The SWAP Blog

Our UK SWAPPER Chris camps out (literally) for tickets at Wimbledon. It was totally worth it

Posted on July 12, 2012 by SWAP

Tennis fans are very civilized of course. Stewards will help you organize a delivery if you want to order food into the park.

By Chris McHugh, current UK SWAPPER

Before you go on your SWAP working vacation (or any vacation for that matter) it’s a good idea to create a list of things you want to do and see. Not only will it act as a reminder, but it will give you a sense of accomplishment as you tick things off one by one. Since I’m a huge tennis fan, close to the top of my list was “See at least one day of Wimbledon.” Read about why it was a day I’ll never forget, here

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in UK | Tagged camp for tickets to Wimbledon, what to do in the UK, Wimbledon | Comments Off

Travel Increases Sex Appeal, According To New Survey

Posted on June 15, 2012 by SWAP

They are sexy because they travel.

We knew it all along, travelers are sexy. Now we just have some hard evidence to back it up. A survey of Australian singles shows that travel makes people more attractive.

The survey finds that 55 percent of respondents believe that a potential mate’s listing travel on their profile makes them more attractive. Read more

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Australia, UK | Tagged accents are hot, backpackers are hot, backpackers are sexy, travel increases sex appeal | Comments Off

UK? Britain? England? What’s the diff? (w/ video)

Posted on June 13, 2012 by SWAP

It’s time to cross the pond. We pack our bags and board our flight to Heathrow. We cruise through the Atlantic with ease and endure the Chicken a la plastic served on board. As we wait to exit the plane, we chat with fellow passengers. Some say they’re from Scotland while others consider themselves English, pilot joins in and says he’s British. Cue head scratch.

This happens to the best of us even though we watch BBC on the regular. Let’s face it, there’s just too many geographical and political terms involved with the UK and it’s been years since high school geography.

One great way to untangle these ambiguities is to visit scholarly sources such as Youtube. C.G.P Grey enlightens us with his video The Difference Between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England Explained. It’s short and informative; definitely worth a look before you head to the UK.

——————-> Click here for video

Video courtesy of CPG Grey: cgpgrey.com

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Travel | Tagged explain uk britain, SWAP, SWAP Working Holidays, Travel, trip, uk, Working Abroad | 1 Comment

Taking care of business: a trip-preparation to-do list

Posted on June 12, 2012 by SWAP

By Elise Newman, SWAP staff member

In less than six weeks, I’ll be heading off on my trip that the cool cats would call RTW. That’s round the world. I might be back in 2 weeks, but in case I do follow through with my plan of not planning too much but at least making it to the other side of the world and back, there’s a lot to think about. …like these things

Things I’ve got so far that will save me a couple of bucks at some point.

Note from SWAP: Elise is leaving us at the SWAP office to do SWAP Australia. She is taking full advantage of the fact that you have a year to enter Australia after the visa is issued- she figures she might as well see some more amazing parts of the world before activating her Australia visa. We will miss her very much, but we do understand the appeal of working abroad all too well!

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Australia, New Zealand, USA | Tagged how to quit your job and move abroad, RTW, what to do before you move abroad | Comments Off

We’re hiring for a bilingual (French and English) full-time SWAP coordinator

Posted on June 11, 2012 by SWAP

If you are bilingual (French and English) and want to be part of the SWAP team, please apply details here

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Travel | Comments Off

Toronto vs. London, UK: The Little Things

Posted on June 8, 2012 by SWAP

Photo by Erin McMillian

By: Chris McHugh, SWAP UK contributer

London can be very similar to Toronto sometimes, while other times you just don’t know what’s going on. We’ve been here for a little over a month now and I’d like to tell you about some of the differences I’ve noticed while living here. Some things will be trivial, some will make you say “Huh…?”, and some will make you praise English ingenuity. So let’s start out with the most important thing to know if you’re going to visit the UK..here

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in UK | Comments Off

If we had Nike’s advertising budget…

Posted on May 31, 2012 by SWAP

…SWAP might have make a video like this. Definitly very worth checking out (warning: you will want to start travelling immediately).

If you can’t afford to spend tens of thousands of dollars (at least) in 10 days, working abroad might be a better option for you! The UK, South Africa and France are featured in this video. Check out all our destinations here

Cheers,

The SWAP Team

www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in France, South Africa, UK | Tagged around the world in 10 days, makeitcount, travel videos | Comments Off

Nerding out on books and travel

Posted on May 23, 2012 by SWAP

Shakespeare&Company, Paris Photo by johnrrogers.com

Book-lover? Travel-lover? Missing school? Why not read books set in your SWAP destination, check out literary landmarks, and visit the coolest bookstores in your SWAP destination?

Visit literary landmarks in London with Twenty-Something Travel’s handy Book-Lover’s Guide to London.

Off to Germany? The Guardian has made a list of the Top 10 Books set in Berlin.

And if you’re in France, don’t forget to spend an afternoon in Shakespeare & Co, probably the most-photographed bookstore in the world. Speaking of the world, check out Flavorwire’s list of The 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World.

Happy trails/tales!

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in France, Germany, Quirky Travel Stuff, Travel, UK | Tagged backpacking, berlin, books, england, Europe, Germany, landmarks, literature, London, paris, Shakespeare, Travel, uk | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: New Zealand

Posted on May 2, 2012 by SWAP

Hanging out with the Kiwi’s these days? Here are some ideas of how to catch a good view of this scenic country.

What better to begin with than skydiving. Definitely seems like the ‘in’ thing to do in this country, considering how many places there are to choose from. If you enjoy your first dive, try another venue for some different scenery.

Introducing the World’s Largest Swing: The Nevis Swing. Be warned that this is not your traditional type of swing, but if you’ve been graced with an adventurous and fearless spirit this is right up your alley. Can only be described as similar to bungee jumping, check out the video on the website to see how this works.

In Auckland check out the chance for a double adventure at the Auckland Sky Tower. You can go for a walk along the tower’s edge, or jump off (or both if you feel so inclined). **Please sign up for these activities with the people working there and don’t attempt them yourself, we don’t mean for you to get that crazy.

Wellington seems to be the place to hike to your view. Some popular places include Mount Kau Kau and Mount Victoria, but explore around to find some others. Don’t forget your walking shoes!

Happy SWAPPING!
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in New Zealand, Travel | Tagged Air activities in New Zealand, extreme adventure, New Zealand, Things to do in New Zealand, travel new zealand | Comments Off

Festivals All Over the World

Posted on May 1, 2012 by SWAP

Australia: The Melbourne Jazz Festival – You’ll want to make your plans to attend this festival this month, as it runs from June 1 – 10 in – you guessed it – Melbourne.
Running for over 10 years now, be sure to check this out if you feel like snapping your fingers along to some smooth sounds.

Austria Spring Festival – Taking place from May 16 – 20 this year, this festival focuses on electronic art and music. Head down to Graz in Southern Austria to take in the European festival.

France Night of the Museums – On May 19, Museums across Paris will stay open through the night for you to explore exhibits and learn something new. Don’t miss out on this free event.

Germany Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest – Which translates to the Stuttgart Spring Festival, takes place from April 21 – May 13 and celebrates the end of winter. Check this festival out for beer tents, oompah bands, and lots of fun.

Ireland Connemara Mussel Festival – From May 4-6 taste some local seafood cuisine in Connemara, Galway. The combination of music and mussels promises to be good craic.

Japan Shunki Reitaisai – The Grand Festival of Spring takes place in Sannai, Nikko City from May 16-17. Watch the parade of people dressed like Samurai and dancers around the shrine Nikko Toshogu, a recognized World Heritage Site.

New Zealand New Zealand International Comedy Festival – Running in Auckland and Wellington from April 27 – May 20, this festival features comedians from all over the world. Go on and a have a laugh, you’ll need a sense of humour as winter begins to set in.

South Africa Good Food & Wine Show – Check out this event in Cape Town from May 24 – 27 to rub shoulders with celebrity chefs and taste some delicious cuisine.

Thailand Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival – This takes place in Phya Thaen Park from May 5 – 9, and it sure to be explosive. This ancient festival originated on the origins of bringing good luck for the upcoming rice farming season.

United Kingdom Brighton Festival – From May 5 – 27 there will be a combination of music, theatre, dance, art and much more in Brighton, England.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Australia, Austria, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, UK | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: Japan

Posted on April 30, 2012 by SWAP

So you’re calling Japan your new home and you want to see it from another angle. Here are a few ideas for you.

Go for a Glider Experience in Takikawa and feel the freedom of flying without an engine. A plane pulls your glider up into the air and then lets you (and your pilot) coast through the air. Bravery required.

Been stuck in a winter rut? Parasailing over the snow should help disperse your blues. Let a snow mobile pull you as you sail up above. Don’t forget to dress warmly!

If you’re going to Tokyo (which seems like a must in Japan) go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office for a panoramic view of the city. The viewing is free and on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji.

In Kyoto check out the Kiyomizu Temple for a view of Kyoto city and numerous cherry and maple trees. Best time to go is the spring or the fall to see the trees in their true beauty. But seeing as the temple was founded in 780, it guarantees to be interesting at any time.

Enjoy a mixture of gardens and a view? Head to Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building for this combination then. The building consists of two towers that are joined by a floating garden on the 39^th floor, giving you a chance to smell the roses and take in the views of the city.

Happy SWAPPING!
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Japan, Travel | Tagged Aerial activities in Japan, Good views in Japan, Sights in Japan, Things to do in Japan | Comments Off

“When you get no news, make your own”

Posted on April 25, 2012 by SWAP

Waiting around to hear if you got that job? Have you been told that a raise is coming five months ago? Have you been telling yourself that there will be time to travel later?

If you’ve answered yes to the questions but have a feeling that you should stop waiting and start doing, then now is the time! Check out Elise’s blog for some inspiration on taking a big leap. If she can do it, why can’t you?

Happy SWAPPING,
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Bloggers that Travel, Travel | Tagged Travel, travel blogger | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: Ireland

Posted on April 23, 2012 by SWAP

What better way to see this country’s famous 40 Shades of Green than from above?

One way to get yourself off the ground is rock climbing. This website suggests all sorts of places for you to go for this type of adventure. Rookie rock climber? Have no fear, there’s also a link for where to go for lessons.

On the west coast, head to The Cliffs of Moher to gain some height on the country’s edge. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands, but as it’s not clear that often in Ireland, don’t go solely for that view. Enjoy the walk, the photo opps and the waves crashing against the cliffs below.

Down south in County Cork? Try zip lining through River Valley on a guided tour with your friends. A combination of zip lines, rope bridges, obstacles and forest trails is sure to provide a new view, and it is only a 30 minute drive from Cork City.

Want to see Dublin City from higher ground? Head up to The Gravity Bar as the last stop of your tour of the Guinness Brewery. Enjoy a pint of Guinness while you take in the 360° views.

Put your walking shoes on for this next adventure. Follow the trail in Connemara National Park to the top (or choose one of the less daunting trails if you were experiencing the Irish nightlife the night before) to see rolling hills in every direction.

Connemara National Park

Happy SWAPPING,
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Ireland, Travel | Tagged Good views in Ireland, Ireland, Sightseeing in Ireland, Things to do in Ireland | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: Germany

Posted on April 19, 2012 by SWAP

Here are some ways to catch a great view of Germany.

In Munich, stop by St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) to see a church that has been rebuilt after fires, war and maintained after general wear and tear. What does this have to do with a bird’s eye view? If you climb the 306 steps you can have an incredible panoramic view of the city, that’s what.

The Main Tower in Frankfurt is another building with a great view. This one has 56 stories, and thankfully an elevator. The TV station that uses the building as an office does its weather reports from the roof – perhaps that could be your big break! **Note: we mean break into the television, not break a bone.

And how could you resist checking out the views from atop a mountain? Plan a ski trip (or multiple) adventures in the snow. With places to go throughout the country, you won’t have to travel far from your German home base to check out some of these slopes.

This last one isn’t exactly about a view, but it does relate to channeling your inner bird and defying gravity. With anti-gravity yoga, hammocks are used to help you get your feet off the ground. Go hang out at one of the sessions and see if you were a bird in a past life.

Happy SWAPPING,
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Germany, Travel | Tagged Aerial view of Germany, Germany, Sightseeing in Germany, Things to do in Germany | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: France

Posted on April 16, 2012 by SWAP

One of the amazing things about France is the diversity in the landscapes across the country. This means you’ll probably be tempted to try quite a few of our suggestions though.

Care for a view of the Alps? Paragliding could be just the thing for you then. With Fly Chamonix you can go tandem, when a pilot takes you out and down all the work while you enjoy the view, or you have the option to have a lesson to be a pilot. Located in Chamonix, which is a mere 5-day walk from Paris. Or you could fly or bus if you really thought it was necessary.

Parasailing in Nice, France

Down in the South of France? Wouldn’t it be nice to see Nice from above? Why don’t you try parasailing? Just head down to the beach and find one of the many adventure sports stands and sign up (and pay of course). Depending on the winds you may have to wait a little bit for them to be strong enough. Oh, and hold onto those bathing suits when they dip you in the water.

And what is a more iconic way to see Paris from above than the Eiffel Tower (you didn’t think we could leave this out, did you?). Try to buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid line-ups, but even if you do have to wait the atmosphere there is unbelievable. No matter how touristy this is, it is a must.

Happy SWAPPING,
The Swap Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in France, Travel | Tagged Aerial view of France, Air activities in France, Things to do in France, View from above of France | Comments Off

Superstitions Around the Globe

Posted on April 13, 2012 by SWAP

Happy Friday the 13th! This ancient superstition stems from the combination of the least lucky day of the week and an unlucky number. In honour of this superstitious holiday we’ve found some superstitions from around the world.

In many parts of East Asia the number 4 is considered to be unlucky. This is because the number sounds a lot like the word death in Mandarin and Japanese. This is why in many hotels they skip the fourth floor and don’t have any rooms with the number four. In China it is also unlucky to place your chopsticks in a V-shape sticking up, because it is similar to how incense is burned at a funeral.

In Germany it is said that if a stork builds a nest on your roof it will bring a lifetime of wealth and good fortune.

In the UK it is said that two women should not pour from the same teapot, or else it will lead to a fight. Black cats are also considered lucky whenever you meet them.

In Ireland beware of the magpies. If you see one or three it is a sign of bad luck, but seeing a pair is a good omen. It is also considered very bad luck to cut down a fairy tree (a tree that is alone in the middle of a field) because the fairies will curse your family. If a chair falls when you stand up, it is unlucky. And of course a four-leaf clover is good luck and will ward off curses.

And some common superstitions around the world are 7 years of bad luck if you break a mirror, bad luck if you open an umbrella inside, bad luck to walk under a ladder, and good luck if a black cat walks towards you but if it walks away it takes the luck with it. To ward off bad luck you can touch or knock on wood. Lots to remember, isn’t there?

Want to read some more? Check out this full list of superstitions or these 20 wacky ones.

Happy SWAPPING!
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in China, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The World at Play, UK | Tagged Friday the 13th, Superstitions around the world, Worldwide superstitions | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: Austria

Posted on April 11, 2012 by SWAP

The easiest way to catch some air in Austria is on the mountains (with your skis or snowboard of course, we don’t want you to jump). But with the Alps standing throughout Austria, you are sure to have more than enough scenery to choose from.

Though you might not be able to pronounce the mountains you’re cruising down, you’ll be able to appreciate the incredible views they provide. Not a skier or snowboarder? The resorts have activities for you as well!

Some of the more popular mountain ranges include:

The Arlberg – Hotspot for Europe’s Royal Families and the birthplace of modern Alpine skiing
Kitzbuehel – A place that has helped define winter sports in the industry, as it should since they can all be done here
Innsbruck & the Stubai Glacier – Has earned its reputation as the world’s winter sport capitol and has over 50 km of ski runs – better bring your energy
Montafon – Don’t let the relaxed atmosphere or the idea of it being a valley fool you, there is a lot of ski-ground to cover here

For more information on these areas, click here.

If you don’t feel like zipping down one of these hills, try going cross-country skiing or going on a hike. Or a leisurely stroll. Or take a bus tour. Just don’t miss the opportunity to see all of Austria’s beauty from up above. And don’t forget, if it’s an overcast day you could end up in the clouds!

Happy SWAPPING!
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Austria | Tagged Aerial view of Austria, Things to do in Austria, Things to see in Austria | Comments Off

Bird’s Eye View: Australia

Posted on April 9, 2012 by SWAP

Welcome to SWAP’s new blog series Bird’s Eye View! Each entry we will focus on one of our destinations and ways to see it from above. To get things started we’re going to take a look from above at the land Down Under.

Why not start off with a hot air balloon ride over the nation’s capitol? Balloon Aloft Canberra has been around for over 25 years and will provide you with a view of the city you wouldn’t have dreamed possible. Save your pennies if this has just been added to your bucket list, these aren’t any dollarstore balloons.

If you’re in Melbourne, go to the Eureka Skydeck 88. The only skydeck in the world that has a glass cube that projects out 3 meters from the building with tourists inside, this is not for the faint of heart. Not keen on going out on such a limb? No worries, it is
optional and we’re sure you’ll enjoy the view from the security of the 88^thfloor.

Venturing to Tasmania? Hollybank Treetop Adventures allow you glide through the forest on wires (attached by a harness of course) and truly live the life of a bird soaring above the
ground. Don’t worry though, you’re not expected to adopt a bird diet.

How could we leave skydiving out of this article? With Skydive Australia they offer five different locations for you to do your free-falling, so if you really like it you can change up your scenery the next time.

This one isn’t exactly seeing things from above but it does involve the sky. If you want to keep your feet on the ground but feel closer to the stars, check out the Sydney Observatory. Admission to the gardens and the observatory are free during the day, but there is a fee
for the 3D theatre and telescope viewing.

Happy SWAPPING!
The SWAP Team
www.swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Australia | Tagged Aerial view of Australia, Air activities in Australia, Things to do in Australia, Things to see in Australia | Comments Off

Worlds Collide! SWAP pub night on Sat. March 31st in Toronto

Posted on March 21, 2012 by SWAP

Cheers!

Fun Fact: SWAP hosts inbound foreign participants in Canada as well as helping Canadians world abroad.
Who are the best people to talk to about the joys, the challenges, and the low-down on working abroad? People living the working holiday lifestyle of course! Luckily, we have these awesome people happy to talk to you- right here in Toronto.

If you are able to come to Toronto on Saturday March 31st- you are invited to join us for drinks, games, Irish jokes, Australian shots, and prizes. This is your chance to talk to people from all over the world who are having a ball working abroad.
These accented partyers will inevitably be happy to tell you why you might like a working holiday is their home country. They can give you in inside scoop on where to go and what to do when you arrive abroad. SWAP staff will also be happy to answer any other q’s you have on our programs, jobs, etc. Have a great night out while doing some ‘field-research’ on working abroad!
Who: Canadians who are thinking of working abroad, young foreigners working in Canada, and SWAP staff.
What: Worlds Collide! A very special pub night for inbound and outbound SWAPPERS.
When: Saturday March 31st, 8pm- late (come anytime)
Where: Molly Bloom’s, 191 College St., Toronto

If you have any questions or can RSVP (not required but appreciated) please email swapinfo@swap.ca

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in Travel | Tagged March 31, march 31 college st, part in Toronto March 31, saturday night toronto, what to do in toronto march 31 | Comments Off

Our UK SWAPPER Chris camps out (literally) for tickets at Wimbledon. It was totally worth it

Travel Increases Sex Appeal, According To New Survey

UK? Britain? England? What’s the diff? (w/ video)

Taking care of business: a trip-preparation to-do list

We’re hiring for a bilingual (French and English) full-time SWAP coordinator

Toronto vs. London, UK: The Little Things

If we had Nike’s advertising budget…

Nerding out on books and travel

Bird’s Eye View: New Zealand

Festivals All Over the World

Bird’s Eye View: Japan

“When you get no news, make your own”

Bird’s Eye View: Ireland

Bird’s Eye View: Germany

Bird’s Eye View: France

Superstitions Around the Globe

Bird’s Eye View: Austria

Bird’s Eye View: Australia

Worlds Collide! SWAP pub night on Sat. March 31st in Toronto

www.swap.ca

Follow Us

Categories

Archives

Follow The SWAP Blog