The travelling encounter has steadily risen together with 2014 seeing a 25% rise in round-the-world paths, over the past decade. In authentic off-the-beaten-track destinations have been selected, with travel-seekers appearing to experience the genuine experiences possible.
STA have revealed that social media is an integral part in the booking of a gap year experience using many reporting on and gaining opinions. When asking why the travel market is expanding in such rapidness, managing director of youth and student travel company STA Travel, Glen Mintrim, put forth his concept: ‘The job market is still tough for young men and women in the united kingdom.
‘more and More are taking the opportunity to go off strengthen their CV with overseas work experience, and to expand their life and work experience.
‘we’ve seen a 10 per cent increase in earnings of Working Holiday Visas for Australia in comparison to last summer [2013], and 16 percent for New Zealand.’
David Chapman, director general for the World Youth Student and Education (WYSE) travel Confederation predicts “By 2020, 320 million international trips are anticipated to be made by youth travelers every year, a staggering 47 percent increase by 217 million in 2013.
We decided to catch up with a couple travellers to discover the appeal, exactly what they would recommend and whether the experience is what they believed it would be…
Melissa Parsons
Travelled for Six Months from October to April
Around Central America from Costa Rica around Mexico (Inc.. Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala) for 2 months. Then did Australia (Sydney to Cairns) and then Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia).
Where has been your favourite location?
I loved Guatemala and Mexico since they both have so much history and culture, in addition to beautiful scenery (notably in Antigua and Guatemala). Folks were really friendly and wonderful food!
Favourite thing about traveling?
Experiencing different cultures and meeting people that are different from all walks of life.
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t anticipate?
As I did, I did not expect to invest as much money even though Asia and Central America are quite inexpensive!
What were a few of your favourite moments?
Diving the Great Barrier Reef, volunteering with turtles in Costa Rica, (seeing the babies hatch!!) , sleeping beneath the stars on a sailing yacht, staying with a family that is Mayan, exploring Buddhist temples and Mayan ruins, climbing volcanoes!
Were there some hard moments:
Occasionally felt nostalgic (6 weeks is a very long time!) And getting sick away from home may be hard what with physicians talking different languages and there are not any creature comforts etc.. You could even encounter some individuals in hostels!
Tips for prospective travellers:
-Do not attempt to plan everything because spontaneity is fun but organise yourself so that you will fit in all of your must-see/dos.
-Be patient- at a lot of places things work quite differently to back home (e.g. public transportation running late is the norm).
-Attempt to go off the beaten trail and experience matters beyond the normal tourist attractions.
-Be respectful and open minded (e.g. wear proper clothes, learn a few important phrases).
Would you recommend it?
I would 100% advocate backpacking!
What did you take away from this encounter?
A whole lot of memories! I also learnt a lot about and also about myself. It was a very humbling experience to meet with folks who were content and happy.
Here are some of the Photo Highlights of Melissa:
Vanessa Tait
Travelled for Three Months from October to April
Around Hawaii staying with different local families along the way.
Where has been your favorite place?
That’s a tough one- it was so great! But likely the big islands Kealakekua bay shore, the gorgeous coral reefs in the minute you leap in. And browsing the aqua waters of beach. . A fantasy come true!
Favorite thing about traveling?
Immersing myself in new cultures and meeting new people everyday and just not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring.
Are there anything about travelling you did not anticipate?
I went travelling in my own and was so surprised at exactly how simple it was to make friends! 1 morning I hiked to the top of a mountain alone at 4am to see sunrise and along the way met some amazing individuals. I went up and ended up walking.
What were some of your favorite moments?
My moment for was swimming with wild spinner dolphins and swimming in the day in and day out.
Were there any difficult moments:
I didn’t encounter any difficult moments was going to bed! — Wasting adventure period!
Tips for prospective travellers:
-Don’t be scared to travel alone- it is among the things I have ever done!
Would you recommend it?
YES YES YES! And you and Hawaii have to visit, it’s truly the most beautiful, charming soulful and happiest place on earth.
What did you take away from the encounter?
I have become so much more of a more powerful and individual person with memories that I will cherish for life, that’s the most valuable thing. But I have now caught the “travellers bug” and can not wait to head off somewhere new!
Here are some of Vanessa’s Photo Highlights:
Connie Reed
Travelled for Six Months
Travelled all around Australia.
Where has been your favourite location?
My favourite place was the Whitsundays.
Favourite thing about traveling?
The best thing about travelling is using no cares in the world apart from getting yourself from A to observe these amazing places.
Was there anything about traveling you did not anticipate?
I didn’t expect travelling to become as stressful as it had been, it was amazing meeting new folks and visiting new places but finding places to stay, nevertheless would do it all over again though.
What were a few of your favorite moments?
Discovering new places and seeing beautiful Australia was!
Were there some difficult moments:
The only difficult moments was worrying about money and it was likely to last until you could get a job. So hints is to pre-arrange as far as possible and be prepared.
Can you recommend it?
Surely would recommend it, you only live once go travelling? I don’t know why folks would not wish to go its incredible.
What did you take away from this experience?
I learnt a lot about myself, how materialistic things aren’t important. Camping in our car was fundamental, but amazing waking up to kangaroos. There is much to appreciate on earth.
Here are some of Connie’s Photo Highlights:
Megan Byrne
Travelled for One Month
Travelled out of Florianopolis from the South of Brazil to the North East, Salvador.
Where has been your favourite location?
Itacaré, literally paradise
Favourite thing about traveling?
Discussing with people, getting off the tourist path and learning about different cultures/attitudes
Are there anything about traveling you did not anticipate?
I didn’t expect to feel at home in every place I went to, it had been really welcoming and although I was a ‘gringo’, I had been welcomed with open arms.
What were some of your favorite moments?
Seeing some kids play on the stairs next to my hostel. They were running up to the top of the staircase, sitting in cardboard boxes that were used and slipping all of the way down the staircase. The sound of their laughter is something I will remember forever.
Were there any difficult moments:
The toughest moment was once I cut my foot open at a stunning swimming pool in Paraty on some coral. We headed to Rio the day and have been a hike and three beaches away with no aid available. Carrying my backpack throughout the airport wasn’t simple, alongside the 5 hour wait in Rio’s A&E. (was pretty painful too)
Strategies for future Travellers
— Open your eyes to the culture and life around you.
Can you recommend it?
Absolutely. I learnt to not be set off by things you hear about the nation. I didn’t do my year abroad in Brazil because everyone (who had never been there) said the fact that it had been super dangerous. But like everywhere, no country should be off-limits due to a few individuals.
What did you take away from this experience?
I learnt a lot about myself, and about the world around me.
Here are some of Megan’s Photo Highlights:
Josh Sayers
Travelled for Four and a half a year
About Europe for three and a half months, then New Zealand for a month
Where was the favourite place?
Either Prague or Nice, they were both such beautiful places filled with culture also.
Favorite thing about traveling?
Meeting plenty of friends. We’ve had a number of the best experiences with people we’ve met and are sure we’re remain friends for a very long time.
Was there anything about traveling you didn’t expect?
I didn’t expect it to be sexy! It’s nice once you’re with pool or a beach but may be overbearing in a few of the towns. I didn’t think that it could be tough to eat!
What were some of your favorite moments?
Sailing the Greek Islands was a truly unforgettable moment.
Were there some hard moments:
I didn’t really experience anything difficult- I enjoyed it all and I budgeted!
Strategies for future travellers:
-Package lighter than you might imagine, and dont travel at the peak of summer!
-Always ask the locals.
-Do as much as you can and see just as much as possible!
Can you recommend it?
YES!
What did you take away from the encounter?
Pictures, a collection of where to go and friends!
Here are some of Josh’s Photo Highlights:
Image From:seeninthecity.co.uk
