Are you looking to take a gap year but not sure what are the best countries to visit? We have put together a list of some of the most popular destinations you can visit during a gap year…

2. 10 Best Places to Spend Your Gap Year
That fateful A-Level results day is looming again when hundreds of thousands of hard-working students will be taking one last trip back to
school to discover the outcome of those difficult and intense exams they’ve been taking for the past few weeks. Essentially, two years of hard
work will all culminate in one single letter, and while many will be hoping they got the grade for their first choice university, others will start
looking for adventure as they begin their gap year.

3. So are you looking to take a gap year but not sure what are the best countries to visit? We’ve put together a list of some of
the most popular destinations you can visit on a gap year…

4. 1. New Zealand
Consistently on bucket lists for travellers around the world, New Zealand has something for everyone, from
its sweeping beaches to the snow-topped mountains. Climb a glacier or relax in a hot pool, surrounded by
bush and gaze at the myriad of stars above you.

5. 2. Australia
World famous cities, incredible beaches,
friendly locals and lots of adventures – a gap
year in Australia can offer you everything. This
country has been a favourite amongst
travellers for decades and it’s easy to see why.
Once you’ve sampled the laid-backlifestyle,
you won’t want to depart. From visiting iconic
cities like Melbourne and Sydney, exploring
the Outback or travelling the legendary East
Coast – you will definitely not get bored here.

6. 3. United States
Taking a gap year in the United States would be amazing. From exploring cities like Chicago, San Francisco
and NYC to riding the epic long Route 66 and visiting places like the Grand Canyon – the US is one of the top
destinations in the world for a very good reason.

7. 4. Fiji
If you’re buying an around the world ticket,
we highly recommend including Fiji in your
itinerary. Pictures of Fiji do not do the
country justice because the islands and
beaches are even more beautiful in real life.
It’s one of the most laid-back destinations in
the world where you can sunbathe, join
some water sports activities, taste the local
food or just spend all day on the beach
soaking up the glorious sun.

8. 5. India
Do you enjoy Indian food? Are you looking to experience ancient
temples and a unique country? Take a gap year in India. This has long
been an established backpacking destination and is still as appealing as
ever today. Expect a culture shock, bustling cities, people, noise, tasty
food and lots of tradition. This is a huge country offering so many
different opportunities, from trekking, travelling overland or just
heading to a beach resort for down relaxation time. Our top
recommendation is to join a volunteer programme while you’re there,
which is meant to be the most rewarding experience of your life.

9. 6. Thailand
Thailand is one of
the most amazing
countries to visit in
the world and you
will fall in love with
this country. Think
beaches, islands,
parties, culture,
tasty food and
great value for
money. A lot of
people on gap
years choose to
work with
elephants or
volunteer while in
Thailand – these
options are highly
recommended.

10. 7. Brazil
Brazil is one of the most beautifulcountries in the world
with breath-takingnature and sights which include the
Amazon, Pantanal and Foz do Iguazu waterfalls. Is there a
more spectacular country in the world that Rio de
Janeiro? We don’t think so. You can ride a cable car to
the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, explore the funky
neighbourhoods like Ipanema or kick back and people
watch on the world famous Copacabana beach.

11. 8. South Africa
The allure of
elephants and lions
in Kruger National
Park is enough to
draw in any
backpacker on a gap
year. South Africa
has a diverse
landscape with big
cities and wide
plains teeming with
wildlife, making it
one of Africa’s
premier safari
destinations. It’s
easy to get around
here, ensuring you
can see everything
from the vibrant
Cape Town to the
rural Zulu villages.

12. 9. Spain
With its varied landscape and diverse cities, Spain is the perfect spot for anyone hoping to experience a
little bit of everything: the sunshine, beaches, Mediterranean waters,arid deserts, bustling cities or
small towns. Like Europe as a whole, Spain packs in a lot of diversity for its size. From the beautiful,
artful city of Barcelona to the urban capital, Madrid, and all the cultural variations in between, you’ll
feel like you’re in a completely different country as you roam from one Spanish city to another.
Compared to many other countries in Europe, Spain is also generally more affordable. Oh, and did I
mention the food?

13. 10. Italy
I feel like Italy needs very little introduction. We’ve all heard of its beautiful Tuscan landscapes, the
gorgeous Amalfi Coast, its rich history, and ancient wonders waiting around every corner. So why not
take a gap year here and learn about Italy on a more in-depth level? Get past the surfaceand really get
to know Italy but taking cooking or language classes in Rome, studying fashion in Milan, harvest grapes
in the countryside, or live and work with an Italian family? The opportunities to travel, learn and eat
areabundant in Italy, making it a great gap year destination.

14. Have you got any plans for an adventure around the world this summer? Or have you
been on a gap year before and got some cool suggestions for those new travellers?
Tweet us (link) with your ideas and suggestions for a great gap year destination.