Psychometric testing next on list for reef job finalists

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Jetlagged, stressed and swamped by media, the finalists for the “Best Job in the World Contest” still managed to “sing the praises of the natural wonder in a series of online blogs” … as if they could put out a series of printed blogs on short notice.

The competition finalists are in the midst of a three-day job interview of sorts on Hamilton Island in Queensland, with the winner emerging richer and set for the next six months.

What comes up next? Psychometric testing.

The finalists have been watched by a four-judge panel since they hit the ground on Hamilton Island, not to mention camera crews, photographers and journalists from all over the world. One candidate, Greg Ryan, likened the media attention to a “cameraman firing squad.”

In a mere 14 hours, the deed will be done.

Best job in the world candidates touch down

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Sixteen people from 15 countries set foot on Hamilton Island yesterday. They will be subjected to the final round of interviews for the “best job in the world” competition, with only one picking up the free digs and $150,000 salary for six months of absolute bliss.

Tourism Queensland‘s CEO, Anthony Hayes, is more than happy to sign a check for that amount. A good idea turned out to be amazing, and he’s recouped much more than that already. Hayes says, “We think we’ve just tipped over $100 million in international publicity with hopefully another $20 to $30 million coming this week.”

We’re waiting for a winner now, and it won’t take long. The cameras are rolling, and the candidates are ready for prime time.

Soon, we’ll have an answer. The countdown is currently at 34 hours.

For now, meet the finalists here. As you may have guessed, I’m hoping Mirjam wins.

Eight Great Food Markets from Around the World

by Kraig Becker on

One of my favorite aspects of travel is visiting unique markets in foreign countries. These sometimes charming, sometimes chaotic, always fascinating and entertaining places offer up slices of local culture, unusual foods, and a variety of other goods, both common and unidentifiable.

It is in that spirit that BootsnAll gives us a list of eight of the world’s best food markets, offering up great places to shop for fresh food in all corners of the globe. Each of the markets on the list exhibit local influence and style, while providing a shopping experience that is sure to leave an impression on visitors long after they’ve gone home.

For instance, the list starts with Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, a market that has been open for more than 100 years, and specializes in fresh fish and giant crab legs. There are more than 200 merchants in Pike Place, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade cheeses. The market is even the site of the original Starbucks.

For a completely different experience, head to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia. The article notes that Queen Victoria is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere, offering up plenty of fresh food items, but also electronics, antiques and more. And during the summer months, the night market comes alive with a party atmosphere, with visitors from all walks of life strolling the market late into the evening.

Checkout the other six markets on the list as well, and if you’re traveling to any of these cities in the near future, be sure to drop by one of these markets and explore it for yourself. It is likely to be one of the most unique travel experiences of your life.

Backpacker Tourism “booming” Down Under

by Kraig Becker on

While the travel and tourism market in general is suffering, thanks to the international economic crisis, Australian newspaper The Age is reporting that that country has seen a steep increase in backpacker tourism in recent months. In fact, visas from the U.K. and Germany alone are up more than twenty percent. Deeply discounted airfares are helping to spur the budget travel trend as well it seems.

The article says that young people who have lost their job are electing to travel abroad, many of them deciding to head Down Under for their extended holiday. Others, looking for a budget vacation, are also heading to Australia, taking advantage of good deals, but watching their money while in country as well.

It seems things are not completely rosy for the Australian tourism market however. Overall, the industry is way down already, and the number of visitors to the country is expected to drop by more than 250,000 people, costing the economy over $1 billion.

Still, the Minister of Tourism, Martin Ferguson, is bullish on the future, and will tell more than 300 tourism representatives that this week when the Australian Tourism Export Council or ATEC, meets to discuss their concerns. Ferguson will tell them that the outlook for next year is far better than 2009, but the government is encouraging Australians to stay home, and spend their holiday locally, and they’re giving them stimulus checks to help the process. So far, that seems to be working.

As usual, these awful economic conditions mean bargains and cheap travel for those who do have the money and are willing to go. You may never be able to visit Australia for so little money again.

Model plane tries to take on real plane – Australian FAA not amused

by Scott Carmichael on

This is one of those video clips that you have to see to believe. An Australian model plane enthusiast/idiot, took his model plane and came within about 100 feet of hitting a real plane.

The Virgin Blue jet was not hit, but the model plane appeared to get caught in the turbulence from the jet engines and plummeted to the ground.

To make the video clip more “exciting”, the maker even added some Top Gun music. The Australian CAA (their equivalent of our FAA) is investigating.