We're Looking for a Few Good Hosts
Meet, Plan, Go! 2011 Kick Ass Host Program - Do you have what it takes?
On September 14, 2010, our Inaugural Meet, Plan, Go! event was held in 13 locations throughout North America and over 2,300* people signed-up to learn more about career breaks and extended travel. When we first imagined the event, we had no idea that it would become as big as it was and that so many people were interested in making the steps necessary to break away.
So how did it become so big? Because of our Kick Ass hosts!
Their enthusiasm & excitement to help spread this movement was infectious and the energy & inspiration they gained from each other only helped to grow the event beyond our imaginations. And many of them found that they gained a lot from being a host beyond inspiring others to travel.
“The event created the opportunity to meet amazing people with the same passions and goals as myself,” said Alisha Robertson, co-host for the Dallas event. “I know at anytime I would be able to reach out to any of you for advice, tips, or support, and that is an amazing feeling. Like having a small virtual family, and a bond that connects us all.”
Barbara and Elizabeth Pagano, our Atlanta hosts, felt similar. “We love being integrated into a network of like-minded individuals and this event connected us to other colleagues in the industry.”
For those travelers who have a blog, becoming a host allowed them to become part of a significant community, like Lisa Lubin, our Chicago host. “Personally, I met some great people and am enjoying getting to know my panelists and other hosts better. I like being part of this group, giving me a special place in the vast blogging world.”
And for others, it was a great break from their day-to-day world, where travel is not as much a significant part of their time, like Washington DC host, Sonia Zamborsky. “I got to meet and connect with some interesting travel-related folks I might not otherwise have met. Overall, it was really wonderful to be involved in planning an event that so many people were so excited about. It was a nice contrast to my boring job and has helped give me an extra push to make a change towards doing something more meaningful.”
So what are some of the qualities of a Kick Ass host?
• Are you a Kick Ass traveler? A past career breaker, backpacker, flashpacker, or nomadic wanderer?
• Have you done extended travel or completed an around the world trip?
• Do you feel you can serve as a ‘travel expert’ to others and be a Kick Ass example?
• Are you passionate about extended travel and bringing the concept to more North Americans?
• Are you comfortable leading discussions in front of strangers?
If you can relate to any of these qualities, then you may have what it takes to be a Meet, Plan, Go! Kick Ass Host on October 18, 2011. Learn more about the expectations of our host program, as well as the many benefits. And hopefully you can join us in reaching our goal of expanding to 20 cities and helping more people achieve their extended travel resolutions.
We will be accepting applications from January 3, 2011 through February 28, 2011.
* This number includes wait-listers and no-shows.
1 Response to “We're Looking for a Few Good Hosts”
Other comments
9 Comments on "A Year in Paris"-
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂 -
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
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Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
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Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
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Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
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Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
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shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
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Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
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G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.
2011-01-05 18:40
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by BriefcasetoBackpack, BriefcasetoBackpack. BriefcasetoBackpack said: @alishaamr @llworldtour @pulpologist were Kick Ass #meetplango hosts in '10 - are you ready to be one in '11? http://ht.ly/3yGHH [...]