Gap Year Destinations
These are the top ten fastest growing destinations for inclusion on a gap year according to gap year travel experts STA Travel.
GOA
Explore Chennai and visit the 7th century shore temples in Mamallapuram. Stay on an island homestay in Kerala and visit the spice bazaar and beautiful Dutch palace in Kochi. End your adventure unwinding on Goa's laid-back beaches.
Flights to Goa start from around £500 for travellers under 26 years old and accommodation starts from around £9 per person per night.
For up-to-date FCO advice on India please click here
Krabi and Phuket
Stay in Bangkok before taking an overnight train journey to Khao Sok National Park staying in the jungle before heading to the Krabi Province, famous for its unspoilt beaches. From here spend the days exploring the diverse sights of Malaysia including Penang, the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpar and Melaka.
Flights to Krabi start from around £600 return and to Phuket from around £450. Accommodation starts from around £15 per person per night in some of the beach hotels with outdoor pools.
For up-to-date FCO advice on Thailand please click here
Panama
See the best of Southern Costa Rica and Northern Panama by starting your trip at the Panama Canal, an extinct volcanic crater and explore the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. With Panama still off most travellers' radars, it is the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience with activities ranging from fantastic bird watching to white water rafting.
Flights to Panama start from around £600 return
For up-to-date FCO advice on this Panama please click here
Reykjavik
Enjoy a day trip taking in the best bits of Iceland from the lava fields to the warm mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. There is lots to explore to get the best of prehistoric and contemporary Iceland, visiting lighthouses, seabird colonies, fishing villages and even a multimedia exhibition.
Flights to Reykjavik start from around £90 return. Good value accommodation can be found from around £28 per person.
For up-to-date FCO advice on Iceland please click here
Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at an impressive 5,895m and is Africa‘s highest peak and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Trek the famous Marangu Route stay in comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses. You’ll need a good nights sleep
Flights to Nairobi start from around £400 return
For up-to-date FCO advice on Tanzania please click here
Sandaka in Borneo
Explore the tribal villages, hot springs and the orangutans. Learn about mountain folklore on a Dusun homestay and climb Mount Kinabalu to enjoy breathtaking views.
Fly to Kota Kinabalu from around £650 return and stay in a hotel located in the heart of Sandakan town close to all major shopping areas, from around £16 per person.
For up-to-date FCO advice on Indonesia please click here
Costa Rica
Some of Costa Rica‘s must-see highlights include amazing wildlife, intense volcanic landscapes and superb Pacific beaches. Enjoy an unforgettable night hike into the base of the still active Arenal Volcano or relax in lush hot springs. While you’re there try out white-water rafting, horseback riding and boogie boarding.
Flights to San Jose start from around £600 return. Stay in an eco-conscious hotel, with solar power, in San Jose's old quarter, from around £14 per person.
For up-to-date FCO advice on Costa Rica please click here
Nadi in Fiji
See the real Fiji with a hop on, hop off bus pass. Explore beaches, rainforest treks, boat trips and local life covering the whole of Fiji's breath-taking main island, Viti Levu.
Flights to Nadi start from around £600 return. Accommodation in hotels with their own pool, bar and restaurant start from around £9 per person.
For up-to-date FCO advice on Fiji please click here
North India
Discover Rajasthan by taking in the sights of Old Delhi and the Shekhawati havelis. Take a camel safari to Jaisalmer and bird watch at Keoladeo Sanctuary. See the royal palace of Udaipur, visit the Jain temple of Ranakpur, and shop in a Jodhpur bazaar.
Flights to Delhi or Bombay start from around £300 return. Accommodation starts from around £9 per person.
For up-to-date FCO advice on India please click here
Sri Lanka
Combine relaxation and sightseeing as you travel from Negombo to Colombo. Cycle through the ruins of Polonnaruwa, climb the fort at Sigiriya, visit ancient Anuradhapura and experience Kandy's music scene.
Flights to Colombo start from around £400 return and accommodation can be found from around £17 per person.