Best job in the world: honeymoon travel tester?
You and your spouse could get paid to test honeymoon travel spots. In the latest in a series of positions dubbed best job in the world, an Irish tourism company seeks a couple to spend six months honeymooning.
Ben Southall of Britain takes in the view of the Whitsunday Islands from the balcony of the 'Blue Pearl' lodge, which was his home for six months after winning the 'Best Job In The World' competition on Hamilton Island on May 7, 2009. The British fundraiser beat 15 other candidates selected from around the world after Tourism Queensland received more than 34,000 applications for the job on the Great Barrier Reef.
Torsten Blackwood/AFP PHOTO/File
The next item on your résumé could read ‘honeymoon tester.’
Really.
An Irish tourism company, Runaway Bride and Groom, is currently looking for a couple to travel to “the most romantic and ultimate wedding and honeymoon venues around the world.”
The gig lasts six months and pays €20,000 ($27,000 US). Required: good communication skills and a “romantically linked other half.”
Sound too good to be true? This is just the latest in a series of “dream job” postings.
First was Tourism Queensland’s islands caretaker position in Australia, advertised as the “Best Job in the World.” That went to Ben Southall, of Petersfield in Hampshire, England, who had the enviable task of promoting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef by exploring its islands and blogging about his adventures. He made $150,000 AU for the six-month stint.
Next came a “Really Goode Job” from winemaker Murphy-Goode in Geyserville, Calif. That position went to Hardy Wallace of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Wallace earned $10,000 a month for six months to be a “wine lifestyle correspondent,” which basically meant living in California’s wine country, sampling the product, and using social media to “tell the world about [Murphy-Goode] wines.”
For these companies, such stunts are cost-effective ways to promote their products given the media (and blogosphere) attention around the contests. Not to mention the number of people who apply – more than 34,000 for Australia’s island caretaker position.
Prospective applicants for the honeymoon position, dubbed "The Ultimate Job in Ireland” must create an 80-second video showing why they are the best couple for the job, as well as sell Ireland as the perfect destination wedding location. The field will be narrowed to 50 couples by April 9, with a final round of voting to determine a winner by April 23.
The lucky couple chosen will be required to do "promotion work in Ireland, written assignments, media interviews, etc. which the successful couple will need to make themselves available for."
Our favorite hopeful couple so far: Ian Taylor and Laura Gravino. He says he’s the youngest Irishman to climb Mount Everest, they’ve only been engaged three weeks, and they're planning to get married on a Himalayan hiking trip in April.
But don’t go on our suggestion. Check out all the applicants and let us know who you think should get the job.
Or submit your own application. It's a pretty tough job, but somebody's got to do it.