There are those who take a year off before venturing into university. And there are others who just need a year away from the routines of their lives. For whatever reason, there are more and more people digging their heels in and just doing it. Its not an easy decision to make and much has to be thought out. You must consider the security your current job gives you, the flat you rent, your girlfriend, pets, and so on. But hundreds of thousands will do it this year, aged from 18 to 80. So after reading pages and pages on travel forums and blogs, I have put together a few stops one must make to be able to return home and proudly say "I did it". SMALL, YET MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENTS I'll begin with the lighter options. Some will seem too simple on paper to be an lifetime experience, but that's only because you have yet to experience them. Get your photo taken outside the Taj Mahal Often labeled as man's most impressive construction, to sit on a stone bench in front of the Taj Mahal is much more impressive than any professional photograph can possibly depict. A photo of you in this that is the trademark site of India is one photo you must simply take home. Buy some fruit in Bangkok Bangkok is chaos, but captures each visitor with the sights, sounds and smells that make it one of Asia's most visited destinations. The colourful floating markets are just one example and as simple as it may sound, to see such dazzling colours will be one of those experiences you will not forget. Get a massage in Goa You'll find a wide assortment of courses being offered in Goa for want-to-be masseurs. It is a spiritual place where you will meet some of the most colourful personalities. Hire a bungalow by the beach and hire a masseur. You will find many experienced masseurs who will go to your own bungalow. You will be massaged and washed from head to toe, and I promise you will never feel cleaner. Take your time to shop around. The best way is to ask for recommendations, and you'll find the right one. Work in the Big Apple New York is the top US destination and consistently makes it into the top 10 most popular destinations for young travellers; especially those taking a year off before entering university. There are a number of organizations, such as Work Experience USA and BUNAC, who help young visitors find short-term jobs, and allow them the unique opportunity to live among the 7.5 million New Yorkers that make up this exciting city. Take brunch at the vineyard A mid-morning meal in the centre of a vineyard will be the most unforgettable meal in your life. Whether you choose Portugal, Spain, Italy or France, your feast will include fresh bread with home-made olive spreads or fresh cheeses and of course a selection of the vineyard's own collection of wines. It is a sheer luxury to begin your day in the middle of a beautiful vineyard, enveloped by the silent, sunny hills on any given morning. HERITAGE TOURS OF THE WORLD Be inspired to learn and experience different cultures in different ways Go on Peru's Inca Trail In Machu Picchu, there is the 3-day Inca Trail to do. Group tours organized by local tour operators begin in the Sacred Valley. It will be 3 days of hikes and camping along the more than 30,000 marvellous hectares of the Sanctuario Historico de Machu Picchu. With the glorious Andes as a backdrop, you'll have the unforgettable chance to discover the ancient city of the Incas, whose way of life is still marvelled at today. Cross Asia on the Trans-Siberia Express The trans-siberian ensures a cross-cultural experience of epic proportions for 10 days on the most famous railway line on earth. Crossing China and entering Russia through Mongolia the experience is a journey back to another place in time, while you take in the romantic Mongolian landscape, followed by quaint old Russian villages and their spectacular Orthodox churches. A trip on the trans-siberian is a peaceful and inspiring adventure. ADVENTURE SPORTS TRAVEL And now, another selection of trips for those who wish to challenge themselves. The Awesome Foursome in Queenstown, NZ It is known as the adventure capital of the world. There is a six-hour available for those who seek the challenge themselves to the extreme, known as the Awesome Four. Beginning with a 71m bungee jump from Skippers' Canyon Bridge, you go on to the Shotover River for a 30-minute ride on the Shotover Jet. The 360-degree spins and close shaves with the rocky outcrops of the canyon walls will get your blood pumping, it is a guarantee. Next there's a helicopter ride that will give you the chance to take in the amazing scenery before jumping into a white-water raft ride down the Shotover, which boasts some of the most challenging rapids in the world. Scuba diving in Belize's Blue Hole Taking your PADI is one of those "must dos" for those who truly want to experience the unique sights of our oceans. Still held as a well-kept secret, the Barrier Reef, located off Belize, is magnificent and much quieter than other scuba diving spots. It is also one of the more affordable options for divers. Its waters are home to an incredible and diverse selection of species, making the Blue Hole the perfect spot for all divers, beginners and advanced PADI. Another plus are the shipwrecks to discover - a real adventure for the more experienced divers. Trekking in Nepal's Annapurna Range In the the Annapurna Range there are different treks to choose, from peaceful half- day walks to a 2-week challenging trek. From Pokhara you will need to take a 1- hour bus to reach the trails, with or without a guide. Passes can be purchased in Pokhara at accessible prices, and the price will vary on the duration of the trek you choose to take. The Circuit is a trek that takes you to and from the base camp in Annapurna, and is by far the most populatr, especially in October/November. From March to April you'll find less trekkers in teh circuit, and is a time to take in some of the local wildlife and flora. If you have time, you should also consider doing some white-water rafting too. There are a few smooth runs, but Nepal's waters are some of the most adventurous for rafters. Bungee jumping in South Africa Plunge off the world's biggest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge on Storms River, South Africa. A 180 metre, 7 second long freefall that will get you moving at a speed of over 190kmph - even the rebound is higher than the Victoria Falls. The feeling, as reported by those who have made it, is one of never-ending horror, followed by a sense of greatness that will stay with you forever. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is one of the most exciting experiences. It takes 3 hours to scale the bridge, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of one of the world's most beautiful cities. |
