The post Sian Kaan Adventure Expedition appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The adventure expedition as the name suggests is a real adventure. The skilled local Mexican guides will guide you through several different ecosystems and habitats over several hours. Starting off in the jungle, you learn more about the indigenous population and history of the Mayans. This might include learning about the local flora and skills the Mayans developed to survive in the jungle (and skills they still used to this day). For example did you know chewing gum actually comes local trees, and if the boiled down sap from one particular special tree. Neither did way but we certainly got an education that day.
We we will load up on some breakfast and then it is down to business. As you enter the jungle, you head through it a short way and come out to a clearing where you find the remains of an old Mayan temple. It is an impressive sight with the jungle literally growing out of the ancient structure. If there were ever Indiana Jones moments in your life this would be one of them.
Unlike some of the more touristy ruins, chances are you’ll have little to yourself it is quite an exceptional experience being surrounded by the jungle, all of the animals and noises and witnessing history right there in front of you.
Tracking further through the jungle, you will weave your way to a lookout point, those brave enough can scale up its rickety heights to get an impressive view of the jungle, lagoons and out into the open ocean. It’s a breath of fresh air up there, literally as you have a lovely seabreeze and trekking through the jungle is no mean feat.
Another half an hour you make way to the boat landing zone. You then get ready for a motorised adventure zipping through the Everglades, and mangroves which make up much of the reserve. It’s a lot of fun as these are highly agile boats driven by very skilled locals, but all the time you are conscious that you might spot a crocodile in the crystal clear water.
The Sian Kaan reserve is made up of lots of different lagoons, interconnecting canals and jungle, so you will flip between different ecosystems quite quickly. So while some as crocodile infested, other areas are perfectly safe. This is kind of reassuring, because halfway through the day you will jump out of the boats and drift down the rivers, which is the perfect refreshing tonic to the hot sweaty jungle trek. The water is fresh and cool the perfect temperature. Still in the back of your mind you will be thinking what if a crocodile got in here, but they don’t they prefer it in the murky mangroves.
You drift for half an hour or so, then it’s back in the boats from high-speed blast out into the lagoons. We will be searching for manatees, crocodiles and a variety of bird life and there is plenty to see. We make our way out to the mouth of the River where the lagoon meets the ocean, where you will see one of the most amazing beaches you have ever sat on.
Finally we make way back, if you are on the afternoon expedition you might catch a glimpse of the sunset in the most impressive sky. Sian Kaan literally means where the sky is born, and this is because of the clear vistas across the lagoon of the clouds coming up and the sun rising in the morning. Is an impressive sight, in fact one of the most impressive in all of Mexico.
Finally when the boats dock at the end of the day, you will jumping a waiting vehicle and be taken back dinner prior to heading back to Playa del Carmen. We promise you it will knacker you out, but blow your mind!
The Sian Kaan adventure expedition is part of the Xtreme Mexico experience.
The post Sian Kaan Adventure Expedition appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Getting Married Abroad: A Handy Gap Year Guide appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Budget
The first thing you should do is sit down with your partner and discuss budgets – then you’ll have a complete picture of what kind of wedding you can afford. Factor in all the things you’re likely to pay out for, trying not to leave anything out. Include every potential payout you can think of, such as entertainment, hair and make-up and even travel costs.
Legalities
You need to make sure that a member of staff at or near to your wedding destination can legally and officially marry you. Some couples have a ceremony when they arrive home as well in order to make it official, but this can actually be a benefit if some family members are unable to travel abroad.
Location is key
Image: Badjonni
It’s good to determine what kind of ambience you want to achieve. Las Vegas adds excitement while France offers serenity – Europe is widely considered as one of the best locations to tie the knot, while beach weddings in locations such as Thailand are extremely popular. Considering the time of year will also help you in your location search and the type of wedding you want weather-wise.
It’s all about the dress
Travelling abroad with your beautiful wedding dress can certainly present itself with quite a few difficulties. Keeping your dress pristine for when you arrive at your wedding destination can be difficult – even if it’s a short-haul flight those irritating creases will still manage to work their way in. You can avoid this by using certain storage techniques, and it’s worthwhile planning for this into the trip to ensure that your dress arrives in the perfect condition.
What’s on the menu?
Local delicacies from your chosen wedding destination can be the icing on your wedding cake. It might be worthwhile looking into local cuisine to see what kind of options are available.
The venue
Searching for the perfect wedding venue abroad can be a difficult task. But taking time out to explore where you want the ceremony to be held and where you want a reception is key. Try looking for reviews from other newlyweds or ask around to see if anyone can recommend any venues. Having a beach wedding in the Maldives will set you back around £2,636; something to be considered on top of the price of hotels and flights.
All of these basics can be explored further on Brides Magazine, and you can receive a step by step guide on how to plan your dream wedding.
The post Getting Married Abroad: A Handy Gap Year Guide appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Top unexplored destinations for your gap year appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Do you ever get bored of the same old holiday destinations? The more adventurous of us may be keen to explore some of less-travelled regions of the earth and there are so many incredible places to see. Less explored places such as the Canadian lakes or the local cultures of New Zealand are perfect examples of great experiences that differ from typical beach holidays. Check out the list below for some inspiration when it comes to deciding where to go for your next holiday…
Canada
Canada was highlighted in a recent Antler infographic about glamorous getaways as being the perfect destination for nature lovers. Incredible misty mountains, large lakes and lots of untouched landscape, Canada offers a unique travel experience.
For those who love everything entertaining, Toronto boasts fantastic restaurants, shopping opportunities and the famous Toronto Symphony Orchestra. With great restaurants around every turn, these two cities offer not only a holiday for you, but for your taste buds too. Traditional dishes include Butter Tart and Tourtière.
Canada is a secret piece of the world where people can get up close and personal with nature, or explore one of Canada’s exceptional cities.
New Zealand
Explore the setting of Middle Earth in the wonderful country of New Zealand. The location was chosen for the Lord of the Rings films because of its spectacular scenery and colourful landscape. Visitors are able to visit this world famous location and can even set foot in the homes of the hobbits. New Zealand is still relatively overlooked on many travel lists; despite the country boasting many highlights such as the Auckland Museum, Tawharanui Regional Park and the Auckland Art Gallery.Māori culture is a big part of New Zealand history and life, and you can visit the tribal meeting ground to learn about this culture, hear the songs they would sing and meet the Māori people. If you want to experience something thrilling whilst in New Zealand, you could always try bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown, something definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Armenia
Armenia is close to the famous Mount Ararat. The area has much to offer, with rocky highlands, green forests and the famous Lake Sevan. Armenia has been left almost completely untouched by tourists and therefore there are many remote regions to explore in the country such as Vayots Dzor and Syunik. Armenia also contains wonderful art culture experiences such as the State Museum of Armenian History, Holy See of Etchmiadzin and many monasteries.
The Monastery of Geghard is one of the most incredible architectural places to visit. Much of the monastery is carved from stone and it pays true testament to Armenian medieval culture. If you want to experience even more culture when in Armenia, the Yerevan Opera House is another wonderful building, so why not take a trip and see a show whilst in the country.
Catanduanes Island, Philippines
Catanduanes Island is located to the east of the Bicol peninsula and offer tourists a way to connect with the unspoilt nature of the island. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the waves that form just off the coast are perfect for those who love to surf.
The island is the perfect secret escape if you want to explore the clear water ocean by snorkelling or go swimming in the Maribina Falls. Catanduanes Island is also home to some magnificent churches which you can visit during your stay. The Saint John the Baptist Church, located in Bato, to the south of the island, is truly worth a visit as it is one of the oldest churches in the province. The white sandy beaches offer some amazing views of the ocean and the landscape of the island; it is the perfect place to relax and soak up island life.
If you are keen to travel further afield and experience something a little out of the ordinary, then it is worth looking into some of the lesser known destinations. Being able to experience somewhere that is not a tourist hotspot will make your holiday a lot more enjoyable.
The post Top unexplored destinations for your gap year appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Dont wait too long! Life happens and flies by. appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>
People often ask whether we want to help them plan a trip around the world. Of course we want to do that!! Everyone at Xtreme has travelled a lot, and really know how it works. And the nicest thing in our jobs is to help you realize your dream trip. Because travelling is just the best!
So there you are, you finally made the decision you want to travel the world! Thats superb.. but now, where to start?
Do i book a ticket now? And when do I book the trip? Should I read a bit more about the countries I want to visit? Do they speak English? Where do i stay, what vaccinations do i need… Visa´s maybe?
Step 1. Determine your budget. Often this goes along with the date of departure. You still need to save up, borrow or beg. But set yourself a target. For example, I want to travel in 6 months from now. How much money can I realistically get together? Click here for more info about budgeting for your trip.
Step 2. Based on your budget you decide now where you want to go and what you want to do there. For example, do you want to travel Thailand and Australia? Great! But what do you do there? Did you always want to ride an elephant or are you a true marine live lover and want to learn to dive? Everything is possible! Do you just want to travel, or will you be working in Australia?
Step 3. What do the programmes I selected include?? Is accommodation included, and meals? Transfers? You can check with each programme on the website on the inclusions tab just to make sure. What kind of budget do you need for the trip? Ask us [email protected])
Step 4. How much is a flight ticket? You can arrange it yourself go snooping on internet for tickets (eg www.skyscanner.net). Assume that the world cheapest ticket costs about 2000 GBP. That’s around the world, one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Looking at more exotic destinations than the ticket will be more expensive. We can also help you with your ticket, but for that your plan needs to be a bit concrete.
Step 5. Is your budget enough or you have to save / borrow or beg more? Will it be difficult? Then it could mean that you have to adjust your departure or return to shorten / change. Nothing worse than travelling on a too tight budget.
Please note that you can travel longer in South East Asia then in Australia (unless you find jobs there) as Asia is super cheap.
Australia and New Zealand are countries with western prices. But, you are between 18 and 30? Then you can apply for a working holiday visa. Super fun to work there and to spare money for your trip back Click here for more info about work and travel in Australia. We have great learning and work programs in Australia! See here the travel tips/trips for Australia: http://issuu.com/xtreme-gap/docs/australia_travel_guide mind you it plays music, so if you are at work, you might want to put the sound down J
If you’ve gone through the five steps, we can determine what your dream trip is going to look like. We can help you with information about the various travel programmes that we have. If you need any advice or help with your plans, do let us know.
Want to see some travel video´s we and our travellers shot: Xtreme Gap YouTube Channel
Are you going alone? No problem! You can start your travel in a group. We do this just to make sure that you do not arrive in a foreign country and have to figure out everything yourself. You will be picked up from the airport, you arrive and meet a fun group with like-minded travellers (90% are solo travellers, looking to make new friends), so super easy to meet people. You will notice that after a month you will feel totally relaxed and confident as a solo traveller. That’s why our world travels often have flexible parts in it where you can decide how long you would like to stay where. So the first month is super well organized, and after that its a bit more flexible, allowing you to be a real backpacker. But of course always with our guides close by to help you where needed.
Dont wait too long! Life happens and flies by. Before you know it you are stuck somewhere. So if you can do it now. Start planning and get our help to make it happen!
In addition, applying for visas can sometimes take a long time and airline tickets more expensive as the departure date approaches.
The post Dont wait too long! Life happens and flies by. appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Surfing in Portugal & where to find the best breaks appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Surfing in Portugal & where to find the best breaks appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post What to pack for the Xtreme Thailand Experience and Thailand Adventure appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Are there dress codes for entering temples, do i bring my high heels, is there a boots in Thailand, back pack or suitcase? Don’t worry we will advise you what to bring. Although ourselves we just bring our laptops and beach wear. you might want to bring the following!
Just pack any bag, if you do not have a big backpack take your suitcase, if you do not have that either, bring a sports bag. its all good. Do take a day pack, for trekking, or a beach bag for the beaches etc.
Personal items
Clothes
You’re going on a beach holiday not to New York City! remember no heals and boots etc. its Thailand, hot and all parties are barefoot/in flip flops and on the beach!)
The less you pack the better. There’s lot of places on Koh Tao to buy cheap tank tops, board shorts and dresses. Also laundry is really cheap so don’t pack a million tops.
Toiletries
The post What to pack for the Xtreme Thailand Experience and Thailand Adventure appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post New Visa Rules Thailand UPDATED 21-07-2014 appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>We might give advise but it is up to you to check if this is correct. You can do this by checking with:
1. the visa bureau´s (link Suggestion: http://visacentral.co.uk/index.php?login=xtremegap) or
2. with the embassy or
3. for UK residents they can check with a website called www.gov.uk (for Thailand the link is : https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements)
THAILAND AND VISA´S
The Details below are from 21-07-2014. And can change over time. Make sure that before you travel to Thailand, and your travel is longer than 30 days:
At the moment you still get a free visa upon arrival, this is valid for 30 days. You do not have to pre arrange anything. This is for example for the Xtreme Thailand Experience.
But before you could overstay with a few days and pay a 10 GBP fine a day, or you could do a visa run and extend the visa with 15 days. This is not the case anymore. Once your pre arranged visa is overdue you cannot re-enter the country overland anymore! So make sure you arrange the correct visa before getting to Thailand.
The Tourist visa´s you can get:
Single Entry Tourist Visa: €35.00
Double Entry Tourist Visa: €70.00
Triple Entry Tourist Visa: €105.00
With the multiple entry visa you have to do a visa run to extend your visa, but because you pre arranged it, you will be able to re enter Thailand.
The change will not affect your travel, but you do need to arrange the proper visa before heading out to Thailand.
The change is to prevent foreigners to work in Thailand without a permit.
A visa is not required for entering Thailand for all EU Nationals, American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens, provided all of the following conditions can be satisfied:
a) Purpose of visit is tourism only.
b) Duration of stay is less than 30 days.
c) Visitor is in possession of a pre-booked flight from Thailand within 30 days
Only if you would like to extend your stay after the 30 days, you should obtain a visa before you go!
Also read this blog. 3rd paragraph, as you arrive by air!
http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/new-visa-rules.php
Your Divemaster you can do with a triple entry visa:
Single entry : 30 days
Double entry: 60 days
Triple entry: 90 days
Then the first thing you do is visit the Thai embassy in your country or give them a call. let them know you are going to follow dive courses up to instructor level for the certificates with no intention to work there afterwards, so purely recreational and you need so many months to do it. Ask what they advise you to do and if they can give you a year visum with multiple entries. (non immigrant B of O or ED). and if so ask them what they need from you to supply you with the correct visa.
What you most likely need is a letter (invitation letter) from the dive school. That will be no problem, as our partner for the zero to hero dive instructor course can help us with that. We can only hand you this letter if you are all booked up and full payment is done. Only then our partner will supply us, and you with an invitation letter.
This is the way forward for now, but it might change again in a few months. so make sure always to check first with the embassy, as they no best!
HOT NEWS THAILAND: Immigration authorities will not let visa runners return after August 12 Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/No-more-visa-runs-30238504.html
FOREIGNERS WHO do regular visa runs in order to extend their stay in Thailand have less than a month before a crackdown by the authorities to enforce immigration laws more strictly.
From August 13, people will not be able to re-enter the country, regardless of their choice of transport.
The Immigration Bureau has already instructed officials to deny entry to foreigners doing visa runs as a measure to stop the exploitation of tourist visas and visa exemptions to live or work here.
Visa runs have been common among foreigners in Thailand recently, given that a simple search on the Net turns up several companies offering “visa trips” for expatriates staying or working here.
Visa runners are those who leave Thailand and return immediately for the purpose of extending their stay. By exploiting 60-day tourist visas and 30-day visa exemptions, many foreigners can work illegally in language schools, or restaurants and other businesses. It is easier for some to get jobs this way, as some employers do not want to go through the complicated process of seeking work permits and like to avoid the expense if they can.
“I have done visa runs several times before, because my employers would not agree to seek a work permit until I passed their probation period. So, when you stop allowing visa runs, the lives of many foreigners in Thailand will be affected,” a 46-year-old American said.
Meanwhile, the Immigration Bureau website says: “Leniency will be granted until August 12, but only for passengers arriving by air. Foreigners who come to Thailand must seek a proper visa in line with the purpose of their intended stay here.”
Now, those on a visa run who are allowed back in will find an “O-I” (Out-In) mark next to their latest stamp marking entry. From August 13, nobody with an O-I sign on their passport will be allowed to re-enter Thailand if they cannot produce a proper visa.
The Immigration Bureau has instructed checkpoints on shared borders to stop visa runners from entering the Kingdom effective immediately.
Immigration Division 6 chief Pol Maj-General Tatchai Pitaneelabut, who oversees immigration affairs in the South, said visa runners come from several countries, including Vietnam, South Korea and Russia.
“They come here to work as tour guides, waiters, waitresses, etc,” he said, pointing out that these visa-runners are often based in tourist centres such as Phuket and Songkhla.
However, he said the presence of the so-called “out-in” migrants in the South had been significantly reduced because immigration officials were already enforcing stricter laws.
Pol Lt-Colonel Weerawat Nilwat, an inspector at the Sungai Kolok border checkpoint in Narathiwat province, disclosed that immigration officials at his workplace had already barred more than 100 visa-runners from re-entering the Kingdom.
“We have to be strict because we have to uphold laws and properly control immigrants. Efficiency on this front will also reduce crime,” he said.
Pol Colonel Thirachai Dedkhad, the superintendent at the Sa Kaew checkpoint, said officials under his supervision were not stopping visa runners from re-entering yet. “But we have been warning them to acquire a proper visa before they come to Thailand the next time.”
He said immigration officials had also warned people departing that they must obtain a proper visa if they want to come back.
“We have made it clear that if they want to work in Thailand, they must seek a work permit and get the right type of visa,” Thirachai said.
The post New Visa Rules Thailand UPDATED 21-07-2014 appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post The Thai Hulk at The Thailand Fitness Bootcamp appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Peter has competed professionally in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in the Mr Thailand Body Classic body building competition. He placed in the top 5 in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He has been body building for the last 15 years and is a member of the TBBA (Thailand body building association). His specialty is designing different routines for individuals based on their goals, whether that be weight loss, weight gain, strength gain etc. Peter can advise on all aspects of diet, nutrition and supplements. His goal is to give each guest a routine that they can take back home and incorporate in their lives. He tries to instill the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle in people. Peter is in the weight room twice daily for advice and correcting form. Peter is also available for fitness consultations and personal training sessions. Our indoor facility is air conditioned and equipped with all the necessary equipment to train every part of the body.
The post The Thai Hulk at The Thailand Fitness Bootcamp appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Pictures first 2 weeks Xtreme Thailand Experience July! appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Our July group enjoyed the first 2 weeks. All except for 2 girls were travelling solo. as you can see. Looks like they are great frieds now!
After the first 2 weels they will head to Koh Tao. for beach, action and party time. The Xtreme Thailand Experience
The post Pictures first 2 weeks Xtreme Thailand Experience July! appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>The post Why Playa del Carmen, Mexico appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>Originally a small fishermen town, Playa del Carmen in the state Quintana Roo has grown exponentially the last decades and is now one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean. Located a one hour drive from Cancun and its international airport, on the way to Tulum with it’s beautiful old maya ruin over viewing the sea and in the middle of all there is to do here.
It is large enough to offer all you could ever wish for, and still kept its intimate beach vibe. You can sip a Starbuck’s coffee or go for a cheap corona on the beach, have a €3 dinner in one of the many small eating places like ‘taquerias’ or go for a trendy restaurant – yet still affordable – and let the chef surprise you. You know you’ll never get bored in a place where you can get a bucket of beers for a few bucks, sitting with your feet in the sand and looking at the blue colors of the Caribbean sea.
If the spectacular nightlife doesn’t complete destroy your ability to function during the day the list of activities and things to do is endless.
First of all Playa del Carmen and ‘The Mayan Riviera’ – as is the coast along the Mexican Caribbean Sea called – are one of the best dive sports in the world with the second largest reef just in front of your door. There are so many dive shop that it will be hard to pick the right one. Fortunately, we already have done that for you!
Besides the amazing reef dives there are countless under water caves, called ‘cenotes’, that are perfect for cave diving and there is probably no better location in the world to go for that.
It really is an experience like no other, floating weightlessly in water so clear that it’s like floating in thin air. And the under water caves with its stalagmites and stalactites are a sight you will never forget!
Then of course there are the impressive bull sharks if you come in the right season. Every year, from November to March, dozens of bull sharks approach Mexico’s Mayan Riviera to make its temperate and turquoise waters their home. There are many trips who offer trips to go see them, and for sure you will never be the same after that and hopefully it will change your whole perception of sharks.
And if there are no bull sharks to go look for, then there always are the gentle whale sharks that come during the summer months near to Cancun to feed and be ‘huge’! It is a day trip from Playa del Carmen but definitely and experience you want to include in your activities here. Put on your snorkel and try to catch up with them. You better not be a smoker!
Besides diving and spotting big fish there are tons of water sport activities. Next to your recreational swim you might want to try stand up paddle board (sup), (kite) surfing, spear fishing, free diving, jet board, sailing, snorkeling with turtles, jet skiing and actually just about anything that you could possibly do involving H2O.
If you’re more into culture and nature, or want a break from your lazy beach life, the state of Quintana Roo is home to many cultural sites. Ancient Mayan ruins like Chitzen Itza and Coba were once – 1500 years ago - beautiful cities with temples and pyramids and gave home to thousands of people.
You can actually climb some of the pyramids so you better not suffer from vertigo. This tropical paradise also gives home to many animals, birds, plants and there are a few beautiful biospheres and eco parks that you don’t want to miss.
The state of Quintana Roo is the safest one in Mexico. Playa del Carmen is home to thousands of expats, people like you maybe, who came here and decided to stay here. Life is just too beautiful here, too easy and before you know you will be attending yoga classes and wearing beads in your hair and just smiling and being happy every day for just being here.
The post Why Playa del Carmen, Mexico appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year Blog.
]]>