Planning a gap year but not sure where to go? Whether you’re dreaming of travelling around South East Asia, exploring the far-flung corners of Australia, or heading off on an adventure through South America, there’s a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. From epic road trips and bucket-list experiences to making new friends and experiencing different cultures, here are 8 brilliant ideas for where to go on your gap year.
If adventure is high on your gap year wish list, New Zealand is hard to beat. Think epic road trips, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and some of the best outdoor activities around. Head to the South Island for hiking, bungee jumping and incredible scenery, or explore the North Island’s beaches, geothermal landscapes and lively cities. There’s also plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers along the way.
For a gap year packed with colour, culture and adventure, head to Central America. This relatively small stretch of land has plenty to explore, from the ancient Mayan ruins of Guatemala and Belize’s Caribbean coastline to Costa Rica’s rainforests and Nicaragua’s volcanoes. Travel overland between countries, brush up on your Spanish, discover laid-back beach towns and meet other backpackers on the same journey.
South America is made for big adventures! Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru, explore the salt flats of Bolivia, discover the Amazon Rainforest or soak up the atmosphere in Brazil’s buzzing cities. There’s no shortage of incredible experiences on offer, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, learning to salsa or hiking through the Andes. With so many countries to explore, you could easily spend several months travelling around this fascinating continent.
Few places have quite the same mix of experiences as India. From the colourful streets and palaces of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa and the foothills of the Himalayas, every stop brings something different. Explore bustling markets, try your hand at Indian cooking, visit the iconic Taj Mahal and sample some of the world’s most exciting food. It’s a destination that will challenge your senses, introduce you to a completely different way of life and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Australia has long been a favourite with gap year travellers, and it’s easy to see why! Whether you fancy a working holiday, an epic east coast road trip or a few months exploring the Outback, there’s plenty in Oz to keep you busy. Learn to surf on the Gold Coast, sail around the Whitsundays, chill out on Fraser Island and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Sydney and Melbourne. With working holiday opportunities and a huge backpacker scene, it’s also a great place to earn some money while travelling.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Africa offers some truly unique gap year experiences. Go on safari in Kenya or Tanzania, come face to face with incredible wildlife in South Africa, explore Namibia’s vast desert landscapes, or discover the beaches and culture of Zanzibar. You could even combine several countries on an overland adventure, taking in everything from national parks and traditional villages to lively cities and spectacular coastlines.
A classic backpacking destination, South East Asia is a brilliant choice for first time travellers. It’s relatively easy to get around, there’s a well-established backpacker scene, and you’ll find plenty of other travellers heading in the same direction. Island-hop around Thailand, explore Vietnam by train, discover Cambodia’s ancient temples or enjoy the tropical beaches of the Philippines or Indonesia. Add in incredible street food, friendly locals and affordable places to stay, and it’s easy to see why so many gap year adventures start here.
For a gap year with a difference, why not head to the USA? Hire a motorhome and hit the open road, exploring iconic national parks, buzzing cities and classic American towns along the way. Drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, explore the bright lights of New York or soak up the music in Nashville or New Orleans. A great way to experience the USA on a gap year is to work in a summer camp, and then travel before and after!
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Emily Hatchett
Content Assistant Manager
Emily is based in our Kensington head office. Emily has worked at Trailfinders since 2018 and has travelled to 37 countries. Her favourite destinations include Vietnam, Italy and the Maldives.
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