Imagine Waking Up To This Every Day

Move, Live and Work Abroad in Hawaii

 

 

When you think of Hawaii it can be impossible not to smile. Grass skirts, leis, pristine beaches, erupting volcanoes, and sparkling water are more than enough to make it the perfect vacation spot. But what if you could make that vacation lifestyle a part of your daily routine? Sounds like a pipedream but it doesn’t necessarily have to be, if you have the money or can land the perfect job.

 

Making the decision to move abroad is intimidating. Although there are many benefits to living offshore and packing up your life, there is a lot of work, stress, and problems that you are sure to encounter. Some people may love the idea of packing it all in, escaping the rat race, and moving to some far off destination. Others may be nervous about the thought of getting used to a whole new culture and moving far away from home. That is where Hawaii comes into the equation. Hawaii is the perfect opportunity to move abroad yet still enjoy the comforts of home and be reasonably close to your family and former home. If you are American you don’t even need to get a passport in order to enjoy beach living and escape your boring desk job. Truth be told money is going to be one of the most important underlying factors, along with preparation and proper research.

 

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the top destinations for people looking of spending their retirement in close serenity of oceans with a backdrop of beautiful mountains and an awesome tropical climate. Hawaii has a place among the top tourist spots in the world and many people from America, Canada, the UK and Australia, consider moving to Hawaii permanently to work and live in paradise.

 

One option for anyone who is looking to move to Hawaii is to move their own business to Hawaii or consider creating one. This offers the freedom that you are looking for but entails quite a bit of work. No matter which route you choose to take, before taking the plunge and moving to Hawaii permanently, there are many things that you need to consider. 

 

Essential Things to Consider before Moving to Hawaii

 

- Mode of Moving: Since Hawaii is an island, most of your personal belongings will have to be shipped. Shipping of goods will definitely cost a lot, so you need to choose wisely when deciding which things you want to bring with you. There are very few modern conveniences that you will not be able to find in Hawaii so it may be best to pack light, cut ties with some of your possessions and start over.  

 

-Find a Place to Live: You ought to look for a suitable place to live in Hawaii. There are many available and comfortable accommodations but you do not want to leave it until the last minute. You will be far better off if you arrange for a place to stay before you embark on your journey. Flip through real estate sites online and peruse Craigslist and sites like VRBO.com to see what you can find. Having a place to call home right after you get off the plane while make it a lot easier to settle into your new surroundings.

 

-Find a Job/ Start a Business: If you are planning to start a business in Hawaii then there is no better option than the hospitality and travel industry, but keep in mind that the competition is often too hard to compete with. However, there are many jobs available in the industry that can ensure you have a steady income in order to afford the life you want.

 

Moving to Hawaii isn’t All about Saving Money

 

It is important to keep in mind that moving to Hawaii is not necessarily a cost cutting move, or a way to escape the recession. Most of the jobs available in Hawaii are low paying ones. There are very few engineering, IT, Pharmaceutical, and other types of jobs available. Since the island’s economy is mainly dependent upon the large number of tourists it receives every year, the majority of the households use the hospitality industry as their source of income.  

 

Jobs in the Retail and Sales industry do fetch an annual package of around $42,000 USD. Some engineering and marine engineering firms are also located on the island and offer reasonable salaries that come in at around $45,000 USD annually. If you are looking at moving abroad in order to live cheaper, then you need to be willing to enjoy the island lifestyle and cut down on some of the luxuries that you may be used to. 

 

If You Have The Cash This Could Be Your Life

Cost of Living in Hawaii

 

 

Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to settle down. When considering moving and living to any destination the cost of housing is one of the biggest factors. In this case Hawaiian real estate prices tend to be quite inflated. You are going to need to put down quite a bit of money in order to secure a house or find a suitable apartment for rent. Of course there are some hidden gems to be found and options if you are willing to live in a place that has nothing more than the necessities. Overall, the cost of housing is about 63% higher than the national average. The cost of renting a studio apartment will be anywhere between $800 and $1,200 depending upon the location. If you are looking to rent a 2-bedroom apartment than you will have to shell out up to $1,600 per month.

 

The cost of food and groceries in the area is also quite high in comparison to other destinations and different parts of the USA. Utility prices can also be quite intimidating. Even for dining out your budget must be relatively high. The gas for your car, internet, satellite television, water bills, electricity bills, telephone, and medical bills are substantially high. Property tax, insurance, and other necessities will also be an extra burden. Simply because Hawaii is an island it means that most everything is imported and the transportation and taxes obviously raise the overall cost of living. 

 

According to a recent survey done by an agency, a retired couple needs about $3,000 USD per month to live peacefully in Hawaii. A working couple should be willing and able to live on a budget of $4,000 USD or more per month depending upon which luxuries they wish to enjoy.

 

Living in Hawaii is a definite possibility but many opt for cheaper destinations when living abroad. However, Hawaii can make a perfect short term home for a few months, or even up to a year. If money is not an issue then the island does offer the perfect lifestyle than many people fantasize about when dreaming of living offshore. In the end, if you are looking to avoid the recession, bank money, or live comfortably on a dime, this is probably not your best option.  This doesn’t mean that the dream has to be over though. There are thousands of opportunities to become an entrepreneur or make money online, you just have to be willing to put in the work that is needed to gain success.  

There are two things that everyone loves; finding great deals and going on vacation. That is what makes saving money on a travel package and booking a cheap vacation so exhilarating. That feeling you get when you are sitting on an airplane, looking around at the other vacationers, and knowing that the majority of them paid more than you, is heavenly. Sure maybe it is a little conceded and a little vein to think that way, but hey you found a deal, bask in the glory.  Don’t think that anyone else in your position wouldn’t be feeling the same way.

 

Now you may love that feeling, but you have to know that airlines are bitter when they see you with that “I saved money” smile. Well, we here at BankableTravel don’t really care how bitter they get, or how much they judge us. We are in this for travelers, just like you. We want to see more “I saved money” smiles and less “I am going to have to re-mortgage the house when I get home,” frowns on airplanes. With that said, here are 5 travel secrets that Airlines do not want you to know about. Read up on these five fast facts, use them when booking a flight, and your chances for scoring a better deal on your next vacation are sure to increase, meaning we did our job.

 
Airfare Saving Secret #1-Low Cost Airlines don’t always offer Low Cost Fares

 
 There are a number of airlines out there that are known for being discount airlines that offer no frills service and packages. Without getting into names you already know who they are. However due to the steady competition in the market many big time airlines have been forced to match the prices that the smaller companies have offered. Don’t always assume that budget prices will be offered by budget airlines, and make sure you do as much comparison shopping as you can. This isn’t to say great deals aren’t offered by discount airlines, we just don’t want you to make any assumptions.

 
 Airfare Saving Secret #2—Mix and Match Makes Sense

 
What a lot of people do not realize is how much money can be saved by mixing and matching fights, especially if you are thinking of jumping on a plane last minute. The problem comes into play when you realize that these massively discounted airfares may not be headed to your desired destination. Well, that may not be as big of a problem as you think. Consider if you are looking to take a trip to Miami from New York. There may be no deals whatsoever for the direct route and you may think you will have to pay full price. However you can actually use two completely separate airlines to book two different round trip tickets to get there. There may be a discounted last minute flight from New York to Tennessee and another deal on a round trip flight from Tennessee to Miami. Stack them together and you can fully take advantage of last minute airfare deals, thanks to a little creativity. In fact, most airlines will even switch your bags over to another airline free of charge, just make sure you inquire about it before handing off your valuables.

 
Airfare Saving Secret #3- Taxes are a Killer

 
We have all done it before. You find an incredible deal online that comes in at a staggeringly good price for a roundtrip. You grab your credit card, call your best friend, and move onto the booking process. As you are punching in your daunting credit card numbers you realize the full price has doubled, almost even tripled. Did you get that sinking feeling? Yeah, we know all about it. From fuel charges, security fees, and anything else the airlines feel like throwing at you, it is not uncommon to pay more for taxes than for the actual airfare. This is unavoidable, but still an excellent rule to keep in mind when comparison shopping. A lot of travel websites do not show the applicable add-ons until the final stage of booking.  There are more than a few travelers that have passed over better deals and booked more expensive airfare after being fooled by the last minute tax hike. When you are comparing airfare prices, take the extra time to click through until the final stage of booking so you understand the true value of the ticket.

 

Airfare Saving Secret #4- Cookies can Pack on Pounds…….and Airfare Prices

 
Cookies are not just a diet killer, they can also hold you back from finding the best available deals. Most popular websites these days use cookies (text files) and plant them on your hard drive in order to keep track of your online movement. This keeps track of all your information and makes it easier for you to save your billing address and preferences. The problem is that these cookies remember the airfare prices you are looking for. So if you searched for a roundtrip flight to Bali last week and then come back to see if the price went down, the cookies might show you the same results from before. This can keep you out of the loop when it comes to decreases in fares, but the solution is quite simple. If you do not mind reentering your information, delete and clear your cookies on your browser every time you want to perform a new search. May seem annoying and tedious, but could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

 
Airfare Saving Secret #5- Not all Major Travel Web Sites are Created Equal

 

This is a common mistake that people make, yet travelers continue to do it. Too many of us just assume that the same rates will be available on all the major travel sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, and so on. The truth is that each site, even the lesser known ones, does their own negotiations and will have exclusive deals for certain locations. Your best bet is to check all the sites individually, even though the site will offer to search a number of sites at the same time for you. On top of this, airlines are noticing the amount of business that these websites are getting. Accordingly they are starting to offer exclusive deals on their own sites that may be better than anything you can find offered on sites full of so called “travel experts”.

 
The bottom line here is that airfares are changing all the time. Prices can change as many as three or four times a day and it is your job to keep on top of them. There are a number of travel websites and resources that you can use to your advantage but you can get the most out of them by comparison shopping all the time. Sales are abundant and are waiting for you to find them; you just have to be willing to put in the extra time. Keeping these airfare saving secrets in mind and simply knowing the rules should go a long way in helping you find the best airfare prices, and plane tickets, available at the time.

 
Good luck and happy travels.

This is a quick hit for today, but one of the most worthwhile posts if you are looking to save money on an upcoming vacation. This is in no way a promotion, no way a shameless gimmick, and we are in no way benefiting from this. The simple fact is that Yapta.com can potentially save you a ton of money on your next vacation, and have you sipping pina coladas with all the leftover cash you bank.

 

A Shameless Trick to Save Money on Travel

When you book a vacation this summer, or anytime for that matter, you should immediately hop online and register your airline confirmation with Yapta. It will instantly and automatically track your ticket and the price that you paid and notify you if the price drops at any time. If, and when, the price of your ticket drops in price all you need to do is call the airline, notify them that you are aware of the price drop, and you will be given a refund for the difference. Better yet, if you are feeling crunched for time, or just do not want to deal with the airline, Yapta will call them for you for a fee of $15.

 

Sounds too good to be true, right? Thousands of sites online promise to save you money and cut costs for traveling but cannot deliver. There are an infinite amount of blatant self promotions and sites that are really just in it for a quick buck, or are just a pure waste of time. Even if you have a little crush on a certain travel website you can still use it, and then use Yapta to save money AFTER you purchase. On top of all that the site also allows you to monitor certain airfare costs, and keep your eye on anything that might drop abnormally low. What’s better than jumping on a last minute vacation and saving hundreds? Not much.

 

So What is the Catch with Yapta?

As with everything in life there are catches. The thing is that Yapta doesn’t cost a single cent so you do not have much to loss. However, there are some things to keep in mind. If there is a decline in price you have to act quickly to get your credit just in case the price goes back up. (But this rarely happens)Also, in some instances you may be forced to pay a certain airline fee when changing your flight details which can easily cut into your savings. Even still, you really do not have anything to lose.

 

An Average Savings of $300?

There are reports online and in certain prestigious publications that claim that Yapta saves its average user $300, but that may be a bit of an exaggeration. All in all, there are a number of people who feel that Yapta is too good to be true, (can’t blame them) and there are faults. But how judgmental or skeptical can you be of a service that is completely free? Try it out. If it works you will be skipping on the beach in no time, knowing that you spent less than everyone else there. If it doesn’t work you can always drown your sorrows with a Margarita on the beach. Just remember to barter with the merchants in the market. You do not need Yapta to save money there.

 

If Yapta works for you be sure to drop us a line, or vice versa. We can save a lot more money on travel together than any one person can alone.

Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in all of Europe. There is something magical about it that you can feel even when you simply utter the words. The language, the culture, the natural beauty, and the architecture are all stunning, spectacular, and mystifying at the same time. However, the problem is that we all hear about just how costly it is to live or travel to Europe these days.

 

The Euro is a powerful currency that probably puts your local currency to shame, thus making it a lot harder to stretch a dollar. But what if you landed a job that paid you in Euros? That might just be the best way to keep your dream of touring Spain and Europe alive. However it isn’t always as easy as that……. is it?

 

What can you expect in Spain? What is the cost of living in Spain? What sorts of jobs are available out there? Let’s get right into it.

 
For starters, let us take a quick look at some of the things you need to know, and need to take care of before shifting your life to Spain and moving abroad. You already know that the language of the land is Spanish, (If you don’t then maybe this isn’t the destination you should be headed to, but that is beside the point) but there are quite a few other factors to consider.

 
The Essential Things that you need to Know before Moving to Spain

Learn Spanish

 

Without knowing basic Spanish don’t even think of moving to Spain. It is the first thing that you need to learn. You may be able to get by without it, but it is going to be a struggle. This doesn’t mean that you have to be fluent or a natural Don Juan, but at least grab a book and some audio tapes and lay down the groundwork. Spanish for Dummies is a great starter point and once you have the basics down, everything should flow nicely when you are submerged in the language and the culture.

 
Apply for a Spanish Visa

 

You will need to get a Spanish visa from the Spanish consulate in your country. It is advisable that you find yourself a full time or part time job before applying for a Spanish work visa. The company you are working for can help you get through the process, and the all the steps are hastened quite drastically.

 
Find a Place to Live

 

This cannot be missed; you have to find a good place to live in Spain. You can contact some rental apartments via the internet and get a place booked in the city or town of your choice. There are quite a few options, and you can leave it until you get there if you want. However the added stress of not having a place to lay your head at night can turn your venture into quite a headache.

 
Renew your Driver’s License/Passport

 

If any of these two is nearing expiry then you ought to rush to renew them. Your current driver’s license can be easily converted into an international license which will make it a lot easier to get around. However if it is expired you will be SOL. On top of that you will be stuck with major problems if your passport expires during your extended stay in Spain. Renewing it at home is a lot easier than renewing your passport abroad.

 
Health Insurance

 

Being in Spain you need proper health insurance. As an expat you can opt to use either your existing national health insurance policy, via some international arrangements, or you can choose to apply for a policy with a reputable Spanish Insurance company. While it may seem like a drain on your bank account at the time, the peace of mind health insurance offers is well worth it.

 
Transportation

 

It will make thing quite a bit easier if you can get your hands on a vehicle in order to get around in Spain. There is public transportation but it can be quite a hassle and taxis are incredible pricey. You can choose to bring your car abroad with you but there are some good deals to be found by just looking around once you have relocated to Spain.

 

Possible Job Opportunities in Spain

 
If you are not starting a business and don’t happen to be sitting on a massive nest egg, then you are going to need a job in Spain to pay for your living expenses. Some of the jobs that English-speaking expats can apply for are listed below with their expected salaries. Of course these salaries can vary and change quite often, but this will give you a good general idea.

 
The most common job for a non-EU expat is to be an English teacher. The job pays anything between €800 and €2,000 on a monthly basis. Your salary will depend greatly on your previous experience, qualifications, and credentials. There are a number of places you can look into that are constantly looking for English teachers such as public and private schools, universities and even business firms.

 
The IT sector in Spain is on the rise and demand for skilled IT professionals is growing constantly. A person skilled in programming, system management, and other IT skills can get anything between €2000 and €4200 per month depending on their credentials. These jobs are also posted and advertised in a number of places.

 
There are also a number of opportunities that lay in other sectors like journalism, hospitality, and tourism. The pay in these fields is also very competitive with the salaries you would find at home. Your salary will almost immediately increase if you are bilingual or can come up with an impressive grasp of Spanish before heading abroad.  

 

 

Cost of Living in Spain

 
This is one of the major concerns for most expats moving to Spain. The good news is that compared to other spots in Europe, Spain is still a relatively cheap country to live. According to a survey, on average a couple needs to spend €644 per month as their living expenses. The cost of housing is still less than what is found in the UK. Average rental rates for property in non-tourist places is around 3%-4% of the property’s value while in tourist places, it is as high as 7%. This is in direct correlation with the fact that salaries are higher in the more populated areas as well though.

 

If you are looking to buy a home in Spain then you should expect to pay mortgage rates of around 6% when it comes to interest. That is pretty viable considering some of the things that are going on in real estate these days. Gas prices and utilities have gone up recently and after a one time deposit of €25, a monthly bill of €15 for gas can be incurred.

 

For a couple they can expect monthly food expenses to hover in between €300-€350 per month. This figure of course changes based on eating habits, but it is a good sign overall as produce and other items are relatively affordable in Spain. Phone bills and satellite television bills are high because of the Telefonica monopoly. There isn’t any competition in the market, thus you are pretty much stuck with the only option that is there. Your best bet is to use the internet to watch television, and stick to Skype. Although you probably knew that already being the savvy traveler you are. 

 
Making the Move to Spain

 

Just as it would be with any move to a different country there is a lot for you to plan and prepare for when considering living and working in Spain. While there are some beautiful sights, an invigorating culture, and a number of opportunities, it is going to be quite a bit different than what you are used to. While there are a number of expats and even locals that speak English, you are going to be a lot better off if you learn the language.

 

It will be easier to get around, easier to get a job, and easier to become accustomed to your new lifestyle. Unlike places like Costa Rica which have been turned into a haven for retirees and foreigners, Spain has held tightly to tradition. That may just be why it is such an attractive destination for many.

 

Study the culture, get in touch with anyone you know that may have been to Spain before ,and prepare yourself as much as you can. You are entering a new part of the world and a new stage of your life. This is a huge change but if you plan properly, moving to Spain could be a rewarding journey of a lifetime.

Moving abroad is a dream for many, and an opportunity that should be relished.  The truth is that very few of the people that dream about living overseas actually make it. While it is easier than ever to kiss the rat race goodbye and start a new life, there are still a number of hoops you have to jump through to get there. Each destination offers different challenges and obstacles and it is up to you to overcome them. If living and working in the UK is on your list of things to do then you will definitely want to get up to date with this information. Here are the top ten tips on working in the UK so you can make your transition as easy as possible.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #1- Do it Legally

 
There are a number of opportunities to find work where you are paid under the table, but it really is not worth the risk. If you are caught working without a visa you will be deported almost instantly and never be able to return. There are a number of organizations that can help you get a hold of a 6 month visa. A very respected organization for this is BUNAC, which charges an administrative fee but can set you up with a visa, possible accommodations, different social events, and even help you find vacant jobs.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #2- Plan for National Insurance

 
Once you have a work visa, the organization that helped you should also be willing to find you national insurance. Your national insurance number is relatable to a social security number at home. You will need to set up an appointment after you arrive in the UK and will be given a number you can use temporarily until your card is processed and ready. This will ensure that you are covered when it comes to health services and provide you with a lot of protection during your stay in the UK.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #3- Switch up your Resume

 
It is very unlikely that the same resume you used to apply for a job at McDonald’s is going to help you land a job in the UK. Have a look at some sample resumes that can be found online, as resumes used in the UK are a bit different than the style used in North America. Extend your resume a bit and include a personal bio section about yourself. Try not to go too in depth, as that is what the interview is for, but give a good idea to the employer about who you are and what you can offer the company.

 

Be sure to visit the employment advice section and in particular our article about putting together a quality cover letter.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #4-Invest in a Phone

 
It is quite amazing how much having a phone can help you in your job search. Potential employers will be unwilling to contact people purely via email and are even scared off by people who cannot provide a phone number on their resume. One of the first things you should do is grab a quick pay as you go phone once you get off the plane. Chances are, if you give the company an easy way to contact you, there is a bigger chance they actually will.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #5- Add some Flexibility

 
It is a good idea to think about the type of short term job you would like and which area of the UK you would like to experience, but try not to be narrow minded. If you enter the job search with a closed mind you may miss out on some of the best opportunities and be left unemployed for a frustrating amount of time. Keep in mind that the entire experience abroad is completely different. While you may hate the idea of working in a Starbucks at home, hooking into a job at the local coffee shop may prove to be an excellent way to get to know people and branch out. Stirring lattes sure beats aimlessly wandering the street looking for work, and munching on ramen while handing out resumes. 

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #6- Do not Appear overly Desperate

 
While it is good to be flexible and keep an open mind, obvious desperation could look bad to a potential employer. Walking into a store or an employment agency and telling them that you will do anything could leave you in a poor position. While it may be true that you are desperate and willing to do anything, do not act that way. Let them know about previous experiences and gloat about what you bring to the table. In many instances the more specific you are about what you want to do, the more driven and determined you look to a company.

 
Move Abroad to the UK Tip #7- Sign up with Recruitment Agencies

 
It is a good idea to call different recruitment agencies before you even arrive in the UK and set up a face to face. Be prepared with your updated and revised resume, references, and have an idea of what you are after. You will be sat down with an adviser and put through a number of tests and questionnaires, but it will mostly all be worth it. These agencies can help you find interim work before you even find a full time job. This can often help keep a roof over your head when you get there. They are easy to find as well. Just search for some on Google in the area you are headed and you should be all set.

 

Move Abroad to the UK Tip #8- Use all Available Resources
 
Finding a job is not easy, although many websites will tell you that it is. The good news is that jobs are advertised everywhere you look, and there are literally thousands of resources you can use to get in touch with the right people. Social networking sites such as GumTree offer jobs and you can search for jobs online at places such as Monster.com. You do need to be careful with resources such as Craigslist and GumTree though as some jobs are in fact scams. However, even with all these places to look you should never underestimate how much success can come from walking into stores with a nice outfit and a clean resume. You may even be able to get employers to hire you even when they were not looking for new employees at the moment.

 

Move Abroad to the UK Tip #9- It’s all about the Benjamins

 

Planning a successful trip to the UK is all about knowing what to expect. It would almost be impossible to search for a place to stay, create a budget, and plan your time abroad, without having an idea of the salary you are going to be bringing in. While the numbers will change and vary from place to place, you can expect a salary between £5 and £7 per hour if you find work in a restaurant. However tipping is not as common as it is in other parts of the world. The minimum wage is right around £4.60 for people aged 18-21 and £5.52 for people 22 or older. Remember that the bigger the city you are working in, the more likely it is that your salary will be higher. If you want to go the route of office work then you can usually expect to be paid around £7 or £9.50 an hour.

 

Move Abroad to the UK Tip #10- After you have landed a Job

 

Just because you have found employment doesn’t mean that all your research and work is done. Make sure you analyze your contract and terms of employment closely. This will help you to understand upcoming holidays, benefits, and taxes you will have to deal with. If you make less than £5,000 you may be exempt from taxes altogether. Find out what sort of planned holidays you can put together and that way you can put together a perfect itinerary for your life in the UK.

 

 

No matter how much you research or which information you choose to follow, it is up to you to make things happen. All the preparation in the world will not allow you to make it if you are not dedicated and determined. However if you have the drive, and truly want to live and work in the UK, these tips should help ensure your dreams are realized. If you do make it, be sure to drop us a line and tell us how it went. Or if you have worked in the UK before, leave some feedback and advice for others. Remember, we are all in this together.

Imagine a working schedule that is dictated by ice. It seems like something that would have come about centuries ago in the Ice Age, but it is actually a reality in Antarctica. While you would be hard pressed to find Antarctica on the top of anyone’s list of top destinations, it is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The sights, the sounds, the weather, and the wildlife are unlike what anywhere else in the world has to offer. A journey there will be more than just memorable, it could even be epic.

 

Essentially you have a number of options if you want to head to the Antarctic. You can use your years of research and education to grant you permission to the area as a scientist, empty out your bank account and pay top dollar for a cruise, or find a job through the rewarding United States Antarctic Program. The U.S.A has maintained a high tech and scientific base in Antarctica for quite some time now. They utilize three bases that operate all year round and make use of two separate ice breaking vessels. One station is about 2,500 miles from New Zealand and the other is just 700 miles south of beautiful Chile.

 

What Could Antarctica Possibly Offer?

 

What could I possibly do in Antarctica? There must only be jobs for top scientists and experienced researchers, right? What could possibly be rewarding about heading to such a remote, and cold, part of the world? These are probably very valid questions that you are asking yourself and we are going to get to all of them in just a few minutes.

 

The truth is that the majority of people staying and working on the continent are in fact personnel and ordinary staff, not scientists. There are opportunities during the winter for people to land jobs as cooks, janitors, plumbers, carpenters, drivers, and any other job that is required to keep a small town running. Most of the job opportunities in Antarctica are pretty practical. Sure you may not be sitting there dreaming of washing dishes for a living, but how many people get to do it in Antarctica?

 

A great opportunity may came if you looking into becoming a general assistant in Antarctica. Through these jobs you can learn new skills, work towards pay increases, and also be ensured a position in certain departments the next year. Tired of cooking food? Move on and become a welder next year, or try your hand operating equipment. The learning curve may be steep but there are more than enough people willing to help and allow you to make the most of the experience.

 

Now you are probably thinking one of two things. First off, you may be wondering what benefits could possibly come from heading to a frozen tundra and being secluded from the rest of the world. Or you may be wishing that you made the move towards such an experience when you were younger. We will get to the benefits in a moment, but first we need to make it known that this is an opportunity everyone can benefit from. Whether you are middle aged and looking for a change of scenery, retired and looking to fulfill a life long dream, or a recent graduate looking for a unique experience, there are opportunities in Antarctica. Once you join in with the community you will come across all sorts of people from different walks of life. There are adventure seekers, retirees, tradespeople, married couples, singles, teachers, and everything in between. This isn’t one of those chances in life where you have to be bummed out that you waited to long to look into. This opening to get paid to travel is there for the taking.

 

Benefits of Working and Living in Antarctica

 

The added bonuses of living in Antarctica are not always obvious right away. While some people may be turned off by the fact that they would be so secluded, it offers the perfect opportunity to bank cash and fatten up your bank account. During your time working you will be given free room and board and really have nowhere to spend your paycheck. Essentially you will have the opportunity to send almost every penny that you make back home. Whether you use that to pay student loans or stock up for travel later on is a choice that is completely yours.

 

The wildlife and nature that you come across will be stunning to say the least. Imagine conversing with penguins, watching massive icebergs floating about from your window, or getting up close and personal with whales while driving a zodiac. While you will battle with the elements, will have to deal with extended periods of darkness, and will be thrust into storms, it truly is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

 

The opportunity to learn is also incredibly abundant in Antarctica. You will be conversing daily with skilled tradespeople, expert researchers, and brilliant scientists. It is not uncommon for scientists to give lectures about what they are doing on the continent or for different craftspeople to run classes. You can learn how to build things, repair equipment, analyze animals, or even just part take in building a snow shelter from the ground up. Living in Antarctica is like combining university with an incredible camping experience, and getting paid for it all the while.

 
So How Do I Go About Getting To Antarctica?

 

The road that most people take to Antarctica is to sign a 6 month or full year contract. If this is your first time taking on such a unique adventure then a 6 month contract may be what you should look into. However, if you are all about making money and banking cash, the full year may be beneficial. You will have to pass a physical test, a number of psychological exams, and prove that you will be beneficial to the project. And then your once in a lifetime journey can begin. You will be allowed to bring approximately 75 pounds of luggage if you are heading to Antarctica in the summer, and close to 150 pounds if you are trekking down there for the winter. The summer generally lasts from October to February which goes to show you just how backwards things are going to be.

 

Once you have completed your contract successfully your airfare home will be paid for by Raytheon, the company that has put together the program and puts everything together. What most people do is take face value for that air ticket, combine it with the money they were able to save, and take a well deserved vacation. You worked hard, you enjoyed the experience, and now it is time to bask in the glory of the added money in your bank account, and the stunning sun in Chile or New Zealand. You can revel in the shock of only being 700 miles away from the frozen tundra yet relax on the pristine beaches in Chile with a cocktail in your hand.

 

The opportunities to move abroad and work abroad are out there, and they are beneficial. All you have to do is get your foot in the door and get ready for an experience that will change your life, open your mind, and fatten your wallet. While Raytheon is a USA based company, there are a number of other similar companies that provide the service and opportunity from Canada, Australia, and Britain just to name a few.