Nuclear explosions, radiation and a mass evacuation -- an accident happened, and a tragic one at that, 26 years ago. For those familiar with the Chernobyl disaster that devastated inhabitants of Ukraine in 1986, you are well aware of the grave consequences of the explosion. To refresh your memory, the incident is widely considered to have been the worst nuclear power plant accident in history which spread over much of Western USSR and Europe. The battle to contain the contamination involved over 500,000 workers and cost an estimated 555 million dollars, crippling the Soviet economy.

But is Chernobyl ready to market itself as an extreme tourist spot?

With recent horror flick Chernobyl Diaries stirring up a newfound interest in the disaster site among viewers, Chernobyl is taking extreme tourism to entirely new levels. First opened to the general public for touring in 2011, Chernobyl-goers must take extra precaution before embarking on the not-for-the-faint-of-heart tour, signing multiple waivers and even undergoing intensive radiation scans prior to entering the disaster site.

On a typical tour of Chernobyl, extreme tourists will be able to see the infamous "dead town" of Pripyat, an abandoned nuclear reactor, and the "red forest" -- a forest of pine trees that have morphed from green to a shade of rust due to unnaturally high levels of radiation. Critics of Chernobyl tourism have commented that the attractions around the disaster zone promote insensitivity toward the tragic accident and its victims. However, their resistance has yet to deter throngs of extreme tourists who are intrigued by the radiation site month after month.

Are you an extreme tourist who looking for a new challenge? Read on for a few fast facts to know before you go:

- According to government officials, the radiation exposure levels are "negligible," since the time visitors are allowed to stay within the confines of Chernobyl are carefully regulated. Regardless, visitors should remain vigilant of the nature of the area.

- No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed outdoors while in Chernobyl.

- The "dead zone" refers to the most highly-reactive area within the power plant.

- An abandoned amusement park lies in the center of Pripyat, complete with a ferris wheel. Unsettling, no?

A journey to the center of Chernobyl and back seems like the perfect adventure for those crazy enough to take "extreme" to the next level. How many other travelers could say they have entered one of the most dangerous places in the world? Would you go? 

By Lindsay Shoemake, Contributing Author

Dances are an ancient form of expression and has been hugely important to cultures across the globe since prehistoric times. Dance has been (and still are) used for religious ceremonies, celebrations, (would a modern wedding be complete without the couple's first dance?) and storytelling, and are a staple at most festivals. The Native Americans danced to bring rain, and the Ancient Egyptians danced at funerals.Today, going dancing might just be a good way to blow off steam or letting loose, but feel the historical significance in your twinkle toes.

Flamenco

Flamenco dancers are easily spotted by their colorful, flowing dresses - usually red. The dramatic yet energetic dance form originates from the Andalusia region in southern Spain. Although often associated only with dancing, flamenco actually involves three parts - song, dance, and guitar playing. The form is thought to have influences in Gypsy and other cultures, and flamenco dancers wear Gypsy-style long dresses and shawls and sometimes have decorated fans. While flamenco is now associated with festivals, it began as a performance art in Spanish cafes around the 19^th century.

Irish Step Dance

Made popular by Riverdance and characterized by fast, tapping footwork, the Irish step is an important part of Irish culture. The step dance probably evolved along with traditional Irish music and might even have roots in the Celtic tribes that arrived in Ireland before the time of Christianity. In fact, it seems that surviving Celtic artwork influenced the elaborate costumes worn by Irish dancers. The Irish step dance is all about the feet - dancers keep their upper bodies deliberately stiff, which draws the spectators' eyes to the feet.  They wear either soft or hard shoes; hard shoes make noise against a stage and are used to add rhythm. Step dances are very graceful and light, and are performed either solo or in a group. The reel, slip jig, and jig are all types of Irish step. Today, Irish step is not just reserved for the Irish - there are many step competitions throughout the world.

Another popular Irish dance is called the ceili. The tradition of ceili dancing began in the 19th century by the Gaelic League with Ireland's long history of in-line dances or couple dancing at social gatherings to Irish folk music. Ceili dancers side-step on their toes in the direction that they are facing.

Tarantella

"Tarantella" is closely related to the Italian word for tarantula, "tarantola." This famous Italian folk dance is said to have come from an old Italian belief about the effects of a bite from a tarantula. To prevent poisoning from a bite, one had to perform frenzied dances. The tarantella is also thought to be a dance of courtship. The dance transformed over the centuries and is now popular at festivals and weddings, particularly in southern Italy. Dancers hold hands and move in a circle to fast-paced music, rotating directions, or the males kneel while women perform the steps first in place, then in a circle. Despite its strange origin, the tarantella is widely recognized today, and can be seen in the movie The Godfather.

Greek dancing

Greek dancing, a type of folk dance, is typical of weddings, religious and birthday celebrations, and in ancient times families danced to mourn the loss and victories of family members. Dance was used to tell stories and was regarded as one of the highest forms of art, necessary to truly appreciate ones culture. There are several Greek dances, each with characteristics of the island/region from which they originated. Generally, Greek dances like folk dance are done in a circular formation and involve the linking of arms and wrists with or without a handkerchief, and a formation based on seniority of family members. Though 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' does an exceptional job of portraying the intensity and liveliness of Greek celebratory dancing, true Greek dancing can last until the break of dawn - opa!

Polska 

Polska is the name given to the popular music and dance of the Nordic regions: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The traditional dance originated from the Polish courts' couple dances in the 16^th century. "Polska" means "Polish" in Swedish. Though each country has its own rendition of the polska, couple-turning fiddle harmonies and pivot steps characterize all of them. The polska dance has changed from its original and oldest rendition, the 'gammal' polska, to the popularized 'hambo' polska in the 19^th-century.

By Jessica Dysart and Andrea Gaggioni, Contributing Authors

Welcome to the world's weirdest airlines. Until recently, flyers could attest to standardized plane etiquette, and flying and safety procedures for most airlines. Any deviation was accredited to airline quality and flying class: first, business and coach. For better or for worse, airlines are making changes to differentiate themselves. Some airlines are taking a plunge toward unpredictable advertising, while others are keeping up with today's ever-changing technology.

Virgin Airlines goes wireless

"Please turn off all electronic devices before departure." That's not the first time flyers have heard that line, but it may be the last. At 35,000 feet, six Virgin Atlantic passengers at a time will be able to send and receive phone calls and texts.

This month, Virgin Atlantic kept passengers buzzing when the airline announced that cell phones could be used on the airline's new Airbus A330-300 planes. Though Virgin won't charge its passengers for the service, cell phone users will be charged international roaming rates by their cell phone carriers. Because the service was designed to use satellite connection, (initially) only passengers using cell phone providers Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile will obtain service. For some flyers, cell phone service may be the solution to delayed landing troubles, but others might find phone calls to be a nuisance in the small cabins.

Funny-business Kulula

While Virgin Atlantic has added cell phone usage to their services, Kulula has claimed the title of weirdest through it's comedy routine.

South African airline Kulula has made it their business to make passengers laugh. For starters, Kulula transformed their aircrafts sense of humor when they decided to hoist a "Flying 101" livery across the body of their newest aircraft model, Boeing 737-800. Their latest branding strategy doesn't stop there; the act includes an arrow-pointing instruction guide to different parts of the aircraft, such as "front door (our door is always open... unless we're at 41,000 feet)." If that doesn't make heads turn, flight attendants' comical one-liners are sure to leave you with a 'laughable' impression.

'Empty your wallets' Ryanair

Budget airlines Ryanair is notorious for its weird promotional materials and over-priced extras both on an off the plane.

 

Ryanair makes twenty percent of its revenue from sources other than ticket fares, which might explain the strict luggage and boarding regulations, not to mention their 'unique' services. The Advertising Standards Authority in Britain (ASA) recently banned Ryanair from the continued use of their all-too racy newspaper ads displaying flight attendants in lingerie. Onboard, Ryanair soon hopes to give passengers a run for their money as they offer porn on-demand through an in-flight entertainment application accessible from most handheld devices (be careful sitting next to those passengers). To top it all off, travelers who forget to print out their boarding pass before arriving at check-in can pay up to 90 euros.

 

Choose Your Seatmates by Facebook Profile on KLM

 

If you're wary of who you sit next to- screaming baby, obese man, worry no more, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Malaysia Air are now letting you choose your seatmates based on their facebook or linkedin profiles. The jury's still out as to whether "Meet & Seat" is exceptionally creepy or the next great dating site. Maybe you'll strike up a mile high love connection? Or forge the next great business deal?

 

What will they think of next?

By Andrea Gaggioni, Contributing Author

Those few weeks of vacation every year just doesn't seem to cut it in terms of quenching your thirst for adventure. There is another option that's becoming more and more popular with the 20 something set- to leave America completely and become an expatriate.  An expat is one who adopts residence in a new country. Sounds crazy right? It is certainly not for everyone, but think of the people you will meet, new territories you may discover and living a more meaningful life. They say knowledge is power and there is no better way to attain it then immersing yourself in different cultures and surroundings. An expat lifestyle creates a whole new definition of coming back different. 

Be Prepared

Whether you want to teach English abroad, start a virtual business or your company is deciding to send you overseas, you will need to prepare both mentally and physically.  However, do not get bogged down by the details. Half of the adventure is learning and adapting on the fly. Most importantly, understand some background information about the country such as cultural norms. Also, keep an open mind and a sense of humor. There will be many times when things become confusing or frustrating but when you figure it out on your own, it is that much more rewarding! 

Save Money and Eliminate Debt

Most people are afraid of long-term travel for financial reasons.  However, in some ways it can save you money and with the proper research, your travel experience does not have to break the bank. Thanks to the World Wide Web, there are several resources and tools to help you save money on the road.  Couchsurfing.org was created for travelers looking to crash for free. Basically, the site is a social networking tool for travelers and people willing to host them. Couch surfing goes beyond a place to stay however. It gives you a chance to learn from locals and visit the 'off the beaten path' places you never would have discovered on your own. I recommend visiting ManVsDebt.com where Adam Baker describes his travels with his wife and 3-year-old child.  He blogs about eliminating $18,000 of debt, selling everything unnecessary, traveling the world and passionately pursuing entrepreneurship. Not to mention he does it all while raising a family. Getting rid of debt before you hit the road decreases your chances of accumulating more debt once you move.

Make Money

While saving money is important before you take off, what if you could make money once you were there? Your dream of traveling the world can be fulfilled. One option is to acquire a TEFL certificate which would allow you to teach English in any country. GoAbroad.com provides information on TEFL certification programs as well as job opportunities in your field.  If you are interested, there are volunteer and student options, as well. If you are a budding entrepreneur or aspiring to make your business remote, check out Chris Guillebeau's 279 Days to Overnight Success which explains how to create your own success with your own project. Chris has plenty of fantastic advice on traveling cheaply by building frequent flyer miles without ever getting on a plane.

Packing Light

When traveling, less is always more. Most people make the mistake of taking way too many things and end up lugging massive bags through airport after airport.  It is possible to take one bag when planning for long-term travel. Karol Gajda, an entrepreneur who helps people from all over the world achieve 'ridiculously extraordinary' freedom, gives a break down on how to travel with his Ultimate Light Packing List. This can be especially helpful for solo female travelers.

Stay Connected

Wherever you go and whatever you do, document it all with pictures and videos to share with family and friends. The benefit of living in the age of social networking is that even when you're across the globe you still can stay connected.

by Molly Nelson, Contributing Author