Blog Change

From now on we have a new blog: Xtreme Gap Official Blog


also accessible through out website and just click on the B on the left. B stand for Blogging.

Almost off!!!!

Oh and if you ever bored at work, we have many nice reviews, stories, news etc. on the new blog!

Travel along with Xtreme Gap

October 25th 2010 Oliver and Debby of Xtreme Gap will set foot on the first of many flights!

Our itinerary this far. The back end of the trip will include the Philippines, but these flights are not booked yet...maybe also Japan..

On this Blog you can follow us on our trip discovering amazing gap year destinations and cool travel options for you. Surfing, Diving, Trekking, Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Partying and more... For our existing programmes have a look on www.xtremegapyear.co.uk

Date	From	To	departure time	arrival date	arrival local time
25/10/2010	Spain	UK	13.15	25/10/2010	15.15
25/10/2010	UK	Malaysia	21.00	26/10/2010	14.00
26/10/2010	Malaysia	Gold Coast Australia	21.25	27/10/2010	7.25
28/10/2010	Gold Coast, Australia	Sydney Australia	14.30	28/10/2010	16.55
07/11/2010	Brisbane, Australia	New Zealand	16.30	07/11/2010	22.55
30/11/2010	New Zealand	Brisbane, Australia	07.00	30/11/2010	7.40
30/11/2010	Brisbane, Australia	Honiara Solomon	10.00	30/11/2010	14.05
14/12/2010	Honiara Solomon	Brisbane, Australia	14.55	14/12/2010	17.05
15/12/2010	Brisbane, Australia	Sydney, Australia	07.25	15/12/2010	10.00
15/12/2010	Sydney, Australia	Phuket, Thailand	15.15	15/12/2010	20.30
22/01/2011	Bangkok, Thailand	Bali, Indonesia	06.15	22/01/2011	11.25

Reizen is goed!

Mijn naam is Debby Neeskens, ik ben eigenaresse van Xtreme Gap. Mijn achtergrond? Ik kom uit een ondernemers gezin waarin ik al vroeg meedraaide en ben dan ook een echte ondernemer.

In 2005 ben ik aan het reizen geslagen en dat doe ik nu nog steeds. De meest spannende dingen die ik tijdens mijn reizen heb gedaan?

Opleiding tot Divemaster in Thailand, duiken met de walvishaai, skydiven in Argentinie, Leeuwen aaien in Bangkok, Skien in de USA, duiken in Indonesie, surfen in Australie en surfen in Portugal. Maar ik heb nog veel meer avonturen meegemaakt, want naast het sporten en de activiteiten grijp te cultuur je en ben je echt in een andere wereld. Er is een nadeel aan reizen, het is verslavend.

Overigens heb ik de meeste reizen alleen gemaakt. Het mooie van alleen reizen: Het opent je ogen, je leert heel veel en je ontwikkelt jezelf heel snel, en je sluit de mooiste vriendschappen, met mensen die je waarschijnlijk niet had leren kennen wanner je met je vrienden op pad was gegaan.

Ik ben de trotse oprichtster van Xtreme Gap. Het bedrijf is gebaseerd op Gap Year reizen, de Engelese term voor een jaar even voor jezelf, een jaar tussen twee studies of twee banen in. Xtreme Gap verzorgt sportieve en avontuurlijk reizen van 2 tot 12 weken overal ter wereld.

85 % van onze reizigers gaat alleen op pad. Ons doel? Iedereen de kans bieden om een mooie reis te maken waarvan je veel opsteekt maar vooral die je een bredere kijk op de wereld geeft, je horizon verbreed.

Voor de meeste reizigers die bij ons een reis boeken is het de eerste keer. Natuurlijk is een goede begeleiding dan heel belangrijk, het is al spanned genoeg om de stap te zetten een verre reis te maken, het is dan wel zo fijn om precies te weten waar je aantoe bent.

Niet alleen voor de jongeren, zij gaan meestal prima, maar meer om de ouders gerust te stellen. Wij snappen dat het een goed gevoel geeft wanneer er altijd iemand ter plaatse te bereiken is en dat je bij ons met al je vragen terecht kunt. Wij kunnen ook helpen met het verzorgen van vluchten, en wil je van te voren een persoonlijk gesprek, dan kan dat ook. De meest populaire reizen?

• Opleiding van 12 weken tot Divemaster
• Martial arts trainingen in Thailand
• Kung Fu trainen in China
• Surf opleiding in Australie
• Beklimmen Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Wil jij ook op reis bekijk dan eers even onze site: www.xtremegapyear.co.uk. Niet alleen voor jongeren!

Divemaster in Thailand questions and answers

You have decided…You really want to get into Diving and the Xtreme Gap Divemaster course In Thailand looks ideal! They offer flexibility , good service, almost all inclusive and best value for money…

But you have soooo many questions. Well guess what everyone does. So in order to help you out a bit we have put together an FAQ regarding the Divemaster in Koh Tao programme.

How much spending money will you need per month? : 20 pounds a day will be enough for a great holiday. However you could do it for 12 pounds a day (depends on how much you want to go out, Thai food is cheap)

What re the rooms like? You will have 2 single beds, a TV, en suite bathroom, balcony. The room is very spacious and nice. There is an option for your own room for 75 euro extra a month. (and sometimes we have special deals and you get a free single person room upgrade!)

What facilities does the resort have? reception, bar, restaurant with Thai and Western food, a big pool with sun beds pool, dive school, internet
Where is the resort compared to the beach? It is a 2 minute walk from the beach, the bars, the restaurants. And it is part of the Dive resort.
Do I need experience in Diving? The simple answer is: No! However it is a big commitment so make sure you really want to do it. 80 % of people that book their Divemaster have no prior experience.

Transportation on Koh Tao. How easy 2 get around and average price of taxi. The pick up from the pier on your day of arrival is included. The island is 21 square KM, and the resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach and all restaurants. No real necessity for taxi’s. However if you want to get to another end of the island it is usually around 1 of 2 pounds. You can also hire a Motorbike or rent a cycle.

What is the weather like all year round? GREAT!!!! Monsoon (wet season) is in October and November. The rest of the year it is hot and sunny! And even in Monsoon it is much better than back home.

Is the drinking water safe? No you drink from bottles. The water is cheap and there are shops open 24/7 if you forgot to buy. Also brushing your teeth you do with bottled water.

Food. Can I eat everything without getting sick? The island is accustomed to westerners. You can eat all dishes safely in all restaurants. The food is fresh and cheap and very tasty. If you wish a Westend dish like pizza you can. There are many nice restaurants around.
Approx. how many people travel to Koh Tao with Xtreme Gap. There is always an average of 5 to 12 travellers from Xtreme Gap.
Are all people travelling with Xtreme Gap doing diving? No we have Muay Thai, Yoga, Freediving, an island life programme, rock climbing and an underwater video course on Koh Tao. All will be staying at the same resort.
Can I fly directly in to Bangkok? Yes you can and from there we have arranged an hotel in Bangkok for 1 night and the next day overnight transport to Koh Tao. You can also fly straight from Bangkok in to Samui and than Koh Tao is only 1 hour away by boat.
From the airport in Bangkok how to get to hotel? You will get the address. The hotel is well known, you can give the address to the taxi driver. Or we can arrange a pick up for you. However there will be extra costs for this.

When do you meet the others on the same trip? Once you arrive on the island you will have an introduction night. This is a very social programme, and island. You will meet lots of people.
What support network do we get. We have a emergency number next to our office hour number and on the island we have a rep (Sarah) She will be there to pick you up and support you with everything you need. And you will be working with your dedicated diving instructor almost daily. Trust us you will never be alone if you do not want to.

Is food included? No. We think that including a food plan would limit your social life. Food is cheap and there are plenty of nice restaurants where you can hang out with your new friends.
How intense is the training? You can dive as much as you like. This programme is included unlimited diving for 12 weeks! You can take your days of to explore the island a bit! Or to go to the full moon party on the island next door once a month!

What if you become sick? There are several clinics on the island and our rep is there to support you. There is a big hospital on the nearby island.

Are there shops nearby? What do I need to bring from home? You can buy anything you like on Koh Tao. There are lots of little shops for souvenirs, sun lotion, swim shorts and everything else you might need. Shops are only a 2 min walk away from the resort.
How much/what should you pack? Not much. T- shirts, shorts and swim shorts, trainers, buy flip flops on the island. All sorts, sizes, colours and really really cheap!

Are there mosquitoes? Yes, at sunset. Buy your repellent on Koh Tao it is the right one and much cheaper than in europe.

Do you need injections ?The FCO website states that there are not many health risks associated with Thailand, please check it for more details. Although Malaria and Dengue fever are present in some areas (Koh Tao is Malaria free and dengue is reasonably rare).

What to be careful of? Just be sensible and you will be fine, the life style on the island is very relaxed. I have lived on the island for 8 months and all was fine.

Language? Thai (but everyone speaks English). Your lessons will be in English, Dutch, French and are even conduct in Spanish.
Internet/wifi? There are many internet and wifi cafa’s. So it is easy to stay in contact with home through e mail or even skype. You can also take your own laptop.
Offence to the local people - what do you need to avoid? Check this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Thailand

What kind of insurance is needed? For People of the UK: Look online. We recommend essential travel for insurance, you can get a quote online and book this online here through our website, we have chosen these guys as preferred partners because they are good value and cover the necessary diving and sports options we cover. Make sure diving up to 30 meters is included.

Visa? Yes you need to arrange a visa if you stay longer than 30 days. For 30 days you get a visa upon arrival. With the Divemaster course we give you a letter that you need to obtain a visa for 12 weeks. The visa will cost around 80 pounds.

Wow. That where a lot of questions!!! But I hope you feel informed now.
www.xtremegapyear.co.uk

Great Ideas for a Thailand Gap Year

The Best Thailand Gap year ideas.

Thailand gap year programmes are increasing in popularity. Here are some handy tips for you if you are hoping to go on a Thailand Gap Year. There are many different activities you can do You may want to laze about on a beach, perhaps you have more upbeat things in mind. No matter what you plan to do on a Thailand gap year there's loads of things to consider

Loads of individuals Thailand gap year by backpacking around the country, which is a brilliant method to check out all the sites and experience Thailand. Backpacking in Thailand is superb, but can offer some limitations. The most exciting way to take your Thailand gap year is to enjoy living in one place, getting involved in a project or Thailand gap year programme. This is perfect if your want to experience Thailand and integrate with the local population getting to know the country.

Myself, I like sports Not being one for volunteering projects, I like some action, so here are my top programmes I would recommend to get involved with on a Thailand Gap year.

Head to a Muay Thai fitness camp
Lots of travellers go to Thailand to train in May Thai. Muay Thai is great for getting fit and happens to be the national sport. it's also a very powerful fighting system. The greatest thing about this is you really integrate with the local society. Depending on where you study you could have lots of experiences.

Learn to dive
Diving in Thailand is really cool. There are loads of things to see under water. Learning to dive whilst on your Thailand Gap Year is the perfect way to spend lots of time there.

Learning to dive is very easy. There are structured programmes that you can study allowing you to learn to different levels. The most popular option, for spending lots of time out there is to go for your is to do your Dive master. The Koh Tao divemaster course lets you dive as much as you want and live life to the full on an island in the tropics.

Learn yoga
Yoga is a great way to get health and fit. One place on Koh Tao in Thailand offered by Xtreme Gap year. The yoga centre is located on the beach under coconut trees. Heaven.

Become a freediver
This one you don't hear about every day. Freediving is being able to dive using your breath underwater down really deep. Meaning that you will be able to spend lots of time underwater without any limits.

There is a real gap between the capabilities of a freediver and scuba diver.

Get really fit!
The first thing that comes to mind with Thailand is not lots of exercise. With a Thailand fitness boot camp and MMA training centre you will get really fit there.

the above mentioned Thailand gap year programmes are on sale at Xtreme gap year. Xtreme Gap are a Thailand gap year, career break and adrenaline travel company

extreme gap year challenges for 2010

To keep your blood pumping you need adrenaline, and to get adrenaline you need excitement. This is what my company (Xtreme Gap) offers to everyone of 18 years and old who wants an extreme gap year. I would like to give you five tips to keep your adrenaline pumping through your veins in 2010 and keep you alive. Read here all about our five extreme gap year challenges for 2010.

Extreme gap year challenge number one
Get in there!! Get in the ring and defeat your Muay Thai opponent during our Xtreme Gap Muay Thai training in Thailand programme. You will have to train hard! 6 days a week your personal trainer will help you push your boundaries, sweat and gain knowledge of Muay Thai. F you are up for it, and your trainer thinks so too you can have a real Muay Thai fight. Get in the ring and have 300 people chanting!

Extreme gap year challenge number two
Our number two is also about getting fit. Fitness boot camp in Thailand. With 8 hours training a day starting off with yoga followed by daily personal fitness training by a Thai champion. 2 times 2 fitness group sessions. You will be super fit and you will feel your blood pumping and see you muscles growing. I believe this programme is suited perfectly for starting your exiting gap year.

Extreme gap year challenge number three
Now this is a challenge of a different league…great white shark cage diving in South Africa. Takes a lot of courage, but will make your adrenaline shoot up like a maniac! We will take you by boat to shark park, and you will do the scariest thing ever. You will put on scuba gear and a snorkel and you will get down in the cage where you will meet the great white shark in his natural habitat. He is wild and ready to show his teeth…hope you can sleep after this one.

Extreme gap year challenge number four
More animals. Animals in Africa…This is the Big Cat conservation project in Namibia. Help the cheeta’s, leopards, lions and wild dogs get ready to roam around freely again. Feed lion cubs, and take a hike with a Leopard…pretty exiting if you ask me! You will live on the campus in Namibia surrounded by a natural savannah paradise with reverie vegetation, lush grass plains and magnificent mountain views. Oh, and there are also baboons waiting to greet you!


Extreme gap year challenge number five
The Australian Kitesurf adventure. Kitesurfing is cool and easy to learn. It will give you that coolness you need. The Australia gap year challenge kite surf adventure takes place in North Queensland. We will take you to unbelievable remote kitesurf locations. Here you find the best winds, the best beaches and lots of excitement to keep it pumping!

Questions of a Muay Thai traveller

We often get lot's of questions regarding one of our programmes, especially the unexperienced travelers have heeps of questions...But hey That is what we are here for.

Muay Thai Training in Thailand

So if you are wanting to do Muay Thai on your Gap Year through Xtreme Gap...The following might be usefull.

I have a 'few' questions that I would appreciate answers, so would welcome your earliest response;

1. How much spending money will you need for a 4 week trip: 20 pounds a day will be enough for a great holiday. However you could do it for 12 pounds a day (depends on how much you want to go out, Thai food is cheap)
2. £ average per day
3. what facilities in hotel room: Bed, tv, en suite bathroom, balcony. The room is very spacious and nice.
4. what facilities in the hotel: reception, bar, restaurant, pool, dive school, internet
5. transportation: how easy 2 get around and average price of taxi The island is 21 square KM, and the resort is a 2 minute walk from the Muay Thai school and 2 minutes from the beach and the restaurants etc. No real necessity for taxi’s However if you want to get to another end of the island it is usually around 1 of 2 pounds.
6. what is the weather like Jan/Feb GREAT!!!! Monsoon (wet season) is in October and November. The rest of the year it is hot and sunny!
7. Is the drinking water safe. No you drink from bottles. The water is cheap and there are shops open 24/7 if you forgot to buy.
8. Approx. how many people are booked on each trip. We have 12 people on Koh Tao in January. They all stay in the same resort. 5 people are training Muay Thai. There will be others out there training.
9. is there a possibility you could be the only one, NO. There are at least 20 people training. The training is one on one, but there are several Thai Muay Thai trainers, and several training times
10. is it a straight flight to Thailand. You would have to book your flight yourself. The flight goes in to Bangkok, from here we have arranged an hotel in Bangkok for 1 night and the next day overnight transport to The island.
11. from the airport how to get to hotel You will get the address, The hotel is well known, you can give the address to the taxi driver. Or we can arrange a pick up for you. However there will be extra costs for this.
12. are you met at the airport by one of your reps. No but you are met at the pier once you arrive on the island. There is also an option to fly from Bangkok straight to Koh Samui (island next to Koh Tao) and take a boat from there. We can arrange pick up from the airport there if you arrive before 11 in the morning. There will be extra costs.
13. when do you meet the others on the same trip. Once you arrive on the island you will have an introduction night. This is a very social programme, and island. You will meet lot’s of people.
14. what support network do we get. We have a emergency number next to our office hour number and on the island we have a rep (Sarah) She will be there to pick you up and support you with everything you need.
15. do you have to share accommodation. The accommodation is shared with one other person of the same sex. If you wish your own room the extra costa are (only) 75 euro’s a month
16. can you buy food on the camp/what kinds of food. You can buy anything you like! Going out for dinner is the way forward since you pay just 2pounds for a nice meal. Western food is a bit more expensive, but for 4 pounds you can eat a pizza in a nice restaurant.
17. can you bring food in your room, you can
18. how intense is the training, as intense as you want. 1 on 1 training is pretty intense but it is up to you if you want to push your boundaries. If you really want to get into shape you can also join in on the running group in the early morning
19. is it compulsory everyday. The training is 5 days a week. If you do not want to train the next day, you just let your trainer know.
20. what if you become sick There are several clinics on the island and our rep is there to support you. There is a big hospital on the nearby island.
21. is there hospital nearby
22. is there shops nearby. You can buy anything you like on Koh Tao. There are lots of little shops for souvenirs, sun lotion, swim shorts and everything else you might need. Shops are only a 2 min walk away
23. is there restaurants nearby, yes.
24. how far is the nearest town you are staying just 2 min away from the nicest town with all you need!
25. how much/what should you pack not much. T- shirts, shorts and swim shorts.
26. shoe/clothes wear trainers, buy flip flops on the island. All sorts, sizes, colours and really really cheap!
27. Mosquitoes Yes, at sunset. Buy your repellent on Koh Tao.
28. Do you need injections The FCO website states that there are not many heath risks associated with Thailand, please check it for more details. Although Malaria and Dengue fever are present in some areas (Koh Tao is Malaria free and dengue is reasonably rare)
29. what to be careful of/crime rate. Just be sensible and you will be fine, the life style on the island is very relaxed. I have lived on the island for 8 months and all was fine.
30. Language Thai (but everyone speaks English)
31. internet/wifi - is this available Yes
32. laptops - can this be taken on trip Yes
33. religion not important but most of Thailand is Buddhism
34. offence to people - what do you need to avoid: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Thailand
35. what insurance is needed Look online. We recommend essential travel for insurance, you can get a quote online and book this online here through our website, we have chosen these guys as preferred partners because they are good value and cover the necessary diving and sports options we cover.

Wow. That where a lot of questions!!! But I hope you feel informed now. By the way you also need a Visa for Thailand, depending on how long you are going for. You receive a visa on arrival for 28 days, if you go longer you will have to go to the Thai embassy. If you want we can give you more information regarding this later.
www.xtremegapyear.co.uk