Top 8 Gap Year Destinations
Thinking of taking some time out to explore the world but not sure where to go?
Whether you’re planning a year-long adventure with a mix of work and travel, or you’re looking for cheap and cheerful destinations with plenty of unique experiences, there’s a gap year destination out there for every type of traveller.
To help you find the right one for you, here’s our round-up of where to go on your gap year.
Countdown to your gap year
Southeast Asia
This region of the world is a backpacker favourite – it's a cheap travel destination with excellent transportation connecting cities and countries. It’s also got a well-developed backpacker infrastructure of budget-friendly hostels, cheap eats and local operators providing all manner of awesome activities.
Composed of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, it’s also a region rich in cultural diversity.
You could easily spend six months exploring the region, if not more, depending on how long you want to spend in each country and how much budget you have to play with. There’s certainly enough here to keep you entertained for a full gap year.
Find out more: Trips and experiences in Southeast Asia
Australia
Australia is a prime destination for a gap year, offering an eclectic mix of vibrant city life, stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters. It's a place where adventure meets relaxation - you can surf the waves at Bondi Beach, explore the cultural hubs of Melbourne and Sydney, or embark on a road trip through the expansive Outback.
If you’re under 35 years old, you also have the option to apply for a working holiday visa in Australia. This gives you the opportunity to get a job and earn money to fund your travels around the country. You can do this on a one-year visa, but if you want to stay longer, you can also extend your visa up to a further two years, spending a total of three years in Australia working and living like a local.
Find out more:
India
If you’re looking for a gap year destination where you can explore your spirituality, what better place than India, the birthplace of yoga and home to a rich tapestry of religions and spiritual practices? Here you can practice meditation in the foothills of the Himalayas or improve your downward dog on the beaches of Goa.
But there are plenty more opportunities outside of the spiritual. Volunteering opportunities abound, allowing travellers to give back and gain perspective on the local way of life, while the country’s vast landscape provides all sorts of adventures, from wildlife-spotting in national parks to trekking expeditions in the mountains.
The cost of living is relatively low, making it possible to explore and live comfortably without breaking the bank. Combine affordability with diversity and you have a gap year destination that could keep you busy for months on end.
Find out more: Trips and experiences in India
Canada
Offering a mix of urban sophistication and rugged outdoor adventure, Canada is another top choice for a gap year.
The country's Working Holiday Visa program is a gem for young travellers, allowing those aged 18 to 35 to work to fund their travels. This visa acts as a golden ticket to explore the vast landscapes, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, and everything in between.
As the seasons change, so do the adventures. Winter brings the thrill of world-class skiing and snowboarding in the powdery mountains of British Columbia and Alberta. When the snow melts, the focus shifts to hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing in the lush national parks. Each season not only offers a new backdrop for adventure but also a variety of jobs, from hospitality in the ski resorts to summer tourism roles.
Find out more:
South America
Offering an unbeatable diversity of landscapes and cultural experiences, South America is a fantastic choice for a gap year adventure. The sheer size of the region means that travellers can find themselves trekking through the Amazon rainforest one week and scaling the Andean peaks the next. From the otherworldly salt flats of Bolivia to the roaring waterfalls of Argentina and Brazil, the opportunity for awe and adventure is unparalleled.
With Spanish as the predominant language across multiple countries, South America is also an excellent place to immerse yourself in language learning. Spend time at a language school learning Spanish and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice as you travel around the region. This will not only enhance your communication skills but also deepens the cultural connection.
Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, dancing to vibrant rhythms, or simply enjoying the hospitality of locals, South America's vast offerings cater to adventurous young travellers seeking both excitement and personal growth on their gap year.
Find out more:
New Zealand
New Zealand is a great gap year destination if you’re looking for a combination of adventure, culture and natural beauty.
The country's well-established working holiday visa program allows those between 18 and 35 to work and travel, making it an ideal place to earn while exploring.
Road trip enthusiasts will find a paradise in New Zealand's diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. The extensive network of roads and the scenic routes connecting them offer endless opportunities for discovery at your own pace.
For the thrill-seekers, New Zealand is the birthplace of bungee jumping and offers a plethora of adventure sports, from skydiving over Lake Taupo to jet boating through the Shotover River canyons. Whether it's hiking the Milford Track or skiing in Queenstown, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities.
This combination of work and play, set against the backdrop of some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, makes New Zealand a top choice for a fulfilling and memorable gap year.
Find out more:
South Africa
South Africa is an exceptional choice for a gap year adventure, offering a unique blend of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and enriching experiences. It's a country where you can witness the majestic Big Five on a safari in world-renowned parks like Kruger National Park, and at the same time, contribute to meaningful volunteer work, from wildlife conservation to community development.
The vibrant cities, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, are melting pots of culture, cuisine, and history, ensuring that your days will be as educational as they are exciting. And the country is a great starting point for exploring more of Southern Africa, like neighbouring Namibia and Botswana.
Plus, British travellers have the convenience of staying up to 90 days visa-free, making it an accessible destination. Plus, with just an hour’s time difference, it’s a place where you can easily stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Whether you're looking to explore, learn, or give back, South Africa offers an unparalleled gap year opportunity that combines adventure with purpose.
Find out more:
Europe
Europe is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, cuisines and experiences, making it an ideal destination for a mini gap year adventure.
The continent's compact geography means that, with an Interrail pass, you can effortlessly hop from the romantic boulevards of Paris to the sun-soaked beaches of Spain, or the historic streets of Rome, all while enjoying the scenic journey by train. This mode of travel not only provides a sustainable way to explore but also a chance to meet fellow wanderers.
For British passport holders, it’s still easy to travel around the region, with no visa required for short stays up to 90 days (about 3 months) in most European countries. However, starting from 2025, a small fee will be introduced for the ETIAS authorisation, which is a simple online process.
Find out more:
