I can remember the feeling so vividly. Being held under that wave, unable to breath. The will of nature pushing me down as pain explodes into my spine.

What seems like a lifetime ago, I decided to go surfing, head-butt the ocean floor, land on my neck and put myself in hospital. Yes, it did hurt but that wasn’t the worst part. There were the weeks of lying in bed staring at the same ceiling. Sipping drinks out of a straw because I couldn’t tilt my head back. The physio visits seeing only marginal improvements week on week. The wondering whether my neck would ever be the same again. To be honest, it isn’t the same and it never will be.

Looking at me, there’s no discernible difference between me and the next guy. There is the faintest scar on my head, that when I shave my head, you can see where the hair doesn’t grow fully. It doesn’t tan the same as the rest of me. I’ve asked people whether they can see the scar. They look at me confused as if I am imagining it. It’s there and I know it’s there, looking back at me whenever I glance in a mirror.

It’s something that those closest to me know about. Spend enough time with me and you’ll hear me utter “my neck hurts” at some point or another. What people don’t know is that it always hurts. There’s a constant ache that I gave up taking pain killers for long ago.

I’ve always been drawn to the ocean. I like being able to see it from wherever I am and try to stick to the coast whenever I travel. But since the incident, large waves angrily crashing on a beach reminds of that day. Three years on I am in El Salvador. I’m in a sleepy surf town where there isn’t much to do accept eat, sleep and surf. I decided that this was the time to battle that fear. That inner demon that’s plagued me.

This beach was certainly not a beginner break. The waves crashing on the rocks look murderous, as they should; they have already claimed two lives in the last few weeks. I battle through the waves to paddle out. Again and again I try and fail. The waves are beating me, quite literally. I try again and again, pain is surging through my neck and my willpower is fading. I physically can’t take much more of this.

I finally get out there and my moment comes. ‘Paddle, Paddle, Paddle!’ my mind screams but my neck protests louder. Instinctively, I pop up like I’d done so many times before. By conventional standards it was barely surfing and by my own it was abysmal. For a fleeting moment I was up… before I came crashing down. The wave held me down for what seemed like an eternity. I surface just shy of the beach. I start coughing up sea water as I stand with my hands on my knees trying to suck in air. I look across the ocean with disappointment. A rage comes steals over me. Something I loved has forever been stolen from me. I grab my board and storm the beach like it was Normandy. I race back to my room where I stand under the shower, rinsing off the ocean and my feelings of frustration.

As I am drying myself I glance in the mirror. My eyes stray upwards and I spot that reminder on my forehead. In that moment I smile. I’m proud of that scar.

The scar is more than just a story to tell, a surfing accident anecdote. It represents a difficult part of my life that I carry with me. It represents a struggle over fear and doubt. It represents a lesson we all learn in some way or another where something or someone tells you can’t, but you can. I’ll never be a good surfer but I took that board out there and I paddled my heart out. I stood when my body said I couldn’t. Just try and take that away from me.

We all have scars, physical and emotional ones. Cherish them. Own them. They make us who we are. They are a badge of honour that show us that we have fought, hurt and healed. They show us that we have lived. Truly lived. Be proud of your scars.

Yachting brings together the need to earn money and the want to travel during your gap year. What could be more perfect than setting sail across the seas to exotic locations and being paid for it? Surely life isn’t so simple that this really does provide the perfect gap year solution? Let’s look a little deeper at the world of yacht crewing.

The Basics

Yachting provides the chance to take to the seas and there are a number of options open to you if you’re thinking of signing up for yacht crewing. Firstly, there are many reasons yachts need crews from leisure sailing and cruising, to racing and yacht delivery. Boats and therefore crew sizes come in a wide range of sizes and there are a number of jobs to apply for, including deckhands, kitchen jobs and hosting positions. Sign up to an online crew agency or visit one of the main departure ports such as Panama, San Diego or Gibraltar to see what the local Yacht Club office has to offer.

Positives

The most obvious benefit to yachting is the wide range of places that these boats tend to travel to. Popular yachting locations include France and Spain in Europe Malaysia in Asia and of course The Caribbean, with most yachts departing from Florida, USA. Yacht crewing provides a great way to see the beautiful parts of the world and is an alternative to cheap Caribbean holidays which also provide you with a chance to see an area of the world that may otherwise seem too expensive to visit. Wherever you’ll choose to go, yachting provides a great experience, meeting new people and experiencing a lifestyle on the open seas.

Yacht crewing also provides a source of income which can be vital during a gap year, unless you’ve been able to save a substantial amount before you travelled. Within yachting circles, pay can vary depending on which company you’re assigned to and what job you’ve been given. This in itself is another benefit as there is such a wide range of jobs within the industry. Not only is that a great boredom buster but it’s also fantastic for your CV. There are many skills that you’ll be able to learn and improve upon, including the chance to practice your language skills with the many international passengers you’ll come into contact with. The work also tends to be seasonal and freelance contracts available so you’ll be able to make the job work around your plans for your gap year.

Negatives

To any trip there are always downsides. A trip yacht-crewing may seem like fun but you will still be working. It’s important to decide exactly what you want from your year out and if that’s relaxation and getting away from it all, then maybe a working gap year isn’t for you. Whilst you’ll be meeting new people, you’ll also live at quite close proximity to them which can sometimes make you yearn for your own space. The people ultimately will make or break your experience.

A big factor is not being able to choose your destinations. Obviously given the nature of yachting, it’s unlikely that you’ll be taken to a destination that’s unfavourable but there is something to be said for choosing your own path during your gap year.

Fun hidden by the dunes Surrounded by huge sand dunes, only accessible by camel – come on, what other tourist resort can boast that?!

Maspolomas on the southern part of Gran Canaria is a fantastic choice of destination for those that want something a little more upmarket and quiet, with loudness in easy reach.

During the summer months, predictably there are many flights heading over to this Canarian island, with many great deals on offer. Slash the price of your travel plans by pre-booking airport extras, like Birmingham Airport parking from Holiday Extras, and you’ll save before you fly – and that means one thing, guilt-free duty-free shopping! Wherever you’re flying from, you’re bound to find a great value service, so nobody misses out on the cost cutting action – check out Holiday Extras for Edinburgh Airport Parking offers and save yourself time and money.

Maspalomas’ famous dunes are what separate it from the bright, and occasionally brash resort next door – Playa del Ingles. In my opinion, it’s good to be close to action if you want it, because that way you can mix up your holiday and have the best of both worlds, without overdosing too much on the neon lights!

A great choice for families and couples wanting a quiet, romantic time, as well as keen golfers too, with four world-class golf courses in resort. It’s easy to get around resort, as it’s relatively flat and good for walking, however, I’d highly recommend hiring a car and getting out and about to independently explore the area.

My first port of call would certainly be the beach. Maspalomas beach is beautiful, sandy and long, with plenty of sun-loungers to relax on. A definite must visit is the sand dunes. This is a protected area, so one way to visit is on a camel! You’ll not only see the awesome dunes, but you’ll see rare wildlife too – as well as the unique experience of a camel ride!

Another definite must-do excursion is a boat trip. I try to do this wherever I am in the world, but here you’re quite likely to see dolphins, and lots of marine-life too if you opt for the glass-bottom variety of boat. Remember your hat and sun-cream though, the sun’s very intense out on the open water.

I love a bit of retail therapy, so I’d certainly be heading to the weekly market to grab a bargain or two. Haggling is expected, so have a go, it’s strange at first but definitely worth it. Alternatively, nearby Playa del Ingles has good shopping.

Night-life in Maspalomas is a mixture of lively and sophisticated, and if you’re wanting raucous, vibrant entertainment, then head over to Playa del Ingles for the evening. It’s worth doing this for a couple of evenings, just for a bit of variation. In resort however, the main stretch of restaurants and bars tend to centre around the lighthouse, which is still active, and looms high over the resort. Nobody goes hungry when it comes to food either, with lots of international restaurants around.

Maspalomas really couldn’t be in a better spot – hidden from the noise of its neighbour, but accessible to everywhere, and this makes it the perfect destination for variation. Take advantage of the great package deals on offer this summer and explore the area yourself, also taking up those airport parking deals, to make the whole thing cheaper before you even get to the terminal! Check out Bristol Airport parking when flying regionally, and see for yourself just how cheap and convenient this service can be. Fun in the sand dunes this summer?

For nature, beauty and a good old laze in the sun – it has to be Maspalomas.

So I got this rather alarming post on my Facebook Fan Page today…

I thought I’d put together a guide for parents who have a son or daughter considering, or going, on a Gap Year.

Be supportive of your child’s Gap Year decision

Your child won’t be ‘behind’. They aren’t missing out. They certainly aren’t doing a bad thing.

Whether they are taking a gap year before university, delaying joining the working population or in need of a refreshing career break, taking a gap year to work, volunteer, travel or study can be one of the most rewarding, exhilarating and educating life experiences someone can have.

They are in for an adventure. They will meet people from every corner of the globe, all on their own paths. The lens in which they will see the world will change and grow. A gap year is an education like no other. Would you deny your child that?

Gap Year Safety for Solo Travellers

A lot of parents worry about a young adult travelling solo for the first time, especially if they are female. For a start, solo travel is a bit of a misnomer. I travelled solo on my first Gap Year and I can tell you that you are never really alone. Go to any hostel and you’ll make friends instantly. If you want to be alone you actively have to try and be alone. I made friends and travelling with people I’ve met on a bus, hostel dorms or at a restaurant. Making friends on the road is easy. The backpacker bubble is one of openness, friendliness and a general respect.

Here are a few safety tips irrespective of whether you are travelling solo:

Be confident – If you are constantly worrying about the dangers, this will show in how you carry yourself, actually making you a target. Walk with purpose and work out where you are going ahead of time so you don’t look lost.

Be aware – It’s nice to lose yourself but be sure to stay alert and conscious of your surroundings.

Trust your gut – If something doesn’t feel right, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Natural instincts have kept us going for this long. Trust them.

Dress appropriately – Be sure to respect other cultures but also that revealing top can cause you unwanted attention. Read up about the culture beforehand or take note of how conservative local women are dressed.

Stay the path – Most stories I’ve heard about a backpacker getting mugged abroad is down to wrong place, wrong time. What were they doing in a bad part of town at 3am in the morning? Be smart, stick to where other backpackers are.

Use registered transport – The guy offering you a cheap taxi ride might sound enticing but always play it safe and use a licensed taxi.

Stay calm – If something does ever happen, keep your cool. They generally aren’t interested in hurting you they just want your money. Don’t fight, your wallet or purse isn’t worth it.

Staying in touch on their Gap Year

Staying in touch has never been easier but parents should be aware that they can’t expect their child to be in touch ever day. Part of the journey is being disconnected. Don’t expect huge long e-mails or hour long phone calls, it’s impractical. Let them have their fun.

The cheapest and easiest methods of communication are using web based services like Skype for voice/video calls and instant messaging or apps such as Whatsapp or Viber. These days most hostels, cafes, bars and restaurants have free wifi so this won’t cost your child at all. If they are going to be abroad for a while in one country it might be worth them getting a local sim card.

Finally, scheduled contact doesn’t work. You’re sat on Skype and they haven’t come online. Something has happened! Erm, no, not quite. A flight may have been delayed, they missed the boat, the wifi is down in their hostel or whale sharks have suddenly appeared and they thought spotting these in the wild was more important than checking in with you. Stuff happens. Just trust your child to check in when they get a chance. My own rule with my own parents is just sending a quick message before and after very long journeys or overland border crossings. I move around a lot and they struggle to keep up with what country I am in otherwise!

Gap Year Health

We all think we’re invincible when we’re young so it can be worth giving your child a gentle reminder about getting their vaccinations up to date. Also check whether malaria tablets are required on their trip. It’s worth going to a travel clinic sooner rather than later because some jabs need to be taken over a series of months sometimes. If they have any specific medication, make sure they stock up before they leave. I’ll leave the “sexual health” chat to your discretion.

Gap Year Travel Insurance

Having been on two Gap Year’s and having had an accident on the first one, I must stress that this is one area in which you insure that your child takes action. This is one area where I feel that you have the right to nag. So many travellers get this wrong and I read in the news quite regularly how some backpacker didn’t have insurance or adequate insurance and a family if left with a huge bill. Hospital fees abroad are expensive and you don’t want to worry about footing the bill if something happens.

Insurance shouldn’t be seen as a bargain hunting activity. You normally get what you pay for. Cheaper insurance will have lots of exceptions. There’s always a bunch of small print to read but it’s worth reading it all. Will your child be covered for all the adventure activities they might come across? Does it include winter sports cover? Does it only cover electrical goods up to a certain amount? Are they covered if they work abroad? Are some countries excluded from their policy? Ask all these questions and more.

Just remember that it is insurance. It’s the one thing we buy and hope we never have to use but nevertheless it is incredibly important.

Gap Year Finances

Most people I know who have done Gap Year’s have always ‘done it themselves’ i.e. funded it themselves. Anything can happen on a trip, especially one where your child expects to work abroad. Let them have their independence, let them go it alone, but be sure to let them know that you are there if they need you. Also be sure to let them know that coming to you for help isn’t ‘admitting defeat’.

You might also want to suggest to your child that they have two bank accounts (with internet banking) and a credit and debit card for each. This might seem extreme but if a card is lost or stolen, the bank will usually only send the replacement card to your home address. You wouldn’t want them without access to funds for that long. Be sure that the bank is informed of where they are going so that their account is frozen.

My own mother always says to me: “you’ll always be my baby boy” – aside from being slightly embarrassing and endearing it also means that you’ll always want to worry and protect your child. Sadly, they all grow up one day and you shouldn’t feel apprehensive or worried about sending them out into the big world. In fact it’s the one thing you should be doing. It’s such a fulfilling and incredible journey that I wish more young people could experience a Gap Year. Support them the best you can, try not to nag too much and remember, it’s only a year!

Before setting off on your year-long travels, there are a few really important things that must be organised in advance. While a lot of them are not fun to organise, having them all sorted before you go can save you a lot of hassle once you arrive in your countries of choice, leaving you without unnecessary stresses and able to enjoy yourself over there. Here is a check list of things that must be sorted:

Visas

Before booking any flights or accommodation, or planning what you are going to do abroad, it is crucial that you do your research on the visa requirements of your chosen destination. For EU citizens travelling outside the EU for an extended period of time, without a valid visa, you will not be allowed entry into most countries. Unfortunately, British citizens are not eligible to enter the famous green card lottery, which each year grants winners a US Permanent Resident Card. So regardless of your destination or destinations of choice outside the EU, if you’re a British passport holder, you will most probably have to complete one or several visa applications of some sort.

The most common visas for gap year travellers include:

- Tourist visas

- Working holiday visa

- Student visa

- Au pair visa

- Voluntary work visa

It is important to be aware that often visas can take several weeks, sometimes even months, to be approved and delivered, so do make sure that you sort this well in advance. There is a lot of information available online about your visa options for travelling abroad, but for the most update and accurate information, it is definitely worth visiting the embassy (or at least their website) of country you plan to visit.

Travel vaccinations

Checking the vaccinations that you will need for travelling within your chosen region is another thing that should be done in well in advance. While for some destinations there is no need for you to be vaccinated against certain diseases, for others it is crucial that you are immunised against certain nasty’s before you go away, and in several cases vaccinations are only fully effective if given several weeks, sometimes several months, prior to travel. Check here for more info about which vaccinations are necessary where.

Travel insurance

It’s hard to believe that a surprising number of travellers go away covered with no insurance whatsoever! The risk of doing so is really not worth the money you might save on paying for insurance. When travelling for an extended period of time, insurance cover is a necessity. Make sure that it covers the likes of cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal belongings, lost luggage, delays, personal liability and legal expenses. For backpackers and those doing extreme sports, make sure you choose a policy which will cover you when doing such activities.

Foreign currency

It is important to budget when away and research and planning before you go is always recommended. Give yourself a set amount to spend in each place you visit, ensuring that you don’t end up having no money left half way through your trip. As it’s a bad idea to carry a lot of cash on you, do make sure you do your research for the best options for your chosen destinations, considering the most favourable exchange rate options – travellers cheques, debit cards, pre-paid cards, and money transfers are just a few preferred options among travellers.

Travel necessities

Packing before you go can be difficult. Foreseeing exactly what you need and anticipating weather conditions is almost impossible but planning is key. If you’re travelling to remote and rural destinations, it is likely that you won’t have easy access to necessities such as medicines, sun cream, insect repellent. The best thing is to make a checklist of the things you are likely to need and won’t be able to find. For backpackers, make sure you invest in a durable yet comfortable backpack and appropriate footwear.

Why not volunteer in a destination under the rays of spectacular sun and warmth? The warm breeze, the white sands and the deep azul of tropical waters paint the perfect sunset over the Caribbean.

Make a lifetime memory this holiday and volunteer in Cuba!

As a savvy traveler, I must let you in on a little secret! I always book my airport parking in advance to save a ton of money. This convenient service is the best way to avoid expensive airport taxi fees before ever leaving home. Check out the fantastic rewards of Stansted parking or Heathrow airport parking today.

Embark on an adventure into the tropical Caribbean, where you are sure to make a difference through volunteer efforts. The amazing land of Cuba holds a recent history of strife marked by the Cuban Revolution that turned the local region upside down. There’s much to be learned from such a grand change, and you can share your experience and culture with this island once isolated from its neighbors in North America. There are many options for volunteering in Cuba, but one great way to explore the depths of the Cubanos most prominent struggles is with the volunteer work projects offered by Global Aware. This amazing program includes your accommodations, meals and offers a chance to travel the area and see the most amazing sights of Cuba. You will be stunned by the fruit trees growing bananas, pineapples and oranges that paint the picture of the Garden of Eden in the minds of past travel volunteers, and even better, it’s all organic! This chance to learn about the local culture is certainly tantalizing, so don’t miss out on a chance to experience a culture with farmers at peace with the animals and earth. Cuba could not be a better location for a day at the beach, so be sure to take advantage of the many locations of blue waters meets white sandy shores. If you are like me, you will find that this island is a true paradise.

If you have an interest in learning about the Cuban culture alongside the Spanish language, I highly recommend the Cuba Solidarity Campaign or the Solidarity Brigades volunteer opportunities in Cuba. With this volunteer trip, you will get a chance to discover the ‘real Cuba’ and experience the Cuban Revolution firsthand. In this program, you will attend educational and political talks with hot topics of recent history, and you will also be introduced to the changes that were implemented after the revolution with a visit to hospitals and schools. Entertainment is on the house, so take this chance to attend fantastic interactive seminars that will teach you to dance like a local! This volunteer program also allows you to visit the nearby landmark sites of historic and cultural value and see performances found at one of the top ballet schools in the world, the National Ballet in Havana.

Havana is a special place that is sure to intrigue the mind, so head over to the Museum of Revolution to get all the facts that exhibit the Cuban perspective. This grand museum is located in the historic Old Havana and can be found within the former Presidential Palace. Once the home to Cuban leaders of the past, this informative museum holds the key to the revolution with many fantastic displays of war machines with the most famous being, the Granma. This yacht is the very vessel is the one that carried Fidel Castro and Che Guevara back to Cuba when they stormed the palace to overthrow the President. Notice the bullet holes that still dot the walls within the many chambers of the Museo de la Revolución. Now is a better time than any ever to embark on a grand adventure to Cuba, as the May Day festivals are just around the corner. You won’t want to miss out on the celebrations held in Havana that complete this volunteer holiday with fantastic excitement!

Let the fantastic journey begin in Cuba!

There’s a cruise to suit every kind of traveller, and picking the right one is the key to getting the most out of your holiday. Many people are drawn in by the idea of an adventure and expedition cruise, however it may not be the best choice for you. Being well prepared and researching your cruise ship and destinations will give you more of an idea so you can make the best decision for your circumstances. Here are a few important things to consider when deciding if adventure and expedition cruising is right for you.

What is Adventure and Expedition Cruising?

These specialised cruises are tailored to suit the adventurous traveller. If you want to explore remote destinations and go where other cruise liners won’t, then this kind of cruising could be perfect for you. The boats are much smaller, usually with a maximum capacity of 500 people. These small vessels are perfectly suited to navigating shallow and narrow water where the larger luxury liners simply can’t go.

There is a definite emphasis on nature, with most of the destinations having little to no tourist infrastructure. Your cruise ship staff is often comprised of qualified lecturers and environmental experts who can give you in depth information about the unique places that you’re going to be exploring.

Considering Comfort

Adventure and expedition cruises are focussed more on the destination than on the cruising experience, and as such the vessels are designed more for function than for luxury. You will still enjoy gourmet meals and have access to top class medical facilities, however the accommodation tends more towards bunk style sleeping quarters.

Gauge Your Fitness Levels

With this style of cruising, there are extensive port activities scheduled, often with several disembarkations in a day. Depending on the itinerary, you can expect to participate in hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and other dynamic activities. To truly get the most out of your expedition cruise, aim to have a moderate level of fitness before you leave so that you can participate fully in all of the shore excursions.

Do Your Research

One of the most important things to do is thoroughly research the cruises that you’re interested in. These cruises can range from intense Antarctic expeditions to less ambitions explorations of pristine natural environments, and the vessels can be vastly different for each. It’s essential to spend some time to get to know your cruise ship, what facilities are available, where you’ll be stopping along the way and what shore excursions you’ll be participating in. Once you have a good idea of what’s involved, you can make an informed decision as to whether this style of cruising will be right for you.

Going on an adventure or exhibition cruise is totally different to your normal luxury cruise experience. It’s important to be able to recognise these differences, then decide which cruise you would get the most enjoyment from. If you want to combine a bit of the two, consider trips such as Fiji Adventure cruises on the Pacific Dawn. You’ll get to explore this stunning destination without having to sacrifice the 4 star luxury that the ship is famous for. If you want something that’s a little more ‘back to basics’, you’ll simply love an adventure and expedition cruise.

One of the most exciting ways to experience Barcelona is to witness their grand festivals. The history of the city creates a merging of pagan rituals of the past with the strong sense of religion of today, resulting in these wonderful celebrations that sometimes go on for days. The range of festivals that Barcelona boasts of includes cultural festivals, religious festivals, art festivals and even music festivals. If you’re planning to visit whilst one of these festivals is on you’ll need to find where to stay in Barcelona carefully to ensure you get a good location.

Here is a list of some of Barcelona’s best festivals that you should try to see.

Flickr: JauraDeArdilla

Festes de la Merce

This week-long event in honor of the patron saint of the city, Our Lady of Mercy, opens with giants, dragons and cap grosses in the Plaça Sant Jaume. It’s followed by more than 600 events including sardanes and correfocs (a tamer version for children, followed by the biggest and wildest of the year on the Saturday night). Further highlights include dazzling fireworks displays, free concerts, a seafront air show, sporting events including a swim across the port and a regatta, and a heap of activities for children and even some processions of wooden giants. Furthermore, if you like food then you would truly enjoy the Cava that is served throughout this festival in large quantities. Religions ceremonies and pagan rituals coincide during this time harmoniously.

Fira de Santa Llucia

Fira de Santa Llucia is held just before the Christmas period and is characterized by different types of Christmas related items being sold in front of churches and cathedrals. As the name suggests, the festival is held in the name of Santa Llucia who is considered to be the patron saint for fashion designers and the partially sighted. While different types of items are sold such as wooden pieces, sculptures and moss, the majority of these are related to the formation of nativity scenes.

Monegros Desert Festival

The Monegros Desert Festival is a festival for music aficionados. It is one of the largest music festivals held in Barcelona at any time of the year. The festival is held 200 kms from Barcelona in the desert of Fraga and usually draws over 40,000 people. The festival is held in the month of July.  Every year it showcases some of the best electronic music on the continent, with DJs of all sub genres performing nonstop for a period of 20 hours.

Carnival Festival

The city drops everything for this last big hurrah of overeating, overdrinking and underdressing prior to Lent. The celebrations begin on Dijous Gras (Mardi Gras) with the appearance of potbellied King Carnestoltes – the masked personification of the carnival spirit – followed by the grand weekend parade, masked balls, fartaneres (neighbourhood feasts, typically with lots of pork), food fights and a giant botifarrada (sausage barbecue) on La Rambla, with most of the kids and market traders in fancy dress.

Setmana Santa (Holy Week)

Easter for Catalans is a relatively sober event, with none of the ceremony embraced by their southern cousins. The main event is the blessing of the palms on diumenge de rams (Palm Sunday). Crowds rush into the cathedral clutching lightened palm fronds bought from stalls around the city; these are then used to bring luck to households. On Good Friday, a series of small processions and blessings take place in front of the cathedral. On Easter Sunday, Godparents hand out the money: chocolate confections, more elaborate than humble Easter eggs.

La Diada de Sant Jordi

The Day of Lovers to the local, a combined celebration of Valentine’s Day and the death of two of literature’s greatest men, Cervantes and Shakespeare. The main event of the day is the exchange of gifts between couples. Barcelona’s favorite street, Las Ramblas, becomes a massive market selling books and flowers. The men give women a rose and in return, receive a book in tribute to the two writers who both died on this day in 1616.

Flickr: T de Teatre

Festival del Grec

Grec Festival de Barcelona, one the most important events in Barcelona’s cultural calendar, takes over the city. With over 60 music, theatre and dance shows taking place in over 26 venues, you can be sure there will be something to suit your tastes.

New Year’s Eve

In Spain, New Year is a huge celebration in bars, restaurants and on the streets, and tends to be a time for family dinners, with most people emerging to party after midnight, but there is always a group of revelers to be found in Plaça Catalunya. The drill is to wear red underwear for luck in the coming year, and to eat 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock, at midnight. It’s harder than you’d think, and tinned, pre-peeled versions are available. During the day, look out for L’Home dels Nassos, the man who has as many noses as days the year has left (it being the last day, the sly old fox has only one) who parades and throws sweets to the children.

One of the best ways to enjoy the wonder that is the city of Barcelona is to attend some of its festivals. Have you done any of these festivals?

Candice Walsh is self-proclaimed Professional Experience Collector and inventor of job titles that don’t make much sense. She’s an editor at Matador Network and the MatadorU Lead Writing Faculty. Check out her blog, Candice Does The World.

Where did you go and how old were you when you lost your backpacking virginity?

I was 21, and I studied in England while jumping off to other countries on the weekend. My flight to England was the first time I had ever left my home province, and my first time ever flying. Bit of a late bloomer, really.

What one thing have you seen on your travels that’s blown your mind?

Machu Picchu, Peru. The energy there made my whole body vibrate. I remember standing on a rocky ledge overlooking the site, and bawling my eyes out when the clouds parted and the whole place opened up to me. I mean, I cry over a lot of stupid shit, like being too hot in Montreal. Today I cried over my book being eaten by the dog. But Machu Picchu…Machu Picchu made me cry the hardest.

What is the most epic bus journey you’ve experienced?

A bus I took once from my hometown to my current town of St. John’s. It’s a quick drive, but I somehow ended up next to a guy who didn’t shut up. I had my earphones plugged in hoping he’d ignore me, but nope. Hours upon hours of endless chatter about nothing in particular.

I bet you were expecting a 85 hour bus ride through Argentina or something, right? Damn.

Fear Factor: Would you rather jump off a building or eat something really nasty?

I’d rather eat something nasty. Unless it has eight legs or more, or squirts ink. Then maybe I’d consider the building thing.

Even on a budget we all have a luxury vice, what’s yours?

A fancy hotel room every now and then. I value my sleep above all, and I really suck at it. If I don’t get some good shut-eye, I’m a goddamned wreck. You should see the bags under my eyes.

What book are you planning on taking with you on your next journey?

I have Wayne Johnston’s “The Custodian of Paradise” with me right now. He writes a lot of historical fiction about Newfoundland, and he’s my favourite author. I want to be him.

In your opinion, what do you think is the sexiest nation?

I totally have the hots for Russians. That no bullshit attitude and all those flashy guns makes me melt.

What do you look for in a travel destination? Good food, warm sand, blue seas? If you’re a kiteboarder, you’re mainly in search of something other travellers go out of their way to avoid: high winds. Gales? Fantastic. Cold air roaring up from the Antarctic? Bring it on. The great thing about kiteboarding is that it sends you to places you might not have considered otherwise – because who in their right mind would go somewhere windy?

How do you find the right places for your kiteboard? It’s not quite as simple as combining fast-moving air with wide stretches of water. Each kiteboarding destination has its own quirks, from the enormous differences between lake, lagoon and sea water to the varieties of wind type according to their source. Take the wind hitting Tarifa, a town on the coast of Andalusia – as the air funnels between Africa and Spain, it accelerates and dramatically grows in strength. Variations in air density and temperature can also change conditions significantly.

I’m no expert – in fact I’m only a beginner – but I’ve already had the opportunity to visit 4 major kiteboarding spots in 3 different countries, and each had a unique feel and required a subtly different set of skills. There’s also the travel aspect to consider – if you get a buzz from throwing yourself into different cultures and environments, the more places you go kiteboarding, the more fun you’ll have and the more you’ll learn about the world.

Here are my four favourite places to date.

1. El Gouna, Egypt

This was where I was tested the water with kiteboarding, taking a few lessons in this resort town next to the Red Sea. El Gouna is traditionally famous for its scuba diving, but the year-round winds combined with baking warmth have recently turned it into a kiting hotspot. El Gouna offers access to miles of desert landscape, studded with lagoons containing the coral reefs that have attracted so many scuba enthusiasts. It’s a place of golden sunsets and stunning desert beauty, reflected and enhanced by the golden shades of the town’s unique architecture…

Of the many kite schools on offer, I chose to receive my lessons from Red Sea Zone

2. Tulum Beach, Mexico

Tulum is a beach on the Yucatán Peninsula, much beloved by tourists for obvious reasons – it’s beautiful, easy to get around, and combines unspoilt beaches with a tropical climate and plenty to see nearby (including Mayan ruins). By happy circumstance I woke up in my Cabana to find I’d accommodated myself next to a kite school. Extreme Control kite school is in a picture-postcard location on the beach, bordered by turquoise water and palm trees. It’s not as flat as El Gouna, and offers a different variety of surf suited to more experienced kiters – so if you approach it as a beginner, you’ll acquire the skills to kite pretty much anywhere in the world. I learned a lot at Tulum Beach – mainly from the comfort of a hammock, watching how the professionals did it.

3. Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town offers one of the most exciting kiting experiences in the world, thanks to its fierce winds (including the southeasterly summer wind nicknamed the “Cape Doctor”) and some spectacular surf. These environmental factors have turned it into a playground for advanced kiteboarding athletes and champions of the kiteboarding world. Big Bay is where the heart of the action is – long golden-sanded beaches pummelled by strong winds – and it’s not really or beginners unless they’re there under strict supervision. If you can brave the fierce conditions, Big Bay offers one of the most spectacular views of Table Mountain you’ll find in the area.

Drive further up the Cape’s west coast and you’ll find Langebaan – a small town with a distinctly Greek / Mediterranean climate including almost year-round sunshine. As you might have guessed, it’s also excitingly windy. Its turquoise waters are flanked by mountains covered in fynbos, the area’s heathland vegetation that relies on fire to propagate. Langebaan offers kiteboarding opportunities for advanced riders, but thanks to a sheltered area known as Shark Bay (don’t worry, they’re not that kind of shark), it also caters for beginners – and offers everyone spellbinding African sunsets comparable to those seen at Big Bay. There are plenty of kite schools in Langebaan, I did a safety lesson with Windchasers  before hitting the lagoon.

Written by Lezaan Roos

Disclosure: Thanks to Skyscanner who’d sponsored my flight from London to Cape Town to experience the excitement that the Cape Town has to offer.

Provided there is a swell to be had from the south, the popular Portuguese resort of Faro can be a fantastic place to pull on your wetsuit for a spot of surfing. Reached easily on flights from across Europe, Faro can be the perfect base for a relaxing holiday, with the bonus of as many memorable surfing sessions as you can handle!

Flickr: hungrybrowser

Situated on the Algarve section of the Portuguese coast, there are plenty of beaches to choose from in Faro, all of which can be accessed easily from the airport. The beaches in Faro reach from Saint Vincent Cape all the way to the border with Spain, although it’s worth remembering that the winds at Saint Vincent Cape can be unpredictable.

What’s more, Faro airport is served by many low-cost airlines, making a surfing holiday great value, especially if you’re already a surfer and don’t require tuition when you arrive. However, if you do, there are lots of surf camps and surf schools in the area, which reflects the sheer quality of waves that are to be caught along the coast. The Algarve Surfing School offers lessons, surf camps and surf trips, as well as providing hostel accommodation in the popular surfers’ town of Sagres, as well as in Lagos, which is a favourite of backpackers. The Algarve Surf School can also arrange transfers from Faro airport.

A Wide Variety

For more variety in outdoor activities, Algarve Watersport takes advantage of the afternoon Portuguese winds to teach kitesurfing and windsurfing, as well as offering traditional surfing lessons and camps, plus there are facilities for wakeboarders too. Faro airport is a mere hour and a quarter away, and airlines like Jet2.com make it easy to find cheap flights here. Cheap flights to Faro leave the UK in the morning, meaning that you could be settled on a Portuguese beach, or indeed hitting the waves, by the afternoon.

Flickr: Amiro

One of the main attractions of Faro for surfers is that there tends to be less crowding on the Portuguese beaches than at other popular Mediterranean surf destinations. While waves don’t generally reach the lofty heights of many of those other favourite surf spots, you might be surprised to learn that the biggest wave ever surfed in history, which topped out at 90 feet high, was recorded on the Faro coast!

Not only that but the vibe is laid back, and as surfing in Faro is best between autumn and spring, the towns themselves can be found to be quieter too. In addition, because the various beaches – Barriga, Beliche, Castelejo, Mareta, Telheiro to name but a few – are relatively close to each other, it’s easily possibly to hire a car and drive from one to another, to take advantage of the best of what the various locations have to offer.

Once your surfing is done for the day, there are dozens of chic bars and restaurants at which to kick back, unwind and recount your stories from the day. Mareta has some fantastic restaurants that overlook the beach, whereas Amada Beach and its beach bars are a favourite hangout for surfers.

So, what are you doing tomorrow afternoon? Why not grab your board and discover why thousands of surfers, of all abilities, flock to Faro every year!

North America is a vast continent, with many fascinating places to visit and things to see and do. For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the continent, here are a few places that will amaze and astound the senses!

Niagara Falls

It’s hard to imagine the sheer scale of North America’s most powerful waterfalls until you can see them in person. Approximately six million cubic feet of water comes rushing down over these falls every minute, which would fill almost 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools. While you are here, you can take a jet boat tour that will whiz you though exhilarating white water on the Niagara River or take the behind-the-falls tour to get up close to the waterfall’s powerful spray.

Redwood National Park

Located along the coast of Northern California, the Redwoods National Forest includes the national park that spans 60 km off the coastline. The amazing redwood trees here are the tallest trees in the world. Within this lush West Coast forest setting you might also spot a bald eagle, northern spotted owl, Steller’s sea lions and brown pelicans.

Volcanoes National Park

The island of Hawaii sits within the “Rim of Fire” and Volcanoes National Park is one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. It is home to Kilauea, a fiery and active volcano, as well as Mauna Loa, which is the largest volcano in the world with a height of 4,168 metres. To watch these mountains of fire sizzle and spit out smoke is a truly fascinating experience.

Great Salt Lake

This is the largest saltwater body of water in the entire Western Hemisphere. Located in Utah, it is an enormous salty lake that stretches for more than 4,000 square kilometres. It was originally thought to be an extension of the Pacific Ocean because of its enormous size.

Death Valley

Death Valley is a ruggedly beautiful desert landscape and it is the hottest, lowest and driest spot in North America, located within the Mojave Desert of eastern California. This spot is famous for being the site of the highest reported air temperature on earth: 134 degrees Celsius on 10 July 1913. Death Valley is also known for its role in the California Gold Rush, as gold prospectors had to cross the valley on their way to the gold fields. (Although, only one death was recorded during this time.)

City of Rocks

This destination is very popular with rock climbers and it is believed that these rock formations are more than 2.5 billion years old. The City of Rocks is also known for having some of the most difficult climbing routes in the USA. This state park is located just north of the border between Idaho and Utah, and if you look carefully you might even find the names of early California Trail wagon train emigrants written on the rocks.

The Lost Sea

The Lost Sea is the second largest underground lake in the world and it is part of the Craighead Caverns system, located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. The surface of the lake that is visible measures 4.5 acres and cave divers have explored extensively without reaching the end of the cave. In 1939, the remains of the Pleistocene jaguar were found within the cave. There are boat tours of the subterranean lake given which show visitors not only the Lost Sea but also the stalagmites, crystals and the waterfall within the caverns.

Thousand Islands

This scenic archipelago in the St. Lawrence River, Ontario, is actually home to 1,793 islands and each one is more beautiful than the last. As you cruise through this beautiful setting you will see all the island cottages perched on their rocky outcrops and holiday-goers relaxing on their boats. It is particularly stunning in the fall when the leaves put on a stunning red, orange and yellow show.

Western Brook Pond

This stunning fjord is located in rugged and beautiful Gros Morne National park, on the isolated east coast island of Newfoundland, Canada. The lake was carved out by glaciers and it is surrounded by dramatic 600-metre steep rock walls. This pristine lake has had very little impact from humans and can be seen via one of the two tour boats that cruise the lake from June to October. The tour boat operators had to undertake special training to ensure that they had minimal impact on the environment.

These are just a few of the most stunning natural wonders that will blow your mind in North America, so why not get out there and start exploring?

About the Author: Geoff Lambert is a freelance travel writer and extreme sports enthusiast who is fascinated by rocks, mountains, caves and other impressive geological wonders. Whenever he gets the travel itch, he knows he can search here for cheap flights.

We caught up with Hannah, a 32 year old graphic designer from Brighton on a RTW adventure!

Where is your favourite beach in the world?

Palolem Beach in Goa. I love it for as many reasons as it has grains of sand; the women wading in the shallows in their beautiful saris; the cows wandering calmly along the shore; the fruit sellers with their bright yellow mangoes warmed by the sun. It’s a magical place, and I leave a piece of my soul there for safe-keeping. It’s also the place where I met my partner Lee, a Scotsman who I laughed at for wearing a kilt on the beach. I guess he got the last laugh in the end.

Do you prefer to travel solo or with a friend?

Though I have had many incredible and life changing experience whilst travelling solo, I am definitely a traveller who likes company. I think it encourages you to see the world through other people’s eyes, and helps you to think outside of yourself, and engage with the world in a different way. It makes me a more patient and understanding traveller.

What is the most epic bus journey you’ve experienced?

My partner Lee and I took an overnight bus from Goa to Hampi that was supposed to take 6 hours, but ended up taking 18 due to the longest traffic jam I have ever seen. There was no air conditioning, and the toilet consisted of a Pringles tube and an open window. Despite this, we had a great time getting to know the other travellers on board, playing cards and sharing travel stories. We got on so well with one couple that we ended up travelling with them for the rest of their time in India. I love how travel can change your view on things like that; what seems like a disaster at first can turn out to be the best part of your journey.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

I think the most adventurous thing I have done is believe in my dreams, and have the courage to make them come true. Two and a half years ago I decided I wanted to travel the world indefinitely, and worked 80+ hours a week to make this happen, clearing £15,000 ($24,000 USD) in debt, building the same amount in savings, and starting a blog to document my journey. I sold everything I owned, quit my job and headed off to start a new life with my partner out on the road.

If you had to travel with a celebrity who would it be and why?

Sir David Attenborough, because he’s Sir David Attenborough. I’d get him to narrate all my travel videos.

What camera do you take travelling with you and why?

I used to swear by my iPhone for taking the best photos, but sadly this was stolen earlier this year in Goa. Now I have a Canon S100, which is a great little camera that I am slowly learning to master. I still miss my iPhone though, and hope to replace it at some point.

In your opinion, what do you think is the sexiest nation?

I guess I will have to say the British!

Hannah is a 33-year-old traveller, writer and truth seeker. Having paid off her debt, sold everything she owned and quit her job, she embarked on an indefinite RTW adventure with her boyfriend Lee, in pursuit of a life less ordinary.

· Blog: http://furtherbound.com/

· Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/furtherbound/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furtherbound

The build-up to your gap year abroad is usually characterised by a volatile mix of crippling nerves, dizzying euphoria and blind panic.

But along with the brain-meltingly bewildering experiences of planning your trip comes the more mundane stuff that still needs sorting out. Things like travel insurance. Health checks. Work visas.

Among the less rock’n’roll things you need to get sorted is protection against cyber threats. If you’re like most gappers you’ve probably spent more time worrying about getting infected with viruses from humans than computers on your gap year, but this is something you really do need to guard against.

When you’re backpacking around New Zealand with your netbook or laptop, surfing the web from a hostel in Mumbai or using an internet cafe in downtime La Paz, you’re probably exposing yourself to more risks than you would back home.

Seriously, it’s a bit of a minefield.

So what can you do to avoid getting hacked in Hungary? How can you avoid downloading malware in Malawi? How can you avoid getting phished in the Philippines?

It’s easy. Just read our Gap Year Guide to Internet Safety Abroad and you should be fine…

Before You Go

If you’re planning to take a netbook or laptop on your gap year, the first thing you should do is go on a sensitive data removal spree; get rid of any private information stored on your device that doesn’t need to be there – stuff like online banking info, credit card numbers, blog login details and social media passwords.

Next, run a virus check to make sure your device is clean. Buy the top virus protection package you can. Alternatively, if you’re a backpacker on a budget, make sure you install the best free antivirus software you can.

Make sure you also install a firewall on your computer. Get it set up and ready to roll. Then ensure you save a portable internet browser – like Google Chrome Portable or Firefox Portable – onto a USB drive/memory stick. Try to only use this when using the internet on a public computer.

Be certain to password protect all of your electronic devices with strong (and different) passwords that use a combination of numbers, symbols and upper/lower case letters. There are actually whole guides online dedicated solely to the topic of creating less-hackable passwords.

Obviously, if you’re reading this guide it’s more likely that your device won’t fall victim to a digital nasty. But be sure to back-up your data onto a hard drive before you set off so you don’t lose everything if your device does get infected.

On the Road

Once you hit the backpacker trail you’ll probably want to fire up your laptop to start blogging and telling your friends on Facebook about your trip.

But before using Wi-Fi connections check the Wi-Fi account name and be certain that the network is encrypted. Cyber crims have been known to set up fake Wi-Fi accounts that can give them easy access to a device’s information – even credit card details if you’re asked to pay for the Wi-Fi.

Try to avoid letting anyone use your devices or connect to them with a USB or portable device – scammers have been known to install viruses and other nasty malware using this method.

Beware of pop-ups when you go online. Many gappers get targeted in backpacker hostels when they connect to the web. How? A pop-up window appears telling them that they need to update a familiar software programme.

If you click on this, malware is installed on your device which can monitor all your in-device activity. The malicious software can even activate your webcam! Basically, don’t ever click on a pop-up, even to close it – instead just ‘force quit’ the browser.

Don’t fall into bad habits while you’re away – try to run regular scans for viruses when you have a strong and sustainable Wi-Fi connection.

Sharing the Web

Of course, not everyone takes a netbook/laptop with them on their gap year, and sometimes you just end up using public computers. Internet cafes have been around for decades (well, two) and have helped millions of gappers stay in touch with the news and memes from back home.

But internet cafes can be a hotbed of digital pitfalls! In addition to viruses, a known tactic on public computers is the installation of something called ‘key logging’ software. Essentially, these are malicious programmes that record everything that’s typed in by the user – potentially providing hackers with all the logins to your email, blog, social networks and banking profile. Bad times.

What can you do to avoid this? Circumvent the internet cafe or backpacker hostel computer’s browser by using a portable internet browser (remember this from earlier?).

If you have to use a public computer make sure you confirm with the owner that the computers have the most up-to-date anti-virus/anti-spam/anti-everything software. Never enter any sensitive/personal info, open a new browser to go online, use Gmail for your email (as all the information is encrypted) and make sure you sign out of every secure website manually.

When you’re finishing your online session, it’s also a good idea to clear the browser’s history menu, cache and cookies.

Getting Back Home

In the same way that you could have easily picked up a human virus from a ‘romantic’ encounter in Sydney after one too many fizzy pops and not know it, your computer could easily have picked up a cyber virus without displaying any obvious symptoms.

Once you’re back home it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security. Don’t. The best thing you can do post-gap year is to assume that you have picked up some dirty trojan or rogueware and run a full check. Do the complete virus scan before your start saving personal data on your device again.

This might all sound a little paranoid. You might even decide you’re better off not taking any electronic device with you at all!

But in reality all this boils down to is just being sensible. Travelling is amazing, but obviously it opens you up to risks you wouldn’t face back home. All you need to do is use your common sense – plus a few techie tips – and you should be fine!

So you have just left school, A Level certificates in hand (or framed in a safe place) and you’re either off to University or preparing to embark on your travel journey for X amount of months before deciding about University or job prospects. Congratulations, you are now about to step into the next chapter of your life.

Gap Year Before University

Deciding to take a year out after school and potentially before University is a courageous and exciting choice to make. Whether you plan to travel Europe, Asia, Australia or maybe parts of Africa, be sure to feel confident that upon your return you will feel refreshed with a bag load of memories, souvenirs and most likely a changed view on an array of aspects of life. There are solid reasons why taking a gap year to go travelling before University is an ever popular choice. It could be to see the world while you’re young, detached and carefree, and through being financially able to do and having the time to do so before securing a contracted job. It could similarly be to help you feel more confident as an individual, an adult, and someone who can take care of themselves while enjoying travelling and experiencing a range of cultures and beautiful sights.

Likewise, your travel intentions could take you to volunteer for 3-6 months with various charities, helping to build stable and worthwhile pillars of communities that really need the extra help. Not only do you get to take satisfaction, memories and sheer pride in humanity by working with a charity, be it teaching, coaching sport, or manual labour such as helping to create buildings that will later become schools, but you leave a legacy behind you when it is eventually time to return home. Who would not want that?

Gap Year After University

A great deal of people do not feel that, at 18, they are comfortably secure in venturing out into the ‘big wide world’, be it alone or even in a group. Where decisions such as friends not sharing the same passion for travel, or not having money, leaving a person alone in their quest for culture weight heavily down on the individual, sometimes the logical answer is to wait until after University.

In my opinion, travel does not have a time limit on it, if you feel ready to take a gap year after three or four intense years of studying and student life, then by all means you should follow it. The rush to find a job and get settled is intensifying annually, but realistically post-university is a good time to take the opportunity to go and see some more of the world that you desire. A lot of the time students feel they need the years at University to teach them how to be completely independent, and competent to stand on their own two feet. Not just by being able to wash clothes without staining the whole load pink, but by feeling reassured that (often) living away from home is not as daunting as it first appears. If you can make a life in a new part of the country as many students do, the same applies to another part of the globe.

Studying at University can help fuel the desire to travel and explore, while making new friends that potentially could feel the same. Not only could you find more about yourself as a person and your travel interests, but your new best friend from your halls could be your future travel companion. Like I say, there is no travel-by- date when it comes to being a student.

Whether you feel ready at 18 or need a bit more time to decide your intentions with your gap year abroad, the main thing is do not rush, and certainly do not panic. You know your gut instinct, and I know that at 18 I was not ready to take a Gap Year, I needed to go straight into the academic world of University where development does not just stop at academic strengthening but with you as a person.

Gap Years are going to change your life whether you take one before University or hopefully, going well, like me, after University. The world is not going anywhere in the scheme of a couple of years, so all I can say is travellers, whoever you are, however old you are, I hope you have a fantastic experience on your year of travel, the world is certainly your oyster.

You’ll need some flights to get you started on your Gap Year. Check out Flights at http://www.studentflights.com.au for great deals and travel inspiration.

Written by GYE writer Clare Dyckhoff.