Where you visit really comes down to personal preference and what types of interests you have or experience you are seeking but hopefully this article will give you some good ideas for places to add to your itinerary.
1. Australia
Would you like to see koalas and kangaroos in real life? Or some of the most beautiful beaches in the world?
Plan a gap year to Australia, this country has everything! Must visit locations include Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Fraser Island, WhitSundays, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef, you could spend months exploring the land Down Under and not see everything.
We highly recommend the Neighbours pub tour in Melbourne and also trying to watch a live Aussie Rules football game - this might not be like anything you have experienced before.
Our Australia adventure tours will allow you to see the highlights or apply to work in Australia if you would like to stay a little longer.
2. Canada
Expect big cities, spectacular mountain ranges and some of the best ski slopes in the world in Canada which is one of the top destinations for people seeking to work and travel.
A visit wouldn't be complete without booking a tour in Canada wouldn't be complete without seeing Niagara Falls (some people say it's overrated but we disagree).
You could take an internship in Canada at a city like Toronto which is a world class city. You could also apply to work a winter ski season in Canada - this is one of the best destinations in the world!
3. Fiji
If you a buying a round the world ticket the chances are Fiji will be included in the list of stops and we highly recommend visiting at least once in your life. If you have seen pictures of Fiji, these really do not do the country justice because the islands and beaches are even more stunning in real life.
This country is one of the most laid back destinations in the world where you can sunbathe, join some water sports activities, taste the local food or just spend all day on the beach soaking up the sun.
On our website we have bus and island hopping trips and also volunteering programs in Fiji where you can do a little bit more constructive.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is on the other side of the world and far from almost everything but it is one of the best gap year destinations in the world due to the relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, beautiful landscapes and adventures. Rugby is the local passion in this country and try to see an All Blacks game!
A lot of people take working holidays in New Zealand - places you might want to visit include Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Wanaka but there are also lots of other places to visit off the beaten track. You might like to view New Zealand volunteer programs for a rewarding experience.
5. India
Enjoy Indian food? Looking to experience ancient temples and a unique country? India has long been an established backpacking destination and it is still as appealing as ever today, expect a culture shock, bustling cities, people, noise, tasty food and tradition.
This is one of the best countries to visit on a gap year in Asia - there are so many different opportunities, from trekking, volunteering, traveling overland or just heading to a beach resort for down relaxation time. View our India volunteer programs and book a trip.
6. Thailand
The land of smiles is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in the world with islands, beaches, food, culture, friendly people a lot of which speak English.
You can choose from hundreds of Thailand gap year trips and also rewarding volunteering programs in Thailand. From trekking in the North visiting remote villages, to helping wildlife, experiencing the full moon party, learning to scuba dive or going island hopping - this country really will ignite your wanderlust.
Search Thailand tours today or if you would like to stay a little longer our guide to working in Thailand will appeal.
7. Peru
If you are looking to take a gap year in South America this wouldn't be complete without visiting Peru. Situated high in the Andes this country might be small but there are more things to do here than in most countries in the world.
You could book a tour in Peru to hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (or cheat and catch the train), see the Nazca lines, visit remote communities, go into the Amazon, chill out on beaches or explore ancient cities. We have some amazing volunteer projects in Peru which might appeal to you.
8. South Africa
If wildlife is your thing then plan a gap year to Africa, here you will get to see the famous Big 5 wildlife - lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.
Not to mention modern cities, diverse landscapes, stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches. There are lots of overland trips where you can see more of the country and also lots of rewarding volunteer programs in South Africa where you can help children, communities and animals.
9. USA
From exploring cities like NYC, Chicago and San Francisco to riding the epic long Route 66' and visiting places like the Grand Canyon - the US is one of the top destinations in the world for good reason.
A popular option is to work at a summer camp in America and then book a tour of the USA afterwards. If you are looking to party and are over 21 head to Las Vegas or for somewhere more scenic you might want to join an overland trip of California,
We offer lots of great trips in this country where you can travel, join a tour or spend more than just a holiday by actually living and working here. So what are you waiting for, view our USA work and travel programs today.
10. Brazil
There really has never been a better time to visit Brazil, this is a huge country, expect football crazy locals, beautiful beaches, huge cities and also the breath-taking Amazon rainforest which words can't describe.
Most people visit Rio de Janeiro which is one of the top cities to visit on a gap year with stunning scnenic, beaches and beautiful locals. In Rio you can ride a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain or just relax on beaches like Copacabana. If you book a tour in Brazil you might get to visit Sao Paulo, Bahia and Fortaleza.
On our Brazil volunteer directory you can find overland adventures and also conservation / community programs where you could even work in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
Plan Your Round the World Adventure
There really are so many countries to visit and it was hard to make this list. If you need any help or advice about visiting any of these locations check out our country guides or visit our main gap year directory. You can also contact us for advice.
