 +0000

Wanna travel for a long period of time but have no money to do so? No ideas how to sustain your finances on the road? There are tons of ways to refuel your travelling funds as long as you have the means to do so. From teaching English in Spain to working as a dive instructor in Borneo, here are some tips to help you get started.

Visa Requirements

Depending on how long you would like to stay in the specific destination, work could mean a short-term bar job or a contractual professional position abroad. You usually do not need a visa for a temporary job, but it is important to obtain a visa for long-term stay (>3 months). Commonwealth citizens may find it easier to live in fellow Commonwealth countries – e.g. British citizens can easily apply for an Australian visa to stay for up to 2 years. (Read How to Live & Work in the UK/Australia.)

1. Summer Jobs

These temporary jobs abroad are usually suitable for young and energetic individuals looking for a new experience after graduation. Types of work include — bar staff, ski instructor (for Winter ski holidays), animador (entertaining staff in all-inclusive resorts), dive instructor, hotel receptionist, au pair, translator etc. These websites provide job bulletins with specific positions around the world.

2.Internship

Recent graduates might find an internship abroad an amazing opportunity for both their personal and professional development. Thousands of companies accept interns from abroad, although many are unpaid positions. These are some specific internships available.

3. Teach English Abroad

A popular choice among many, it is rather easy to obtain a teaching job especially if you are a native speaker. Countries where teachers are highly demanded include – Spain, Czech Republic, Korea, Japan, and China. These are paid positions and remuneration is especially good in Asia. TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) is a bonus when finding a teaching job.

4. Volunteering

Although most volunteering positions are unpaid, you can still find some that offer a humble stipend. Roles include – organizing social activities, organic farming and teaching. Nueva Alianza in Guatemala is an example of paid volunteering.

5. Travel Writing/Blogging

Many travelers keep a blog to share their experiences on the road with friends and families. After gaining readership, some actually start earning money from their blogs through advertising and paid blog assignments. Travel writers are slightly different, they pen articles based on their travels for magazines and this also provides a flow of income on the road. Here are some useful articles to help it come true:

6. Work Wirelessly

This new and hip way of life is creating a new trend in the travelling world, as many pack their bags and laptops, working from anywhere around the world. Whether you are a web developer, project manager or editor, you no longer need to step into an office for your job. These insightful blogs provide tips on how you could actually achieve it.

Flickr photo by Giorgio Montersino

The Ups and Downs of a Nomadic Lifestyle

Nellie Huang — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:27:28 +0000

As we drove, for the last time, past the bay area of Singapore, I turned back to see the shimmering night lights of the glitzy city fading behind me. Like time, the city has come and passed. It’s the end of yet another sojourn in the country I call home. Time to hit the road again.

Yet, I am hit by a sense of bittersweet string of emotions. Memories flashed across my mind like an old movie rerunning backwards, black and white, images of laughter and tears. At the same time, I feel a powerful pressing force that urges me to leave. To leave that comfort zone I’d once again built around myself. To explore something new and something that makes me go wow.

Photo by robinvanmourik

It’s exactly how my life has been for the past 5 years. An endless series of sojourns, most of them lasting for a year or so. The first of which was Miami. I remember when I left, I was a wreck. I could barely imagine my life away from the paradise. Life thereafter changed completely. We’ve packed up and gone to live in several different places since. I knew a nomadic life like this, was what I needed to keep me sane and happy.

Granted, we’ve had our fair share of misadventures – from cheating death while driving up to Machame Falls (Tanzania), to hiking up the mountains of Kakadu (Australia) and having a semi-asthma attack, we still loved living life on the edge.

On a personal note, these are what I consider the Ups of being a nomad, and what keeps us moving.

Everyday on the road is refreshingly exciting. One day you might be lost in the Amazon Jungle, while another, dancing tango along the streets of Buenos Aires. Colorful, unpredictable and topsy-turvy life – an excitement in life that’s hard to get by.

Life on the road is absolutely care-free. Besides the bugging question of where to have your next tantalizing meal, or which funky hostel to stay at, there’s really not much to worry about. Call me an escapist, but who really needs to be bogged down by bills and a stressful career?

You get to live your dreams, and that of many others. Who doesn’t like to travel? Everybody does! OK Some might not like the idea of being away from home, but most of them secretly live their fantasies through your vagabonding lifestyle.

Immersing yourself in a different culture and surrounding makes your learn so much about the world and how vast it is. It could be visiting a village to see their simple lifestyle, or going on a boat ride with a local fisherman. You could learn more being there physically, than flipping through encyclopedias or websites.

I learn something about myself constantly. It might be something new, or something you already knew but want to improve on. Life is a journey of self-discovery, and I believe by putting yourself out there, you find more of yourself. I know what I want in life, who I am as a being, and I love to uncover more as I go along.

Of course, nothing is perfect. So here goes my Downs of being a nomad.

A friend said that each time she saw me, she felt my sentimental old self slipped away bit by bit. I was becoming more unfeeling to her, and unknowingly, she might be right. Perhaps it’s because through the years, I’ve seen and travelled with old friends and family here and there, being apart doesn’t seem like an issue anymore.

At times, being away from my family especially makes me question the purpose of my nomadic lifestyle. Watching my parents age each time I see them, I yearn to spend more time by their sides and laugh like we always used to.

Financially, I’m far from becoming the next millionaire. Spending all my savings on the next big trip never got me close to buying a house, a car or anything near there. We have no assets of our own, posing quite a bleak prospect being a couple in our late 20s.

While we move from 1 city to the next, I settle for odd jobs and travel on every cent I make. Although I don’t envy my friends who are climbing up the corporate ladder (I’ve experienced 9-to-5 jobs, and I swear never to take on one again!), I sometimes secretly yearn for the high life and the bling bling!

We don’t even have a fixed address! A little exaggerating, but yes, we never had a place to call our own. We had been sharing apartment with flatmates or staying with people, and changing mobile phone numbers and rental contracts constantly definitely made us hard to reach!

I guess I just needed to rant, but trust me, it’s all worth it. Seeing the smiles of some foreign faces, and the camaraderie with fellow travel mates, and the amazing journey that life takes us through – that’s priceless!

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Moving on: A New Life

Nellie Huang — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Photo by Manifesto

I hate this part: post-sojourning. You know the standard withdrawal symptoms –going back to a monotonous routine, feeling like an outsider at home, and basically, the unnerving blues. It’s almost like a drug addiction, you get the jitters and shivers, and your feet itch uncontrollably.

Shedding my hiking boots and cargo pants, and putting on heels in my disguise as a closet 9-to-5er – this is the part that truly makes me nauseous. Sitting in a claustrophic office, stuck with a shitload of boring paperwork and excessive air-conditioning, I looked around and wondered what the hell am I doing here? That’s when I decided to pull the plug. I quit my job.

I’ve had enough of squeezing travelling time into short jaunts, although Asia can be delightfully surprising even when seen in a few days. Coming back home had been truly gratifying. But it’s time to go – time to get back out of my comfort zone, time to get some bittersweet taste of life, and do some real travelling.

I’m faced with the same questions from friends and family before each of my long-term jaunts, ‘Are you sure you’re doing the right thing by leaving your job to travel? How will you survive for 3 months in SouthAmerica? What are you going to do after that? There’s a worldwide economic recession now for goodness sake!’

It’s been my fourth job in the last 4 years of our nomadic lives. Did I have a real passion for any of them? I’d been straddling on these jobs to sustain my travels. They helped me get through financially, but my priority, had always been travelling. So, as you would expect, once I saved up enough, I am off again to my next stop. Uncovering Travel Writing has been a dream-come-true, relishing the real me.

Within a month’s time, we’ll be on a 20-hour flight again, crossing from Asia to America, and on to some new foreign soil. It’ll be our first step into the Latin American world, and I just can’t wait to sample some authentic ceviche, trudge up the Macchu Pichu and gulp down some real Mexican tequila! Cuba, Buenos Aires and the Galapagos islands are all on our list, and even a Travel Writers’ Boot Camp in Guatemala is awaiting!

We don’t know when exactly the trip will end, but this time round, I’ll make sure we thoroughly satisfy our wanderlust, before settling back in Spain. Life’s so unpredictable, isn’t it? Stay tuned for more of my adventures at the other end of the World!

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7 Steps to Sustaining Long-term Travel

Nellie Huang — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:11:58 +0000

Having received several emails from my readers, about how I sustain my long-term travels, both financially and professionally, I figured I might just share some of my own experience with you. (Thanks for writing to me, keep them coming!)

Truth be told, long-term travelling is not easy, but if you set yourself some rules, and want it badly enough, you can do it. Anyone can!

As much as I wish, I’m actually not typing away at the Iguazu Falls now, I don’t travel full-time. Like you, I also hold a permanent 40-hours-a-week job, stretching my annual vacation to the maximum, and well, saving for the next trip. But with some planning, I get to squeeze in at least 10 trips a year, and still be able to pay my bills. And no, my job doesn’t let me travel the World.

Here are some of my tips to help you get closer to travelling long-term. Hang on tight, the ride’s gonna be thrilling!

1. Plan Ahead

For those who find it difficult to get away from work, draw out a virtual map and point out which are the places you’ll like to see this year. Check the calendar for long weekends and Public Holidays, and let your boss know of your vacation now! Although you might only end up with short trips, but honestly, 4 days are perfect to visit nearby cities like Saigon or Siem Reap. Planning your travels in advance also ensures that you will have other responsibilities accounted for.

2. Manage Your Finances

Create an excel sheet to draft your finances clearly, consider your monthly expenses, bills to be paid and set a strict amount to save every month. Trust me, this definitely keeps your accounts in check, and when faced with numbers, you’ll surely start scrooching.

Are you willing to sacrifice extravagant dinner meals and visits to the mall, in exchange for a 3-month trip to South America? I’ve had to cut down on my consumption in order to sustain this long-term travelling lifestyle. Have I regretted any of it? Not a minute of it. From meeting the girls over free drinks on Ladie’s Night, to cooking at home (candle-light dinner), you can still pamper yourself with a simpler lifestyle.

3. Prioritize what you want in Life

There are always people who whine about their boring lives, blaming it on their kids or their jobs. There just always seem to be an excuse for leaving your dreams of travelling the world behind and leading a monotonous life. You could either envy those who get to experience new adventures ever so often, OR you could make that YOUR life. Focus on what you want to achieve, work hard to ensure that your commitments are well taken care of, and then book that ticket, and you’re on your way!

4. Working Abroad

The easiest way to know a country or region inside out is by working and living abroad. It’s not as difficult these days, as it used to be. You can teach English abroad, or apply for a Work Holiday Maker Visa (opened to citizens of Commonwealth countries), or volunteer. There are endless options now, if you look hard enough. Read my post on ‘How to Make the Big Move’ for more details.

I usually use the country I live in as a base, to travel around the region. This way, you get to see as much as you like in the continent, using budget airlines, stretching over a longer period of time. Working in Europe also allows you to take up to 2-3 months of summer vacation; that’s the best time to travel!

5. Travel in between Jobs

Time is of essence when you have a job to return to. So grab the time in between jobs to travel for as long as you can afford! Between each of our moves, we travelled for 2-3 months, to break down the long distance and also to catch up on some serious travelling. As much as I enjoy taking short breaks off work to travel near home, nothing beats taking your time to slowly see exotic sights at a comfortable pace. (especially knowing that you’re not returning to a sucky job!)

Over the past few years, I have been packing up, moving on to a different job and a different city every other year, because I’d chosen to. Although some employers might not look at it in a positive light, I can safely (and proudly) say that not many have had the chances to work in 3 countries on 3 vastly different roles, learning substantially both professionally and spiritually. Still, I have accumulated many more visas and chops on my passport, priceless life lessons and lifelong friends, than a secure job could ever have given me.

6. Find your Travel Soul Mate

He could be your lifetime partner, your best friend, or even yourself (travelling solo can be equally fulfilling); I believe having a travel soul mate is essential to long-term travelling. He acts as a motivation, a harbor and mostly, someone to share the ups and downs of travelling together. While some people prefer to wing it solo, I have found travelling long-term to be possible and part of our lifestyle, thanks to an adventurous partner, Alberto.

7. Just do it!

No more talking about surfing in Costa Rica, or white-water rafting in the rapids of Borneo, it’s time to DO it! Sometimes all it takes is a click on the button ‘Pay Now’, and there’s no turning back. Pluck up your courage, and let life twirl you around on an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster ride!

I’ve seen so many people leading an exciting life of adventures but at the same time, sustaining a fulfilling career at home. You just need to take the first step, and you might just lead the life you’ve always dreamt of.

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Guest blogging – Arabic Influence in Granada, Spain

Nellie Huang — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:16:44 +0000

I’d recently written a guest post for fellow travel blogger at Europe A La Carte – a great site for all things related to Europe. I’d decided to write about my home away from home – Granada, Southern Spain. Here’s a sneak peek of my post.

A tranquil city in Southern Spain, Granada exudes a mystical sense of beauty that not many overcrowded Spanish cities can compare to. In contrast with the tourist-dominated beaches along the coast, Granada is so elegantly poised with Arabic-influenced architecture, gypsies-inhabited caves and thick Iberian culture.

As the last city to be returned to the Christian conquistadors after several hundred centuries of Muslim ruling, Granada still bears evidence to its Arabic influence to this day. The Alhambra Palace was built during the Moorish reign in the 15th century, and still stands proud and majestic on the hills of Granada.

Other signs of Arabic influence can be seen in the Albayzín, one of the oldest areas in Granada. Perched on the hilltop across a canal from the Alhambra, it consists of steep cobblestoned paths and quaint authentic white-washed houses known as el Carmen. Read more…

Arabic teahouses and Moroccan shops line the narrow street that leads up to the hilltop. The perfect way to relax after a day, is to smoke some Arabic waterpipe (Spanish name is Cachimba) in the dimly-lit aromatic teahouses (teterias).

In the city center right next to the Cathedral, the Alcaicería stands out, like a typically Arabic souk (bazaar) that attracts many tourists and locals alike. Read more…

——————————————————————————————————————————————-Read the entire blog post at Europe a la Carte blog. It’s a multi-authored blog all about anywhere in Europe – from the sunny beaches of Greece to the cold snowcapped winters of Lapland.

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How to Live & Work in the UK/Australia?

Nellie Huang — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:56:15 +0000

London always has this special place in my heart. Living and Working there allowed me to discover what I wanted in Life, and gave me a push towards pursuing what I liked. It was the start of my journey away from home. Although I was never really a Harrods or English-tea-sipping kinda girl, I enjoyed the vibrant and cultural lifestyle that London has to offer.

Weekends would be spent uncovering the endless Museums in London (personal favourite: the Natural History Museum! Most museums has free entry) or hunting for antique treasures at the Portobello Market. Summer meant perfect weather lazing by the lake in St. James Park, or taking a walk along the Thames, enjoying the view of this world renown city. Standing in the middle of Picaddilly Circus, I would always feel like I was in a dream. It was hard to believe I was in London. The Capital of the World.

Working in London on the Work Holidaymaker Visa was also enjoyably fun. Perhaps it was the type of work I had – 9-to-5 office work that was stress-free, and with like-minded colleagues around, work was never dull. Hitting the Pubs at 6pm was perhaps a British trademark I would remember for quite awhile. Always swigging a Pint of Carlin in my hand, it was the perfect social spot getting to know my multicultural colleagues. London is a melting pot for people from all over the world – from South Africans to Aussies and Polish, I would be meeting people of a different nationality every single day. London was also the gate to Europe – I took the opportunity to travel around Europe on vacation. From Greece in summer to the Holy week in Spain, even catching the Eurostar for a weekend trip to Paris, and cruising the canals of Amsterdam – London is the best base to see all of the romantic European continent. From cheap airfares as low as 20GBP, Ryanair and EasyJet just made travelling even cheaper and easier than ever.

Wanna know how to Work & Live in the UK/Australia? Here’s how!

*In continuation with previous post on ‘How to make the big move’

UK/Australia Work Holidaymaker Visa (WHM)

UK and Australia’s Working Holiday maker scheme allows young people to have an extended holiday by supplementing their travel funds through unprofessional employment, thus promoting international understanding and cultural exchange.

The UK visa is only opened to Commonwealth Citizens from the age of 17 to 30 to enjoy a working holiday for up to 2 years, but only work up to 12 months. The Australian WHM visa is only opened to certain countries, and only 12 months stay is allowed. The main reason for living in Australia/UK is to holiday and that any work is to support yourself while you are on holiday.

Based on my experience, it wasn’t difficult applying for the visa, the process was just long and tedious. But with all the documentation prepared, it really doesn’t take much to get it approved.

How to apply:

Head to the British High Commission/Australian embassy in your home country
The entire process usually takes 2-3 months from application to the results – so start early!
You will need documents to substantiate your application – such as account balance, reference letters and education transcripts. Make sure you prepare the documents in advance.
Check out these websites: http://www.skillclear.co.uk/workingholidays.asp

http://www.workpermit.com/australia/temporary/working_holiday_visa.htm

Can everyone apply?

Anyone who can show that he/she is able to sustain her life in the UK independently, and his/her qualifications allow him/her to find work in the UK.
It is not necessary to have a University degree, as long as no criminal record is shown, anyone from the Commonwealth countries is allowed to apply.
Only ex-WHM visa holders are not allowed to apply.

What type of work and How to find one?

Most types of work, including voluntary work, but you cannot set yourself up in or run a business, or work as a professional sportsperson.
From bartender to a tour guide, you can find any type of work you want!
The best job-advertising website: http://www.gumtree.com/
If you already work in an International Company, try to ask for a transfer before you quit and jump into the endless pool of job-hunting.

**I was lucky enough to get a transfer from the company I was working for previously. It was the perfect solution – saved me trouble of hunting for work, and I’m already familiar with the job and have time to explore London!

Cost of living:

The UK evidently has a high cost of living compared to other parts of the World. A room rental in a shared apartment would cost around 300-400GBP, while a meal at MacDonalds will kick you back around 6GBP.
Australia in contrast, actually has quite a reasonable standard of living. Especially with the Aussie dollar going downhill, this is the best time to hit downunder! A room rental costs A$400- 500, and a Mac meal for A$6.

* Exchange rate approx: 1GBP = US$1.5 = S$2 / A$1 = US$0.50 = S$1