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

Destinations for December

We know December is only a few days away, but we will make sure you are on a plane tomorrow to your favorite destination. I would like to give you some great suggestions for December.

But first the reasons why you should travel in the middle of winter;

To avoid family dinners … (ooops sorry mom), to choose to get fit instead of a stuffed turkey, Because you already have days off from work anyway, because you know you get that Christmas bonus, Because you rather spend your money on a great adventure than on useless presents and a new suit you will never wear again….

If you wish you can be on that plain by tomorrow. What about our great Thailand gap year programmes. We have some great programmes in Thailand (on the tropical island of Koh Tao) Yoga, Muay Thai, Diving, rock climbing or a combination of 2 or more extreme sports in Thailand.

Or what about South Africa? Our winter is their summer. Learn to surf is a fantastic programme, and useful for life! Cape Town will be a great pace to celebrate Christmas or even new Year.

In Australia it is summer too! And New Years eve on Bondi beach is going to be a big event again. So if you fancy going to Australia, this is a great time to go. Whether you want to learn how to surf, become a beach life guard, if you want to see the big red rock or start working there… let us know and we will sort you out!

Xtreme Gap your flexible travel agent online!

Tiger Shark diving with Xtreme Gap

Tiger Shark Diving in South Africa with Xtreme Gap.

Just last week two Xtreme Gap travelers went to South Africa in search if the Tiger shark, and what a great time they had.

We just got back the feedback form, and wow do we wish we had been there. Next to the Tiger sharks these two lucky extreme sports lovers saw a back tip shark and a humpback whale! Our guide had the right equipment on board so they could listen to the humpbacks singing, an amazing experience. They where guides extremely well, but diving experience is really a must, since you are diving with sharks and feeling comfortable in the water will make you enjoy the experience way more. This experience inspired them to do more Shark Diving holidays in the future, very handy that Xtreme Gap is an expert in diving programmes!

 

Next to the diving, the accommodation was highly rated, good rooms, real friendly staff and a nice communal room to meet other travelers.

 

Taking a gap year in South Africa is very popular these days and Cape Town (also starting point for many shark diving programmes) is a great city to start your gap year in South Africa.

Next to the diving programmes you can find lots of other adrenaline travel options. Like Kite surfing, surfing, Sky diving, abseiling and do not forget, South Africa has the highest bungee jump in the world!

 

Xtreme Gap South African 2010 World Cup Tour

Xtreme Gap South African 2010 World Cup Tour

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15 ideas keep your gap year memories alive.

Keep the travel memories alive! When you are traveling around the world on your gap year and see so many new thing, go so many new and exciting places, get introduced to so many cultures and you go through so many emotions you tend to forget stuff. Would it not be great to collect some memories along the way to never forget what it felt like. We have traveled a lot and on our travels we have spoken to many other travelers on their gap year about what they collect. Here are some tips on what you can do to bring a little bit of the world to your home and keep the memory alive:
1. Collect beer labels, every country has its own beer. You probably shared that beer in a unique place, or shared it with a new friend. Write the date on the back and keep it in your travel diary.
2. Match boxes (maybe not the matches itself) from clubs you went to bars you visited and hotels you stayed.
3. Masks, imagine coming home and putting them on the wall… recalling all memories. Trust us even if they are big it is worth the effort to ever ship them. Ones you are stuck in an office it would be nice to dream away every now and then looking at the masks on the wall.
4. Handmade art, often cheap in the country of origin, but worth a lot back home.
5. Flags (big or small) from each country.
6. T shirts are nice too, we advice anyway to start travelling light…now you have something to wear. By doing this you can show off subtly you have travelled the world.
7. Caps, same reason as the T-shirts. Easy way to show off ;)
8. Small bank notes from each country, great to make a collage back home and hang it on your wall. It costs very little, weighs nothing.
9. Collecting a bead from each country to make yourself a funky necklace.
10. Furniture (you would have to ship this) for a house full of beautiful furniture from around the world.
11. Postcards, send your mom a postcard from every country and tell her to keep them. Write down a unique story or experience you had at that place. Nice for the family…and for you ones you are home again.
12. Badges and pins from every country, small and easy to carry.
13. Dolls from each country, lots of people do this, maybe nice for your kids later ;)
14. Toys, each country has different toys for kids. Often the same idea, but just adjusted to the country and culture.
15. Make a little video on the first day you arrive at a new place or when you leave to go to a new place. You can post the video’s on the web and share your emotions with the rest of the world, or just with your friends and family. Real cool to look back later, you will notice you have grown out to be a world traveler in the end.
16. Train boat and flight tickets will prove you that it was not just a dream!

More tips are welcome. What do you collect when you travel (next to photographs)? Mail us. info@xtreme-gap.com

Gap Year info for parents in the USA

It’s September, and if you are the mom or dad of a student, you are either recovering from, or in the midst of, the college search process. During this time, it might become clear to you that your son or daughter might not be entirely ready for the next step in their education. This should not concern you too much because there is another option for the wary pre-freshman: the gap year.

A gap year, or “year out”, is the British tradition of deferring college in favor of a year spent traveling, interning, exploring and engaging in other forms of experiential learning. Recently it became a trend to take a gap year and it has been gaining popularity all over the world. Even more and more young Americans are opting to take a year off before college.

Colleges and universities are supporting this opportunity by making deferring school easier and in some cases, like Princeton, offering their own in-house gap year programs. In most cases, a simple letter to your child’s school of choice explaining their reasoning for taking a gap year is enough to secure their spot for the following school year.

There are many benefits for a student taking a gap year. Parents often list the following as changes they see in their children over the course of a year out:
• Maturation, self reliance and independence
• Recovery from academic burnout / Renewal in eagerness to learn
• Wider world view and global perspective
• Discovery of interests and passions through firsthand experience
• Ridding themselves of the travel bug or the desire to “do some things” before they begin college
• Learning or gaining proficiency in a foreign language
• Real world experience before the college “bubble”
• Better avoids the risk of first year drop/fail out by providing the opportunity to refocus priorities and gain maturity

The economic climate
In this economic climate, taking a gap year can also be a wise financial decision. A gap year allows you more time to let your college savings mature and reapply for better financial aid packages.


What now?
So let’s assume your child is well suited for a gap year. “What now?” you may ask. In short: Talk with your kid and research ideas and programmes.
Look online on www.xtreme-gap.com if you decide sports and adventure travel would suit your kid. Be sure not to press to do what you wathink is bst for them to do. But do set some ground rules like: You may not go jumping of mount Everest. This will not only empower your son or daughter to be deliberate but will let them know you trust them to make adult choices.

Set a budget, and be sure to factor in the “extras” like vaccinations, airfare, travel money and international health insurance. Don’t be shy in asking your child to contribute a certain portion of the budget themselves; either through a summer job or fundraising. This gives them a financial stake in their activities.
Before you know it, your child will be off to school, matured from a year of unique experiences and ready to take full advantage of their college years!

For more information look on our gap year travel section.

Xtreme Gap Year Competition

What about being an Xtreme Gap reporter for 2 weeks on a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand?





If you have always wanted to be a reporter and if you have the balls to do all our extreme sports, you should sign your self up to our competition.





The competiton will include a 2 week stay, with a friend!, on a tropical island and exploring all our extreme sports on the island. Free diving, Thai boxing, scuba diving, rock climbing and more! To give you an idea watch our extreme sports video online.

It is not all fun and games, we expect you to update us daily and send us pictures that are made by the camara's that we give you (your's to keep).

To keep posted become an Xtreme Gap Years fan on facebook!