Who wouldn't want to win a contest called "Best Travel Job Ever"?
Squamish rafting guide Jason Hosler is in contention to win the coveted title against 25 people vying for a paid position as a travelling video blogger.
He's out-performed more than 80 applicants to secure a spot in the top 25. but there's still a lot of work to be done if Hosler wants the job.
He and the remaining 24 applicants have to wait a few weeks to find out who an expert panel of judges will select to move on to become one of six semi-finalists.
"It's actually pretty nerve wracking now because I have to wait two weeks to find out about the top six," said Hosler, a currently off-season Canadian Outback Adventures raft guide. "I'm hoping that work starts pretty soon so I can actually keep my mind busy with that."
Hosler said he was searching for flights when he saw an advertisement for the contest and was intrigued.
"I thought 'This is perfect,'" said. "I've got an infectious smile, I've got good motivation to get out there and travel and I think I've got the personality that will shine through and people will be entertained by.
"It's just basically a sweet gig to video blog."
Hosler said he applied for the position because he loves to travel, but couldn't figure out where he wanted to go or what he wanted to do next. He said he's not sure about his next destination, but Australia and New Zealand seems like a great idea.
"I want to get to New Zealand which is -I think - the originating area of bungee jumping, so I want to go jump there. Maybe even sky diving as well, who knows," said the 26-year old Nipawin Sask. native.
"I want to go rafting there too. I know there's some spots where there are tunnels where you could go underground rafting."
Adventure seems to be ingrained in Hosler's genes. He's eager to travel anywhere and everywhere he can until his cash is depleted.
When he's not busy working as a guide, he whitewater kayaks, mountain bikes, surfs and climbs.
Even though he's currently in fourth place with 4,088 votes, Hosler said practically all of the top 25 applicants are tough competition for the job.
"Any of us has a decent hope."
If he gets into the top six and has to go through a public voting session again he will change up his game plan to include more marketing than just Facebook updates and tweets on Twitter.
Once the judges announce their decisions for the top six on Saturday (May 15) the semi-finalist will pair off into teams and travel throughout Europe, Asia or South America video blogging their experiences. They'll also get a video camera, a Roots shopping spree and a travel voucher.
Once the top six semi-finalists return from their video blogging expeditions, the public is invited to vote for their favourite travelling bloggers between Monday July 19 and Wednesday Aug. 11. Judges will select the grand prize winner on Sunday Aug. 15.
The grand prize winner wins a trip to a secret exotic location destination from Intrepid Travel and Air Canada, a $2,000 cash prize, a HD video camera upgrade and a $500 clothing shopping spree with Roots.
For more information or to watch Hosler's video blog visit besttraveljobever.com.
