Lucy York - Gap Year Adventures: A Guide To Making It A Year To Remember

Introduction

Animal Adventures

Cultural Adventures

Weird and Wonderful Adventures

Introduction

Making the decision to take a gap year is the first step towards the adventure of a lifetime. The next step is planning where to go and what to do. Its not just about buying a round-the-world ticket, doing the hostel circuit and lugging a backpack around. Its also about meeting people from new cultures, seeing wildlife and breathtaking scenery, learning new skills and trying out new activities. Above all, its an opportunity to see and do things that you would never have the chance to do at home. The key to making the most of it is to go with an open mind. But where do you start?

The ideas in this book will inspire you and whet your appetite for adventure whether youre an extreme sports enthusiast or an enquiring traveller in search of enlightenment. Weve recommended locations around the world, but theres nothing to stop you finding new and interesting places to try these things out, and coming up with your own tailor-made adventures. So go on, fire up your imagination and get planning!

Safety

Remember: your gap year should be an adventure, but its up to you to make sure its a safe one. Always check your options and choose reputable companies when you are looking for tour operators or activity schools. Make sure you have the right equipment and that your insurance policy covers every eventuality. If you feel unsure about any aspect of your chosen activity, theres no harm in pulling out. One of the best parts of your gap year adventures is telling everyone at home about the amazing experiences youve had, so always put your safety first and dont take unnecessary risks.

Money

A years a long time, and youll also need to be budget-conscious. Some of the trips are costly, but weve included plenty of activities that wont deplete your funds too drastically. In many cases, the big cost is getting there, so all you need to do is plan your itinerary carefully. Where possible, weve given a rough idea of the cost of each activity at the time of researching this book.

Animal Adventures

Wildlife watching isnt just for the likes of David Attenborough and Steve Irwin: there are plenty of opportunities for you to get close to nature and watch fascinating animals in their natural habitats. These adventures are something you cant do at home, and are an amazing way of getting into the wilderness. Just remember to respect the environments that you visit and be careful not to do anything that might disturb the ecological balance. It is also important to research companies to ensure they treat the animals humanely and do not encroach on their natural environment.

Whale Watching

Theres nothing like seeing a whale rising out of the ocean right beside you. Take an high-speed sea safari in British Columbia, Canada, to see whales, dolphins and seals. The waters to the south and north of Vancouver Island are home to the largest Orca (Killer whale) population in the world. On the northwest coast of Vancouver Island you can also visit the temperate rainforest and venture offshore to see massive Pacific Grey whales. The best season to plan your visit is the summer, from late June through to September, when Orca pods arrive to feed on the migrating salmon, and other species including humpback and minke whales also frequent the area. Most whales wisely head south in the winter.

Cost: around 40 per day

Four of the best whale watching locations around the world:

Monteray Bay , California year round whale watching in the deep waters of the Monterey Submarine Canyon

The Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic up to 5,000 humpbacks pass this spot from December to April each year

Kaikoura , New Zealand a favourite haunt of Sperm Whales

Western Cape , South Africa see up to 37 species, including Southern Right whales breeding within visible distance of the coast from June to November

Cattle drives across the wild west

If you have always dreamt of being a cowboy, a cattle drive through the magnificent mountain ranges and craggy canyons of North America is the ultimate experience. Even if you are completely new to the saddle, the welcoming atmosphere of American and Canadian ranches will make it easy for you to slot into the way of life. Youll follow in the footsteps of the native peoples and first explorers of North America as you re-live the dramatic history of North Americas Wild West. As part of a hard-working ranch team you will spend most of the day in the saddle, getting to know your steed amidst unspoilt wilderness that cannot be reached by any vehicle. Most ranches offer all-inclusive deals, while some will even offer food and accommodation free of charge in return for your labours on the ranch.

Cost 280 per week.

Swimming with dolphins

Meeting these beautiful animals in their natural environment will be a spiritual experience you will never forget. Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, boasts one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet, teeming with a vast variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles and sailfish. In this spectacular setting you can swim with wild dolphins in beautiful, warm waters and combine your stay with rainforest tours in Corcovado National Park. There are centres offering dolphin encounters in locations around the world, from Ireland to Florida. You could opt to go with one of the many conservation groups that organise tours, which means that your money goes towards the preservation of this beautiful species.

50 for a whole day

Bush-walking

Bush-walking is the interactive, cheaper alternative to the typical Land-Rover safari, and it allows you to view wildlife at your own pace, experience the sounds and smells of the bush and take stunning, close-up photos of the animals. You could also learn a thing or two about the ways of the bush, such as what to do if you spot a snake in your path and how to track an elephant. There are walking safaris on offer in many of Africas National Game Parks and you can take a short day trek into the bush, or opt to extend your safari by taking a combined walking and camping tour. Its better to choose an operator that takes small groups, led by a qualified local guide who will take you to the best areas for viewing to make the most of the experience. Never attempt to go without a guide, as this is forbidden in most parks and is highly dangerous.