Ideas to Inspire Your Gap Year
Thinking of taking some time out of study to explore the world on a gap year? In need of some inspiration?
We've got you covered!
Our travel experts have compiled 50 epic experiences to enrich your time away, boost your CV and create memories that will have you smiling well until you're old and grey.
Let's jump in!
Book your gap year with the student and youth travel experts
1. Go backpacking around Southeast Asia
This classic backpacker region tops our list of things to do on a gap year. Southeast Asia is pefect for young, first-time travellers with an excellent backpacker infrastructure of hostels, bus routes and well-established local activity operators.
You're guaranteed to meet other travellers along the way and it's a region that's safe and welcoming to solo female travellers. Another bonus is that it's cheap! The British pound will get you far, and if you stick to a shoestring budget, you'll be able to combine the region's highlights, like Chiang Mai, Halong Bay and Angkor Wat, with some pricier activities like diving.
Check out our trips to Southeast Asia
2. Work and travel in Australia
Brits aged between 18-35 can apply for a working holiday visa and spend up to three years living and working Down Under. It's a great way to fund a gap year, as you can earn money while living in another part of the world.
The jobs on offer tend to be entry-level roles in retail and hospitality, and if you want a taste of rural Australia, you can always opt to work on a farm picking fruit or helping out at a ranch. Once you've got some Aussie dollars in your bank account, you can head out and explore what is one of the world's biggest countries.
Check out our working holiday packages in Australia
3. Learn Spanish in Latin America
Want to put your GSCE Spanish to good use? Head to Latin America and spend some time at a language school perfecting your Español. Whether you're completely new to the language or have some basic knowledge, learning Spanish in a country where it's spoken will be a game changer!
Plus, it'll make travelling around Latin America that much easier. And knowing a second language also looks pretty good on your CV. It's a win-win all round.
Check out our Spanish schools in Latin America
4. Volunteer with elephants in Thailand
If you've got Thailand on your travel bucket list, don't miss the opportunity to volunteer with elephants. You can spend a week (or up to a couple of months) working at an ethical elephant sanctuary that's home to rescued animals.
Not only does volunteering abroad make you more attractive to future employers, it'll also make you feel really good about yourself, contributing to the welfare of this vulnerable species.
Check out our Elephant Refuge volunteer program in Thailand
5. Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
A gap year isn't a gap year without some sort of challenge. And what better way to challenge yourself physically then with a trek? This might be one of Latin America's most famous treks, following a route once trodden by the Incas that ends at the spectacular Machu Picchu.
Along the way you'll see jaw-dropping vistas of the Andes mountains, camp under the stars and spend a day exploring 'The Lost City of the Incas' perched dramatically on the mountainside. Not something you'll forget anytime soon!
6. Go skydiving in New Zealand
There's no better time to go nuts with adrenaline-pumping activities than when you're young and able, so use your gap year as an opportunity to do what every young traveller dreams of doing - throwing themselves out of a plan 15,000ft above the ground (?!?).
Seriously, it's one of those things you might only ever do once in your life and the photos alone will be worth the fear. With its ridiculously scenic mountains and fjords, New Zealand is one of the best parts of the world to do it.
7. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa
If wildlife is more your thing, head to Africa on your gap year. Specifically, head to East Africa - Kenya and Tanzania - during the dry season (between July and early October) to witness the natural spectacular that is the Great Wildebeest Migration.
It's an ever-moving circular migration of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. And it can be witnessed on an overland camping safari around East Africa.
Check out our safaris in Tanzania
8. Try surfin' USA
There are loads of places in the world to learn to surf, but who doesn't want to master the waves in Californ-I-A? (And have The Beach Boys song stuck in your head the whole time?).
Head to Los Angeles and stay in an apartment-style hotel hanging out with cool surfer types and learning how to ride a surf board during the day. It might become your new favourite hobby.
Check out our surf camps in California
9. Interrail around Europe
If you'd rather stay closer to home during your gap year, grab yourself an Interrail pass and enjoy flexible, independent travel around Europe. You can kick off your journey on the Eurostar from London to Paris before heading deeper into the mainland.
With an Interrail pass, you can make up your itinerary as you go, choosing which cities you want to visit and which ones you're happy to pass through. Ideal for independent young backpackers.
Check out our range of Interrail passes
10. Work a ski season in Canada
Fancy spending a winter working at a ski resort and snowboarding in your free time? Apply for a working holiday visa in Canada and you can do exactly!
Brits aged 18-35 can spend up to two years living and working in Canada, so you can combine the winter wonderland of western Canada's ski resorts with a summer spent at the great lakes.
11. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Another great physical challenge to add to your bucket list - scaling Africa's highest point! It can be done in as little as five days, though you may want to give yourself more time and opt for a longer route taking around two weeks.
Speaking of routes, there are a number to choose from, though four tend to attract the majority of hikers, including the popular Machame route and the more secluded Lemosho route.
Check out our Kilimanjaro trekking trips in Tanzania
12. Learn to dive in Bali
A gap year should be all about learning new skills and challenging yourself - physically and mentally. One great way to do that is to learn to dive and get your PADI certificate. And the island of Bali is the perfect place to do it.
Not only are diving courses here super affordable, the warm, clear waters around Bali (and neighbouring Gili Trawangan) are filled with colourful corals and more than 3,500 marine species including reef sharks, turtles and pygmy seahorses.
Check out our dive school packages in Indonesia
13. Volunteer with turtles in Costa Rica
If there's one other animal that people are desperate to work with, it's sea turtles. And Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to volunteer at a turtle sanctuary, patrol local beaches during the breeding season and help protect the species.
You'll be working early mornings and late evenings in time with the natural life rhythyms of the turtles, but this gives you plenty of time to explore, learn to surf or simply chill out on the beach.
Check out our Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica
14. Teach English at a Buddhist monastery in Nepal
If you're patient, adaptable, good at problem solving and creative, teaching English is a great choice for your gap year! You'll build valuable skills that can be used in a range of industries and job roles, making a great addition to your CV.
There are plenty of places where you can teach English as a volunteer abroad. But for something a little different, head to Nepal and to teach monks of all ages at a Buddhist monastery. And as a bonus, you'll have the spectacular Himalayan mountains right on your doorstep.
Check out our Kathmandu Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries project in Nepal
15. Go on a sea safari in the Philippines
Backpackers often miss out on the Philippines when travelling around Southeast Asia. But that's a mistake! Because the Philippines are home to thousands of stunning islands. And one of the best way to explore some of those islands is on a sea safari.
Imagine sailing around majestic limestone rock formations, camping at night on secluded beaches and snorkelling in crystal clear waters. That's our idea of paradise!
16. Bus about New Zealand
With no language barrier, countryside that resembles the UK but on steroids, and volcanic landscapes straight out of Jurassic Park, New Zealand is the perfect destination for young gap year takers. And one of the best ways to get around is with a Kiwi Experience bus pass.
All of your transport is included and you can build your own flexible itinerary, stopping off at popular cities, towns and national parks along the way. Best of all, you'll no doubt meet other backpackers of a similar age.
Check out our bus passes in New Zealand
17. Visit the Galapagos Islands (on a budget)
Most visitors to the Galapagos Islands opt for expensive cruises. But spending that kind of money is no doubt well out of reach for your average gap year taker. However, there's good news, as it's possible to visit these incredible islands on a budget.
By combining speedboat transfers with simple hotels on the islands themselves, you can still visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal without spending an absolute fortune.
Check out our Galapagos Express Adventure
18. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef
There are plenty of excellent dive spots to choose from. But what could beat diving on the largest coral reef system in the world? Because that's what the Great Barrier Reef is, stretching for 1,429 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.
Whether you're an experienced diver or want to learn, the Great Barrier Reef will amaze you with its vibrant corals and rich marine life.
Check out our diving packages in Australia
19. Hike Mount Toubkal in Morocco
Morocco is not the first country people think of when planning a gap year. In fact, it's probably not even on the list of destinations to consider! But if you're thinking of travelling around Europe on your gap year, Morocco isn't much further to travel and easily connected by affordable flights. And it's a great addition if you're planning a trip around Africa.
There are plenty of things to do in Morocco, but the 5-day trek to Mount Toubkal is high up on the list. It's a good physical challenge that's easy on the wallet.
Check out our Climb Mt Toubkal trip
20. Explore Panama in a travelling classroom
You can take your pick of Spanish language schools in Central America. But a travelling classroom that takes you around the highlights of Panama to end in Costa Rica has to be one of the more unique options.
Spend a month learning Spanish and sharing daily activities - like shopping and cooking - with a language instructor while you travel from Panama City to Turrialba in Costa Rica, exploring the San Blas Islands, Boquete, and the Caribbean island of Bocas del Toro along the way.
21. Celebrate Holi festival in India
With over a billion people of multiple different faiths, it's no wonder India is home to a colourful calendar of festivals and religious celebrations. And they don't get more colourful than Holi Festival!
This Hindu festival celebrates spring, love, and new life with dancing, singing and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. Join in the festivities and you will be covered head to toe in a bright rainbow of paint! The dates of Holi change each year, falling on 14th March in 2025 and 4th March 2026. If you're visiting India on your gap year, coincide your visit with this festival.
Check out our tours to India and time your trip for March
22. Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
From the celebration of new life to the remembrance of the dead - this festival in Mexico is something quite different! But equally as colourful and vibrant. On the 1st and 2nd of November each year, families across Mexico gather to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died.
These gatherings often take place at graveyards and cemeteries, though cities and towns also typically put on parades featuring large-scale floats of dressed skeletons. Death may not be considered the most light-hearted of topics, but this Mexican holiday makes it far less depressing.
Check out our tours to Mexico and time your trip for early November
23. Search for orangutans in the wild
Who can resist these furry orange apes?! Translating as "man of the forest", orangutans are only found in the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. But with a shrinking native habitat, their numbers are under threat. Thankfully, there are opportunities to see them in the wild.
Borneo is often regarded as the only place to see orangutans but the also live in Gunung Leuser National Park, and a trip to this part of Northern Sumatra is much cheaper than Borneo - perfect for those on a budget.
Check out our Northern Sumatra with jungle trekking tour
24. Work alongside rhino rangers in Namibia
If you want to contribute to the protection of some of the world's most vulnerable animal species during your gap year, this project will help you do exactly that.
On our Rhino Rangers program, volunteers are immersed anti-poaching methods and challenges, learning first-hand from the local anti-poaching unit (APU) in the Zannier Reserve in Namibia. Spend up to two weeks living in the African bush joining the APU on their patrols, mastering firearm skills, navigation, tracking techniques and the science of poaching itself.
Check out our Rhino Rangers volunteer project in Namibia
25. Road trip around the States
The expansive horizons and epic landscapes of America's national parks, mountainous west and great plains lend themselves beautifully to road trips. And having your own mode of transport gives you ultimate flexibility in designing your own itinerary, choosing where you go with no worries of how to get there.
However, this option is best suited to gap year takers over the age of 21, as most states in the US require a minimum age of 21 for car and campervan rental.
26. Travel across the salt flats of Bolivia
If South America is on your gap year travel list, don't miss the chance to travel overland from the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama to Bolivia's capital city, La Paz, via the spectacular salt flats of Uyuni. This epic overland adventure is a must, and along the way you'll see impressive hot springs, colourful lagoons and moon-like volcanic landscapes.
Plus, you'll get the chance to create your very own perspective-bending photos alongside toy dinosaurs, Coke cans or shoes.
Check out our San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni and La Paz package
27. Ride the bullet trains around Japan
Japan is hot right now! It seems everyone wants to witness the cherry blossom season, eat sushi in Tokyo and walk among the towering bamboo forests of Kyoto. But if you want to explore Japan independently and with loads of flexibility, we recommend getting yourself a Japan Rail Pass.
This pass gives you access to the ultra-modern and speedy rail network, as well as a number of bus and ferry networks in Japan. With unlimited travel across 7, 14 or 21 days, you can visit as many cities as you like.
Check out our Japan Rail Pass guide and order your pass
28. Learn to surf in Portugal
You don't have to travel to far-off corners of the globe to learn how to ride a wave. There are excellent surf spots less than a 3hr flight away from the UK. And thanks to Portugal's location in the west of Europe, you can combine a stint surfing on the coast with an Interrail journey across the continent for a gap year closer to home.
Whatever your skill level (maybe you're already an experienced surfer?), spend up to three weeks at a fun, social surf camp near the town of Ericeira with plenty of sun, sea and sand.
Check out our surf camps in Portugal
29. Party in Rio de Janeiro
Considered the party capital of the world, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil hosts the biggest celebration of Carnival every February before Lent. During the week-long celebrations, over two million people hit the city streets to watch the colourful parades filled with revelers, floats, and adornments from numerous samba schools.
Today, some of the most famous events of Rio Carnival are ticketed events. But they're popular, so make sure you book well in advance! Otherwise, just join one of the local street carnivals held across the city.
Check out our tours to Brazil and time your trip with Carnival
30. Go on a swag adventure at Uluru
If you're heading to Australia for your gap year, don't miss the Red Centre. Backpackers often head straight to the East Coast, but it's well worth the trip into the heart of Australia's desert landscapes to see Uluru - the large sandstone monolith that is sacred to indigenous Australians.
And one of the best ways to visit Uluru is on a swag adventure ('camping' in non-Aussie terms). Watch the colours of Uluru change as the sunsets, spending the nights under a sky splattered with stars. Plus, explore iconic landscapes in the area including Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta.
Check out our Red Centre Uluru and Kings Canyon Swag Adventure
31. Explore Vietnam on the back of a motorbike
The mention of a 'motorbike' might have your parents on high alert. But this is one of the best ways to get off the beaten track in Vietnam and explore epic landscapes and authentic local villages.
You'll be driven and shown around by an experienced local guide and motorbike rider, with accommodation in homestays away from the tourist crowds. Along the way you'll also visit temples and royal palaces with delicious meals of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Check out our Easy Rider Ha Giang Loop Adventure
32. Volunteer with wild cats in South Africa
Cat lover? Why not upscale that affection to the big cats of Africa and volunteer at the Wild Cat Centre in Kimberley? This farm close to Johannesburg is a sanctuary for big and small African cats, such as lions and African wild cats.
You can spend anywhere from two to eight weeks being directly involved in the daily running of the centre, with tasks ranging from meat preparation, cleaning of enclosures and stimulation of animals. There are also opportunities to assist at the onsite curio shop and educational public visits.
Check out the Wild Cat Centre Kimberley project
33. Stay on the San Blas Islands in Panama
If tropical islands, swaying palm trees and crystal waters are your vibe, the San Blas Islands in Central America are the perfect destination to include in your gap year. These islands lie off the east coast of Panama and are home to the indigenous Kuna communities.
The majority of the Kuna population are spread over 38 islands, each with their own distinct traditions and led by a chief (saila) who is both a political and spiritual leader. Spend a few days visiting different islands to understand more about these communities while enjoying tropical paradise.
Check out our San Blas Authentic Guna Yula Experience
34. Trek to Everest Base Camp
This is certainly not for the faint-hearted! But if you're up for a REAL physical challenge, then few top this. Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth standing at a massive 8,848 metres tall. And while summiting the mountain is best left to the professionals, getting to base camp is feasible for the rest of us.
Over the course of two weeks you can trek among some of the Himalayas' most spectacular landscapes and vistas to reach the base of Everest. Along the way you'll pass through alpine meadows, pine forests and glaciers.
Check out our Everest Base Camp Trek
35. Volunteer with animals in the Amazon
Sure, you could simply just visit the Amazon Rainforest in South America. But why not stay a while longer and help abused, neglected and abandoned animals at an animal rescue centre?
Located in the lush Ecuadorian rainforest, at this centre you'll be helping to care for over 40 different species of animals including ocelot, tayra, capibara, parrots, monkeys, tortoises, and caimans, amongst others. Activities will include food preparation, general maintenance and assisting local vets when necessary.
36. Explore the Maldives on a budget
Okay - hear us out! The Maldives might not strike you as a typical gap year destination. And these idyllic islands are most often associated with luxury - fancy overwater bungalows, honeymoons and very expensive.
But it is possible to travel around the Maldives without breaking the bank. And these gorgeous islands make a great addition to a trip that includes either India or Sri Lanka thanks to their position in the Indian Ocean. On a budget island-hopping trip you can use local public ferries to get around and stay at cosy, local guesthouses to keep costs down.
Check out our island-hopping packages in the Maldives
37. Do a round-the-world trip
If you're not content with visiting just one continent on your gap year, consider a round-the-world adventure instead. It's possible to book special round-the-world flight tickets that combine popular flight routes to create an itinerary that covers Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
These special tickets can be much cheaper than booking lots of one-way flights, but it's always wise to compare prices. Best of all, most RTW tickets are flexible and will let you change the time of travel for free, but they will charge for changing a destination.
Check out our round-the-world flight itineraries
38. Help in a community soup kitchen in Buenos Aires
Famed for its love of football, food and fleet-footed dancers, Buenos Aires is the kind of city that'll make you want to stay for more than just a few days. So if you're including Argentina on your gap year travel plan, spend a few weeks in the city and give back to the local community by helping out at a soup kitchen.
During your free time, you can learn how to dance tango, eat your body weight in steak and work your way through Argentina's delightful offering of wines. And you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice your Spanish.
Check out our Buenos Aires Community Soup Kitchen volunteer project
39. Learn yoga in India
As the birthplace of the practice, there's no better place in the world to learn yoga than in India. This ancient group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices is now popular worldwide, but to truly understand yoga, it's best to go back to its roots.
At an ashram in Rishikesh - considered the world capital of yoga - you can learn as a beginner or practice as someone more experienced alongside expert teachers. And with its location at the base of the Himalayas, you'll be surrounded by epic scenery and plenty of options for invigorating walks and outdoor adventures.
Check out our Rishikesh Yoga and Wellness package
40. Dance salsa in Cuba
If you want to get down to the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music and learn to salsa where the dance originated back in the 1900s, Cuba is your best option. This fast-paced partnered dance combines foot work with body movement, spins with shimmies, and even lifts, for a fun and social experience.
Combine salsa dance classes with Spanish tuition for a full immersion into Cuban culture. It's a great way to kick off a gap year spent travelling around Latin America. And you'll be able to use your salsa skills again in Colombia, where the dance is also really popular.
41. Complete the W Trek in Patagonia
If you like hiking and epic mountain scenery, Patagonia is a must-visit on your gap year, especially if you're heading to South America. Spanning Chile and Argentina, the region encompasses the southern section of the Andes mountains with lakes, fjords and glaciers decorating the landscape.
There are endless trekking opportunities here, but the most famous is the W Trek - a 4-5 day hike that follows a route through Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way you'll see iconic sights, including the base of the towers that give the park its name, as well as French Valley and Glacier Grey.
Check out our trekking trips in Patagonia
42. Walk the Camino de Santiago
Looking for an active adventure closer to home? The Camino de Santiago is a great option. It's a network of pilgrims' ways in northwestern Spain leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The walk usually takes around a week and it's a route filled with beautiful countryside and rustic villages. With no altitude or steep inclines to contend with, it's a slower and more pleasurable physical challenge, and highly scenic to boot.
Check out our Walk the Camino de Santiago package
43. Go island hopping around Fiji
The archipelago of Fiji consists of more than 300 islands. What better way to explore some of these islands than on an island-hopping adventure, sailing across the waters of the South Pacific and spending your days relaxing on pristine beaches?
With an island-hopping package, your transport, accommodation, some meals and activities are all included. And Fiji makes an excellent addition to a gap year in Australia or New Zealand, whether for some downtime on the beach before or after your visit Down Under.
Check out our island-hopping packages in Fiji
44. Help with sports development in Eswatini
Whether you enjoy sports as a hobby or want to pursue a career in the sports industry, volunteering in a sports development project abroad is a great way to follow your passion while boosting your CV. There are plenty of places around the world to join a sports development program, but we recommend the overlooked African country of Eswatini.
This landlocked country bordered by Mozambique and South Africa is well off the tourist trail yet home to friendly people, adrenaline-pumping activities like caving and white-water rafting, and a large population of southern white rhinos. It's easy to combine a volunteer project here with safaris and other adventures in South Africa.
Check out our Eswatini Sports Volunteer project
45. Search for Asian elephants in the wild
When backpacking around Thailand, you could take an overnight bus to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - a popular and well-trodden route. But why do that when you can HIKE between the two cities and potentially spot Asian elephants in their natural habitat?
The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand's Tak Province receives few visitors, but is home to Karen villages, beautiful waterfalls and lush jungle that Asian elephants call home. Trek through this jungle, spending the nights in local homestays and engaging in ethical wildlife observation.
46. Explore ancient Mayan ruins in Central America
The legacy of the ancient Mayan civilization can be seen all across Central America. And visiting the sites of these once complex ancient cities is one of the top reasons to visit the region.
Some of the more iconic Mayan sites include Chichen Itza in Mexico (one of the New World Wonders of the World), Tikal in Guatemala in Guatemala and Copan in Honduras. But there are dozens more across the region that you could easily add to a backpacking trip.
Check out our tours of Central America
47. Join a medical placement in Zanzibar
If you're planning to join the medical profession and want to gain invaluable experience during your gap year abroad, consider joining a medical placement on the island of Zanzibar off the east coast of Africa.
Working alongside local medical professionals, you'll be given a variety of tasks to help out at the local referral hospital, including observing and/or monitoring the patients, treatment techniques, and providing health outreach information.
Check out our Zanzibar Medical Placement volunteer project
48. Hike to Colombia's Lost City
Colombia is shaking off its old reputation to become a popular destination for young backpackers. It's a big country, with lots of diversity, but one of the top experiences for those who like ancient ruins and lush jungle is the Lost City Trek.
This hiking route in Colombia's Sierra Nevada National Park takes you to the ruins of Teyuna once inhabited by the Pre-Columbian Tayrona people. It's estimated to have been built 700 years before Machu Picchu. The trek itself takes you through lush jungles and across cooling streams. In the humidity and rain, it's a challenging trek, but one that not many do, so go there before it becomes better know!
Check out our Lost City Trek in Colombia
49. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat
Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam with Laos to the north, if you're visiting Southeast Asia on your gap year, you're unlikely to miss out on Cambodia. Which is great, because Cambodia is home to one of the world's most impressive temple complexes.
Stretching over some 400 km2, the ruins at the archaeological park span six centuries and two different religions. It's so big and contains so many different temples that you could easily spend a week here! Watching the sunrise over the main Angkor Wat temple is the quintessential experience, but we also recommend staying for a few days longer to explore some of the lesser visited temples in the area.
Check out our tours to Cambodia
50. Kayak with dolphins in Australia
Most young backpackers head straight to the east coast of Australia to follow the well-worn route between Cairns and Sydney. You're spoilt for choice as far as activities go along this beautiful stretch of coastline. But one that we think is a must is kayaking with dolphins.
Off the coast of Rainbow Beach in Queensland, you can join a kayak tour to view the highly active marine life, including dolphins, humpback whales and turtles. It's a unique sea safari that's beginner friendly and
Check out our Dolphin View Kayak day adventure
Looking for more ideas?
This list only scratches the surface of what's possible on a gap year abroad. And as student and youth travel experts covering over 60 destinations, we've got plenty more to share. If you already know where you want to go on your gap year, take a look at our destinations to see what's on offer.