Africa

4 Ways To Learn Kiteboarding and See The World

by Gap Year Escape · 0 comments

What do you look for in a travel destination? Good food, warm sand, blue seas? If you’re a kiteboarder, you’re mainly in search of something other travellers go out of their way to avoid: high winds. Gales? Fantastic. Cold air roaring up from the Antarctic? Bring it on. The great thing about kiteboarding is that it sends you to places you might not have considered otherwise – because who in their right mind would go somewhere windy?

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Touring Egypt– Giza, the Nile River and More

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If you are looking to combine a love of travel and history, there are few places you can head to that are better than Egypt.

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Last Minute Holiday Ideas for Spring 2013

by Gap Year Escape · 2 comments

With last minute holiday planning, comes the opportunity for many bargains and deals on travel costs and there will generally be low cost direct flights and many deals on hotels and accommodations for certain destinations. There are many online sites that let you compare prices of different airlines and hotels offering you the best prices and deals. There are also other resources to use while planning your last minute holiday; private sale sites like Voyage Privé in the UK and Europe or Vactionist in the USA send you discounts if you become a subscriber. There is a wide range of prices to fit every traveller’s budget. If you plan to book a last minute holiday, it is best to be flexible about your destination and travel accommodations and be open to the best deals for your getaway. Here is a listing of some top destination pots that frequently have deals and discounts for the last minute traveller.

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World’s Best Tropical Islands

by Gap Year Escape · 6 comments

Tropical Islands are what we all daydream about but which is the best tropical paradise to visit? Calm breeze, palm trees, white sand and still clear blue water. Look no further!

Fiji

Consisting of 322 islands, this ocean paradise is a perfect choice for backpackers on a round the world trip. Stop off here in between New Zealand and America and take some time out to relax, fish, kayak, dive, snorkel or whatever else takes your fancy. The Fijian people are so chilled and relaxed. There is no time except for Fiji time!

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Seychelles

Seychelles is a republic of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles archipelago is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites one of which is the worlds largest coral island and the other is the location of the biggest coconut in the world. They can weigh anything between 15-30kg! If you fancy a holiday here check out Seyvillas for a holiday in the Seychelles

Flickr: nicogenin

Koh Lipe

This beautiful island is located in the Andaman Sea and is Thailand’s smallest Island. You can walk around this island in an hour and it’s small enough to even swim around if you are that way inclined. As it’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, fishing is banned making this an ideal scuba diving location.

Flickr: M4CR

Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group which is part French Polynesia. Home to many world class resorts, the thatched-roof bungalows are perched above the clear blue waters. many of the rooms have glass floors so you’ll catch glimpses of tropical fish swimming beneath your feet!

Flickr: Air Tahiti Nui

Maldives

The Maldives are an archipelago of 1,190 coral islands in the Indian Ocean and rated as one of the most romantic spots in the world. Just imagine sipping cocktails while looking out of your private bungalow at that view. Bliss.

Flickr: karen chappell

Mnemba Island

Owned by the Conservation Corporation Africa, Mnemba Island is located in Zanzibar and its a perfect tropical paradise to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Throw in endangered green turtles  and the ability to swim along with whale sharks, this tropical island is a snorkelers dream.

Flickr: Chris Hutchins

Cebu Island

In the heart of the Philippines lies Cebu Island surrounded by 167 smaller islands. Despite Cebu being a commercial and modern island, some of the smaller islands are still uninhabited making them perfect for exploration. Scuba Diving here is a must and for an authentic Filipino experience be sure to check out some of the smaller fishing villages.

Flickr: Eric Brian Ouano

Gili Isles

If you’re looking for a remote island experience on a budget then you’ve found it. The Gili Islands are composed of an archipelago of three small islands. Located off the coast of Lombok, these islands are minimalist in nature and a perfect get way from the busy lifestyle of Kuta, Bali which most backpackers frequent.

Flickr: mikaku

Curacao

A dutch owned paradise in the southern Caribbean sea off the coast of Venezuelan. A rather unique spot for diving due to it’s “Blue Edge” where the sea floor drops steeply a few hundred feet from the shore. Best get here quick before the coral reefs disappear too!

Flickr: Yannick TURBÉ

Cook Islands

A hundred thousand travellers visit this slice of tropical paradise every year. Consisting of 15 islands, only two of them are inhabited. If you’re looking for a unique experience away from the commercial world, you’ve found it. Blue lagoons, white sand, tropical flowers and clear night skies. If you still need convincing be sure to check out our 7 Compelling Reasons to Visit The Cook Islands.

Flickr: carydunn

Cage Diving with Sharks

by Gap Year Escape · 5 comments

You’re on a budget so where is the cheapest place in the world to go Shark Cage Diving? For thrill seekers or those who just want to push themselves, diving with sharks is a burst of adrenaline and excitement waiting to happen.

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Shark cage diving is an extreme activity which might not suit everybody but if you want to come face to face with the ocean’s greatest predator in this heart-racing activity, then this really is the adventure for you. Shark cage diving is becoming increasingly more popular these days due to the growing number of shark cage operators offering affordable and budget-friendly packages.

So where can you go Shark Cage Diving and how much is this going to set you back?

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Shark Cage Diving in South Australia

Shark cage diving in Port Lincoln, South Australia is available all year round. For just 513.13 USD per adult, you can experience an entire day of great white shark cage diving. The amount also includes meals all throughout the day, and free use of 7mm wetsuit. Aside from enjoying the white sharks, guests can also generally enjoy being onboard MV Calypso Star 2, a modern, clean and customized vessel and take in the views.

Shark Cage Diving in Tiger Beach, the Bahamas

The Bahamas does not only take pride of its powdery, white sand beaches, but it also boasts its rich marine life. As part of its ecotourism, the Bahamas offer affordable shark cage diving packages. For just 875 USD per person, you can meet and greet Tiger sharks. You don’t have to be a superb diver to enjoy the sharks as they provide hookah-style air supply system. The budget-friendly package also includes boat transfer aboard one of their yachts and boats, diving instructions, meals and refreshments and one of the world’s best shark dive teams. Tiger shark cage diving is available all year round.

Shark Cage Diving in Montauk, N.Y.

During June to September, Montauk, NY is one of the best places to go shark cage diving. For just a minimal amount of 200 USD for certified divers and 250 USD for non-certified divers, you can have the heart-pounding encounter with blue, Mako and thresher sharks. Each person will usually have two turns of 30-45 minutes dive. Guests are guaranteed safety with their cages made of 1” anodized aluminum pipes. The entire trip usually lasts up to 10 hours, so guests are advised to bring packed food with them. Guests have to bring their own masks, wet suits and fins; tanks and weights are included in the package.

Shark Cage Diving in Point Judith, Rhode Island

Point Judith, Rhode Island’s Snappa Chapters is one of the first companies that offered shark cage diving back in 1976. Sharks are visible in the area from June to September. Snappa Chapters offers affordable packages, for as low as 250 USD , perfect for budget travelers. Blue sharks, mako and basking sharks are usually abundant in the area, as well as other sea creatures such as whales, Portuguese-man-of-war, dolphins, tuna and a lot more. The cages are big enough to accommodate three divers at a time. Aside from offering shark cage diving, they also have a “playpen” for guests who do not know how to dive/snorkel. The playpen is a surface platform where guests can observe the sharks above the surface and without going underwater.

Shark Cage Diving in Farallon Islands, California

For a great, relaxing and adrenalin-pumping vacation, the Farallon Islands, California has it all. For 775 USD per person, you can have the vacation of a lifetime. The package includes shark cage diving, sumptuous meals, snacks, and refreshments. The diving cage is big enough to accommodate 4 divers. MV Superfish offers comfort and relaxation while on board. Great white sharks are abundant in the area during the months of September to November.

Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town, South Africa

Perhaps one of the most famous sites for shark cage diving is Cape Town, South Africa. For just a very affordable rate of 162 USD per person, the package includes door to door transport from any of the hotels in Cape Town to the fishing village of Gansbaai, free refreshments on board, diving equipment, towels, and certificates after the cruise. The package is also limited to 15 guests per trip to allow each person to have adequate dive time. Aside from seeing White sharks all year round; Cape Fur Seals and Southern Right Whale are also seen from June through December.

Getting off the Beaten Track in Zambia on your Gap Year Escape

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For many people going on safari in Africa is already seen as getting of the beaten track. Whether you choose an adventure on a shoestring in Zambia or a more frivolous luxury safari in Botswana, ultimately your experience of Africa, it’s wildlife and ways will be essentially the same. To really avoid the throngs of tourists head for the depths of Zambia. Zambia has a couple of nice hidden treasures that are well worth discovering on a gap year out.

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Perhaps the best option for young gap year travellers is to head for the fantastic South Luangwa National Park, and in particular the Nsefu Sector. This “sector” is actually part of the South Luangwa National Park, yet it is located on the Eastern side of the Luangwa River, which makes it rather special as the majority of the park is situated on the Western side of the River. The Nsefu Sector is easily reachable from the town Mfuwe by road, which takes you through some very traditional Zambian villages before reaching the park entry gates.

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What makes this part of the Park special is the feel of being in a completely different park, even though you are never far from the River. One of the main attractions of this park is the large salt pan, which features a lovely small, green river right in the middle of it. This is created by a natural hot spring, which was supposed to have been found by accident, whilst drilling for water. Even though the water is very salty, it attracts a huge number of birds, antelopes and other wildlife due to the fact that it provides a source of water all year round.

Other than this, the park offers very good game viewing and a very remote feel as there are only a handful of lodges/camps here. You will certainly get a “off the beaten track” feel around here.

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If you fancy travelling further afield in Zambia then why not try the huge North Luangwa National Park? Most people will take a small light aircraft to this remote wilderness, but it is also possible to take the cheaper option and drive there.

The North Luangwa has yet again a different flora and feels a lot drier than its southern sister. Huge herds of Buffalo of up to a 1,000 strong; together with good predator sightings and plenty of other wildlife is what can be expected. However, due to its strict conservation rules (North Luangwa is currently reintroducing Black Rhinos) the majority of game viewing is done on a walking safari. The expert guides will take you on walks through the bush, explaining all the little details that one might miss from a vehicle. This is a truly amazing experience and should not be missed when travelling to Zambia. Of course, walking safaris are possible at the other parks in Zambia as well, but you do not get the same sense of a true remote wilderness elsewhere.

From the North Luangwa it is then possible to either return to Mfuwe or continue your gap year safari further north to the Bangweulu Swamps or the Kasanka National Park.

Photo credit: The Bushcamp Company

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Doing Dakar, Senegal, on a Budget

by Gap Year Escape

When travelers think of third-world countries, they often expect rock-bottom prices – cheap hotels, dollar-a-meal food, souvenirs for chump change. But Dakar, Senegal, perched on northwest Africa’s coastline, is hovering between worlds, an interesting mix of poverty and prosperity that’s anything but mega-affordable. In Dakar, most restaurant prices are comparable to those of the Western [...]

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Colossal Cape Verde

by Gap Year Escape

During my gap year, I spent a few island hopping days on a trip to the archipelago of Cape Verde, which lies just off Western Africa, near Senagal. Even now, I have still to come to grips with the actual meaning of an archipelago! Here is the low down of my top 5 attractions: Mindelo, [...]

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South African Adventure

by Gap Year Escape

I had been travelling a few months in Africa and once more our bus has broken down. Far from being frustrated I welcomed such breaks as they allowed me to stretch my legs and look about. I stepped out of the vehicle and unfolded my map, looking at all the places I’ve already seen and [...]

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Tantalizing Tanzania; a true African Gem

by Gap Year Escape

A trip to Africa will always take a shed-load of planning, but if your destination is Tanzania, you will have to pull out all of the stops in order to make sure you see absolutely everything that is on offer. In addition, careful planning ensures you are not disappointed with your choice of lodgings; accommodation [...]

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The Great Zimbabwe: Falls, Lions and Ruins…

by Gap Year Escape

It is possible that some backpackers might avoid Zimbabwe due to the political turmoil that has plagued the region for decades. However, when this land contains some of the most gorgeous natural sights known to man, I was never going to overlook it on my gap year travels. Be warned: some of the activities in [...]

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Nosing around Namibia

by Gap Year Escape

My first and foremost, or should I say real, gap-year involved an art tour around Italy with a group of fellow fresh-faced (or rather bleary eyed) adolescents. With very little knowledge of the world, or anything for that matter, we paraded around Italy from rustic Rome to scenic Siena. Looking back on this impressionable interlude [...]

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Jambo Kenya!

by Gap Year Escape

Kenya isn’t the first destination that springs to mind for travellers on a budget. Despite its famous landscape, wildlife, luxurious setting and sunsets,this African gem can be off-putting to the average gap year tourist. I myself was almost dissuaded at the stage of browsing through internet sites and watching the dollar signs rising. But whether [...]

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Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa

by Gap Year Escape

Situated in the middle of Southern Africa lies a tiny country on the edge of Africa’s third largest and second deepest lake. The lake is the lifeblood of the country and is the place where you could find yourself lost in a hammock by its shores for many months. Malawi is not as well know [...]

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Top 4 Places for Wildlife Watching in Johannesburg

by Gap Year Escape

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself travelling through South Africa there are few things more unforgivable than failing to check out at least some of the area’s most remarkable residents. With rhinos, lions, elephants and hippos just some of the animals who call this part of the world their home, South Africa’s wildlife is [...]

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