Beach Vacation

So you have decided to head out on a gap year but you are unsure what or how to pack. In this article, I will talk from experience, advising you on what to pack.

First things first, before you start packing for your expedition, you are going to need something to put everything in. The obvious and probably correct choice is a backpack. Backpacks are very easy to pack, unpack and transport. There are many different styles of backpack on the market so the best advice I can give you is go to your local adventure travel store and try a few out, make sure you get one that fits you properly especially if you are heading out for 6 months or so. You should also get one that you find visually appealing, after all, this will be also act as your wardrobe while you are away.

You probably have an idea of what things you "need" to take away with you on your gap year expedition. If you are female things like hair straighteners and hair dryers are probably on your list. Forget about these things! Right now, you may feel like you can't live without them but a couple of weeks into your expeditions your mind set will have changed and your daily routine will no longer require these things. I am not saying that personal hygene will go out the window. Far from it but you will learn, and enjoy, to live without these luxuries. They also take up a lot of space.

If you are going somewhere hot then I am 100% certain that you will over pack clothes. On my first expedition to Australia, I had convinced myself that I needed to take 3 pairs of jeans and a couple of jumpers. These are things that were staples of my life back home and I couldn't imagine not needing them. A week after I had arrived, 2 pairs of jeans and both jumpers had been thrown away and I was spending 95% of my time in board shorts and a t-shirt.

You are probably used to thick large towels, get yourself a hand towel for showering, it will take up much less space, is much lighter and will dry a lot quicker. The slight inconvenience caused by not being as comfy as you are used to when you get out the shower will quickly be forgotten as you experience all kinds of wonderful things on your gap year.

Footwear should also be cut right back on. The new friends you make while you are on your expedition will be in the exact same boat as you. You will have many great nights out without needing fancy footwear. Just bring a comfy pair of practical shoes and buy a cheap pair of flip flops if you are somewhere hot.

As you can see, I really do recommend taking less than you think you need. It may seem hard to do this but even when you have cut back I guarantee you will be throwing these burdens away when you land.

With world travellers being more driven than ever to discover new and fascinating destinations when flying abroad this year, the historic volcano city of Catania in Sicily is attracting international attention for its eclectic architecture and wealth of opportunities.

The history of Catania stretches back more than 2,700 years, since which time its ownership has passed through many distinct rulers. From the Ancient Greeks and Romans through to Spanish conquerors, each civilisation left its mark on the city that can still be seen in its diverse and well-preserved architecture. However, none of these occupiers could hope to match the impact of the 17th century eruption of Mount Etna and subsequent earthquake that devastated the city centre and led to its rebuilding in a distinctive baroque style.

With its unique fusion of architecture and jaw-dropping location at the foot of towering Etna, Catania is an unbeaten destination in Sicily for cultural visitors, and offers a radically different experience than tourist-oriented destinations such as Palermo or Syracuse.

From the Roman amphitheatre on Piazza Stesicoro to the Medieval Castello Ursino that houses the Civic Museum, many of Catania's ancient monuments are open to the public, and are well worth seeing on an edifying visit to the city. Catania's baroque city centre, the lively Piazza del Duomo, is recognised as a World Heritage Site and can easily be navigated on foot. Home to the famous Elephant Fountain, the Piazza del Duomo is also a gateway to the city's main shopping streets and entertainments.

Of course, a visit to Catania isn't all about looking to the past, and the city's large student population has led to it developing a vibrant nightlife, meaning visitors will find many opportunities for soak up the local culture on their trip to Sicily. The local cuisine is a major attraction in itself, whether visitors choose to sample the fine dining of restaurants near Ursino Castle or prefer to look after themselves by buying the best quality fresh fish at the Piazza Duomo market.

Visitors taking flights to Catania this spring and into the summer months can get the most out of the idyllic Mediterranean climate at its peak, as well as enjoy opportunities that aren't available in the colder months - such as taking a shuttle or private train to reach the summit of Mount Etna. Here, intrepid explorers can take in breathtaking views from the top of Europe's largest volcano, just don't let the pools of solidified lava fool you; Etna is popular with skiers even in the summer months, meaning visitors should be sure to wrap up warm.

Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.