Things to Do on a Gap Year: 10 Gap Year Ideas

So it’s official, you’re going on a gap year! Okay, maybe it’s not official for you *just* yet, but it might as well be. Because once you’ve considered the idea of taking a break, saving up some money and seeing new places… Well, there’s no going back. Gap years are too exciting to miss out on!

The world is wide, and you’re looking to make memories. To get you inspired, we’ve put together our top 10 gap year ideas. Scroll along, as we share all the life-changing adventures you could have on your gap year.

1. Go Backpacking in Southeast Asia

There’s a reason why we’re travel-obsessed with Southeast Asia. Insane nightlife, even more insane views, and the most affordable prices. Southeast Asia feels completely different to home in the best way possible! 

We know that going to Southeast Asia can feel like a huge leap out of your comfort zone. Here’s the thing… We also know, from experience, that this is the dream destination for first-time travel. Friendly backpacking vibes, bucket list activities and trustworthy routes… Southeast Asia has everything you need to make that first time away, without a parent or guardian, both special and seamless.

Wondering what you may need to know before exploring Southeast Asia? The Essential Travel Guide for Southeast Asia is our tell-all, from daily spending money to what to pack, staying connected abroad, visas and more.

2. See More of Europe

Prefer somewhere closer to home? Great news: there’s so much for you to experience in Europe! Arts, culture, food, beaches, mountains, nightlife… Whatever you want in a gap year, you can find it here. 

Because it’s so nearby, you can choose whatever length of time suits your style. Maybe you fancy a weekend away in a new city to dip your toes into travel. Or maybe you’re more into the idea of ticking off more countries than you count in just a few weeks, whether that’s by coach travel or interrailing. Take your pick of adventure!

3. Do a Working Holiday in Australia or New Zealand

Fancy the idea of moving to the other side of the world? If you travel to Australia or New Zealand, you literally can! Both of these countries offer fantastic working holiday schemes, open to British citizens aged 18 to 35 (alongside other nationalities).

Minimum wage rates are highly competitive, so it’s perfect for picking up some work and earning money to put toward your next adventure. If there’s one thing we love more than travelling, it’s getting paid for it! 

Picture this: waking up for sunrise and going for an early morning surf (because in this daydream, all those surf lessons on our Australia tours made you basically a pro 🏄). And that’s before your shift has even started.

As for your days off, you’re free to explore more of your new home away from home. Or if you’re taking an extended break in between jobs, Southeast Asia is super close, so… Bali beach clubs, anyone? It’s like you read my mind. 🍹

Ready to apply? Of course you are! Lucky for you, we’ve put together detailed guides taking you step-by-step through applying for the Australian Working Holiday Visa and the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. Everything you need to know can be found there, including info about our working holiday packages (for Australia, we can even handle all the boring visa paperwork for you)!

4. Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering abroad is an incredible opportunity to give back directly to local communities as you travel. Aside from looking great on a CV, they can encourage personal growth, allow you to experience a new culture more personally, and give you a huge self-confidence boost. 

Maybe you’re passionate about animals and would love the chance to volunteer with puppies in Thailand, look after koalas at an Australian wildlife park, or help save the sea turtles in Sri Lanka. Or if an African safari is high on your bucket list, why not volunteer at a Big 5 Game Reserve?

Figuring out your next steps can feel pretty overwhelming, which is why volunteering could be the answer you need. It can help you to gain experience and reaffirm whether something is the right fit for you.

5. Explore Central and South America

Those GCSE Spanish lessons are about to come in handy. Central and South America make up a huge corner of the world, meaning that you could go backpacking here for months and still feel like you’ve got so much more to see.

We find that this world region is especially popular among second-time travellers – backpackers who have maybe already been to Asia and Australia, and are seeking out their next adventure somewhere new. If that sounds like you, Central and South America could be your perfect match!

Even if you’re completely new to travelling, it’s less about where you go and more about your travel style. Yes, we’re biased, but group tours are the best way to experience a new destination without having to worry about the logistics of everything. Besides, your future best friend is probably on that trip you keep coming back to!

6. Learn a New Skill

Remember what we said about becoming a surfing pro? We weren’t kidding! A gap year is as good an excuse as any to learn a new skill, maybe even find your new calling. Who knows where it could lead… Snorkelling could become your new favourite hobby. Or yoga. Or surfing (again). You could even take things one step further and try learning a new language abroad for full cultural immersion. 

Learning new things doesn’t have to stop the moment you leave education. If anything, you’re always growing and discovering new interests. Gap years are about more than having fun; it’s a chance to pick up new hobbies and realise your biggest strengths.

And if it fails? At least you tried, and it’s better to feel a bit embarrassed than regretting never giving it a go. Think of it this way… Now you have a fun travel anecdote to share at your next dinner party! Technically, you’re also one step closer to your success story.

7. Take on a Bucket List Trek

Speaking of embracing new challenges, an active adventure could be what you need. There’s always going to be another mountain, so why not spend your gap year taking on some of the world’s most iconic hikes or treks? Promise it’s more fun than PE lessons and the DofE (Duke of Edinburgh award)!

The Inca Trail in Peru would probably be our first pick… or there’s also the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Who could forget about Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, or spotting gorillas whilst trekking in Uganda?

Then there are also the smaller, equally memorable hikes. Mount Batur at sunrise in Bali, spending the night at the top of Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala… Wherever you want to go travelling to, chances are, you may be able to do some hiking there. 

Just make sure to train, dress and pack for the occasion (trust us, you don’t want to do Patagonia in plimsols 😶‍🌫️).

8. Become an Au Pair

Have childcare experience? You may be eligible to become an Au Pair, which basically means staying at a local family abroad and helping with the kids and around the house, in exchange for accommodation and meals. 

Most Au Pair programmes have an age limit of 18 to 25. We recommend choosing a programme which provides an instant social network, including regular socials throughout the year, so that you can connect with other like-minded Au Pairs. 

Want to know more? Check out our Work as an Au Pair in the USA programme, where you can earn over $11,000 and live in the USA for an entire year, plus the chance to travel around for 30 days after.

9. Join a Paid Teaching Programme

Every university student knows the feeling of being asked, “So what are you going to do with your degree?” seconds after graduation. Well, here’s something pretty cool that you could do… How about paid teaching abroad?

The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) programme can be a great way to experience a new culture. You can usually complete it online or in your chosen country. We recommend choosing a teaching abroad programme with accommodation provided, alongside paid holidays, and a support network that allows you to connect with other young teachers abroad.

10. Travel Everywhere!

And we do mean everywhere. Because how are you meant to know whether Thailand or Peru is your favourite destination unless you go to both?

Once you start feeling wanderlust, you’ll want to explore as many countries as you possibly can. Also, it usually works out to be more affordable to tick off Vietnam whilst you’re in Australia, plus throw Bali in there for good measure.

The solution? Travel Around the World with us! You can get a taste of what’s possible with our multi-trip combos: expertly designed itineraries that feature some of our best-selling group tours, so you don’t miss a thing.

Still Deciding?

Gap years are a big decision, and we completely appreciate that you may still be deciding whether it’s the right thing for you. Still, we believe that there’s a perfect travel experience for everyone – including short trips in between your studies or job search!

If this is your first time going abroad without a parent or guardian, feeling nervous is completely normal. Support is provided at every stage of your journey with Gap 360, including before you’ve even chosen a trip or destination.

You can book a free 1-to-1 advice session with one of our friendly travel experts. If you have any questions or would like reassurance, they’re the best people to ask and are always happy to help. Check out our Contact Us page for more details, or get the conversation started over live chat.

So there you have it! Your future “best thing I ever did” is just moments away, especially when you have 200+ tours to choose from. Go, go, go! ⚡