What’s your dream job?
If you’ve seen my About Me page, you know that my dream job is to be the next Samantha Brown.
Well, I don’t have to be Samantha exactly, but it would be absolute dream come true to host a show on the Travel Channel. That’s been my goal ever since going to college and getting a degree in broadcast journalism — the double major with government came more from a love of politics than a potential career option.
Why should I host a Travel Channel show?
I’m not afraid to explore other countries’ medical systems.
Oh, swine flu...
I make friends everywhere I go.
- These Filipino schoolchildren loved me and Melissa.
I’ll get up-close and personal with animals of all shape and size.
- My new Thai friend.
- Exhilarating? Terrifying? Maybe a little of both.
Eat strange foods? Sign me up!
Street meat, Korea
- Tasting termites in Belize.
And I’ll never let a little extreme weather ruin the fun!
75 MPH winds in Eastbourne, England
- Despite the torrential rain, VERY excited to be in the home of The Sound of Music, Salzburg, Austria.
While that goal has never been on the back-burner, it’s recently reemerged in my mind as I look toward finding a full-time job this spring. On top of that are the emails I keep getting from Travel Channel about “Samantha Brown Week” this week, as Sam celebrates her 10th year on the job.
10 years! Even Travel Channel admits that Sam has it made, promoting tomorrow’s special as a “behind-the-scenes look at the world’s greatest job.”
My college friends and I were huge Sam Brown fans, watching her shows weekly and even calling each other when a particularly good episode of “Passport to Europe” was on. Some people turn to guide books; I turn to Sam Brown. Not only is it fun to see her go where I’ve been before, but it’s also a great way to get ideas for future trips.
The problem? I have no idea how to break into this field. Travel writing I can kind of figure out but television? Where do you start?
Travel Channel hosts Travel Channel Academy just down the street from my house but the four-day “Travel Video Journalism Boot Camp” costs a hefty $2,000! Good exposure, yes, but that price tag is a little steep for an unemployed former English teacher.
For now, I blog and take pictures while traveling along with Sam from the couch — all the while wishing for one of these awesome “I Want Samantha Brown’s Job” tee-shirts. 
What’s your dream job? What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail?
Examiner.com: Creative snow activities; 10-20 more inches expected
You have my vote!
I agree. I think Samantha Brown has one of the best jobs EVER! I haven’t traveled all that much, but I think that’s one of the reasons why I would absolutely love to have her job – or one like it. It would be amazing to get paid to travel the world meeting all kinds of people, trying all kinds of foods, and seeing incredible sights. I also think it would be great to get to run in countries all over the world!
You could join the Seven Continents Club: http://www.sevencontinentsclub.com/ and run a marathon on every continent.
I have no idea, lame? but probably stay-at-home-mom
someday!
Not lame! Still young, still time to decide.
I’d have to say Champions Tour. I’d need that long to get good enough to compete
Would love to stop working and just golf around the world.
I want Samantha Brown’s job as well, although I may not be nearly as adventurous as you! What I’d really love to do is anchor CNN…I am in awe of Heidi Collins and Kiran Shetty. Unfortunately I am not a good speaker!!
CNN used to be my dream, too! I’m sure you’d be awesome — you have the perfect looks for it.
When I was 10 years old I decided that I wanted to be Rick Steves. I still do.
That man has it made!
If you had your own show, I would DEFINITELY tune in! I could be your side-kick anthony bourdain-esque hint of sarcasm in the show
The Erin and Simone Show! I’d watch.
I am a nurse and love it! But, I don’t think I want to do bedside nursing for more than a few years. I would love to travel and provide medical care to those in need. I went on a medical mission trip to Brazil a few years ago and would love to go back as a nurse. And, honestly, I want to be a stay-at-home mom! I am so excited to have kids and don’t want to miss a minute of it!
Wow, medical mission trips must be fascinating and so fulfilling to know you’re helping people who desperately need it. Very cool.
If anyone can be the next Samantha Brown, it’s you! Look at the credentials you’ve already racked up
If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my whole novel-writing journey so far, it’s that no dream is ever too big. We owe it to ourselves to pursue our passions, and the ones you have for travel and writing are incredibly clear to everyone who knows you. Just promise I get an autograph when you make it big one day?
As for me, well – I’m two chapters away from finishing my new book! What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail? Write and write and write, forever
You can have an autograph if I get a signed copy of your book in return!
I like the way you think
I would quit my corporate job and write a book. Oh wait, that’s what I’m doing!
I love Samantha Brown too! She definitely has a dream job. A good step is to put it out to the world that you want a job like that. Anything you believe, you can achieve.
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.”
I would love Samantha Brown’s job as well. Unfortunately I don’t care too much for her
I think she’s a little annoying. Honestly, I would love to be a female Anthony Bourdain. I love his attitude (sassy) and more interesting culture experiences.
We used to like the Sam Brown drinking game because that girl always has a drink in her hand!
Major love for Anthony Bourdain.
Dream job? I wish I knew….something with writing and food combined. I also love grocery stores. I could seriously live in one.
I’m working full-time in marketing right now, and it’s fun, but just not as artistically fulfilling as I thought it might be. Hopefully my blogging outlet will fix that.
Thanks for the welcome to the blog world! I actually lived in DC for an internship a year and a half ago and loved it.
So off topic, but my boyfriend and I are wanting to vacation this spring somewhere tropical….do you have any suggestions? Preferably on the cheap.
I LOVED Costa Rica (check out the December archives) and it’s a great budget trip — once you get there, hotels and food are all really cheap. Amazing beaches but also fantastic hiking and rainforest stuff.
Belize is also a great destination (should be in June 2008 archives, I think) with lots to do. Flights might be more $$ but accommodation could be cheaper. Lots of interesting Mayan ruins and great beaches.
In the US, I love Key Largo as an alternative to Key West. Key West is great and worth a visit but Key Largo is a little more laid-back and relaxing, personally.
Let me know where you end up going and I’ll follow (virtually) along.
I want to travel really bad. Your blog has only made me want to travel more, love your blog title!
Thanks for sharing!!
Jess : )
Goodness. I just found this article from a google search on travel jobs. Of course I would love this Job, but I dont think that im much of a personality for TV. My dream job would be to travel and review restaurants… Food critic!
Ive completed my first year of college and Im considering adding another major or minor. What do you think would be a good one for job field?
What are you studying in school? I might suggest adding on a journalism or writing major/minor to get writing experience, or something like food science or nutrition so you have more of the science-y components. As long as you can write and have passion, though, your major isn’t too important. Good luck — sounds like a great goal!
Thanks for the tip! I am currently a psychology major and I love it but Im not sure what I want to do with it. I have been wishy washy about what I want to do, but I definitely am thinking about journalism.
And for you, Good luck becoming the next samantha brown! You sound like a personality that I would enjoy watching!
ps. I have one more question. You said you were 25 and I was wondering how you have been able to afford to travel so much… Especially as a recent graduate?
Thanks!
I actually wrote a whole post on that! Spend some time working abroad and save, save, save: http://traveleatrepeat.com/2010/02/12/how-to-travel-around-the-world-without-being-rich/