Amanda PhillipsGap Year Destinations
The Inbetweeners have done it, along with 3 million other young people in the UK. Taking a gap year is an exciting and liberating experience, and something you won’t forget nor regret. Barrhead Travel can help plan your perfect gap year itinerary. Just check out our top ten gap year destinations, in no particular order (why not visit them all!) for a great gap year:
Cape Town
Cape Town combines culture, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine. Table Mountain looms over the town and can be reached in just 5 minutes by cable car, or make a day of it hiking. There’s plenty of opportunities to see the scenery and wildlife in Cape Town by volunteering. Visit Boulders Beach and you can sunbathe with penguins!
Buenos Aires
Looking to do something a bit different on your gap year? Buenos Aires is the perfect place to learn Spanish, with plenty of schools offering courses. What better way to learn during the day and practice at night! Eclectic architecture, friendly locals and world-class football are all on offer in the capital city of Argentina.
Dunedin
The name Dunedin comes from the Gaelic name for Edinburgh, and the city has many suburbs named after places in Scotland. The city offers loads of distinctive architecture of which the likes of Dunedin Railway Station is renowned for. Visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a specially protected native forest with tuatara (a reptile) and 17 species of native birds.
Hong Kong
There’s nowhere on earth quite like Hong Kong. Hong Kong evokes pictures of skyscrapers jutting into the night sky, but less than 25% of HK is developed land. The city is home to an abundance of old style architecture. Take a walk down Hollywood Road’s ample selection of art galleries and antique shops. For a gap year, why not try a trip from Beijing to Hong Kong, taking in many of the great delights China has to offer along the way.
Hue, Vietnam
Hue, in the central region of Vietnam, is a popular place for backpackers to stop on route from Ho Chi Minh up to Hanoi. Take a cycle tour of the beautiful countryside, or get adventurous and get on a motorbike! The Imperial City, a walled fortress and palace, is a must-visit. It was built for the emperor of Vietnam in 1904.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket hosts flocks of students on their gap year, and rightly so. Combining breathtaking nature with hustle and bustle, you’ve got the best of both worlds here. Get to Karon Beach, lesser known to tourists, so offers some peace and quiet. At night time, hit up Bangla Road to experience the buzzing nightlife in Phuket. A must-see is James Bond Island, located on Phang Nga Bay.
Miami, USA
Miami evokes images of the 80s, Miami Vice style (you’re probably too young to remember that) and yes, palm trees do line the street (it’s situated in a tropical climate, after all) and the city lights gleam at night, seductively inviting you in to party the night away. Miami Beach offers more than its name suggests – shopping, dining, eating and great nightlife.
Tamil Nadu, India
There’s a plethora of opportunity awaiting you in India. Volunteering and teaching are really popular things to do on your gap year here. Business, medical or journalism internships are also popular. A must-see is the Meenaksi Amman temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Steeped in history and culture, you’ll leave India with a new view of the world.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is located in the Whitsundays, Queensland. It’s the most photographed beach in Australia and as soon as you arrive, you’re hit with an aura of real relaxation. Feel the hot sand between your toes, take a dip in the crystal clear blue waters and take in nature at its beautiful best.
Madrid
If you’re keen to get work experience whilst abroad, why not take up an internship in Madrid, gaining you vital experience whilst having fun in one of Europe’s stylish cities? Madrid’s brimming with culture, so soak it up by visiting the many shops, cafes, restaurants and parks. Catch a game of world class football at the Bernabeu stadium, home of Madrid football club.
Barrhead Travel can help you plan your perfect gap year trip, with specialists travel consultants available in all of our branches. Call us on 0800 804 8666 to discuss your holiday needs or indeed for any other gap year destinations that may be thinking of.