Going on a gap year can be an excellent way to see the world, and aside from cheap flights,
doesn’t need to be particularly expensive. It’s possible to save money
on day to day costs by taking advantage of student and young person
discounts, as well as through Inter Rail train tickets for multiple
countries and destinations in Europe. At the same time, you can check
online for discounts to attractions like the theatre in London, as well
as for transport links in major cities.
Some of the best places to visit on a gap year include:
1 – Thailand
Long
a backpackers’ paradise, Thailand in Southeast Asia is cheap to
navigate once you’ve paid for your flights; while there you can see
Buddhist temples, sample the energy of Bangkok, or head out to KohaoSok
National Park and scuba diving resorts.
2 – United States
3 – China
Paid
teaching work is widely available for gap year English speakers – you
need to complete a TEFL qualification before travelling, and should
always take the time to thoroughly research the region that you’ll be
visiting – outside of Beijing and Hong Kong you may also have to invest
in Mandarin lessons to get by.
4 – Laos
Another
South East Asian destination for backpackers, Laos is landlocked, and
is noticeably more laid back than border countries like Vietnam and
Cambodia; see the wildlife at the Bokeo Nature Reserve, or travel
through islands like the Van Vieng and their caves.
5 – Costa Rica
English
teaching opportunities are also available in this Central American
country, which is also distinguished by its bio diverse parks, active
volcanoes, and a reputation for extreme sports holidays.
6 – Australia
A favorite for backpackers looking for an extended stay in one country,
the continent sized Australia can provide you with opportunities for
everything from Outback wilderness tours to teaching and au pairing in
large cities, or exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the country’s
beaches.
7 – Bolivia
A
cheaper option than most other South American countries, Bolivia is
ideal for backpacking through a mild, if still warm climate, and for
anyone looking to save on hostels. Key sights include the carnival in
Oruro, and the Madidi National Park.
8 – Buenos Aires
A
good stop off point for anyone traveling through South America as part
of their gap year, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. Very
cosmopolitan, Buenos Aires is crowded with historical spots, beaches,
and a large number of hostels for young travelers.
9 – Spain
Hostel
prices have dropped in recent years as a result of Spain’s economy,
making 2013 one of the best times in a while to explore the whole of the
country; soak in the atmosphere of cities like Madrid and Barcelona,
see the Basque country, or enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol to the
South.
10 – India
For
anyone looking for an epic gap year, India is too large to really see
in the space of 12 months, but can be broken down into different
backpacking routes; volunteering opportunities can also be found, while
it’s possible to travel around the country at a relatively low price,
the result of cheap train journeys and food costs.
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