So you’ve decided to take some time out? Great! For many people, taking a gap year becomes one of the best experiences of their lives.
However, embarking on gap year can be a daunting experience with so many things to consider and it is important to research and plan your trip to make sure you maximise the experience. It is our job to do all the hard work so you can enjoy yourselves and come back after enjoying the trip of a lifetime.
View our gap year travel guide with top tips, recommendations for things to do and where to go and the best programs around the world.
Top Rated Gap Year Programs
Best Gap Year Companies
Where to Go
Ah, the life-affirming prospect of an entire year free from the pressures of exams and the workplace. There’s something wonderful about those weeks in between you making the decision to go on a gap year and actually choosing what to do with your time off. But soon that initial excitement can turn to doubt. Where should you go?
Popular destinations include:
• Australia • New Zealand • Thailand • South Africa • Vietnam • USA • Canada • Cambodia • France • Spain • Brazil • Mexico • Peru
Browse all opportunities by region:
• Africa • Asia • Europe • Oceania • Central America • North America • South America • Middle East
Gap Year Ideas
What new experiences should you be seeking? Well fear no more, because we’ve put together a guide to the top gap year adventures available in this little ol’ world of ours.
Gap years can take many forms: an exotic trekking experience in South America; a volunteering trip to Africa; following the backpacking trail through Indochina; or doing an epic bus journey down Australia’s east coast.
Are you wondering what to do on your gap year? With hundreds of programs in 100+ countries there is certainly plenty of options to choose from. These are some of the popular activities:
Work
• Jobs abroad • Voluntary work • Teach English • Summer Jobs
Learn
• Intern abroad • Study a language
Travel
• Backpacker Tours • Surf • Martial Arts • Yoga
FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about taking a gap year or going backpacking around the world.
What is a Gap Year?
A gap year is that period of time school-leavers take to drunkenly sway round the seven continents before heading off to university, right? Er, well yes partly, but c’mon: there’s so much more to it than that!
Loads of people choose to take a gap year, whether it’s before university or after it, smack bang in the middle of their careers, or as a ‘golden gapper’ in post-retirement. There are honeymoon gap year travellers and those who frantically fit them in before starting a family.
In fact, defining a gap year is pretty simple: it’s just a break of (usually) three to twelve months when normal, everyday folk decide to see a bit if the world before they settle down to study, have a family or concentrate on their career.
Why Take a Gap Year?
There are many reasons people choose to take a gap year or career break. Perhaps you’ve just finished your studies and want to take some time out to travel before college/university, or are fed up with your job and are looking to do something completely different. Maybe you’ve done it all before and are now looking for your next adventure! Whatever your motivation, our website aims to provide you with information and unique package tailored to suit your needs. From gap year jobs, to backpacking adventures, you can find so many amazing trips.
Benefits
You’ll make lifelong friends, see things more weird and wonderful than you could ever imagine, and be the envy of your friends! Not to mention gaining valuable skills like planning, organisation and self-sufficiency which will look great on your CV and really set you apart from those who didn’t take a gap year. Especially if you join a gap year intern program. You’ll come back more mature, open-minded and independent – skills that are not only valued by employers but will prepare you for whatever you do next, be it university, work or more travel!
Is a Gap Year One Year?
Gap Years have adapted slightly over the years now structured programs generally range from 1 week onwards. A Gap Year doesn’t have to last for a year, if you are interested in taking a bit of time out to do something different in the holidays these programs fit in perfectly. It is important to try and link in a program that fits with what you want to do in the future. For Example a student that is interested in teaching might go and Volunteer in a School in Kenya and gain a TEFL qualification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Gap Discovery will asses which programs meet your requirements and discuss them with you in detail. There are over 200 programs to choose from, so choose wisely!
How to Plan a Gap Year?
Do you like the idea of taking a gap year? Wondering how do I start? Sounds obvious, but first you’ll need to research and plan your dream gap year experience. This means making a list of all the places you want to visit, researching flights, putting together a proper budget plan, figuring out how you’re going to manage your money and making an appointment with your doctor to find out what vaccinations you need.
You’ll also have to buy travel insurance, a few bits of travel kit and a backpack big enough to fit it all. You might also want to convince a few mates to go along for the ride.
A gap year is completely flexible. You could concentrate on doing things that will benefit your career, or spend som of it giving back to society on a gap year volunteer project. You could choose to settle in one place, or see as much as possible when you’re out there. Don’t get bogged down in the stereotypes; with a bit of forward planning, a gap year is for everyone.