2 . Gap Year Sailing Programs

A gap year spent sailing will show you more of the world than most people see in their whole lives. So hoist the anchor, throw off the bowlines, catch the following wind, and set sail on a voyage of discovery to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The beauty of a sailing gap year is that you don’t just visit a single place. These unique adventures can take you across oceans and whole regions to experience dozens of countries in a single gap year. Some programs combine several regions including the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, etc. while others stick to just one.

How much a sailing gap year costs varies greatly depending on the type of program and the length of the voyage. A program lasting a few weeks may cost S$ 5,000 or more. Months long adventures may be as much as $20.000, especially if they involve college credit or other coursework.

Visa requirements will vary depending on where your voyage takes you. Your program will inform you of which visas you’ll need. Make sure you obtain your visas well in advance.

Housing will consist of a berth (铺位) aboard your boat. Don’t expect anything fancy. You’ll likely have little more than a bed and a small storage locker in a two-or three-person cabin. Given the limited size of your living space, expect to stay close to your crewmates at all times with little real privacy.

Living aboard a ship means that you can’t always count on having medical facilities (设施) nearby. You may be asked to provide a note from your doctor confirming that you are in good health before being accepted into your program. Most programs include medical emergency insurance as part of their fees. See what it covers and what it doesn’t when making your decisions.

3 . Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful canals, top art museums, cycling culture and so on. It is the capital city of the Netherlands and often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its expansive system of bridges and canals. Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.

Must-See Attractions

Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre, which is full of traditional architecture, shopping centers, and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District, which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark. The top museums to visit there are the Rijksmusuem, the Ann Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.

If You Have Time

There are several other unique districts in Amsterdam, and you should try to explore as many of them as time allows. The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy home owners and is a center for celebrity spotting and nightlife today. The Plantage area has most of the city’s museums and the botanical gardens.

Money Saving Tips

●Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香) blooming, avoid booking between mid-March and mid-May. This is when hotel and flight prices rise.

●Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District, where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.

●Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.

●Instead of hiring a tour guide, hop on a canal boat. They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.

Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights, hotels, and rental cars before you book.

4 . Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, so wherever you are in Toronto, you’re bound to find yourself surrounded by shopping, dining and culture experiences unique to that specific area.

Toronto’s CN Tower

It’s one of the world’s tallest structures at 1,815 feet and the glassed-in elevators offer visitors a sense of just how high that is. In the tower’s 360 Restaurant, diners sit on a floor that performs a full cycle every 72 minutes, guaranteeing different views of the city with each bite of meal. Plus, if you order dishes at the restaurant, your entry to the CN Tower is free.

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel

It is one of Toronto’s oldest and most storied hotels. Since opening in 1929, it’s stood as one of the largest hotels in the British Commonwealth with 1,600 rooms. It’s also home to more than 300,000 bees, who live on the hotel’s rooftop and produce honey for the Fairmont Royal York’s dining facilities.

The Toronto Islands

North America’s largest urban car-free community offers plenty of green space and beaches for visitors of all ages. Those looking for exercise can explore the islands by bike while checking out the breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline; visit the rental facility near the Centre Island ferry dock.

St. Lawrence Market

Voted the world’s best food market in 2012, the St. Lawrence Market complex consists of two buildings. The north building plays host to weekly Saturday fanner’s markets, while in the south building, open every day except Sunday and Monday, meat, baked goods, jewelry…are on offer. One of Toronto’s most iconic (标志性的) breakfasts —the pea-meal bacon sandwich is considered a signature dish.

5 . The world’s craziest festivals

Crazy festivals all over the world are out there just waiting to be celebrated. Join Cornelia Kumfert on a trip to the most unusual events taking place around the globe.

Burning Man Festival

Every year in Nevada (US) there is artwork and curiosities galore to marvel at when the Black Rock Desert changes into a mammoth art exhibition.

In August and September, some 7,000 people come here to celebrate the Burning Man Festival.

San Diego Comic Con

Surely superheroes don’t queue? Well, at San Diego’s Comic Convention they do. Each July they open their dos to fans of Superman and other comic figures. More than 100,000 annual visitors have paid homage to their mythical heroes.

Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo

At the Crying Baby Festival in Tokyo (Japan), sumo wrestlers do what they can to bring babies to tears.

Sadists run riot? Certainly not! It’s a 400-year-old tradition based on a Japanese proverb, which says that crying babies grow fastest and parents believe the event brings good health to their children.

Palio Contest, Siena

Fame and honour await the winner of the Palio contest in Siena (Italy).

In July and August, ten inhabitants of different districts of the city jockey for first place in a spectacular horse race.

The trophy goes to the contestant whose horse crosses the finishing line first—whether he’s still in the saddle or not.

Yours,

Li Hua

8 . As one of the most adventurous places to visit in South America, Patagonia deserves some serious travel time. These are my top recommendations for backpacking in Patagonia:

●Patagonia is probably the safest part of South America. I’ve hitchhiked in Chile without problems and would thoroughly recommend this as a form of transport. (Get tips on hitchhiking in South America here.)

●Car hire is also an interesting and rewarding way of seeing Patagonia, although booking in advance during high season is again recommended. I recommend using Rental Cars and suggest you check out this complete guide to planning a Patagonia road trip for essential tips and tricks.

●The shoulder seasons, October — November and March — April, are far quieter and cheaper for backpacking in Patagonia. Accommodation and agencies in some towns are sometimes not running in October or April though.

●Bus schedules vary depending on the season and change year-to-year. Always visit the bus station when you get to a new place to confirm timings and buy tickets for the next leg of your journey. It’s also important to plan additional days into your Patagonia backpacking trip in case you can’t travel on the day you had initially intended. For more information about this subject, check out this detailed guide about getting to Patagonia.

●Self-catering is by far the best way of keeping costs down on these Patagonia backpacking trips. Where possible, I’ve highlighted the best places to stock up on food. I’ve also written in more detail about visiting Patagonia on a budget.

●However, crossing the border between Argentina and Chile, you cannot take fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese or meat. It will be confiscated and if you don’t own up to it (particularly when heading into Chile), you may be fined.

10 . Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Nature has shaped New Zealand with the beauty of a movie set. Few destinations boast so many natural wonders packed into such a small area. Here are the best attractions travelers can explore.

Kaikoura, South Island

Birders, wildlife and seafood enthusiasts will love the charming coastal village of Kaikoura. Between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura offers excellent coastal hikes and popular whale watching tours. In addition to whales, passengers may spot fur seals, dolphins and a wide variety of birds.

Queenstown, South Island

Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital. Bungee jumping, jet boating, rock climbing, mountain biking and downhill skiing are just some of the thrilling things to do here. In addition to the adventure sports, Queenstown offers all the comforts, with first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries and shops.

Rotorua, North Island

This is a land where the Earth speaks. Boiling mud pools, volcanic craters and steaming thermal springs(温泉) reveal the forces of New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. Visitors can take a walking tour of these geothermal wonders and bathe in the springs while visiting the interesting attractions to learn about the region’s rich Maori history and culture.

Bay of Islands, North Island

A three-hour drive north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. There are more than 144 islands on the bay, making it a perfect place for sailing. Penguins, dolphins, and whales live in these fertile waters, and the region is a popular sport-fishing spot. The odd towns in the area such as Russell, Opua and Paihia are great bases for exploring this scenic bay.