Suggested Itinerary:
RTW Gap Year
Home - Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Dalat - Ho Chi Minh - Hua Hin - Koh Tao - Singapore - Cairns - Sydney - Los Angeles - Lima - Cusco - La Paz - San Pedro de Atacama - Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro - Home
This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customised to suit your unique travel plans. Make it longer, make it shorter. Add in the things you want to do. Get in touch with our travel experts to turn this itinerary into your dream Round-the-World gap year.
Thailand
Start your gap year in Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand! And the start of your epic gap year.
We know backpacking for the first time can be a little intimidating. That's why we've set you up with a 4-day arrival package in Bangkok that includes a friendly transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Spend three nights in the city in a dorm room, where you'll get to meet other young travellers.
The package also includes a nighttime tour around Chinatown exploring the side-streets and food stalls less-visited, and a longtail boat ride along the Chao Phraya river with guided visits to different temples.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Trek and raft your way north
Sure, you could take the bus north to Chiang Mai. But why do that when you can trek and raft your way there instead?!
In Bangkok you'll meet the people that will be your travel buddies and fellow adventures for the next six days. And over the course of those days, you'll visit local markets, soak up the mountain vistas and raft through the jungle on the Mae Klong River. You'll also see one of Southeast Asia's largest waterfalls and trek through bamboo forests and untouched jungle, spending the nights in campsites or simple homestays.
This is one adventure you won't forget in a hurry!
Thailand to Vietnam
Travel DIY through Laos
Now it's time to hit the road independently. From Chiang Mai, you can head to the border and cross over into Laos. We recommend you spend at least two weeks in this gorgeous little country exploring the stunning landscapes of Vang Vieng, watching the monks do their daily alms in Luang Prabang and enjoying the capital of Vientiane.
From there, continue your journey to the north of Vietnam. Hanoi is a good place to start, where you can enjoy a cold brew on the busy streets - perfect for people-watching. Then you can strike out to Halong Bay for a night or two cruising the spectacular karst island seascapes.
If you want to follow the classic backpacker route through Vietnam, continue south to Ninh Binh for a similar karst island scenery, but this time on land. Then continue to the imperial city of Hue and the picture-perfect Hoi An.
Vietnam is well setup for young travellers with excellent and affordable transport options. And you're pretty much guaranteed to meet other backpackers along the way.
Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City
Off-the-beaten track by motorbike
It's good to get off the beaten track once in a while. That's why we've included a 4-day motorbike adventure from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City.
You'll be travelling through the highlands of southern Vietnam on the back of a motorbike with the experienced Easy Riders. It's the perfect opportunity to get a sense of the real Vietnam beyond the tourist trail and experience the local hill tribe culture and their customs.
Accommodation is included and this is definitely one experience where the journey is just as important as the destination!
Vietnam back to Thailand
DIY travel through Cambodia
From Ho Chi Minh City, you're free to make your own travel arrangements back to Thailand. Before leaving Vietnam, we recommend you spend a few days exploring the waterways and communities of the Mekong Delta.
Then cross the border into Cambodia. Here you can explore completely independently (though we're always here to help with activities if you need us!). You can't visit Cambodia without seeing the spectacular Angkor Wat temple complex. In fact, you could easily spend a few days here exploring all of the different temples.
Elsewhere in Cambodia you can enjoy the beaches of Koh Rong, get to grips with the country's history in Phnom Penh or soak up the rural views in Kampot.
Once you've had your fill of Cambodia, head back into Thailand, where we've arranged a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with elephants.
Hua Hin
Volunteer with elephants in Thailand
If you want to make your gap year count for more than just a fun experience, volunteering is the way to go. It's an opportunity to give back to local communities and boost your CV for future employment.
That's why we've included a two-week volunteering package working with elephants and other rescued wildlife at a refuge in Thailand. This hands-on and ethical experience will help you learn more about these majestic creatures and the challenges they face, while caring for a wide variety of different animals.
You'll be working alongside other like-minded travellers from all over the world with accommodation and meals included.
Hua Hin to Koh Tao
Travel DIY south through Thailand
After all that hard work, you're free to explore the south of Thailand at your leisure. Once the volunteer programme has come to an end, head to the famous beaches and islands of southern Thailand for plenty of rest and relaxation.
You're going to need it, because we've got another adventure planned for you on Koh Tao island!
Koh Tao
Learn to dive in Thailand
A gap year is a great opportunity to upskill and learn something new. That's why we've included a 5-day learn to dive package on Koh Tao island in the south of Thailand.
With calm waters and abundant aquatic life, Koh Tao is the perfect place to get certified as an Open Water Diver! You'll receive all the theory you need before heading underwater to put that knowledge into practice.
And it's the perfect point on your gap year adventure to learn to dive, so that you can use these new skills to dive in other spots, like the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Southern Thailand to Singapore
Travel DIY through Malaysia
By this point you'll be a seasoned backpacker. So travelling from the south of Thailand to Singapore will be a breeze!
We recommend you travel overland through Malaysia, visiting highlights like Langkawi Island (if you haven't had enough of the beach life yet!), the lush Cameron Highlands, the fascinating city of Penang and, of course, the capital of Kuala Lumpur. The street food here is incredible!
But once you've had your fill, continue to Singapore, where you can spend a few days exploring before heading to Oceania (specifically, Cairns in Australia) and the second continent on your round-the-world gap year adventure.
Cairns
Skydive and snorkel
Located in tropical Far North Queensland, the city of Cairns is the perfect starting point for your trip down the east coast of Australia.
Enjoy three nights here in a really popular hostel with some incredible activities thrown in! A gap year isn't complete without at least one wild adrenaline-pumping activity, so we've included a 15,000 ft tandem skydive over Mission Beach. It's Australia’s highest jump with up to 60 seconds of freefall.
We've also included a 3-day snorkelling package on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend two nights on a boat with extensive snorkelling on 16 exclusive sites. These sites have been selected for their extravagance of marine life and excellent visibility. You’ll see some of the best the reef has to show, including Milin Reef, Thetford Reef and Flynn Reef.
If you'd rather put your newly acquired PADI certificate to use, you can swap this snorkel trip for a diving package on the Great Barrier Reef instead. Just let us know your preference.
Cairns to Sydney
Explore the East Coast of Australia
Once you've had your fun in Cairns, it's time to put your included 30-day bus and 10-night accommodation package to use and explore the East Coast of Australia independently.
With an East Coast Whimit + Bed Hopper Pass up your sleeve, you can hit the road at your leisure, while enjoying superior and secure accommodation at any Nomads and participating affiliate hostel around Australia.
Providing the ultimate flexibility, not only do you gain passage on Australia’s most extensive coach network, but you also get to unwind at one of the best hostel providers in Australia.
You can pick where you stop along the journey to Sydney, but there are a few spots we recommend. Starting with Townsville, where you can visit Magnetic Island - known for its stunning beaches and wildlife, including koalas.
Airlie Beach is a must, as it's the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands where you can take a sailing trip to see the famous Whitehaven Beach and the stunning Heart Reef.
Next up should be K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island). It's the world's largest sand island and offers unique experiences like 4x4 beach excursions, swimming in freshwater lakes and spotting dolphins.
Every Aussie East Coast adventure should include Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. In Brisbane you can enjoy the vibrant city life and party hard on the Gold Coast, while at Byron Bay you can unwind.
When you reach Sydney, take a few days to visit iconic sites like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before boarding your flight across the Pacific Ocean to the third continent on your round-the-world gap year adventure - the U.S. of A.
California
Surfin' USA
Arriving into Los Angeles, take a few days to explore the city at leisure before making your way to the authentic coastal town of Dana Point, where your surf adventure begins.
For the next seven days learn to surf with the guidance of professional surf teachers and enjoy guided surf trips all over Southern California. You'll be staying at an apartment-style hotel, just a three-minute walk to the sand and close to downtown. You'll be hanging out with wonderful people from around the world and enjoy the best of what the surf lifestyle offers.
America's Western States
Travel independently
Once your surf adventure is over, we recommend taking some time to explore the best of America's western states.
With three weeks you could visit the highlights of California, including San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.
Then you could head to the neighbouring states of Nevada and Arizona to spend a couple days in the glitzy city of Las Vegas, enjoying the vibrant nightlife and casinos. Next up would be the Grand Canyon National Park for hikes and breathtaking views. You could also visit Sedona for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual vibe.
Make a loop back into northern California to spend a few days exploring the iconic landmarks of Yosemite National Park and the iconic sites of San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
If you enjoy driving and you're travelling with friends, consider hiring a car or campervan to get around. This offers the most flexibility and allows you to set your itinerary as you go. Other options include local buses to get around or joining a group tour, something we can help with.
When you're ready to bid farewell to America, make your way back to Los Angeles for your flight to the fourth and final continent on your round-the-world gap year adventure - South America.
Lima to Cusco
Travel independently through Peru
The South American leg of your adventure kicks off in Lima, the capital of Peru. Spend a few days exploring the city and enjoying the culinary scene before making your way to Cusco.
There's plenty to explore along the way and if you're a hiking enthusiast, we recommend heading into the Andes to the town of Huaraz. From here you can take your pick of spectacular treks, ranging from a few hours to a few days.
Otherwise, continue along the coast to the "poor man's" Galapagos off the coast of Paracas and the impressive group of over 700 geoglyphs in the Nazca desert.
Machu Picchu
Trek the Inca Trail to the Lost City
Machu Picchu is one of South America's best known sites. And the Inca Trail is one of the most popular, yet challenging, ways to get there. It can book out months in advance, that's why we've included a four-day guided tour.
You'll trek past rambling rivers, ancient ruins, and scenic mountain views with the guidance and support of porters, cooks, and guides hired from local communities. The terrain is rugged and steep but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel is unparalleled once you reach Machu Picchu by sunrise.
All of your camping equipment and meals are provided, so you can keep you backpack light for the trek. You'll also be travelling in a group, for a fun and social adventure with like-minded travellers that you can share your memories with.
Cusco to La Paz
Travel independently to Bolivia
After your physical challenge trekking the Inca Trail, we suggest spending a few extra days in Cusco to relax and recover.
When you're ready to continue your journey, make your way independently to La Paz - the capital city of neighbouring Bolivia. Along the way we recommend visiting the attractive colonial city of Arequipa and spending a few days on Lake Titicaca - a high altitude lake home to indigenous cultures that live on floating reed islands. The lake shares a border with both Peru and Bolivia, so it's a great entry point on the journey to La Paz.
Once you've reached La Paz, spend a few days enjoying the city. Ride a cable car to admire the high-altitude views and visit the local witches' market to see which curiosities are on sale.
La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama
Travel across the Uyuni salt flats and Atacama desert
From La Paz, embark on an unforgettable journey through the mesmerising Uyuni Salt Flats and stunning Atacama Desert. Explore surreal landscapes, vibrant lagoons, and the awe-inspiring Train Cemetery. Experience the unique beauty of Bolivia's indigenous cultures and wildlife.
This 4-day tour offers exhilarating 4x4 rides, breathtaking photo opportunities, and star-filled night skies. It includes your accommodation, local transport, meals, guides and activities. It's the best way to cross from Bolivia to Chile!
San Pedro de Atacama to Buenos Aires
Travel independently through Chile and Argentina
From the dusty town of San Pedro de Atacama, how you explore Chile and Argentina is completely your choice. The bus network in both countries is extensive, so travelling overland is easy and affordable. Another bonus is that you can zig-zag across both countries with easy border crossings.
For a rough itinerary, we recommend travelling from San Pedro in Chile to Salta in Argentina to explore the north with its indigenous influences and weathered landscapes. You can then make your way to Argentina's wine country via the city of Cordoba. In Mendoza you can't miss the opportunity to take a self-guided bike tour around the vineyards, sampling some of the finest Argentinean wines.
Crossing back into Chile, head west to the capital of Santiago where you can take a day trip to vibrant Valparaiso to admire the street art. From Santiago you can take an overnight bus (total journey time around 20hrs) to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, for the final leg of your South American adventure.
Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Via the spectacular Iguazu Falls
When you arrive in Buenos Aires, join a 12-day tour that will take you to Rio de Janeiro via the spectacular Iguaza Falls - a series of cascades that straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil.
You'll start with a city tour of Buenos Aires, visiting important monuments and cultural spots, as well as the traditional neighbourhood of San Telmo where Tango performances can be seen in many bars and restaurants, and La Boca, home to a colourful immigrant population and passionate about football.
An overnight bus will take you to Puerto Iguazu where you'll spend two days visiting various spots around Iguazu Falls National Park for views from all angles!
Another overnight bus will take you to Rio - the final stop on your epic gap year adventure. Here you'll have a full day of touring, including the highlights of Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer, and the colourful steps Escadaria Selaron, made famous by Snoop Dog in his music video 'Beautiful'.
Enjoy a free day to explore Rio further - we recommend heading to the famous beach of Copacabana and spending the evening at a Brazilian nightclub, known locally as a 'balada'.
Your epic round-the-world gap year adventure ends with a flight back home from Rio to the UK.
