While many students head for countries in Asia and Africa to see and enjoy an inexpensive vacation or to serve in various volunteer programs, there are also those who are looking for other unique gap year opportunities. And many of them find what they are looking for in popular destinations in the Pacific.
Where to Go
These are the most popular gap year and backpacking destinations in Oceania:
• Australia
• Fiji
• New Zealand
More countries, islands, dependencies and other territories in this region which are slightly off the beaten track but also worth visiting include: French Polynesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Palau, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru. Mariana Islands, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Guam, Niue, Tokelau and Wallis & Futuna.
If you like to know more about gap year trips and experiences in Oceania, browse our destination guides. Compare the countries, packages and book only if you think that the package gives you the best value for your money.