I really want to know what he’s watching. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

After my trip to Monkeyland in South Africa, I became a fan of the squirrel monkey. Although they are native to Colombia and can be seen in the wild in the south of the country, I found this little guy at the zoo in Cali (not very adventurous I know). Mischievous, loud and occasionally aggressive when it comes to seeking food, but c’mon they are so damn cute! I can’t help but have a soft spot for them. So, enjoy today’s Suh-Weet shot of this little guy.

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Squirrel Monkey in Cali is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

With the cheetahs in South Africa. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

In a few weeks I’m off to Italy to speak at the Travel Bloggers Unite conference. One of the sponsors is Oyster Worldwide, a company that specializes in volunteer experiences for gappers and career breakers. They are giving away a trip to a blogger to go volunteer in Romania at a bear sanctuary. Who knew Romania had bears?? Well, probably everyone except me. Putting my ignorance aside, I want to now make my case for why I should be selected for this two-week trip. Here are my top 10 reasons.

In Torres Del Paine in Patagonia. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

1. Genuine interest in the bears. I love being around animals and that probably is a result of having grown up in rural Texas. Besides dogs and cats, we had pigs, goats, chickens, fish, guinea pigs and even orphaned deer as pets. And, after filming my episode about volunteering at Monkeyland in South Africa, I really became interested in doing something similar myself.
2. Hard working fool. Some might just say ¨fool.¨ But, I’d be ready to jump in and get working with whatever is needed.
3. Have a leg up on the language. OK, I don’t speak Romanian. But, I do speak Spanish fluently. So, I think I could have some kick-ass basic Romanian quickly.
4. Love me some mountains! As a former resident of the state of Colorado in the US, I love exploring the mountains. I also had some great experiences in the Andes in South America. So, I would love to have the chance to explore the Carpathians by foot and camera.
5. In need of a career break myself. I know, it doesn’t seem as much of a benefit to you. But, after working hard to get the site and travel show off the ground, I could use a break and the chance to give back, to practice what I preach. And, that would come through in the writing. So, I wouldn’t be pretending to be on a break. I’d actually be on one making the writing all that more authentic.
6. The Dracula Factor. OK, I admit it. The fact that the sanctuary is in the heart of Transylvania does make the experience even more interesting.
7. Audience match. Let’s talk turkey. My site is all about career breaks and how to get the most out of your trip. Volunteering on a career break is the second most popular activity for career breakers (but you probably knew that). People come to the site looking for advice not only about how to leave their job, but also what life is like on the road and to follow my travels. I focus a lot of time talking about how to make the big trip count. So naturally, volunteering is one of the best ways to do that. Frankly, I would love to be able to write about the topic from a first-hand perspective.
8. Active social media presence: The site’s growing (400% last year), as is our social media presence (Facebook: almost 1050+ fans, Twitter: 2600+ followers, Klout: 50-51 range, and I’m active on StumbleUpon). Once we get the content up, I share it early and often.
9. Mix of content to deliver. In addition to the stories, I can also take lots of great photos and if I get some really good pics, a few might be part of my Suh-Weet Shots series. Depending on the working conditions and what’s happening on the ground, I might be able to get a video or two done.
10. Early bird gets the worm, right??? Surely there must be a few extra brownie points awarded for getting this well before the conference.

I can't promise the animals will like me! Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

So, to the good folks at Oyster Worldwide, please pick me!!

And to my readers, please let the folks at Oyster Worldwide know your support for me winning the trip to Romania!

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Volunteering for the Bears of Romania is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Loved this little guy. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Last week I gave you a few shots from Monkeyland in South Africa. Next door is an equally enjoyable reserve, the Birds of Eden. In some ways this adventure is a little more fun and interactive…some of the birds actually come and sit on your shoulder, your back, your head. Yes, it happened to me and I found out…I don’t really like it. But the rest of the experience I did. One of the things that was hard to miss was all the different colors of all the birds inside. So, I wanted to showcase a bit of the 220 species of birds you can find at Birds of Eden.

A couple of things you need to know. First, I don’t know bird species. So, I didn’t name each of these. If you would like to educate me, please feel free to do so in the comments and I will update the post. Second, most of these photos were taken without any zoom. You really can get this close to the birds without them flying off. There are many more types of birds, but here are some of my favorite shots.

The Birds of the Birds of Eden, Free Flight Bird Sanctuary

OK, this one is the Grey Crowned Crane. I do know the name of one!

Grey Crowned Crane. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Flamingos! Yes, Captain Obvious gets one right!

Flamingo! Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Love the red tail of this African Grey Parrot. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

I want to know what the secret is. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Love the look of this guy. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Can't leave out the Blue Crane, South Africa's National Bird. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

So, while you’re planning to travel to South Africa, don’t forget to check out the Birds of Eden and Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay.

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A Splash of Color at Birds of Eden is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Tons of little squirrel monkeys in Monkeyland. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Monkeyland sits just outside Plettenberg Bay in South Africa in the Tsitsikama Forest. This is the place where monkeys come to be rescued from the care or use of humans. If it wasn’t for Monkeyland, these animals would likely be dead, or worse, living caged or abandoned. But here, they thrive, they live as they were meant to until they die. Some were former pets, some came from labs, zoos and circuses. All the monkeys are vegetarians and by supplementing the food they get from the forest, the multiple species inside the protected complex co-exist without fighting each other.

Monkeyland has several walking monkey safaris daily. It allows people to get up close and personal with the monkeys…without any contact between the humans and monkeys. And, there’s a volunteer program that’s free to those that qualify.

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay

Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Native to Madagascar, these guys’ numbers are dwindling rapidly. But, you’ll see plenty of them around Monkeyland.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Feeding stations are critical for giving the monkeys their sustenance for the day. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Black Lemurs

There aren’t as many in Monkeyland, but if you’re lucky, you might just catch one in the trees hanging out.

There aren't many there. But, keep your eyes peeled. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Capuchin Monkeys

Native to South America, capuchins are popular as pets. But, when they grow up, they are harder to keep domesticated. So, Monkeyland is a great home for them.

Charmaine is one of the more popular monkeys there. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Squirrel Monkeys

Tiny but tough. These guys are also native to South America. You might see them alone some. But, once they get excited, they let out a high-pitched scream that brings many more to the rescue.

Squirrel monkeys are everywhere. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

In addition, other monkeys you might see are spectacled langurs, black and white lemurs, a white handed gibbon (named Atlas who interrupted my filming), howler monkeys and if you’re lucky, a bush baby!

Check out the podcast I filmed at Monkeyland while shooting our episode. So, while you’re planning to travel to South Africa, don’t forget to check out the Birds of Eden and Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay.

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A Few of the Monkeys From Monkeyland, Primate Sanctuary is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Hanging out at dusk in Goreme, Turkey. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Sometimes the last thing you want is another big city.  While they have their advantages for the traveler, a smaller city or town is what you really need. But, you still want to have access to the modern conveniences.  You don’t need to get away from it all, just most of it.  So, for part 2 of our series, we transition from the giant metropolises to the mid-size towns where you can be in a relaxed atmosphere but still get what you need.

Just like with the cities, each of these places offers something different. But, they all have 3 things in common.

1. They are traveler friendly.
2. They have a cool vibe
3. They make it easy to connect to the city, the country and the culture

10 Great Mid-Size Towns To Chill and Recharge

Captivating views outside Goreme, Turkey. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

1. Goreme, Turkey. There aren’t many places in the world where you can chill inside a cave and be comfortable. Located in the heart of Cappadocia, Goreme has lots of cafes, internet access and friendly people.  It’s a great place to sit and have an apple tea with the shopkeepers or others that you meet. It’s such a spiritual and centered place that it’s sure to help you recharge your batteries.

Puerto Natales is a great place to rest before and after visiting Torres Del Paine Park. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

2. Puerto Natales, Chile. This town is the gateway to the magnificent Torres Del Paine park. It has a rustic feel but plenty of modern conveniences. You’ll find plenty of cool internet cafes serving coffee, and restaurants for all tastes including a vegetarian option, several gourmet places and pizza that’s not bad at all. There are stores to stock up for your time in the Park or simply cooking for yourself at the local hostel. If you are debating between hanging out in Punta Arenas or here, choose this town. Oh, be sure to have to have the local Patagonian lamb.

Summer in Ushuaia, Argentina in December. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

3. Ushuaia, Argentina. While I would dispute its claim as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, Chile is further to the south), I would say that its superior to its southern neighbor for the amenities that it offers. You can explore the Tierra Del Fuego National Park during the day and hang out at night in one of the many bars and restaurants which include several ¨tenedor libre¨ or budget cafeterias. Be sure to have the king crab while you’re here.

Punta Ballena outside of Punta del Este features the famous Casapueblo. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

4. Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Known more as the playground of rich Brazilians and Argentines, this coastal city is charming, modern and a good place to rest. There aren’t a ton of things to see in the town. But, you can easily rent a car to make daytrips up and down the coast. You’ll be surprised at how good the local wine is.

The mix of colonial charm and beaches will make you feel at home in Paraty. Johan Ohrling

Copyright Johan Ohrling

5. Paraty, Brazil. This colonial town has a lot to love: beaches and cheap boat tours, cool colonial architecture, great street food and amazing restaurants.  Hang out here for a relaxing time where you will feel like you are off the beaten path, but without sacrificing modern conveniences.

One of the many coffee farms around Armenia Colombia. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

6. Armenia, Colombia. This city is the gateway to Colombia’s National Coffee park. Downtown is a little bland, but the city is cheap and has everything you will need.  Go just outside the town to stay at a remodeled coffee farm. Even though you are in the heart of coffee country, be sure to have hot chocolate for breakfast.

Main plaza in Cuenca, Ecuador. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

7. Cuenca, Ecuador. Known as one of the most cultured cities in Ecuador by Ecuadoreans, Cuenca has lots of great architecture and museums to keep you busy but at a pace where you won’t feel rushed.  Have coffee outside at one of the many cafes while reading or catching up on your email.

Cathedral at night in the main plaza in Salta, Argentina. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

8. Salta, Argentina. For something different in Argentina, head up to Salta. Teeming with outdoor cafes, museums and a vibrant nightlife, Salta will show you a different side of Argentina. For those that can’t make it to Bolivia or other Andean nations, Salta will give you a taste of Andean culture.  After you’ve relaxed, consider renting a car to explore the rest of the province and head up to the Jujuy province.

Monkeyland is a great place to spend part of your day outside of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

9. Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. The epicenter of the Garden Route, Plett (as it is locally known) is a great beachside community where you can relax by the waves, explore the local nature parks and still have access to all the modern conveniences.  Head to Knysna for the country’s best oysters. And, if you head to Monkeyland, find Lara and tell her Jeff says hi.

Lake Nahuel Huapi bordering Bariloche, Argentina. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

10. Bariloche, Argentina. If you like mountains, lakes and a bit of German heritage, then head to Bariloche. There’s plenty to do here and with the local bus system servicing the major mountain parks, it’s easy to get around.  Be sure to indulge in a bit of the local chocolate while you’re there. This is where I spent a month on my career break to learn how to ski.  Finally, the lake tours are a great way to see the scenery of the area.

What other mid-size towns and cities around the world do you suggest for nesting during your travels?

Next up, 10 Great Off-the-Beaten Path Towns!

Don’t forget to check out my favorite big cities to chill.

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30 Great Places to Chill On Your Career Break Travels: Part 2 is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

In this episode, Jeff reports on his filming experience of the volunteer program at Monkeyland, outside of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa.

Follow us on the site or Subscribe via iTunes and get each episode automatically as it becomes available.

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Podcast Episode 2: Live From Monkeyland in South Africa is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

He’s waiting to meet you in South Africa. Copyright Career Break Secrets

With great weather, wildlife and iconic landscapes, South Africa has attracted visitors from all over the world for years. In addition, South Africa is increasingly popular destination for voluntourism. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations dealing with conservation and humanitarian and social issues. Some of these have formal volunteer programs and others do not have the resources to manage one, even though they could use the help.

There are few independent resources to help the would-be volunteer select an appropriate program where their skills match the organization’s needs ensuring that they have a positive impact on the not-for-profit organization. And, there is little information for how a potential volunteer should navigate the voluntourism system to make sure they ask the right questions so there are no major surprises once they are on the ground in South Africa

In our two HD episodes, we tell the story of two not-for-profit organizations in South Africa through the eyes of their volunteers. We follow them around documenting what their day is really like. And, we get their best advice for people wanting to volunteer to help inform your own search for the perfect volunteer opportunity.

Episode: monkey see. monkey resc-you.

[pro-player width=’300′ height=’200′ type=’video’ image=’http://cbs.videos.to.post.s3.amazonaws.com/WEBPromo Monkeyland-poster.jpg’]http://cbs.videos.to.post.s3.amazonaws.com/WEBPromo Monkeyland-desktop.m4v[/pro-player]

Monkeyland is the world’s first free-roaming, multi-species monkey sanctuary.  The primates are sourced from former pet owners, zoos, circuses and labs. Once at Monkeyland, they are returned to a semi-wild state which is enforced by a strict no-touching policy.  In this episode, you will

• See a day in the life of a volunteer, Tom
• See what Tom’s responsibilities are
• Hear from the volunteer coordinator, Lara, on what types of volunteers attract and what types of jobs Monkeyland’s volunteers do
• See where Tom lives on the Monkeyland property
• Get Tom and Lara’s tips and advice for getting started in conservation volunteering at Monkeyland or in other programs
• Get the Career Break Secrets’ Top Secrets for conservation volunteering in South Africa
• See lots of cute monkeys
• See it all in HD

Episode: sustain. care. maintain.

[pro-player width=’300′ height=’200′ type=’video’ image=’http://cbs.season1.s3.amazonaws.com/WebPromo-Cotlands-poster.jpg’]http://cbs.season1.s3.amazonaws.com/WebPromo-Cotlands.m4v[/pro-player]

Cotlands is an HIV/AIDS orphanage and community development center based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Cotlands serves over 4,000 beneficiaries including the kids, mothers and grandmothers.  Cotlands takes volunteers from all over the world who work in a variety of roles.  In this episode, you will

• See a day in the life of 3 volunteers, Peter, Carolyn and Brian
• See what their responsibilities are
• Hear from the Executive Director, Jackie and the Director of HR and the volunteer program, Bonnie, on what types of volunteers Cotlands attracts and what types of jobs Cotland’s volunteers do
• See where the volunteers live on the Cotlands’ property
• Get tips and advice for getting started in volunteering at Cotlands or for other social program
• Get the Career Break Secrets’ Top Secrets for volunteering for social causes in South Africa
• Hear the kids sing!
• See it all in HD

South Africa Episodes is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

On my first morning of shooting in Monkeyland in South Africa, we came upon this group of lemurs heading to get some breakfast.  Leading the way was a mother with her baby firmly gripping her back.  You’ll notice in the very beginning and on the close-up shot that she is rubbing the bushes. She is actually marking them with her urine. There were tons of lemurs in Monkeyland. I only saw the one mom, but from what I was told, it was still early in the breeding season which really kicks in during the spring and summer months.  Unfortunately for our momma lemur, not everyone in the video pays her due respect.

More Rough Cuts Videos

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Momma Lemur Going to Eat is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Atlas is a white-handed gibbon, an ape, and the only one currently at Monkeyland in South Africa.  While filming, we came across him eating at one of the feeding stations.  Since the monkeys and ape at Monkeyland have no fear of humans, he continued to eat while I filmed him.  I got Tom, the Monkeyland volunteer I followed that day, to talk a little bit about him and gibbons in general. Tom called him ¨the little man of the forest¨ and at the end of the video, you’ll see why.

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Atlas the Ape from Monkeyland is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

While the forest of Monkeyland in South Africa provides some of the daily nutritional needs of the monkeys, their dirt must be supplemented since most of the monkey species are not indigenous to that region.  Fruit, veggies and bread are the main components of what they monkeys are fed. Occasionally, Monkeyland throws in a little chicken and eggs to help supplement the monkeys protein needs.  When the truck arrives containing the food for that afternoon and for the next morning, a few of Monkeyland‘s residents just can’t help themselves when some of that yummy food is left unattended for a few seconds.

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Monkeys Stealing Food at Monkeyland is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures