Now you've made the decision to take a gap year, this is where the hard work begins: where on earth do you want to go... and what do you want to do when you get there? Do you just want to explore, or would you rather get some work experience? Or would you like to volunteer your time and skills for a worthy cause? Whatever you decide, here are five of our favourite gap year destinations, just to give you a little bit of inspiration.
There's something for everyone in Canada, whether you enjoy the crowds at some of the world's top ski resorts like Whistler or Banff, or if you still like the snow - but with fewer people around - then you'd be happier in the undiscovered north. But Canada isn't just all about snow: with vibrant cities like Montral, Toronto and Vancouver to explore, a gap year in Canada would give you memories to last a lifetime.
It's a long way to go, but if you like adventure and some extreme sport, the time you spend travelling to New Zealand will be worth it. While you're there, you could recognise some of the landscape from Lord of the Rings - that is, of course, if you're not too busy kayaking, exploring volcanoes, climbing rocks, bungee jumping or rolling down a hill in a zorb.
Thailand offers an unbelievable gap year that can be filled with endless discovery. From the tranquil Buddhist temples, to the extreme Muay Thai, to the adventurous jungle treks in the North, to the culture filled capital of Bangkok. There is so much to keep you busy; you won't know where to start! Still, if you find yourself desperate for a break in this tropical climate, soaking up the sun on some of Thailand's luxury beaches is always a great option for those in desperate need of some R&R
Like all on this list, India is another country that you could spend an entire year travelling, and still not experience everything. Its 28 states all express individuality and no two places are even similar. As well as the range of infrastructure, this culture-rich country is something that can only be experienced in the flesh. It's not just the people that have made this country so breathtaking, but the natural landscapes are exceptional. The Himalayas in the North, the luxury beaches of Goa and the mangrove forests of Bengal are just a few examples of what is on offer.
If you're looking for wildlife, you'll find it right on the equator, bordering the Indian Ocean - that's Kenya for you. There, you can find coral reefs, snowy mountains, tropical forests and savannah grasslands, making the country one of the most fascinating environments in the world. And while you're experiencing the Great Rift Valley of Lake Turkana, it's easy to imagine our ancestors migrating across this region two million years ago.
There's something for everyone in Canada, whether you enjoy the crowds at some of the world's top ski resorts like Whistler or Banff, or if you still like the snow - but with fewer people around - then you'd be happier in the undiscovered north. But Canada isn't just all about snow: with vibrant cities like Montral, Toronto and Vancouver to explore, a gap year in Canada would give you memories to last a lifetime.
It's a long way to go, but if you like adventure and some extreme sport, the time you spend travelling to New Zealand will be worth it. While you're there, you could recognise some of the landscape from Lord of the Rings - that is, of course, if you're not too busy kayaking, exploring volcanoes, climbing rocks, bungee jumping or rolling down a hill in a zorb.
Thailand offers an unbelievable gap year that can be filled with endless discovery. From the tranquil Buddhist temples, to the extreme Muay Thai, to the adventurous jungle treks in the North, to the culture filled capital of Bangkok. There is so much to keep you busy; you won't know where to start! Still, if you find yourself desperate for a break in this tropical climate, soaking up the sun on some of Thailand's luxury beaches is always a great option for those in desperate need of some R&R
Like all on this list, India is another country that you could spend an entire year travelling, and still not experience everything. Its 28 states all express individuality and no two places are even similar. As well as the range of infrastructure, this culture-rich country is something that can only be experienced in the flesh. It's not just the people that have made this country so breathtaking, but the natural landscapes are exceptional. The Himalayas in the North, the luxury beaches of Goa and the mangrove forests of Bengal are just a few examples of what is on offer.
If you're looking for wildlife, you'll find it right on the equator, bordering the Indian Ocean - that's Kenya for you. There, you can find coral reefs, snowy mountains, tropical forests and savannah grasslands, making the country one of the most fascinating environments in the world. And while you're experiencing the Great Rift Valley of Lake Turkana, it's easy to imagine our ancestors migrating across this region two million years ago.
About the Author:
Notgoingtouni.co.uk helps people by showing jobs and training that exist outside of university. Find teach english in Africa, distance learning, foundation degrees, gap years and voluntary work as well as ways to get a sponsored degree. Visit the site for organising a voluntary placement.
