Are you thinking about taking a gap year? There are 195 countries in the world and choosing where to go can be difficult.
To help make you to plan the most amazing incredible trip of your life we have written a guide to the some of the most popular places you should try to visit on your gap year.
The countries featured on our list include some of the most popular destinations around the world which you need to think about adding to your travel itinerary especially if a round the world trip appeals to you.
Some places we have featured are world famous with iconic tourist attractions whilst others are more up and coming – get there before the crowds arrive.
Get inspired to explore the world today.
1. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular countries to visit in Asia and it is easy to see why. This country has beautiful islands, modern cities, white sandy beaches and legendary parties.
Compared to North America and Europe Thailand is very cheap to go backpacking and you can spend a lot of time travelling here on a very limited budget.
Must visit places include Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands like Koh Phi Phi, Phuket and Koh Samui. One of the most popular things to do on a gap year is to help animals in Thailand.
There are lots of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand where you can get close and also help these magnificent creatures.
2. Australia
Not many countries in the world compare to Australia in terms of tourism this country has so many amazing destinations that you can visit from cities like Sydney Melbourne Perth and Brisbane to seeing The most spectacular natural wonders in the world like the Great Barrier Reef.
Thousands of people plan trips to Australia every year to work and travel in the country, there are friendly English-speaking native people, modern cities, an amazing transport network and also some of the most incredible thought attractions in the world.
Working holidays here are popular which allow you to fund travels to go on epic road trips.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the government have been doing a lot of work to preserve the natural habitats and wildlife here.
There are lots of things to do in Costa Rica like taking part in adventure sports like surfing, climbing active volcanos, exploring rainforests or volunteering to help exotic animals like sloths.
Costa Rica is very safe and touristy, learning Spanish here is also really popular.
4. USA
The USA has long been one of the most popular travel destinations in the world due to the just to the amount of diverse travel opportunities. There are so many places you can visit in the USA like New York, Miami, Chicago and California.
A lot of people apply to work at summer camps or summer work and travel programs and use the free time to explore more the country.
There are also lots of short and long duration tours available where you can see multiple cities, travel the length of Route 66 or explore some of the most beautiful natural national parks in the world.
5. Canada
Canada is a simply spectacular country and not many places in the world compare to the Rocky Mountains and scenery you get there.
This is the perfect destination if you like outdoor adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding as it has some of the best ski slopes in the world.
There are also cities to visit like Toronto Vancouver, Montréal and Québec whilst applying for seasonal working holiday jobs is recommended.
6. Japan
Are you open to a culture shock? Japan really is a special destination is somewhere you have to visit once in your life. Although the language barrier can be a challenge Japan is a country that will leave a lasting impression.
Local people are very friendly the food is extremely tasty and there is a mix of ancient and super modern tourist attractions.
If you would like to be more than just your average traveller you could apply to work in Japan, a popular option for gap years is to take a TEFL course and work as an English teacher. Positions are available in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
7. France
France is one of the best gap year destinations in Europe and it is also one of the most visited countries in the world. It is easy to see why so many fall in love with France there are lots of world-famous tourist attractions here like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
A popular option is to study French in France as there are language schools operating throughout the country. There are lots of places you could add your France itinerary including Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice.
8. Vietnam
Taking a gap year in Vietnam can be a really amazing experience this region of the world is really special with history, culture, friendly people, tasty cuisine and so many different locations to visit.
Vietnam is a very safe country to visit and there are some of the most popular places to visit in south east Asia here. Destinations to try see include Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi Ann, Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay.
9. Spain
If you would like to spend time in Europe on your gap year then Spain is a great destination to visit.
There are lots of beautiful islands, cities and scenic pounds and also some of the meat is beautiful beaches in the world.
Places we recommend visiting include Madrid Valencia Barcelona Seville Bilbo and the stunning Balearic Islands which include Majorca and Ibiza.
There are so many things you can do here including learning Spanish, teaching English, working a summer season, or just backpacking and exploring the country.
10. Fiji
Fiji is one of the most exotic destinations in the world and the beaches are more beautiful in real life. If you’re planning around the world trip and going to include Australia and New Zealand in your itinerary we highly recommend also including Fiji. The islands and beaches are really stunning and there are also some of the most friendly people in the world.
11. India
India has been a popular gap year destination with backpackers for decades, this country is huge in such a culture shock but it is such an amazing experience to travel in the country. The Taj Mahal really is somewhere you have to visit once in your life was India also has mountains, beaches, jungles and so much more.
12. South Africa
The African continent is huge and there are so many different countries you could visit.
If you have never been to Africa before then a good country to start in South Africa. This country is one of the most popular destinations where you can see some of the most exotic and endangered animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants and rhinos.
There are lots of recommend places to visit in South Africa like Cape Town which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are lots of different trips you can do where you can travel overland and take in the highlights of the country.
If you would like to see animals and then that will habitat we highly recommend you include the Kruger National Park in your itinerary. Other places you could see include Durban Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
13. New Zealand
New Zealand is the ultimate outdoor destination with stunning nature and endless adventures. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown are essential stop offs. There are so many activities to do here, from bungee jumping, canyon swings, skiing, glacier hiking and more.
14. Mexico
The thought of visiting Mexico can seem daunting, like isn’t this home to some of the worst drug cartels in the world? Well yes, but the tourist areas are very safe for international tourists and millions of people visit every year.
Popular destinations include Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. In Mexico you can enjoy amazing food, see ancient temples and also kick back and relax at some of the best resorts on the planet.
15. Kenya
If you are keen on the idea of spending a gap year in Africa, then Kenya is one of the most popular countries to visit. This country has long been a popular tourist destination due having some of the most highly rated National Parks on the continent. On a safari here you can see animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebra and more. There are lots of free vol
16. Peru
Peru is home to some of the most incredible wonders in the world including Machu Picchu – somewhere you have to visit once in your life. Lots of top rated international tour operators offer trips here all year round.
17. UK & Ireland
England is one of the most visited countries in the world and a popular gap year destination especially with people from North America. If you are a British citizen you could plan a staycation as there are lots of courses, programs and experiences available.
Dublin and London are popular places to visit, in these cities you can also join lots of structured programs include internships, courses and jobs.
18. Cambodia
Cambodia is another entry to our list for a country in south east Asia, this region really is a great place to go travelling.
Cambodia’s main attraction in the ancient temples of Siem Reap, they really are stunning and a must visit destination.
The local people are very friendly, prices are very cheap for budget backpackers and the islands are beautiful and less busy than Thailand.
19. Portugal
Portugal is one of the best value destinations in Europe with a warm climate and sun almost all year round. There are historical and cultured cities like Lisbon and Porto whilst the south of the country has a stunning coastline and some of the best beaches in the continent.
Portugal offers great value for money and is a great place to study abroad, Portuguese languages courses here are great value for money. Working a summer season in the Algarve is also very popular.
20. Indonesia
Indonesia is made up of hundreds of islands with the most famous destination being Bali, which is one of the top rated backpacker destinations in the world. You find beaches, go surfing, volunteer, join a yoga retreat and more.
We hope our list of popular places to visit on a gap year has given you some ideas for where to go. All the places featured on our list are different and you will need to research all to see where appeals to you. Taking a gap year really can be a life changing experience, just go and don’t look back. Check out Gap Year World to book a trip today.
