Nine Amazing Destinations for Travelling and Gap Years

The world is full of wonders, and many people choose to explore it while they’re students. However, choosing from all the fascinating countries out there can be tricky. Read our shortlist below to get some great ideas of where to travel on your gap year or holidays.

Where You Should Visit

1. Thailand

From beautiful beaches to historic temples, Thailand has something from everyone. Backpackers flock there every year, and it’s one of the most popular gap year destinations. The cuisine is locally-sourced, the landscape varies from bustling Bangkok to tropical forests, and the cost of living will easily suit a student budget.

2. Australia

If you want to travel the miles but not far out of your comfort zone, why not try Australia? With a host of stunning cities, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. It’s home to sights such as the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House, alongside the perfect climate and landscape for adventuring, relaxing, or both.

3. USA

The options are endless in America. Are you a music lover? Head to jazz-loving New Orleans or the country haven of Nashville. Want to sample some of the most famous cities in the world? New York and LA could be right up your street. You can spend months on the great American road trip, exploring everywhere from the deserts of Nevada to the swamps of the South. Few countries offer so much choice – or are so big!

4. Indonesia

You’ll see true diversity among the 17,000 islands of Indonesia, with its many peoples, languages and lifestyles. You can encounter legendary beaches for some much-needed tranquillity, exotic wildlife such as orangutans and elephants, and stunning scenery – including the multitude of volcanoes.

5. France

Food and drink are central to the French culture – from city corner pâtisseries to world-famous vineyards. Get your dose of history and landmarks in Paris, or live in luxury in the South of France. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find a pace of life that suits you.

6. Peru

Peru is made for backpacking. The Amazon rainforest? The Andes? Machu Picchu? This exotic country has them all. Explore the museums of Lima or take part in its vibrant festivals. And, influences on the cuisine range from Spanish to African – so if you want to take a leap of faith on your travels, Peru will be a great choice.

7. Italy

This star of Europe is packed full of UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural treasures. From the Coliseum in Rome to the historical wonder that is Pompeii, Italy is the perfect choice for anyone with a love of history. Plus, the Italians know how to make and appreciate food – you can spend hours enjoying multiple courses of local delicacies here.

8. New Zealand

A holiday in New Zealand can be action-packed – many people visit for its incredible forests, mountains and beaches, which are ideal for everything from hiking to water sports. Māori culture is intriguing to any outsider, while its cities and towns are laid-back and low on crime.

9. Canada

Canadians are known for their friendly nature, and their country is just as welcoming to the student traveller. Cities such as Montreal and Toronto are easy to navigate, and aren’t far from natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains. You can also see a myriad of wildlife, from whales to grizzly bears.

If you’re planning your gap year or student holidays, why not make use of our student shipping and storage service? We can ship your belongings ahead to your destination, or store them in our secure facility to make your travels stress-free. Contact us today for more details.