The secret to unlocking a career in yachting starts with one certification: the STCW '95.

Becoming superyacht crew is more than just a job—it’s a passport to adventure, luxury, and global exploration. In this episode of our Below Deck IRL Superyacht Series, we’re breaking down the essential first step to launching your yachting career: the STCW '95 certification.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining travel and work, this episode is your one-stop guide to understanding how the STCW opens doors to the superyacht industry. You’ll discover:

• Why the STCW '95 is a non-negotiable for aspiring yachties.
• What the certification covers and how it prepares you for life on the water.
• Where to take the course, how long it lasts, and when you’ll need it.

Whether you’re planning to work on a yacht or just curious about what it takes to live the Below Deck lifestyle, this episode is packed with insider tips and information to help you get started.

Ready to learn how the STCW '95 can be your ticket to getting paid to travel the world? Tune in now to take the first step toward your dream career!

More Episodes in this BELOW DECK IRL SERIES:

• Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
• TRAVEL TALK: Seaman's Airfare - The Travel Hack You Didn't Know You Needed #133
•  How to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134
• Superyacht Jobs 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Crew Roles and Your Dream Travel Career #135

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From deckhands to stewardesses, there’s more to a superyacht crew than meets the eye! Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the roles that make luxury yachting happen.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode as part of our Below Deck IRL series, host Kim Anderson dives into everything you need to know about superyacht crew roles—and trust us, it’s not as glamorous as you might think (but it’s definitely exciting!).

Inspired by Kim's chat with Chris Demaillet, a Michelin-star chef turned 20-year veteran in the yachting world (Episode #134), we’re breaking down the interior and exterior crew positions on a superyacht. 

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming superyacht crew or just curious about what it’s really like behind the scenes serving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, this episode is your one-stop shop to explore every possible job onboard.

You’ll learn:

• What each crew role entails: From the galley to the deck, what does the job actually look like?
• How to choose the perfect crew position for your dream travel career: Interior, exterior—what’s the right fit for you?
• The hierarchy of yacht life: How the chain of command works and where you fit in.
• How to break into the industry: Tips for getting started and building your superyacht career.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work on a superyacht and get paid to travel the world (and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), this episode is for you!

Grab your headphones, because we’re diving into everything you need to know to start your superyacht journey!

WANT MORE of our Below Deck IRL Superyacht Series?
Tune in Here:

• Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
• TRAVEL TALK: Seaman's Airfare - The Travel Hack You Didn't Know You Needed #133
•  How to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

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What does it take to become a chef in one of the most exclusive industries in the world?

This week’s episode is part of our Below Deck IRL: What It Really Takes to Work in the Superyacht Industry and Get Paid to Travel the World series. 

Host Kim Anderson chats with Chris DeMaillet, a seasoned chef with over 20 years of experience in the exclusive world of superyachts. From Michelin-starred kitchens to the high seas, Chris shares his journey and spills the tea on what it takes to thrive as a private yacht chef.

He breaks down the three must-important steps to kick-start your career in this competitive field, offers insider tips for landing your first gig, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at life in the galley (that’s yacht-talk for all you landlubbers!).

If you’ve ever dreamed of blending your culinary skills with a lifestyle of luxury travel, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. From delivering five-star service at sea to navigating the high expectations of superyacht life, Chris reveals what it’s really like to live and work in this extraordinary world.

Whether you’re ready to launch your yacht chef career or just curious about the glamorous (and sometimes demanding) life on the water, this episode will inspire and inform.

Tune in and learn how to turn your passion for food into an adventurous career—and get paid to travel the world in style!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The #1 trait for finding success in yachting has nothing to do with your skills
• Crew food versus staff food - what's the difference?
• Tips for creating your professional portfolio
• Day-to-day life of a yacht chef

RESOURCES:
Connect with Chris at Montclair Chef: Website, Instagram
Pick Up a Copy of Chris' Book: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Yacht Chef

WANT MORE of our Below Deck IRL Superyacht Series?
Tune in Here:

• Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
• TRAVEL TALK: Seaman's Airfare - The Travel Hack You Didn't Know You Needed #133
•  How to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134
• Superyacht Jobs 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Crew Roles and Your Dream Travel Career #135

EPISODE DETAILS:
08:35 - Crew Food is not staff food.

09:08 - You're there as a chef to answer to the guests.

08:21 - One of the challenges is that you are alone.

21:30 - The biggest requirement to being a successful  yacht chef is

28:32 - If you are interested in breaking into the  industry, there are a few things to think about and number one is

42:34- A deep dive guide into what it's li

Support the show

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Ever heard of seaman’s airfare? This little-known travel hack could change the way you fly!

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson dives into one of the lesser-known perks of working in the yachting industry—seaman’s airfare.

This episode, inspired by her conversation earlier this week with Hugo Ortega, founder of Superyacht Sunday School (Episode #132), explores what this unique travel hack is all about and why it’s a game-changer for yacht crew and maritime professionals.

As part of the Below Deck IRL series, Kim breaks down how seaman’s airfare works, who’s eligible, and why it’s a valuable option for those in the yachting industry. 

Tune in to learn how these specialized tickets can save you money, offer extra flexibility with baggage and scheduling, and make global travel more accessible.

Whether you’re dreaming of joining the private yacht world, already in the industry, or simply love learning insider travel hacks, this episode will leave you inspired to plan your next adventure.

Listen now to discover how seaman’s airfare can elevate your travel game!

WANT MORE of our Below Deck IRL Superyacht Series?
Tune in Here:

• Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
• TRAVEL TALK: Seaman's Airfare - The Travel Hack You Didn't Know You Needed #133
•  How to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134
• Superyacht Jobs 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Crew Roles and Your Dream Travel Career #135

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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If you’re hooked on the drama and glamour of Below Deck, imagine living it for real—but with fewer tantrums and way more travel. 

This week’s episode dives into the reality of working as private yacht crew, showing you how to turn your wanderlust into a paycheck while exploring the world’s most exclusive destinations. Learn how to step into this exciting, lucrative career and live the ultimate Below Deck lifestyle.

Joining host Kim Anderson is Hugo Ortega, a seasoned yachtie with over a decade of experience in the private yacht industry. Hugo went from backpacker to Captain and now runs Superyacht Sunday School, where he helps aspiring yacht crew break into the industry.

Together, Kim and Hugo break down exactly how to land your first job, what life is really like below deck, and how this career offers a front-row seat to the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

If Below Deck has you dreaming of a life on the water, this episode is your chance to make it a reality!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• 3 things you need to land your first position onboard
• Surprising perks of being yacht crew
• Why it's vital to get your personal life in order before landing your first gig
• Can you really make money as yacht crew? Hint: Cha-ching!

RESOURCES:
Connect with Hugo: Super Yacht Sunday School Website or Instagram
Sign Up for Hugo's Free Training: How to Work on a Yacht

⚡ ROUND BOOK: 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

WANT MORE of our Below Deck IRL Superyacht Series?
Tune in Here:

• Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
• TRAVEL TALK: Seaman's Airfare - The Travel Hack You Didn't Know You Needed #133
•  How to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134
• Superyacht Jobs 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Crew Roles and Your Dream Travel Career #135

EPISODE DETAILS:
07:55 - You don't need experience, or a college degree or any particular set of skills to get started in the yachting industry.

08;15 - It's not all hookups and happy hours.

19:31 - Yachting can be a lucrative career

32:15 - Before joining the industry make sure that you have gone through all of your personal development.

43:31 - Don't just focus on the online space. 

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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Ready to pause and reflect this holiday season?

In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Kim Anderson takes a moment to share what she’s most grateful for—including you! As the host of Design Her Travel, Kim celebrates the podcast’s incredible milestone as one of the top 2.5% worldwide, thanks to the support of listeners like you.

Tune in to hear Kim’s reflections on gratitude, the joy of shared stories, and why celebrating even the smallest wins matters. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode is all about gratitude and connection.

How are you celebrating your wins this year?
Drop me a DM on Instagram (@designhertravel) I’d love to hear from you!

**Please note: In the spirit of celebration, there is only one episode of Design Her Travel this week. We'll be back next week with two regularly scheduled episodes. 

Support the show

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Sometimes, achieving your dreams requires more than just a plan—it calls for this one thing: Blind confidence or as PacksLight creator, Gabby Beckford called it (Episode #101), delusional optimism.

In this Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson explores the grit, tenacity, and optimism needed to build a life you love, even when the path feels uncertain. Inspired by her conversation earlier this week with corporate gal turned full time travel creator, Janelle on a Jet (Episode #129) this episode is the medicine you need to help fuel your dreams. 

If you’re ready to take one step toward your dreams and trust in the process, this episode is for you. Be sure to save it for those moments when you need a little extra inspiration, and remember—you’ve got this.

What steps are you taking toward your dream life today?
Let me know over on Instagram @DesignHerTravel

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

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Think travel creators have it easy? Think again.

Once an engineer, Janelle on a Jet is now a full-time travel creator, known as the Internet’s Travel BFF, sharing authentic, relatable, and inspiring travel stories online. Whether it’s scoring first-class upgrades, managing cash flow as an entrepreneur, or navigating plus-size travel challenges, Janelle keeps it real while traveling the world in style.

In this episode, you’ll discover Janelle’s journey from her first travel hacks to landing long-term brand deals with companies like Delta. 

You’ll also hear about the ups and downs of leaving a stable career to take a leap into the unknown and why being your true self is the ultimate key to success.

Get ready for actionable tips, a behind-the-scenes look at the content creator lifestyle, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your own adventures.

Tune in now, and don’t forget to share your favorite moment by tagging @DesignHerTravel on Instagram!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Managing cash flow as a creator
• Finding empowerment through entrepreneurship
• Landing your dream collaboration

CONNECT with Janelle: Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube

⚡ ROUND RESOURCES:
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain
Hot Tub Boats Seattle

EPISODE DETAILS:
06:51 - Sometimes all you need is the blind confidence
12:09 - Being an entrepreneur is empowering
13:18 - Saying yes is important, but sometimes saying no is even  more important
15:01 - Managing your cash flow
26:16 - Sometimes the travel creation world can feel a little like a highlight reel.

Support the show

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Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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In today's Travel Talk episode with host, Kim Anderson, we’re diving into the magic of finding your “why” and how it can lead you to a life filled with purpose, freedom, and adventure.

Inspired by Kim's recent chat with midlife travelers Brad and Sheila Crow (Episode #127) we’re exploring how knowing your “why” can be the compass for every choice you make—whether that’s planning a dream trip or building a life you truly love.

We’ll talk about how a clear “why” can fuel your journey, keep you inspired during challenging times, and open up a world of possibilities you never saw coming. 

If you’re ready to travel with intention and design a life that aligns with your heart, this episode is for you. So, grab a cuppa and settle in! 

Support the show

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Wondering how to make travel a big part of your life without blowing your budget?

In this episode, host Kim Anderson chats with Brad and Sheila Crow - a couple who’s done just that—traveling to 46 countries and creating an Instagram following that’s all about helping others reimagine what’s possible in midlife. 

With years of experience across six continents, they’ve found ways to make travel affordable, accessible, and just plain fun. Learn about their journey and how they’ve built a thriving online space for adventure seekers at any age.

They share their best travel hacks and open up about how traveling together has strengthened their relationship along the way. 

You’ll also hear about their unique approach to travel planning and why they’re all about creating experiences that cater to different budgets—because they believe adventure should be for everyone.

So, tune in for this week's travel inspiration!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Explosive social media growth after finding your niche
• The way travel styles change over time
• Strengthening your relationship through travel
• The need for midlife faces in social media

RESOURCES:
Connect with Brad & Sheila - Travel With the Crows: Website, Instagram

EPISODE DETAILS:
02:56 - If you want to find a relationship that is full of travel, then make it a requirement that they have a passport

06:11 - Don't wait until you're old or retired to travel

18:18 - Sometimes it is really nice to just slow down

22:07 - To keep things working smoothly, and the relationship on an even keel while you're traveling, remember to H.A.L.T

22:45 - Focusing on the positive that you are experiencing and enjoying time together really does contribute

25:35 - Travel doesn't mean that you have  to hop on a plane. 

Support the show

LOVE THE SHOW? Help shape what's next. Take this quick listener survey!

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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