What do you want to do between finishing school and going to university? Perhaps university isn't even on the agenda but you want to look at gap year ideas before you enter the world of employment? Where will you go? How will you get there? What will you get up to on your gap year? Luckily for you, we've got some information to help you decide. Keep reading for some top notch gap year ideas which could change your life.
Travelling
Lots of us want to travel the world, embrace different cultures and see incredible sights. Travelling is one of the most popular things to do on your gap year. Where will you go though? Has there been a country you've always wanted to visit or a city that feels like it's calling you? Perhaps you simply want to ump on a plane with your backpack and travel across a continent? Let's look at some gap year ideas about where you could be going – or you could choose New York on a budget.
Australia
One of the go to destinations for the gap year traveller is Australia. There is so much to explore down under. Once you've enjoyed the 24 hour plane journey and figured out how to deal with jet lag, your adventure can continue. You can start in the cities, taking in the hustle and bustle of city life in Sydney. Maybe exploring the Opera House and watching the sun set over the harbour. You can then go off grid in places such as the Blue Mountains National Park and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You might be attracted to the awesome Bondi beach. After soaking up the sun, why not enjoy a trek along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk? Head to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island or go to other National Parks including Kakadu, Daintree and Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair. Enjoy watching the wildlife on Kangaroo Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula or road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Australia has so much to offer!
Thailand
The backpacker heaven and somewhere loads of gap year memories are made. Thailand has white sand beaches, jungle hill treks and snorkelling trips just to start with! An amazing party scene, bamboo rafting through amazing landscapes and ethical elephant projects you can get involved with too. This is well and truly out of your comfort zone and you'll embrace every part of the culture. Island hopping in Thailand is one of the ultimate gap year pastimes with off-the-beaten-track adventures and empty beaches you can call your own.
New Zealand
Lots of us find the idea of heading to New Zealand appealing. It could be the fact we've binge watching the Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies recently, or just those glorious landscapes are calling to us. Whatever reason you want to go, New Zealand has so much to offer and is a staple of gap year ideas across the country. You'll feel right at home as the majority of the country speak English, but the places you find yourself will be like nothing you've experienced. Bustling cities, towering volcanos, glorious vistas. If you love photography, this is the place for you. Every landscape is different and beautiful. For thrill seekers there is excellent skiing, sky diving and bungee jumping. Pack your bags, Middle Earth is calling!
Volunteering
How do you fancy giving something back on your gap year? As much as you get from a gap year, its always nice to give back. It could be working with charities, or getting involved with programs across the globe which help different people, animals and situations. Let's have a look at some gap year ideas which involve volunteering.
Working With Children In South Africa
How do you fancy going to some of the poorest parts of South Africa and working with children? You could be teaching classes during school hours and helping get kids interested in sports and games. You could help implement schemes to bring water into villages and build houses, install toilets and plant gardens. There is so much that you can give to people who need help. It takes a dedicate heart and an open mind to take on this opportunity from our gap year ideas list.
Saving Turtles in Costa Rica
If you have a love for wildlife, working with an organisation in Costa Rica saving turtles could be for you. There are programmes available which will have you helping to save turtles, but giving you spare time to explore the country as well. Perhaps you can help clear up water pollution, waste that washes up on the coast. If you adore wildlife and want to make an impact helping to save it, this could be for you. You can make a real difference with your time and really help to change the world.
Teaching In China
How do you fancy using your skills to teach in China? This is a great way to enjoy a gap year if you don't really have the funds. Teaching programmes in China will give you food, accommodation and a decent salary. They usually run for 12 months and are a great idea after university. This is because you'll need a degree and a TEFL qualification. This extra qualification can be done online for under £100. You could be travelling to China and helping kids learn English as a second language before you know it!
You might think that gap year ideas are just a year out, trying something new, seeing a bit of the world. However, did you know that potential future employers will look at your more favourably if you have experience? Travelling and volunteering opens the mind and broadens your horizons. The challenges you face, the situations you find yourself in, can all help you problem solve. You're putting yourself in a place where you can truly learn and gather experience. That is an admirable quality. A gap year could be the best thing you ever do. You just need to decide what you'll do! Have fun selecting your ideal gap year and when you head off on your adventures, stay safe!