If you’re looking to take a gap year, you want to take the time off to travel the world and discover who you really are before heading back to reality. The world is a big place and there are so many beautiful places that are waiting to be explored. If you’re having trouble deciding on where to go in your gap year, here is a list of best countries to visit for gap year students!
Australia is probably not the typical country to visit for gap year students but it is nonetheless a great place to visit.
If you love water sports, Australia is the place to do it. With its many beaches, it’s no wonder that many people head to Australia to surf. Australia is also home to Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier reef which is not to be missed – it’ll be worth the long flight you take to Australia.
The metropolitan cities Sydney and Melbourne and Perth (which is considered the most isolated city due to being surrounded Australian nature) are cities worth visiting in their own right. When mentioning Australia, it would be wrong to forget about the outback, kangaroos and koalas!
Made up of 50 states, the USA is a vast and large country with much to explore. On the east side, New York is a favourite for many people, not just gap year students. The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Times Square are just a few examples of iconic attractions to visit in New York.
If cities are too crowded for you, Florida might be more suited for you. Miami has an amazing party scene if you wanna let loose and party it up or maybe you want to visit the Walt Disney World Resort and bring out your inner child instead.
At the mention of the USA, maybe what comes to your mind is Route 66 – the best way to explore the USA is by taking road trips so why not grab a camper van and invite a couple of friends to tag along for the ride? You’ll be able to stop off wherever you want and explore at your own pace.
The most populous country in the world, China is a must for gap year students to visit. With many technological advances and modernisation taking place constantly in mainly the cities, there are many rural areas untouched with the remains of historic culture waiting to be seen.
Of course, when visiting China it would be ridiculous to miss out the amazing sights of the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City or Terracotta Army which continue to be popular attractions.
More lesser known areas such as Fujian offer mountains and temples or Hainan which is a beautiful island off the coast of China with a tropical climate are places to not miss out on.
Thailand is an already popular destination for gap year students. With ancient temples and many figures of Buddha, ancient ruins and beautiful palaces, it’s no wonder Thailand is a go-to place for many gap year students to visit.
The capital Bangkok or Ko Samui are must-visit destinations with a great party scene or if you are looking for more scenery and peacefulness, Chiang Mai is bursting with culture and grand temples. Sunbathe on the many beaches in Thailand or take a boat trip around the various little islands.
Japan is an island country where ancient traditions are fused with modern life. Technological advances in Japan are further ahead than anywhere else in the world and its busy cities and peaceful countrysides make it a perfect destination for gap year students.
Japan’s capital city Tokyo has a mix of neon-lit skyscrapers and ancient temples making it a popular tourist destination. The former capital city Kyoto is also just as popular where many people visit its Buddhist temples, gardens and shrines. Of course, how can you visit Japan and not see Mt. Fuji?
The largest country in South America, Brazil has many beaches and extravagant festivals that take place throughout the year.
The city Rio de Janeiro continues to be a popular destination where it is home to Christ the Redeemer statue. The Sugarloaf Mountain is also a must-visit for its gorgeous views if you take the cableway.
If you are more of an outdoors person, hiking in the Tijuca National Park which is claimed to be the largest urban forest is probably more suited for you. Not forgetting the famous Copacabana Beach shaped in a crescent, you can sit back and relax.
Located in the north Caribbean, Cuba is an underrated country and should be on every gap year student’s list of places to visit.
Old Havana which makes up part of the capital city Havana has a unique feel and atmosphere. When exploring Old Havana, you’ll find colourful buildings and old-fashioned cars roaming around the city.
The Topes de Collantes, a national reserve park is a beautiful place to visit for its nature and waterfalls. There are also many museums and historic buildings if you are looking to explore more of Cuba’s culture.
The most southern country in Africa, South Africa is a gorgeous place to visit.
Bo Kaap is an area close to the city Cape Town famed for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. It’s also packed with history and culture as it is one of the oldest residential towns in Cape Town and home to the country’s oldest mosque which is worth visiting.
To get a spectacular view, take The Flying Dutchman Funicular which will take you to the top of Cape Point where you’ll oversee the Atlantic Ocean.
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