If you’re opting for a gap year, be that pre-university, mid or post, you really want to cram as much travelling in as you can possibly can. Travelling whilst you still have your youth is arguably the best way to do it, so you need to make sure you really make the most of it. From exotic beaches to life skill building experiences here are our collective favourite top five favourite countries to explore when you take your very important year out…
Thailand
Uber-popular South East Asia tops many gap year wish lists. Definitely a drastic change from Western life, Thailand will immerse you in a myriad of cultural delights – so much so that you’ll be able to explore all year around without getting bored of what you find. Hang out with some elephants; opt for a few months of volunteering with either animal or environmental projects – even sign up for some teaching. Just make sure whatever you decide to do, make the most of your time there and explore as much as the country as you possibly can.
Further information: Rough Guide to Thailand
China
Set to be the financial capital of the world in the near future, expanding your horizons to Asia is the big move for gap year students these days. In order to become successful in China, you need to make connections: it’s very much about whom you know over what you know. Sign up for an internship or get volunteering, it’ll be a huge help after you finish your degree and want to get your teeth into this intriguing country.
Further information: Travel China Guide
Working on a cruise ship
This option isn’t for everyone but could be something to consider if you’re looking for an extended travelling trip. The hours are long and (depending what job you have) the wages can sometimes be notoriously low, although there’s a reason it’s made the list. You could get a chance to visit some of the most exotic locations in the world, gain some life skills and have a lot of fun along the way. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea then perhaps just look into a two week relaxing break instead.
Further information: Cruise1st Tours & Cruises
America
If you somehow manage to score yourself a visa into America for your gap year, there is no end to the things you can fit into your itinerary. Perhaps you could opt for a summer placement – Camp America is a great place to start. This way you can work on your social and life skills without staying too far from home for the entire time. There are also internship programmes that you can sign up for, which will be a surer way to get hold of a visa.
Further information: Discover America
France
If you want to learn a language properly, perhaps working on skills that you started up at GCSE level and have yet to go back to, try France – or even Spain. This way, you don’t have to travel too far from home, but you still get the experience of a lifetime working life out for yourself in another country.
Further information: Lonely Planet Guide to France
11 Comments
rebecca
5 April, 2014 at 9:46 pmwould really love to work on a cruise ship, something different!
İstanbulda Gezilecek Yerler
4 December, 2016 at 6:49 pmI agree the same 🙂
Gokhan
23 March, 2014 at 4:26 amEven thou Thailand sounds so charming, I think I’d pick France to work as a volunteer in grape fields 🙂
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
13 March, 2014 at 8:22 pmAs a doctor, I have a few colleagues who have previously spent some time out of their regular routines to be cruise ship doctors, which is an interesting option for medics who are keen on the idea of travel! Much harder work than people think is the general feedback I’ve heard though!
Becky Moore
17 March, 2014 at 8:08 pmThanks for stopping by, yes I bet!
Matthew Fine
13 March, 2014 at 5:38 pmgreat advice! I knew Thailand was very popular but had never really considered working on a cruise ship
Becky Moore
17 March, 2014 at 8:07 pmThanks Matthew, Thailand is my personal favourite gap year break!
Scott
13 March, 2014 at 9:18 amI taught English in Qatar and loved every minute of it!
Emma
13 March, 2014 at 9:17 amGreat choices, I didn’t go on a gap year but I would have loved to do any of these!
Tina
13 March, 2014 at 6:14 amThailand is so blessed with beautiful Islands and beaches. And the best part of it is you can enjoy all those things without spending too much… 🙂
Becky Moore
17 March, 2014 at 8:07 pmVery true! 🙂