TRAVEL

Anchors Away!

We were oh so fortunate. Right after retiring here in SD#33 I heard about an opportunity to teach on cruise ships. “High Seas Computer Services” was looking for Canadians with teaching experience to volunteer as instructors in digital photography/computers for them.

Auditions were held in Surrey and my wife and I were first in line.  We were accepted and with all expenses paid we travelled the world for two years, having an amazing time. We met lots of interesting people and saw lots of world-famous sites.  Loved it!

I’m sharing this experience because, with our skills, it’s possible to find some fabulous opportunities in retirement.  Being a tour guide is another great example of this kind of thing.  Cruise lines are always looking for people who can add something different and special during days at sea for their paying guests.

Give it some thought as you come up to retirement.  Capitalize on your skills and your valuable experience. 

We did this about twenty years ago.  I retired in 2001. The cruise lines decided to do something similar themselves using Pilipino technicians. With cruise lines it’s all about the money and we were costing them too much so these contracts were not renewed. 

However, there are still opportunities like this out there.  After the cruise gig ended, I was offered free lance photography jobs by word of mouth and taught digital photography at Fraser Valley College.  One thing just led to another.

My message to fellow retired AO’s is that retirement can offer rich new experiences.  

It doesn’t mean a sedentary lifestyle.

Sent to us by the intrepid Ken Bramble, a photographer, grandfather, traveller, and retired Chilliwack principal who has also taught in Trail and his birthplace New Zealand.

Editor’s Note.  You, too, can apply to give talks on a Cruise Line.  Whether you teach K or postgraduate, if you have knowledge about a desirable topic, you could be well on your way.  A speaker may receive free airfare, room and board, and tours in lieu of a salary.  You can also bring a friend that has the same privileges but without the paid airfare.

So what are you waiting for?   

   Sign Up to Be a Cruise Ship Speaker and Cruise for Less | NEA Member Benefits

Trip Merchant Adventures 
 
Spirit of the West Adventures (Canadian-based company) began in 1997 as a van rental company but quickly morphed into a kayaking company offering day tours around Quadra Island. Today, we offer trips between 4 and 19 days in length in a variety of locations around Canada, in Chile and the Bahamas during the winter. Owners Breanne Quesnel and Rick Snowdon came to Quadra Island in 2003 to work as sea kayak guides and never left. They fell                       in love with the island and the community that makes it so special.   Member Benefit: *As a Trip Merchant member, you will receive a free ‘Travel Light Package’ which includes a free sleeping bag and rain gear rentals (value of $60 CAD per person).   Learn more at: Supplier Info | Spirit of the West Adventures | Trip Merchant

To gain free access to the new Trip Merchant site, simply click this URL    https://tripmerchant.com/register

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Please let us know where you wish to travel. Tom, Ryan and Anelisa would love to hear from you!   Ccontact us at info@tripmerchant.com or call 1-800-481-9739 for more information

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ENTER CONTEST NOW! Trip Merchant Star Clippers Contest Win a 7-Night Tall-Ship Sailing Experience to either the Caribbean, Costa Rica or the Mediterranean!
For your chance to win a 7-Night Sailing to Costa Rica, Caribbean, or Mediterranean, in an outside cabin category 4 on a Star Clippers (for 2 passengers total), you must do the following:   1. Register to the travel site and subscribe to the BCRPVPA /Trip Merchant travel newsletter using code 4324 (or be an active Trip Merchant newsletter subscriber). 2. Like or follow our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/tripmerchant/ – Not Mandatory 3. And lastly, complete the short form in the link below answering the questions about Star Clippers, along with some additional questions! Answers to survey in entry link:  There are 3 ships in fleet, accommodates 166 passengers and they are true sailing ships.   *Only one entry per person. This contest expires on May 31st, 2025. For full terms and conditions click on this URL Star Clippers Contest | Trip Merchant

Park’n Fly – BCRPVPA

Enjoy promotional price via website (link with discount here) or download the Park’N Fly App and use the discount code 1120427 when reserving your parking place.