Gap years are the perfect opportunity to test the waters on a variety of levels. Whether its a way of working out your future career, or blasting holes in your bucket list, a gap year is the moment to grab life by the lug-holes and bellow into its face.
If that was a little melodramatic; try this… a gap year is the perfect time to do (almost) exactly what you want.
Have you ever thought about taking a gap year? Wondering about what you should do and where you should go? Keen to learn more about popular trips and activities?
View our guide to the top things to do on a gap year.
1. Teaching Can Be Life Changing
If you have any interested in living overseas, getting paid and also doing a rewarding job then teaching English abroad can be life changing. Okay we are slightly biased, but honestly taking a TEFL course is the best way to get started. Popular places to work as an English teacher include Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Spain, Czech Republic, Argentina, Mexico, UAE and France – just to name a few.
2. Work Abroad
Whether you are interested in taking a short or long term trip, you could apply to work abroad on a gap year. There are lots of seasonal jobs, summer, winter and also working holidays to destinations like Australia which are really popular. Use a website like Seasonal Jobs Abroad to search positions.
3. Volunteering is Rewarding
Lots of local and international companies offer voluntary placements to destinations all around the world. You can find specialist and highly rewarding voluntary experiences in places like Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Whether you are considering a gap year, a rewarding summer trip, university holiday, career break or planning a group travel experience you can find an inspiring and meaningful trip. Some companies offer tailor made trips, designed specifically to create an experience that will fulfil your individual dreams.
You can apply to help people, communities, animals or the climate and environment with a company like Go Find Programs. You can even find volunteer teaching programs.
4. Tours Are Highly Recommended
If you are keen to explore the world and are either nervous about going by yourself, or don’t even know where to begin, booking a tour is a great way to travel. Most trips have been designed, tested and experienced by travellers. You can find so many companies who are passionate experts in travel destinations; and who can help share their passion and inspiration for where to go.
There are group tours all around the world where you will get guided to the best locations, get accommodation included, and meet people from all over the world. Top rated tour companies we recommend booking with include G Adventures and Contiki – both offer hundreds of amazing trips.
5. Backpacking South-East Asia
South-East Asia is an incredible region of the world to discover with so many world famous tourist attractions, islands, beaches and bustling cities. This region really is a backpacker Mecca with so many diverse destinations and things to do. You could combine an experience, e.g. going to teach English in Thailand then using this as a base to explore more of the region.
6. Learn a Language
If you have an interest in languages, or would like to start then why not consider a booking a course with a language school. There are so many options, from learning Spanish in Spain or Latin America, German in Germany, French in France, Chinese in China or Arabic in Morocco. To find classes visit a site like Book My Language Course.
7. Go Round the World
Have we got across how unique an opportunity a gap year is? The fact that you have so much time, is the reason that you hear so many stories about adventures from all over the world! Gap year travellers typically bound between continents, grabbing as much experience as they can, while balancing it out with meeting new friends and mixing with new cultures.
Choosing to travel round the world on your gap year is a smart move; when else will you have this amount of time, to travel at such a leisurely pace? Pick some places that are high on your hit list, and string an unforgettable route between them. You only live once! Inspire Your Trip and Gabi Travels are great resources to use to find round the world trip inspiration for places to go and things to do.
These are just a few of the of options for what to do on a gap year. This experience can be a really amazing experience where you see new places, take part in amazing activities and have a lot of fun. There are even lots of free, low cost and budget gap year ideas meaning you can travel without spending a fortune.