A top world-renowned Caribbean diving experience that all fanatics and first-timers of all ages will love is Stingray City.  Located in a series of shallow sandbars in the northwest corner of Grand Cayman’s North Sound, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.  On the hunt for scraps of food from local fishermen, thousands of stingrays are attracted to this natural channel in the barrier reef – making it a unique experience for divers who can pet, feed and play with them, as well as take some amazing holiday snaps of the stunning coral reefs and colourful marine life!  Stingrays are known as being curious creatures, so expect them to swim right up and around you – especially if you are carrying their favourite squid snacks!

J’ouvert is a large street party, which takes place during carnival festivities in the eastern Caribbean region. Meaning ‘dawn’ in French, this relatively unknown festival kicks off well before daybreak at an unsociable time of 4am, peaking a few hours after sunrise. However, this keeps it off the well-trodden tourist trail, unlike many of the other celebrations happen during carnival season.

This unique street party is celebrated on many islands, including Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and even in Notting Hill, as part of the carnival in London! Unlike most of the other Caribbean festivities, J’ouvert doesn’t go in for the usual feathers, sequins and conventional beauty of the carnival parades. It is in fact customary that no-one is left clean during J’ouvert, with revellers covering themselves in a choice of mud, paint or oil!

Carnival was first introduced to Trinidad by French settlers in 1783, a time of slavery. Banned from the masquerade balls of the French, the slaves would stage their own mini-carnivals in their backyards — using their own rituals and folklore, but also imitating and sometimes mocking their masters’ behavior. The dirt and the oil was used to hide party-goers faces and avoid them being recognised by their masters!

With many students around the UK collecting their A Level results today, it has been reported that a shortage in university spaces and an increase in applicants has led to many youngsters taking a year out to travel the world and look for other experiences – however a year out from education doesn’t need to be seen as a disaster, in fact it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain independence, explore some great tropical destinations, interact with people from different cultures and even try some new cuisines!

So for those looking to gain more from the ‘university of life’ in the next year and back pack in style, there’s no need to slum it as below are some of the most popular gap year destinations that offer top luxury resorts to relax, unwind and celebrate after a stressful exam period:

Sailing in the Caribbean
Take to the high seas and explore the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, which offers excellent sailing, diving and snorkelling.  Surrounded by stunning volcanic and coral islands, white sandy beaches, historic ports and colourful coral reefs, sailing around the Caribbean guarantees to be unique and unforgettable.  Whilst inland, the different islands offer bustling markets, fashionable restaurants and an easy going lifestyle – perfect for those looking to relax after the stress of revision and exams.

Trekking in Thailand
Thailand is a top destination for young travellers and is renowned for its wild Full Moon parties, amazing food and boat trips to paradise islands. Northern Thailand is also a hot spot for adventure seekers looking to explore the stunning mountainous terrain, waterfalls, wild rivers and jungles.  A wild recommended route to trek is between Bangkok and Chiangmai in Tak province, in a small remote valley called Umphang, which passes through the Umphang wildlife sanctuary where travellers can wander past free roaming elephants, leopards and tigers.  The trail also takes in the Tee Lor Su waterfall, which is said to be the most impressive in the country!

Multi-millionaire and worldwide superstar Robbie Williams might think his celebrity status means he can get away with a less-than-luxury honeymoon for his new wife Ayda Field, but for mere mortals wanting to impress their new wives, a tropical escape might be a more sensible option to ensure marital bliss ensues.

Robbie argues that he wants to show off his new wife to the UK and says, “Blackpool has so many happy memories for me.” In fact, he is so enamoured by his childhood holiday haunt that he’s even switching on this year’s illuminations! Until now Robbie has been more familiar with the finer things in life, including amazing holidays in Australia, Dubai, Egypt, LA and the Bahamas. Obviously married life has slowed this once party-animal down and finally made him want the simple life - but a word of warning to other husbands-to-be – you can only get away with it if your name’s Robbie Williams!

Sporty Kirsty Gallacher and her new husband, rugby ace Paul Sampson, love nothing more than a lazy lounge in the Caribbean – with their favourite islands being Barbados, Tobago and Grenada. According to the Daily Mail, what draws Kirsty back time and time again, is the pure luxury, the warm friendly people and the delicious cuisine. Whilst chilling out horizontally and gorging on rich and tasty Caribbean fare isn’t the first pastime you’d expect from such active celebs, Kirsty explains, “My husband is my personal trainer at home – so he gives me time off on holiday!” Although there are hundreds of resorts and hotels to choose from in the Caribbean, Kirsty’s favourite place to stay is the Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada. However the newlyweds actually went to St Lucia for their honeymoon in July – before the wedding, which took place last weekend!