The Travellers Thread

[unccrombie]

Originally Posted by FromTheMorning

What is your line of work?

aerospace and defense

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by unccrombie

i always wanted to live abroad, but in my line of work only a few countries would work. even then, I'd likely need citizenship

Originally Posted by unccrombie

aerospace and defense

What level of education do you have?
Does your company have locations internationally?

Most countries have a list of occupations which are for highly skilled immigrants that will help you get a visa. Citizenship is probably not realistic option for now. If relocation isnt an option with your country I suggest taking a look and researching other companies and countries that are possibilities. I imagine quite a few european countries would have opportunities. Not so sure about south america, africa or asia though. Australia? Depending on your skills, education and experience there are definitely some countries that would sponsor a work visa for you since it seems like your job is skilled.

Lots of information online. All jokes about reddit aside, there is some great advice and links. Fromthemorning and I both use I want out on reddit which is a sub looking for people to emigrate. Maybe even make a thread and see what kind of feedback you get. Maybe germany? England is becoming really difficult right now for visas.

Sometimes ill be blunt and direct about peoples dreams to live in Europe because its not as easy as people think. But in your case...you might have a very realistic shot based on your field.

Even if you do it for a year or two...or never even go...or find out its not even possible, do some research, talk to people and see what happens.

Good luck, keep us posted!

[SmoothG]

http://www.workpermit.com/uk/tier-2-...ation-list.htm

Now, I dont know exactly what you do but it seems like you could be eligible for a tier 2 visa in the uk. Your field is listed on the national shortage list.Kind of a big deal, because this is where most peoples dream ends.

[SmoothG]

http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en...ions/engineers

Some types of engineering qualify in Germany.

[SmoothG]

http://www.visabureau.com/australia/...tion-list.aspx

Looks like australia is an option as well.

[SmoothG]

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...f_Sponsors.pdf

Here is a link for all organizations who are registered to sponsor immigrant work visas in the uk. Maybe there are some in your line of work.

[SmoothG]

http://www.maxserjeant.com/read-this...means-for-you/

Fromthemorning...not sure if you read this on r/iwantout but australia will be changing their tax laws in august 2016, which will affect those on working holiday visas. Im sure your employers and other backpackers will be able to help with more questions and details, just something to know about. And dont forget to keep paperwork to file with uncle sam as well even though youll below the minimum to pay here, still gotta file and claim it all in both countries.

[unccrombie]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

What level of education do you have?
Does your company have locations internationally?

Most countries have a list of occupations which are for highly skilled immigrants that will help you get a visa. Citizenship is probably not realistic option for now. If relocation isnt an option with your country I suggest taking a look and researching other companies and countries that are possibilities. I imagine quite a few european countries would have opportunities. Not so sure about south america, africa or asia though. Australia? Depending on your skills, education and experience there are definitely some countries that would sponsor a work visa for you since it seems like your job is skilled.

Lots of information online. All jokes about reddit aside, there is some great advice and links. Fromthemorning and I both use I want out on reddit which is a sub looking for people to emigrate. Maybe even make a thread and see what kind of feedback you get. Maybe germany? England is becoming really difficult right now for visas.

Sometimes ill be blunt and direct about peoples dreams to live in Europe because its not as easy as people think. But in your case...you might have a very realistic shot based on your field.

Even if you do it for a year or two...or never even go...or find out its not even possible, do some research, talk to people and see what happens.

Good luck, keep us posted!

I have a masters in aerospace engineering and work for the government. that latter part precludes me from a lot of...foreign work...

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by unccrombie

I have a masters in aerospace engineering and work for the government. that latter part precludes me from a lot of...foreign work...

I wouldnt rule out the possibility so quickly. If youre really interested I'm sure there are a lot of companies that would sponsor someone with your education and experience. Maybe an American company with overseas locations.

What exactly would preclude you from employment abroad? Does your current contract/employment specify this? Or do you think that other companies wouldn't hire you because of your work with the us government?

From some quick research and personal experience of meeting people in different countries, i didn't get the impression that previous experience working for the us government would render you unhirable.

You have the education and experience to qualify for visas in lots of countries as your occupation is on almost every countries list of shortage of skilled labour. Most people don't qualify, and that is what potential employers will be interested in. Now, obviously, finding a job is quite difficult but in your case quite possible.

Not sure what exactly would preclude you from employment abroad but i know there are lots of former government employees who work around the world. You definitely have the skills to qualify. If you're serious, ask people in your network and put some feelers out there.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Haha so so bad its amazing! Don draper would be embarrassed.

Good luck with the folks, let us know how it goes. My parents thought it was a phase and ikept asking when I was coming back. But eventually they stopped asking and just accepted it. Not easy for parents to come to terms with their childern living so far away i imagine, but if they know how happy it makes you I reckon theyll be supportive! Do you have other brothers and sisters? Im lucky to have one brother who lives a normal life with a good job, a wife and kids so im off the hook!

I think scientists actually identified some type of gene that travellers share.

Puerto viejo is good, just a quiet life, lots of biking and beach time. Its been nice but im excited to go back to teaching in granads in september. And work in glacier national park for the summer.

Dude, we need to talk when I get back in the States and have more internet access. It's my second time in Costa Rica and I have a lot of questions for you if you don't mind. I love this country but wonder how much of it is just from my dumb touristy experience vs. what reality is.

First question before I go back out...how much of "pura vida" is reality of the locals mentality? Is it mostly just a tourist expression at this point to just sell merchandise, tourism, etc.?

[SmoothG]

Interesting question about Costa Rica man. I find this topic fascinating and it's quite complex but the reality is that everyone will have a different answer. Give me a few minutes and I'll give my thoughts and hopefully some lurkers can add a few ideas.

Pura vida, at least on the Caribbean coast, is very much used and is definitely a saying which is common amongst locals in quite a few ways. Mostly as a goodbye and maybe thank you. Pura vida mae (slang for friend). Its kind of the national slogan, I suppose but definitely a part of everyday conversations amongst locals, at least where I am.

The different greetings, slang, accents and vocabulary between the different Spanish countries has been both fun and interesting as well as infuriatingly frustrating. Same in English speaking countries as well, I guess.

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by lockman21

I love this country but wonder how much of it is just from my dumb touristy experience vs. what reality is.

Okay, im gonna ramble but ill try to keep it relevant and coherent. I am going to broaden this question a bit and maybe take this general idea and see where it all goes.

I think, especially given what is happening in the world right now, the role of tourism and migration and its impact both on a local and international scale is quite interesting.

I know someone is reading this, and I am interested in hearing what other peoples opinions are...

[DIDriveOut2SPAC]

I'm in Panama right now for my, like 10th visit. "pura vida"? depends on whose saying it. 9 times out of 10 pura visa is to the central/carribean as "ohm" is to india. And nobody says ohm in India.

[MidwestGirl]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Okay, im gonna ramble but ill try to keep it relevant and coherent. I am going to broaden this question a bit and maybe take this general idea and see where it all goes.

I think, especially given what is happening in the world right now, the role of tourism and migration and its impact both on a local and international scale is quite interesting.

I know someone is reading this, and I am interested in hearing what other peoples opinions are...

Thanks for your posts.

My husband has been talking about moving to Costa Rica for several years (I always brush him aside... not sure I want to live abroad)

He just fell in love it when we visited, as I'm sure many people do.

[daveshookme]

pretty fucking jealous, my dad and grandfather flew to Bimini yesterday in the Bahamas for lunch on a seaplane. I've never flown on a seaplane and he got to do it for free through my employer.

In due time, I suppose. Still pissed I haven't been on one yet.

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by DIDriveOut2SPAC

I'm in Panama right now for my, like 10th visit. "pura vida"? depends on whose saying it. 9 times out of 10 pura visa is to the central/carribean as "ohm" is to india. And nobody says ohm in India.

Granted, I was only in panama for a few days but I never heard anyone say it there, and I acant speak for any other parts of Costa Rica but its definitely used here in puerto viejo by locals. I think I inderstand what youre getting at and in different countries and languages ive heard examples which are local words only used by foreigners, but based on almost 5 months living and working here, I dont think pura vida is one of those. I know youve been here and I suppose it depends who you ask but in my experience pura vida used as goodbye and thank you is pretty common for locals. Because of its popularity has it been exagerated, overused, exploited and commercialised? Without a doubt. Doesnt mean its still not commonly used by ticos.

Just my opinion based on my short time here.

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by MidwestGirl

Thanks for your posts.

My husband has been talking about moving to Costa Rica for several years (I always brush him aside... not sure I want to live abroad)

He just fell in love it when we visited, as I'm sure many people do.

Very cooo...you should definitely ckme and visit and checkout some different places in cr. And as much as I like it here I would recommend some other countries in this region. Driveindriveout has lots of experience here and based on some of his opinions and lots of other people ivd met, im inclined to think there might be some other countries to offer similar lifestyles that arent nearly as expensive or over touristy. Nicaragua seems to be very highly spoken of. And im a big fan of colombia. Even if you dont move, lots of great places in central and south america!

Originally Posted by daveshookme

pretty fucking jealous, my dad and grandfather flew to Bimini yesterday in the Bahamas for lunch on a seaplane. I've never flown on a seaplane and he got to do it for free through my employer.

In due time, I suppose. Still pissed I haven't been on one yet.

Ive always wanted to fly somewhere just for lunch or dinner...thats pretty sweet! I imagine those little planes would be fun to fly in...the views, take off and landing. Im sure youll get your chance soon enough! You enjoying your job?

[DIDriveOut2SPAC]

Love Central America, will def be living here some day.

Best real estate investments in CA right now are El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Belize.

[laura22]

Originally Posted by unccrombie

I have a masters in aerospace engineering and work for the government. that latter part precludes me from a lot of...foreign work...

my dad is also an engineer and works in defense. he moved to Japan for 18 months when an opportunity came up at work. this was after he was married and had my oldest brother so all 3 of em went

so maybe it's more of a waiting game to see when an opportunity presents itself. of course it could happen at an inconvienent time

what countries would you be interested in? just curious

[laura22]

need backpack recommendations for like, 4-5 day max backpacking trips

particularly for a small female. I know ants arent typically female but asking in case you have recommendations from wives, friends, etc

[DIDriveOut2SPAC]

Originally Posted by laura22

need backpack recommendations for like, 4-5 day max backpacking trips

particularly for a small female. I know ants arent typically female but asking in case you have recommendations from wives, friends, etc

I have the Terra 65 so when I was searching for packs for my girl I got her this one.

http://www.rei.com/product/104043/th...02295181&lsft=


She loves it. Super comfortable. For reference she is 5'1" about 99 pounds.

[SmoothG]

http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/pro...-FARPNT40.html

Osprey 40. Shouldn't need more than that for 4 or 5 days and is an amazing bag. Used my friends, wish I had one.

Honestly, I'd go to rei or an outdoors store and try a few on and see what feels good and which have the types of pockets and zippers you like. A lot of it is going to be personal preference.

[laura22]

Originally Posted by DIDriveOut2SPAC

I have the Terra 65 so when I was searching for packs for my girl I got her this one.

http://www.rei.com/product/104043/th...02295181&lsft=


She loves it. Super comfortable. For reference she is 5'1" about 99 pounds.

awesome
I'm assuming she has the xsmall/small size?

Originally Posted by SmoothG

http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/pro...-FARPNT40.html



Osprey 40. Shouldn't need more than that for 4 or 5 days and is an amazing bag. Used my friends, wish I had one.

Honestly, I'd go to rei or an outdoors store and try a few on and see what feels good and which have the types of pockets and zippers you like. A lot of it is going to be personal preference.

[DIDriveOut2SPAC]

Yes, she has the smallest size.

[daveshookme]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/pro...-FARPNT40.html

Osprey 40. Shouldn't need more than that for 4 or 5 days and is an amazing bag. Used my friends, wish I had one.

Honestly, I'd go to rei or an outdoors store and try a few on and see what feels good and which have the types of pockets and zippers you like. A lot of it is going to be personal preference.

I've had an osprey for a few years now and I absolutely love it. Backpacking and camping or flying cross country, it's an awesome pack.

[SmoothG]

Originally Posted by daveshookme

I've had an osprey for a few years now and I absolutely love it. Backpacking and camping or flying cross country, it's an awesome pack.

Yeah man, I've heard so many good reviews and loved my weekend using my friends. Definitely going to be my next backpack purchase. Probably the 40l even though I have one I love. Need a new 20l everyday kind of backpack.

[daveshookme]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Yeah man, I've heard so many good reviews and loved my weekend using my friends. Definitely going to be my next backpack purchase. Probably the 40l even though I have one I love. Need a new 20l everyday kind of backpack.

I have the Aether 65l (p sure that's the size) and it's wonderful, and the daypack add on. They both rock.

[daveshookme]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Yeah man, I've heard so many good reviews and loved my weekend using my friends. Definitely going to be my next backpack purchase. Probably the 40l even though I have one I love. Need a new 20l everyday kind of backpack.

I have the Aether 65l (p sure that's the size) and it's wonderful, and the daypack add on. They both rock.

[CrushLive]

Originally Posted by daveshookme

pretty fucking jealous, my dad and grandfather flew to Bimini yesterday in the Bahamas for lunch on a seaplane. I've never flown on a seaplane and he got to do it for free through my employer.

In due time, I suppose. Still pissed I haven't been on one yet.

I've only done once and it was pretty cool. Key West to Dry Tortugas.

[SmoothG]

Maybe this is dumb, but are you guys talking about planes that actually take off and land in water? I would love to try that sometime. Im sure theyre for short flights, but what sort of ballpark prices for something like that?

I wonder if the uk decides to leave the euro zone on june 23 if that will impact travel and visas and the current agreements within the schengen zone. I imagine that even if they decide to leave that exceptions will be made to allow uk citizens to continue freedom of movement as it is now. Interesting situation, although at the end of the day, I doubt much will change either way.