In 2012, Viator sent two teams of two travel videographers around Europe and North America with our Dream Travel Job project. For 60 days each, they traveled, took Viator tours, and filmed.

This year we have Asha from our Europe team and Brock from the North America team back to do it all again in Asia and Australia! Read on to see where they are and what they’re doing on their adventure.

But first…

Meet Asha & Brock

Fun Facts about Asha:
- Toured Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland), Latin America (Chile) and Australia as a musician
- Plays a 7-string electric violin and was the lead violinist for the Trans Siberian Orchestra
- Toured the U.S. with Gnarls Barkley and played at the Grammys
- Breast cancer survivor
- Appeared on several pilots for the Travel Channel and the Food Network
- Skydived in New Zealand, white water rafted down the Grand Canyon and rode her bike across Tuscan

Read more about Asha’s adventures in Europe with Viator

Fun Facts about Brock Groombridge:
- In 2010 he backpacked through 36 countries on 6 continents
- Backpack With Brock is his travel video blog
- He once ate a cobra snake in Vietnam
- He climbed to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet
- He has lived with a Maasai Tribe in Kenya
- Does he look familiar? Maybe you’ve seen him in a TV commercial for Diet Pepsi, Skittles or Subway!

Read more about Brock’s journey around North America with Viator

Their Asia & Australia itinerary

After a quick stop in the Viator San Francisco office, Asha and Brock took off on their journey around Asia and Australia! Make sure to follow Viator on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Check back below for blog recaps from Asha and Brock:

1st Stop: Tokyo

Sayonara, San Francisco and Konichiwa, Tokyo! The team spent a week in Tokyo, where they toured the city sights, took day trips around Japan, and ate lots of Pocky! Read more about their Tokyo itinerary.

2nd Stop: Beijing

Asha and Brock left Tokyo and headed west for Beijing. There, they spent three days exploring the history and culture in and around the city. Read more about their Beijing itinerary.

3rd Stop: Hong Kong

Their third stop on the trip was Hong Kong, where they stayed for a week, exploring the city and the area around it. Read more about how they spent a week in Hong Kong.

4th Stop: Bangkok

From Hong Kong, the team headed down to Bangkok, where they spent a week touring the highlights of the regions. Read more about how they spent a week in Bangkok.

- Viator Travel Team

Asha and Brock in Asia and Australia by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Our Dream Travel Job teams recently spent 60 days traveling, taking Viator tours and filming videos all over Europe and North America. Adventures such as these rarely end without some stories to be shared, and the two teams’ journeys were no exception. Read on to find out their best travel tips and suggestions from their travels.

Ryan & Asha in Europe and Brock & Jules in North America

Meet Team Europe: Ryan and Asha and Team North America: Brock and Jules

Favorite city you visited?

Ryan: Istanbul

Asha: Instabul! Amsterdam and Dublin were a close second though. Oh and I also loved Prague. Too many great cities to name just one!

Jules: I love New York for the people watching, Vancouver for the natural beauty, New Orleans for the food, Las Vegas for the spectacle, Maui for the beaches, the list goes on and on.

Brock: New Orleans

What was your favorite tour?

Asha narrates the Rome Food Walking Tour.

Asha: I loved being serenaded by a gondolier through the canals of Venice. The food tour in Rome was also high on the list! And just thinking about it makes me crave tomatoes from Campo de’ Fiori, the fresh food market.

Jules: Everyday was a new adventure. One of our last tours really took my breath away. We got to fly over an active volcano in Hawaii in an open-door helicopter—WOW! Imagine sticking your head out of the window, seeing bubbling hot lava beneath you, and feeling a wave of heat on your face–it was incredible! I also had a ball on some of the adventure activities we got up to: We went whitewater rafting at the Grand Canyon, we raced dune buggies around the desert in Las Vegas, and we went cliff jumping in Hawaii. Yeah, I scared myself a little, but it was totally worth it.

Brock: Three way tie: San Fran Helicopter Ride – Harlem Gospel Tour – Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Night

Did you pick up any travel tips?

Ryan schooled Asha on how to pack lighter.

Ryan: Get your Eurail pass validated before jumping on a train, otherwise a big German dude will ridicule you for being an idiot and make you get off the train.

Asha: I learned to pack much lighter.

Jules: No matter where you go, you can never see it all—so enjoy the time you have and save the rest for your next trip! Oh yeah, and Brock taught me that it is possible to travel with three t-shirts. I am impressed.

Brock: Flight attendants like chocolate.

Read more: How to Pack for a 60-Day Trip

Favorite food?

Beignets at Cafe du Monde

Ryan: Tapas in Madrid

Asha: The most fun food to eat was the ice cream in Istanbul. It was certainly not the best I’ve ever tasted but the show they put on before you get your cone makes it worth it.

Jules: I always make an effort to try local food, and New Orleans absolutely wins the prize for food! Between the etouffee and gumbo, po boys and beignets—I looked forward to every single meal! The craziest thing I ate was poutine in Montreal. It was a giant heap of French fries, cheese curds and gravy.  It was disgusting and delicious, all at the same time. What a guilty pleasure!

Brock: I loved the beignets in New Orleans and the Cubanos in Miami.

Favorite beer or alcoholic beverage?

Brock & Jules enjoyed cosmos on the Sex and the City tour

Ryan: Had a really good Belgian style beer at a small brewery behind the Prague Castle, AMAZING!

Asha: I had the best beer of my entire life in Prague at the Strahov Monastic Brewery. It’s called “holy beer” and was created by the monks. Unfortunately there is nowhere else in the world you can get this.

Jules: There were lots of yummy beverages to try on our trip, but I’d have to say the wine tour through Napa and Sonoma was at the top of my list.  We got to go behind the scenes, check out the vineyards, and taste the wine right out of the barrel. Mmmm. I also really enjoyed the pink Cosmo we had in New York City while on the Sex and the City Tour. I felt like one of the girls.

Brock: Mint Julep while visiting the plantation in New Orleans. Mmm Southern Belle!

Read more: A Guide to Drinking Beer in Europe

Most interesting fact you learned?

Some of the crazy lava rocks on the Big Island of Hawaii

Ryan: Learned that Stonehenge is about 3000 years older than the Coliseum!!

Jules: I learned a lot about volcanoes and lava on the Big Island of Hawaii—it was fascinating to discover how the lava forms, sometimes it looks like a whole tray of brownies, while other lava flows look like Oreo cookie crumbles! We also found mysteriously deep holes in the lava, which were created by lava that wrapped around a tree stump, and then burned the tree into ashes, leaving a gaping hole. Very cool!   

Brock: That the population of New Orleans shrunk by over 100,000 people post-Hurricane Katrina.

What was your music of choice on this trip?

Jules: I always let Brock take control of the iPod, but he never failed to pick tunes we could jam out to. Best music memory? Rocking out to music while driving down The Strip in a blue convertible… Classic!

Brock: There were three songs that Jules and I heard over and over again.

We Are Young by Fun
Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

And my favorite:

That’s What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

What was your favorite way to see the Grand Canyon?

On the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour, one of the many ways that Jules & Brock saw the Grand Canyon.

Jules: We were lucky to go to the Grand Canyon several times on our visit to Las Vegas. At one point, I was filming Brock eating a sandwich in front of an incredible vista, and he says, “Wow, it’s not everyday you can eat lunch and look out at the Grand Canyon—hang on, yes you can! I’ve done it everyday this week!” That was hilarious. I REALLY enjoyed white water rafting down the Colorado River. It was so cool to look up at the massive canyon walls, and get out and explore some of the hidden treasures along the way like Travertine Falls. There, we climbed up wobbly rope ladders to find a cave with a beautiful waterfall pouring down…you could even walk through it! That was amazing!!!

Brock: I really enjoyed when we flew to the Grand Canyon by helicopter and had a picnic with champagne.

Favorite souvenir?

Ryan's souviners came in liquid-form!

Ryan: I drank all my souvenirs 

Asha: Whenever I travel, I collect musical instruments from different countries. Unfortunately I had no extra room in my suitcase. So the only instrument I got was a bodhran from Ireland (an Irish type of drum), I found a beautiful kemence (a stringed-instrument almost like a small cello) in Istanbul but sadly had no room for it. I’ll have to go back to Istanbul and get one some day!

Jules and her panda umbrella

Jules: When I first departed for my 60-day adventure, my pink suitcase was filled to the brim… so there wasn’t much room for shopping. But, that didn’t hold me back! I admit, I had a field day at Disney World. I bought some heavy-coin belly dancing hip scarves and a panda umbrella at Epcot’s World Showcase. I’m also excited about the spices I bought in New Orleans so I can try making gumbo at home after seeing the pros do it at the New Orleans Cooking School! MMmmm!

Brock: I found a nautical style suit jacket in New York City that I fell in love with instantly – and bought of course!

Which destination would you revisit?

Ryan and Asha both loved Istanbul

Ryan: Istanbul, Dublin, Amsterdam…pretty much every place actually.

Asha: Istanbul

Jules: All of them. Just like most good trips, you never have enough time. I would love to go back to Hawaii to lay on those beautiful white sand beaches for a few days… revisit Miami to enjoy some more Cuban coffee and play Dominoes with the locals at Calle Ocho… return to New Orleans to study the art of cooking… head to Vegas to have a peek inside all of those over-the-top hotels… can we do it all again?

Brock: I’d definitely go back to New Orleans for the culture and Maui for the rest and relaxation.

One word to sum up your experience?

Ryan: IncredibleAmazingBeautifulMindBlowing

Asha: Adrenaline-rush (that’s kind of one word)

Jules: UNBELIEVABLE! Did that really happen? I am still pinching myself.

Brock: Marathon

Currently the two teams are competing for $10,000! Make sure to check out their wrap-up videos and vote for your favorite team. Plus, watch videos from their travels.

- Viator Travel Team

Q&A with the Dream Travel Job Teams by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Voting has been closed. Congratulations to Team Europe for taking home the $10,000 prize! We’d also like to give a huge congratulations to all four participants for earning spots on the teams and doing such a great job on their trips. Stay tuned for lots of video footage from the Dream Travel Job teams’ tours and adventures.

What would you say to traveling for 60+ days in Europe or North America, shooting video of top attractions in the world’s greatest cities?

What if all your expenses were paid?

What if Viator also flew you to San Francisco for 10 days of training with a team of top video professionals?

And what if the whole thing ended with a chance for you to win $10,000?

You’d probably call this the ultimate travel job or the best travel job ever. We called it the Viator Dream Travel Job Contest and for our 4 finalists it truly has been the trip of a lifetime.

Video Contest: Vote Now!

Vote for your favorite team video!

Hundreds applied to the Viator Dream Travel Job Contest, but only 4 people were ultimately selected as finalists by Viator’s judges: Team Europe, Ryan Van Duzer and Asha Mevlana, and Team North America, Juliana Broste and Brock Groombridge. (Click here to watch some of the amazing videos submitted to the contest – and see why it was no easy task to select just 4 finalists.)

After spending more than 60 days each on the road, both teams are safely back home, with tons of videos from their travel adventures to share. And now it’s time for you to choose which team wins the Dream Travel Job grand prize of $10,000!

That’s right – the winners of our contest will be decided by you! Here’s how to get involved: Go to Viator’s Facebook page to watch wrap-up videos from Team Europe and Team North America and then vote for your favorite team. The team with the most votes wins $10,000 to split between the two of them!

Voting runs until November 27. You can vote however many times you’d like, with a limit of one vote per day. Which team will you choose?

>> Vote now!

Meet Team Europe: Ryan and Asha

Meet Ryan and Asha!

After starting with a visit to Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and Cliffs of Moher, Ryan and Asha frolicked through the Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam, biked along the Berlin Wall, climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower and took a Seine River cruise in Paris, and ate their hearts out in Naples, Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice (not missing the Colosseum, the Vatican and a Venice Grand Canal gondola ride, of course). Along the way, they wine tasted, took cooking classes, and soaked up the culture of Istanbul, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Barcelona and Madrid, ending their journey in London with a rock ‘n’ roll stroll down Abbey Road and a trip to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor Castle.

Meet Team America: Jules and Brock

Meet Jules and Brock!

While Ryan and Asha were busy ordering gelato and touring castles, Jules and Brock bounced from Vancouver to Montreal to Toronto, where they took an exhilarating boat ride at the base of Niagara Falls. After exploring historical Boston and seeing the White House in Washington DC and Statue of Liberty in New York City, they heated things up in Miami and Orlando (making sure to pose with Belle at Walt Disney World), grooved to jazz in New Orleans, caught sweeping views from Chicago’s John Hancock Observatory, soared over the Grand Canyon on a helicopter tour from Las Vegas, soaked up some California sun in Los Angeles and San Diego, and ended with snorkel trips and luaus on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

Thanks again to everyone who entered the Dream Travel Job contest!

It’s no exaggeration to say that we were completely overwhelmed by the response to the Viator Dream Travel Job contest. It’s no easy thing to stop everything for 2+ months while you shoot video in Europe and North America. We expected a few dozen people to apply but we were not prepared for the hundreds of applications from travelers who shared a passion for exploring the world and for shooting video.

So thanks again to everybody who applied. We were amazed and humbled by your dual passions for travel and videography.

Make sure to vote now for your favorite team!

- Viator Travel Team

Read more about the adventures of Team Europe and Team North America!

Dream Travel Job Contest Wrap-Up Videos by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This contest has been closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and voted!

Enter now for your chance to win a $5,000 Dream Vacation!

All summer long our 4 Dream Travel Job finalists traveled around Europe and North American having the adventure of a lifetime. Every 2 weeks, they announced (via video) a new topic  for our Summer Photo Contest and thousands of  Viator Facebook fans were listening.

Since the start of our Summer Photo Contest in May, we received over 1,700 amazing travel photos from around the world. Now it’s time to announce which contestants will have the chance to compete for our grand prize of a $5,000 Dream Vacation! The 6 winning photos from each topic are automatically considered for the grand prize (see topics & winners below), as well as a handful of other photos that our moderation team has chosen.

As you can imagine, narrowing the submissions down from 1,700+ to just 30 pictures was a challenge to say the least. But after many hours of photo sorting and internal votes, it’s finally time to announce our  30 Summer Photo Contest finalists!

After a 3-week vote on Viator’s Facebook Page, one of these lucky finalists will win our Summer Photo Contest’s grand prize of a $5,000 Dream vacation!

How to Vote

1. Voting begins on August 2, 2012 and will end on August 23, 2012
   
2. To vote go to Viator’s Facebook Page (Facebook.com/ViatorTours) and Click the “Photo Contest” Tab (Note: You must “Like” our fan page in order to vote)
3. The 30 finalists will appear in a random order under the “Summer Photo Contest Finalists” section
4. Click on the photo you would like to vote for, and then click the “Vote for This” button
5. You can vote for as many photos as you would like, but you can only vote for each photo once a day.
6. Stay tuned to find out the winner of that $5,000 Dream Vacation, which will be announced on August 24, 2012

For more specific details about the contest please read through the official terms and conditions.

And the winner of a $5,000 Dream Vacation is…

Capadoccia, Turkey

Congratulations to Gabriel who submitted the photo with the most votes! This photo was taken in Capadoccia, Turkey, which is famous for the “fairy chimneys” that are scattered throughout the photo.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and who voted–we were incredibly impressed by all of the amazing entries we saw! Stay tuned for more contests, giveaways, and promotions from Viator!

The 30 Summer Photo Contest Finalists

The 6 Original Photo Topics and Winners

Topic #6: Family Fun (July 18, 2012 – July 31, 2012)

Congratulations to Samantha, the winner of our “Kids & Family Fun” topic! Samantha won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

Peek a boo!

Brock & Jules announcing the 6th Topic…

Topic #5: Outdoor Adventures (July 4, 2012 – July 17, 2012)

Congratulations to Sumner, the winner of our “Outdoor Adventures” topic! Sumner won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

Bungee Jumping in Interlaken Switzerland

Brock & Jules announcing the 5th Topic….

Topic #4: Iconic Attractions (June 20, 2012 – July 3, 2012)

Congratulations to Ana, the winner of our “Iconic Attractions” topic! Ana won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

Mini Eiffel Tower

Brock & Jules announcing the 4th Topic….

Topic #3: Cheesy Travel Photos (June 6, 2012 – June 19, 2012)

Congratulations to Karen, the winner of our “Cheesy Travel Photos” topic! Karen won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

Does it get any cheesier than this??

Ryan & Asha announcing the third topic…

Topic #2: Local Food & Culture (May 23, 2012 – June 5, 2012)

Congratulations to Anna Theresa, the winner of our “Local Food & Culture” topic! Anna Theresa won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

Best Banana & Nutella Crepe!

Ryan & Asha announcing the second topic…

Topic #1: Airports & Airplanes (May 9, 2012 – May 22, 2012)

Congratulations to Devin, the winner of our “Airports & Airplanes” topic! Devin won a $200 Viator gift certificate as well as will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of a $5000 dream vacation!

A dog dreams of being a pilot. Snoopy is her hero!

Ryan & Asha announcing the first topic at the airport…

- Viator Travel Team

Follow Team Europe, Ryan and Asha, and Team North America, Juliana and Brock, as they travel the world this summer shooting video. And don’t miss a single Viator contests, deal, or promotion by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, or Pinterest!

Viator’s Summer Photo Contest – Winner Announced! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

From Maui, Jules and Brock went to the Big Island of Hawaii for their LAST stop on their 60-day journey! Kona was a great place to end their trip–it’s beautiful and there are tons of unique activities. Let’s see what they did on their final three days of traveling…

Day 1

Brock hovering over the volcano's steam and lava on their heli tour.

On a 50-Minute Open-Door Volcanoes Helicopter Flight–a total adventure of a lifetime–the team experienced (and felt the heat from) live volcanic activity. The flight also includes breathtaking views of the Big Island’s lush forests and tropical waterfalls!

Day 2

More volcanoes!

Brock and Jules enjoyed more amazing views of the island at Hawaii Volcano National Park on a Kilauea Volcano Small Group Adventure Tour. Traveling over 300 miles around the Big Island, they saw Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and climbed to the summit of Kilauea Volcano.

Day 3

Jules jumps!

On their last day of traveling, Brock and Jules experienced the picturesque beauty of Hawaii on a Big Island Keauhou Bay Kayaking and Snorkeling Cave Tour. They got to dive beneath the surface and discover an underwater world of coral landscapes and tropical fish, kayaked around Keauhou Bay, and jumped off a cliff!

There’s a reason why the Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona was voted “one of the top 10 things to do in your life” by the Travel Channel! Brock and Jules also named this one of their favorite tours and recommend that every visitor to Kona experiences it. On the tour, they got to swim with the gentle giant manta rays in the dark, and Brock was left speechless by how amazing it was. Sounds like the perfect tour to end their adventure!

Read more about Kona in our Insider’s Guide to Kona

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Big Island of Hawaii tours and things to do, Big Island of Hawaii attractions, and Big Island of Hawaii recommendations! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock on the Big Island of Hawaii by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Our second pair of Dream Travel Job finalists, Jules and Brock (or “Brules” as they’ve come to be known in the Viator office) have experienced an adventure of a lifetime! For 60 days Jules and Brock traveled and filmed in some of North America’s top travel destinations.

NOTE: Our first Dream Travel Job team, Ryan and Asha, spent 60 days in Europe. Check out updates from our Dream Travel Job project including insider guides for each destination our teams visit, updates about team 1, and videos, photos, and travel advice from their adventures.

Watch as Jules & Brock’s Unforgettable Journey Unfolds…

Meet Team North America: Jules & Brock

Fun Facts about Jules Broste:
- Is a fully certified snowboard instructor
- Slept with the lions on safari in the Serengeti
- Taught English in South Korea (but can’t speak a lick of Korean)
- Is a “fun expert” and drove cross-country last summer with her mom exploring the most fun small towns in America
- Carries her camera with her everywhere she goes (even to the supermarket–you just never know what might happen!)
- Is learning how to belly dance after seeing the pros shimmy and shake in Turkey

Read more about Jules

Fun Facts about Brock Groombridge:
- In 2010 he backpacked through 36 countries on 6 continents
- Backpack With Brock is his travel video blog
- He once ate a cobra snake in Vietnam
- He climbed to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet
- He has lived with a Maasai Tribe in Kenya
- Does he look familiar? Maybe you’ve seen him in a TV commercial for Diet Pepsi, Skittles or Subway!

Read more about Brock

Their “Dream Travel Job” Itinerary

After a 2-week training session in the San Francisco office, Jules and Brock took off on their journey around North America! Make sure to follow Viator on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Pinterest for the latest Dream Travel Job updates.

17th Stop: Big Island of Hawaii
August 12 – August 15, 2012

From Maui, Jules and Brock went to the Big Island of Hawaii for their LAST stop on their 60-day journey! Kona was a great place to end their trip–it’s beautiful and there are tons of unique activities. Let’s see what they did on their final three days of traveling! Keep reading…

Big Island of Hawaii: their last stop!

16th Stop: Maui
August 8 – August 11, 2012

After spending a few days in Oahu, Jules and Brock hopped over to Maui, which is their second-to-last stop on their epic journey around North America! Keep reading…

Enjoying more luaus & helicopter tours in Hawaii!

15th Stop: Oahu
August 3 – August 7, 2012

Jules and Brock said adiós to sunny San Diego and aloha to Hawaii for the last portion of their trip! First they started in Oahu where they explored its famous landmarks, including Pearl Harbor, and took part in some adventurous activities. Keep reading…

Aloha!

14th Stop: San Diego
July 31 – August 2, 2012

From Los Angeles, Jules and Brock went further south in California to San Diego. Like LA, San Diego is known for its beaches and affluent neighborhoods, but it also offers world-famous animals parks and beautiful coastline scenery. Keep reading…

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

13th Stop: Los Angeles
July 28 – July 30, 2012

After having fun on the Strip and flying around the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Jules and Brock drove over to Los Angeles. Now in southern California, the team will spend their last few days in the continental US enjoying the sunshine, theme parks, and famous attractions of the Golden State. Keep reading…

Enjoying champagne after a helicopter tour over LA!

12th Stop: Las Vegas
July 21 – July 27, 2012

From Chicago, Jules and Brock moved west to Las Vegas f0r 6 days of tours, activities, and fun in and around Sin City! Keep reading…

The team had lots of adventures in Vegas!

11th Stop: Chicago
July 18 – July 20, 2012

After spending a few days enjoying the southern culture of New Orleans, Jules and Brock headed north to Chicago. Known for its cuisine, classic architecture and hospitality, this city is the only Midwestern stop along the team’s journey. Keep reading…

Chicago!

10th Stop: New Orleans
July 13 – July 17, 2012

From Orlando and the fun times in Florida, Jules and Brock headed up to New Orleans, where they spent a few days exploring The Big Easy, its surrounds and the region’s vibrant culture. Keep reading…

On Bourbon Street

9th Stop: Orlando
July 9 – July 12, 2012

After a few days of eating and partying like rock stars in Miami, Jules and Brock stopped in Orlando for some family-friendly fun. Here they spent three days hanging out with Mickey, traveling around the world at Epcot, and proving that adults can have fun in Orlando, too! Keep reading…

Hi Mickey & Minnie!

8th Stop: Miami
July 6 – July 8, 2012

From New York City, Jules and Brock headed south to Miami! There the team enjoyed sunning themselves at the beach, partying at night, and sampling the local cuisine. (It’s going to be hard, but we will try to resist the urge to insert too many mentions to Will Smith’s 1998 hit, “Miami.”) Keep reading…

Miami!

7th Stop: New York City
June 29 – July 5, 2012

From Washington DC, Jules and Brock went to New York City–the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, and some might say The Best City in the World. In six days, they saw many world-famous sights, celebrated two holidays, and learned about the history of this incomparable city. Keep reading…

Jules and Brock enjoying views of NYC at the Top of the Rock

6th Stop: Washington DC
June 25 – June 28, 2012

After a fun few days in Boston, Jules and Brock flew to another US city famous for its historical monuments, Washington DC. With all the tours the team has taken in these two cities, the team will be experts on American history! Keep reading…

5th Stop: Boston
June 22 – June 24, 2012

From Niagara Falls, Team North America left Canada and came back to the United States. Their first stop was Boston, an appropriate introduction to the east coast due to its historical significance in modern America. Boston was where the America Revolution began, where higher education has thrived, and where you can now wander down its roads that are full of stories, including the story of our own Jules and Brock! Keep reading…

3rd & 4th Stop: Toronto / Niagara Falls
June 20 – June 21, 2012

From Montreal, Jules and Brock left Quebec for a quick visit to Brock’s hometown of Toronto with a day trip to Niagara Falls. In just a couple short days, they were able to see the largest city in Canada plus one of the largest waterfalls in the world! Keep reading…

2nd Stop: Montreal
June 17 – June 20, 2012

From the green and outdoorsy Vancouver, Jules and Brock flew to the lovely French-Canadian city of Montreal. Then they spent a few days exploring, trying new foods, and seeing the best that Quebec has to offer! Keep reading…

1st Stop: Vancouver
June 13 – June 16, 2012

For the first leg of Team North America’s journey, they made their way north from San Francisco to Vancouver. There they walked across a giant bridge, rode in a seaplane, ate dinner on a cruise, hopped on and off a bus, and even jumped on a ferry. (We like to keep them busy!) Keep reading…

Training in San Francisco – Bon Voyage Team North America!
May 30 – June 12, 2012

Upon arriving in San Francisco for training, Jules and Brock – our second team of Dream Travel Job finalists – were taken to Viator’s head office. There, they met our hard-at-work behind-the-scenes team and spent two weeks training and learning how to film our tours! Keep reading…

- Viator Travel Team

 Read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Dream Travel Job: Team North America by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

After spending a few days in Oahu, Jules and Brock hopped over to Maui, which is their second-to-last stop on their epic journey around North America!

Day 1

They even saw a rainbow!

For their first night in Maui, the team relaxed and enjoyed a Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise. The cruise included sunset views of Maui, Molokai and Lanai plus dinner, drinks and after-dinner dancing!

Day 2

Jules and Brock take their adventures underwater

The next day, the team went on a Small-Group Molokini Snorkel and Green Sea Turtle Adventure. In the Molokini Crater, underwater visibility often exceeds 180 feet, which allows visitors to see all kinds of fish and rays. Then they visited ’Turtle Town’ where they got to swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle!

That evening, they went to a luau for the second portion of their Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise and Royal Lahaina Luau Combo. The luau included an all-you-can-eat buffet and a Polynesian dancing revue–a must-see for any visitor to Maui!

Day 3

One of Maui's many spectacular viewpoints

With the Spectacular Haleakala Maui Sunrise Tour, the team was up early to catch the first sun rays from the famous Mt. Haleakala. Arriving early ensured that they would get amazing views of Maui from the crater as well as the scenic drive through Kula District and to Puu Ulaula Overlook.

Day 4

Soaring over Maui in a helicopter

Not only did Brock and Jules get to see one Hawaiian island from a helicopter, they got to see TWO! The West Maui and Molokai Exclusive 45-Minute Helicopter Tour took them over the island’s diverse landscape of dormant volcanoes, rugged lava flows, lush tropical rainforests and deep valleys filled with waterfalls.

Next (and last) stop: The Big Island!

Read more about Maui in our Insider’s Guide to Maui

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Hawaii tours and things to do, Hawaii attractions, and Hawaii recommendations, or book a private guide in Honolulu for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock in Maui by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

Jules and Brock said adiós to sunny San Diego and aloha to Hawaii for the last portion of their trip! First they started in Oahu where they explored its famous landmarks, including Pearl Harbor, and took part in some adventurous activities.

Day 1

Jules and Brock at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor was the site of the December 7, 1941 bombing that pulled the United States into World War II. Now it still serves as a Navy base, but the memorial sites also attract visitors.

Dinner!

After learning about some of the history of the island, the team took an Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise that included a 5-course dinner and Hawaiian show and dancing, plus great views of the coastline.

Day 2

Hanauma Bay

On a Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure Half-Day Tour, Brock and Jules got to tour one of the most popular natural attractions in the world! Hanauma Bay is in the sunken caldera of an extinct volcano, with famously clear waters that make snorkeling a perfect activity.

Luau!

Then they enjoyed a night of Hawaiian culture and hospitality at the Paradise Cove Luau for a sunset dinner and show!

Day 3

Brock's debut as a ukelele performer

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, Jules and Brock learned about the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures at eight island villages. They could take a canoe ride on the lagoon, cook a meal in the Samoan village, get temporary tattoos, practice spear throwing, and take ukelele lessons.

Day 4

View of Oahu from the helicopter

On a 45-minute Oahu Helicopter Tour the team flew over Oahu’s Keehi Lagoon, historic Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower, Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island and world-famous Waikiki Beach!

Jules, filming Oahu's underwater wildlife

Then the Oahu Atlantis Submarine Adventure took them below the surface, where they got the chance to observe marine life up close without getting wet.

Next stop: Maui!

Read more about Oahu in our Insider’s Guide to Visiting Oahu

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Oahu tours and things to do, Oahu attractions, and Oahu travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Honolulu for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock in Oahu by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: We recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled–on trains, in cars, and on long flights–and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

The last thing you want to do on vacation is show up in a new country completely jet-lagged, haggard, and cranky after a hellish red-eye flight. When you only have so much time to spare, every day counts! Viator’s Dream Travel Job Team Europe duo Ryan and Asha know this all too well.

But taking a long-haul doesn’t have to be the worst thing in the world. In fact, they can even be quite enjoyable. These tips will help you make the best of it!

Before you go

Stretching out before a long flight

Select your seat way in advance. You probably already know that your seat preference makes a great deal of difference when it comes to enjoying your flight, but this is especially true when you’ll be flying for 7+ hours. (And who actually enjoys the middle seat, honestly?) SeatGuru helps you figure out the best place to sit, based on the aircraft you’ll be flying with!

Pack all the right stuff. If you’re the kind of person who can sleep through a hurricane and wake up feeling refreshed, we envy you! For others, a couple of items might help keep your sanity intact, especially when you’re sleeping and dealing with space constraints.

For starters, bring ear plugs, noise-canceling headphones, and a sleep mask to block out the light from your neighbor’s video screen.

For peace of mind, bring hand sanitizer! (Unfortunately, hygiene on most airplanes isn’t exactly top-notch.) And yes, a good airplane pillow can be bulky and a pain to carry around, but they’re usually always worth it.

Prepare your body.  Before your flight, go about your normal evening routine as much as possible. Exercise, eat your dinner, and carry out your regular activities until it’s time to get to the airport. That way, you’ll be more inclined to just sleep during the flight’s overnight hours as you normally would, no matter how uncomfortable your seat.

During the flight

If you plan ahead, you can arrive at your destination ready-to-go!

Pack some medication. There’s nothing wrong with a little sleep aid when you need it the most. Try a Tylenol PM, or Benadryl. These are over-the-counter drugs and generally safe for most people.

If sleeping is a really big issue for you, you can seek prescription drugs like Ambien. A word of caution, however: if you’ve ever taken the drug before and you have no idea how it’ll affect you, the results could be pretty negative. Follow your doctor’s orders and take a “test run” at home before your flight.

Stay hydrated. This is a tip to live by! Drink lots and lots of water, and electrolyte beverages like Gatorade when possible. Avoid caffeine (coffee, soft drinks) and alcohol up to a day before your trip, if possible.

After you make it through security, purchase some water before boarding. Service can be slow once you’re on the plane, and serving sizes for water are usually pretty small.

Deal with the dry air. On top of staying hydrated, you’ve got to deal with the dry airplane air that can make the final hours of a flight unbearable. Carry drops for your dried-out eyes, and a saline nasal gel. You simply dab some gel on a cotton swab and use it coat the inside of your nose. Not a fun process, but it works! Bring a small container of moisturizer as well, especially for your hands.

Be entertained. This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people rely on an airplane’s video system to stay entertained in-flight. News flash: electronics aren’t fail-proof, and sometimes the selection just isn’t that great. At least pick up a handful of magazines, or bring a portable gaming system like Nintendo DS.

Avoid DVT. Staying hydrated is important to your health for more than obvious reasons. Have you heard of deep vein thrombosis? It’s the formation of blood clots in deep veins, especially in your calves, and can be a threat in longer flights. Water will help prevent any clotting from happening, and travelers are also encouraged to get up and move around whenever possible. Walk up and down the aisle, do some stretches, etc. Whatever it takes.

You can also wear compression socks…we hear they’re the latest style these days.

When arriving

Stay awake when you arrive!

Stay awake! The effects of the red-eye aren’t over when you step off the plane. Your primary mission upon landing is to get used to the new time zone as much as possible…and that means no naps! Do your best to stay awake until evening, when you can pass out and sleep until morning. Many travelers recommend getting in a quick workout, which will get your heart pumping and help you stay energized into the evening.

Take it easy. Some light exercise is good, but don’t over-exert yourself on your first day. If you want to be well rested, don’t hit the bars, and stay out in the sunlight as much as possible.

Have all your information ready. If you’re stepping off a plane after a red-eye, chances are you’ll be bleary-eyed and out of sorts. Plan far ahead how you’ll reach your accommodations or get to where you’re going… otherwise figuring it out might not be the easiest thing to do when your brain feels like sludge. (Plus we’re all a little cranky when overtired and impatient, right?)

 - Candice Walsh

Browse more of our travel tips or read more about air travel!

The Red-Eye Flight Survival Guide by Candice Walsh from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

From Los Angeles, Jules and Brock went further south in California to San Diego. Like LA, San Diego is known for its beaches and affluent neighborhoods, but it also offers world-famous animals parks and beautiful coastline scenery.

Day 1

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, hundreds of animals run around within near-natural surroundings and visitors can easily see many up-close. Jules and Brock took advantage of their proximity to the animals as they fed giraffes and rhinos and photographed lions.

Lunch time!

Day 2

USS Midway Museum is home to one of the largest aircraft carriers in the US Navy fleet, and houses over 60 exhibits including the flight deck, galley, engine room and more. Brock and Jules got to see what it was like living aboard a “city at sea”, and were able to get a nice view of San Diego from the museum.

Day 3

SeaWorld San Diego is one of the city’s main attractions and is most famously know as the home of Shamu, a killer whale. Here, the team saw a live show and got to tour the different animal exhibits.

SeaWorld schwag!

Next stop: Oahu!

Read more about San Diego in our Insider’s Guide to San Diego

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s San Diego tours and things to do, San Diego attractions, and San Diego travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in San Diego for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock in San Diego by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: We recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 2 finalists to travel around Europe shooting video. For 60 days, this team traveled, filmed, and ate in some of the world’s top destinations, including Florence, Milan, Venice, and Rome. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

When you think about Italy, a couple of things might come to mind, like wine, pasta, pizza, and the boisterous nature of the Italian people.

What you might NOT know, however, is that the food scene in Italy varies with each region (and even each town). Cheese, for example, is often named after its place of origin.

Read more about what to eat in Venice and Tuscany.

Italian food is also not exactly vegetarian friendly – Pork and sausage make a regular appearance in many dishes.

But here’s an interesting fact: although Italian foods deliver big flavor, the ingredient-base of each dish is usually pretty basic. For Italians, traditional and seasonable products are important!

So where do you begin? Yes, the list can be overwhelming, but here’s some information to get you started on some of the basics.

Pasta

Pasta in Tuscany

Believe it or not, pasta did not originate in Italy! It’s been documented as early as 1700 BC in the Shang dynasty in China, but over the years, it became Italy’s own.

Did you know there are more than 350 different kinds of Italian pasta?Here are a couple you might not be familiar with, with some suggestions on what to pair them with:

Agnolotti: Half-circular shaped pasta, usually stuffed with meat (try lean ground beef). It can also include spinach, nutmeg, tomato sauce, garlic, and more!

Bigoli: Like whole wheat spaghetti, but thicker and found in the Veneto region. Try it with anchovy sauce, or smoked sausage.

Cavatappi: The name means “corkscrew” in Italian. (You can probably guess why!)  It tastes delicious with a creamy mushroom sauce.

Gemelli: Each piece looks like two pieces twisted together in a sort of braid. Meat is typically added to this recipe, so try shrimp, steak, or even bacon.

Pappardelle: Thick, flat ribbons of pasta. Tastes great with baby spinach, herbs, and ricotta, or add any number of sauces.

Strozzapreti: Hand-rolled pieces of flat pasta, with round edges.  Add roasted tomatoes, sausage, and a bit of garlic.

Learn how to make authentic Italian pasta with a Handmade Italian Pasta Cooking Course in Florence

Gelato

Gelato

Italian gelato has been around for quite some time – as long ago as the 16thcentury, actually! While it isn’t 100% possible to determine its origins, most stories say that a native of Florence named Bernardo Buontalenti created this sugary treat.Not a bad legacy to leave behind, right?

Gelato in Italian means “frozen,” and it’s basically the country’s version of ice-cream. BUT — and you’ll love this next fact – gelato is much healthier than American-style ice-cream. Why? It is made with more natural ingredients and less butterfat, meaning fewer calories all around. Eat your heart out!

Here are a couple of classic flavors to try (besides going the obvious route of trying them all):

Panna or Fior di Latte: A plain flavor for vanilla people.

Cioccolato: Just regular chocolate, but can also be served as extra dark chocolate.

Limone: Lemon!

Pistacchio: You can’t beat this classic, of course.

Bacio: Hazlenut and chocolate.

Crema: A pale yellow-colored cream, sorta like custard.

Fragola: Strawberry flavored, but different from the creamier versions. This one has real crushed strawberries!

Melone: While many gelato flavors are heavily cream-based, other flavors take on a more fruity quality. Milone, naturally, tastes a lot like fresh melon.

Liquirizia: Liquorice flavor! Are you bold enough to try this one?

Find out how to make this sweet treat at our Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza

Pizza

Beer and pizza in Rome--a great combination!

Like everything else in Italian food culture, pizza is serious business too. Having originated in Naples, this dish has since taken on a life of its own.

The first thing you should know is that tomato-based pizzas are called “red pizzas,” while tomato-free pizzas are known as “pizza Bianca” or “white pizza”.  And like all other Italian foods, the toppings vary from region to region.

Did you know there are two different types of pizza, known as Neapolitan-style and Roman-style? It’s all based on the crust: Neapolitan is thicker, like bread, while Roman-style is fairly thin.

And depending how nit-picky you are, some people call the calzone a third type of pizza (a pizza that is folded and baked). Are you hungry yet?

Coffee

Find all kinds of coffee in Italy

Never underestimate the importance of a good coffee to an Italian! While the rules and social norms of coffee drinking culture in Italy take some time to learn (e.g., NEVER drink coffee sitting… you’re supposed to shoot it back), it’s worthwhile to be at least a little prepared  when it comes to knowing your options.

Brush up on your vocab:

Caffe (espresso): A small cup of strong coffee. Typically, when you order, you ask for “caffe” and not “espresso.” A double espresso is “Caffe Doppio,” but this isn’t a general habit of most Italians.

Take a food tour of Rome that includes espresso

Caffe Americano: American-style coffee, served in larger portions and not carrying as much punch as regular caffe.

Cafe Corretto: Literally, “corrected” coffee… served with alcohol (grappa, cognac, etc.).

Caffe Freddo: Iced coffee.

Cafe Hag: Decaf coffee.

Caffe Latte: Hot milk, mixed with coffee. Typically a breakfast drink (as most drinks with hot milk are).

Cafe Macchiato: Like cappuccino, but espresso with a drop of milk. Again, a breakfast drink.

Cappuccino: Espresso and steamed milk, but only drank in the morning. NEVER in the evening!

Caffe Marocchino: Espresso with hot milk and cacao powder.

If you’re a fan of Italian food, plan a trip around these Food Festivals in Italy and Food & Wine Festivals in Tuscany

- Candice Walsh

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Italy food tours, Italy wine tasting tours, and Italy cooking classes. Or book a private guide in Italy for a customized tour!

A Guide to the Foods of Italy by Candice Walsh from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

After having fun on the Strip and flying around the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Jules and Brock drove over to Los Angeles. Now in southern California, the team will spend their last few days in the continental US enjoying the sunshine, theme parks, and famous attractions of the Golden State.

Day 1

Brock tries to share a flower with Jules on their picnic... will she take it?!

On a Helicopter Tour over California’s Coastline, Brock and Jules got to fly over California’s picturesque beaches and coastline, see the Hollywood sign from above, and land at a private plateau in Malibu for a champagne toast and picnic.

Day 2

The Dearly Departed: The Tragic History Tour of Los Angeles took them around to famous sites of tragedy in the city, including where Janis Joplin and John Belushi’s spent their final moments.

"Hello, White House here!"

At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Brock and Jules met the wax versions of more than 100 recreations of some of the world’s most famous people. They got photos taken with replicas of Barack Obama, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and several more.

Next stop: San Diego!

Read more about Los Angeles in our Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Los Angeles tours and things to do, Los Angeles attractions and Los Angeles travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Los Angeles for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock in Los Angeles by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

From Chicago, Jules and Brock moved west to Las Vegas for 6 days of tours, activities, and fun in and around Sin City!

Day 1

At the LA Comedy Club at Cabo Wabo at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, the team enjoyed a night of laughs with some of the best, hippest and brightest comics on the circuit. The intimate showroom at Cabo Wabo has a panoramic view overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, so it was a great spot for the team to spend their first night in the city.

Day 2

"Buckle up!"

On a Mini Baja Buggy Half-Day Tour from Las Vegas, Jules and Brock drove between 10 and 15 miles over some aggressive and challenging Nevada terrain. All the buggies are custom built for the rugged land, and come equipped with roll cages, seatbelts and helmets for safety. Sounds a bit scary, but is really fun!

Brock, enjoying the views from the helicopter tour

Then they went on a another adventure with the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour, which is one of Viator’s most popular Las Vegas tours. This tour took them on an exhilarating helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon, complete with a champagne picnic deep in the canyon.

Day 3

Jules at the Grand Canyon

The next day, Jules and Brock got to see the Grand Canyon from another angle on the Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Day Trip from Las Vegas. This flight took them over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and then they landed for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the West Rim. A BBQ lunch was provided, and the team also opted to check out the see-though floor of the Skywalk.

That night the team saw their first Vegas show, The Rat Pack is Back at the Rio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, which features such great classics as “New York, New York” and “That’s Amore.”

Day 4

More great views of the Grand Canyon!

The Deluxe Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tour includes a deluxe flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim on an executive-style airplane and time to hike though the national park and enjoy the stunning views.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Las Vegas without a Cirque du Soleil show! That evening, the team saw KÀ™ by Cirque du Soleil® at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, which uses acrobatic performances, the thrills and action of martial art techniques from all over the world, plus innovations in puppetry and multimedia to tell an epic tale.

Day 5

Hoover Dam

On a Hoover Dam Hummer Tour, Brock and Jules were picked up in style in a Hummer H2 and taken to the famous Hoover Dam. There they learned about this incredible landmark and also took an elevator 500 feet (152.4 m) down into the walls of the Black Canyon to see the power plant generators.

The Las Vegas Gun Store and Firing Range is a unique shooting experience in which the team was able to shoot with handguns and shotguns before taking aim with a fully automatic machine gun! They certainly were able to quite a range of experiences in Las Vegas–from shows and sightseeing to some pretty adventurous activities such as this one.

Day 6

For their last tour, the team got to see the Grand Canyon from yet another angle–in the canyon!–on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip from Las Vegas.

Next stop: Los Angeles!

Read more about Las Vegas in our Insider’s Guide to Las Vegas

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours and things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Las Vegas for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team North America in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team North America Update: Jules & Brock in Las Vegas by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: We recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled via bus, train, plane, and more and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

One of the best things about traveling through Europe is how easy it is to get around – more often than not, it’s cheap, extremely efficient, and FAST! And if you have a preferred way of traveling, chances are you’ll find it in Europe.

Viator’s Dream Travel Job duo Ryan and Asha spent 60 days making their way all over the continent, by plane, train, bus, or car (and everything in between). If you’re planning your own European trip, here are a few options for you to consider!

By train

You can't beat the views from a train!

We believe that train travel is one of the best ways to discover new places and faces. Who doesn’t want to chug their way through rolling green fields, ancient towns, and dreamy landscapes? In Europe, Eurail is one of the dominating companies offering great train travel experiences, with access to 23 countries!

Unlike many other rail companies around the world, Eurail offers flexible travel passes for those who are backpacking or traveling long-term. A Global Pass will let you wander between 23 countries, while a Select Pass gives you access to 3-5 countries, etc. They even offer great trip planning tools to help make the whole process easier.

InterRail is another company that allows for flexible train travel, with access to a whopping 30 countries. Figuring out which one you’d prefer to travel with really all comes down to personal choice. Check out reviews beforehand, or partake on a short train journey first to see how you like the service.

Keep in mind, however, that if you’re traveling through Great Britain you’ll have to use BritRail. Not a bad way to see the Scottish Highlands, right?

Read more about train travel

By budget airline

Green Ireland from a plane window

You can find remarkably cheap flights via certain airlines in Europe – but know that you won’t be seated in the lap of luxury. Seats can get cramped and you’re often only allowed to bring a carry-on. If you’re on a tight budget, however, this shouldn’t matter. Besides, depending on where you’re going, your flight may only be an hour or two.

Ryanair is a great, affordable airline flying between Great Britain and Europe for as cheap as 12GBP/one way flight. (Prices are listed in Euros if you’re flying between Europe only.)

A similar airline is Easyjet, with no frills but incredible deals. It also has the added bonus of flying between Iceland and London.

Finally, there’s Vueling which mostly specializes in Mediterranean destinations (although other European locations are listed as well). Looking for an excuse to get to Crete? How does 79 Euros sound?

Read more about air travel

By bus

A bus in Malta. Photo credit: Adam Burt via Flickr.

Taking a bus is most definitely the slowest option of them all, but is often extremely affordable and hassle-free. Nowadays, many bus lines even come with a few additional luxuries, like free WiFi or additional luggage allowances.

One of Europe’s most popular bus lines is Eurolines. Like the rail systems, Eurolines offers access to 29 countries and gives you the option of purchasing multiple city passes. Plus the company often has outrageous sales (e.g., travel from London to Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris for 9GBP one way!).

But if you’re considering traveling by bus, make sure you shop around a little first. If you’re traveling within the same country, for example, you might find MUCH cheaper options from various lines.

By rideshare

If you haven’t already heard of Carpooling, a car sharing platform within the United Kingdom and Europe, you should definitely add it to your list of options. Offer or search for vacant seats on any journey – the deal is that you pitch in for gas/your passenger forks over gas money, and you ride together. It’s budget friendly, AND environmentally responsible!

The website’s simple journey planner lets you scout out all the best options, and with over 3 million users, you shouldn’t have to look far!

If safety is a concern for you, do your research accordingly. Like Couchsurfing, Carpooling works on an honor system – users give feedback via a rating system, so be sure to peruse recommendations first. According to the website, “the booking system is only available to be used by registered users who have verified their mobile phone numbers and email addresses.” If you still have your doubts, ask to arrange a meet-up before you climb into the car.

By car rental

Rent a car or a Vespa in Rome!

If you’re not afraid of driving in a foreign country, renting a car might be the best option for you. This way you get to work at your own pace – if you want to pause on the side of the road to take photos of the Alps, you can!

Before doing so, however, check into getting an International Driving Permit. You should also find out the regulations of what you need to carry with you in your vehicle (i.e. drivers’ license and vehicle registration).

Before settling on a car rental, shop around and check web reviews. Make sure you figure out the details of your insurance, as often a car rental’s insurance will be limited to the legal minimum in the area.

Read more about driving in a foreign country

  – Candice Walsh

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Europe tours and things to do, Europe attractions, and Europe travel recommendations! Or book a private tour guide for a customized tour!

A Guide to Getting Around in Europe by Candice Walsh from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator has its own travel videos to watch! We recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. For 60 days, these teams traveled and filmed in some of the world’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch their unforgettable journey!

Brock from the Dream Travel Job: Team North America filming in NYC

There are few better sources of inspiration than movies. The dramatic scenery, the complex character development, the range of raw emotions—all are elements of films which successfully make the viewer feel as if we’re there. When it comes to travel, movies give us the ability to soar across the world and experience foreign cultures without ever having to leave the comfort of our couch.

While travel movies may have an entertaining enough plot to grip all viewers, they have an intrinsic ability to ignite the inspiration of habitual travelers and wanderers. Regardless of the destination, good travel movies are able to hone in on the unsaid minutiae of travel and express this in what becomes an inspirational film. The excitement of experiencing a destination for the first time, the tenuous and genuine relationships you form on the road, the affable and life-changing local people you encounter or the trepidation of stepping far outside of your comfort zone. Watching a movie in which characters navigate their own set of travel adventures reminds us fellow travelers of times when we have either traveled to that same spot or felt that exact same feeling—and it drives us to want to get back on the road.

So while there are a slew of movies out there which prominently feature an international destination, the list below is meant to isolate films which possess the innate ability to touch on the underlying fundamental elements of travel. The struggles, the new experiences, the triumphant moments, the planning, and our reasoning behind making the occasionally irrational decision to simply get up and experience the world.

1. L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)

I have met very few travelers who aren’t obsessed with L’Auberge Espagnole. While there are numerous reasons to love this movie—the romance of Barcelona, the potent sexual tension, etc.—the number one reason why travelers crave this movie is because it’s so incredibly real. Anyone who has ever lived or studied abroad can instantly relate to this film and the way in which it traces the subtle cultural differences and real-life situations experienced by University-aged travelers. Watching L’Auberge Espagnole makes you want to call up long lost travel acquaintances and reminisce and laugh over a stiff drink and focus on the lighter, more important side of life. A final sticking point is the way in which the main character, Xavier, realizes that life’s various experiences and the personal connections you forge are ultimately what really matter, not your salary, title, or career. As this is a mantra many free-spirited travelers hold so dear it’s no wonder the film has fostered such a devoted following.

2. The Way (2010)

A reflective tale of modern day pilgrims on Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail, The Way brilliantly focuses on the personal pilgrimages travelers make for their own respective set of reasons. Whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking, take a break from your career, write a book, or fulfill the wish of your recently deceased son, there’s a unique impetus behind every traveler’s reasoning for taking to the open road. In addition to introducing viewers to the history of one of Europe’s most sacred pilgrim paths and showcasing the stunning scenery of Northern Spain, The Way has an ability to make us look at our own lives and question if there is a journey on the back burner which suddenly may need to happen.

3. Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

There is an old adage that travel is the best teacher. Through exposing ourselves to destinations and cultures different than our own we are given the opportunity to see the world in a new light. Occasionally, in extreme cases, this can lead to revolution. Tracing the early wanderings of a youthful Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries will forever be an example of confronting the status quo and experiencing the somber realities of the world around you. Featuring dramatic scenes ranging from the empty plains of Argentinian Patagonia to the poverty-stricken backwaters of Chile and Peru, Motorcycle Diaries challenges us to question the inequalities we see in the world around us and do our best to make a difference.

4. Endless Summer (1966)

The original iconic surf film which inspired a generation of surf travel, Endless Summer is a classic example of a travel movie which focuses on traveling for a specific purpose other than simply to see what’s out there. Adventurous surfers who roamed the planet from Senegal to South Africa and New Zealand to Hawaii, the surfers of Endless Summer bridged a cultural gap between Southern California beach boys and people living in corners of the world who had never even seen a surfboard. Viewers share in the moments of freedom as the boys carry surfboards across sand dunes in South Africa or spend casual moments laughing with children in Ghana, and in a travel world where so many adventurers dream of the unclimbed, the unridden, or the unexplored, the cast of Endless Summer serve as inspirational pioneers.

5. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Is there any story better than climbing the Himalayas, being taken hostage as a prisoner of war, smuggling yourself into Tibet, and befriending one of the holiest men on the planet? Sometimes the only thing better than travel itself are the stories which eventually come out of it, and hardly are there any stories more jealousy-inducing than the one featured in Seven Years in Tibet. With many travelers harboring the philosophy that the best plan is to simply not have one, Seven Years in Tibet is a shining example of the life-altering experiences which may lie in store when plans unexpectedly go awry.

6. Into the Wild (2007)

Sure, not many travelers aspire to starve to death inside of a bus, but I know a lot travelers out there—most of them men—who secretly want to be Chris McCandless. The entire storyline reeks of the freedom so many independent travelers quietly lust for: The feeling of thumbing your nose at society and throwing caution to the wind, the confidence garnered from living off the land, and the unbridled excitement of being in charge of your own destiny and making the entire American West your neighborhood. Into the Wild inspires us travelers to live our dreams and pursue the path we dare to lead, regardless of whether “society” agrees with us or not.

7. Go Ganges (2012)

Although you haven’t heard of it (yet), I’ve been one of the handful of people lucky enough to be granted a sneak preview of this unreleased adventure film. Planning to debut to audiences in 2012, Go Ganges follows the travels of two veteran adventure travelers as they trace India’s Ganges River from her glacial source in the Himalayas all the way to the eventual terminus at the sea. Along the way the duo moves themselves across little-visited parts of India using any means possible including purchasing their own rickshaw and rowing themselves in a tin boat. An incredible film which shows the real-life situations low-budget, independent travelers frequently find themselves in when they embark on an adventure of a lifetime and let fate simply take care of the rest.

8. The Beach

Love it or loathe it, The Beach has amassed a cult following of backpackers the world over and has turned island where it was filmed—Thailand’s Phi Phi Ley—into a honeycomb of tourists who all buzz with the excitement of actually being able to stand on “The Beach.” With the well-established Southeast Asia backpacker circuit a staple of long-term traveler’s itineraries, the idea of stepping off of the grid for a while in a warm-weather, tropical destination where you invariably end up having copious amounts of sex on the beach and embedding yourself on an island covered in marijuana plantations understandably holds an adolescent and romantic allure. With scenery depicting the true beauty of the Thai islands The Beach plays to the hedonistic, warm-weather fantasies of University-aged travelers the world over.

9. 180° South (2010)

This outdoor adventure film follows Jeff Johnson as he moves to recreate the original journey of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and North Face founder Doug Tompkins who in 1968 drove from Ventura, California to Patagonia, Chile. Rather than driving the entire distance, however, Johnson decides to sail for a leg of the journey, a decision which ultimately ends up with a broken mast and an extended stay in Easter Island where a local female surfer named Makohe decides to tag along for the rest of the journey. With the end goal being to summit the Corcovado volcano in Patagonia, the film brilliantly blends a sense of outdoor adventure with a healthy degree of environmental responsibility and the role travelers play in preserving the places we dream of exploring.

10. The Art of Travel (2008)

To set one thing straight, this isn’t a good movie—far from it. Nevertheless, the wildly unrealistic plot aside (unsolicited threesomes, hacking a road across the Darien Gap, etc.), The Art of Travel manages to capture the notion that we can learn far more on the road through “unconventional means” than any traditional schooling might ever allow. After all, rarely will one year of college-level Spanish classes render you fluent by the end of the term, but after one year of independent travel through Latin America there’s a good chance you’ll be able to rattle off some complex conversations. Furthermore, the film highlights some of the realities of independent travel from finding and losing love interests while on the road to being robbed and scammed out of everything you have. In the end, The Art of Travel exhibits how life experiences while on the road can oftentimes be the best teachers when it comes to elements of self-confidence and personal growth.

11. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1983)

Perhaps the most hilarious movie ever made on European travel, National Lampoon expertly crafts a storyline where the Griswold family experiences many of the typical realities and stereotypes of Americans opting to vacation in Europe. We’ve all been stuck in a roundabout before (although rarely until after dark), and we’ve all harbored thoughts that the service staff may be saying derogatory remarks about us simply because we can’t understand them. While there’s a good chance you aren’t going to knock over Stonehenge, get matching family berets, or dance wildly in a German square while decked out in lederhosen, European Vacation manages to capture the quirks of European travel and twist them into a feel-good tale which leaves us with the feeling that if we aren’t the best or most-knowledgeable travelers on the road, at least we’ll always be better than the Griswolds.

- Kyle Ellison

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11 Movies Sure to Inspire Travel by Kyle Ellison from Viator Travel Blog