Culturally Enriching Destinations To Visit During Your Gap Year

The typical gap year route starts off in Thailand, then you work your way through Vietnam and eventually to Australia. While this can be culturally enriching if you are going to those places for that reason, a lot of the time because they are highly populated by young adults who want to travel before they begin studying, you are not really culturally enriching yourself.

There are so many other places in the world that you can travel to while enjoying the culture, religions and general authentic society rather than a tourist destination. Take full advantage of this gap year opportunity to explore the unexplored. We are going to list a range of destinations that you can research to visit for a more well-rounded experience of the world and it might just influence and inspire what you wish to study.

Asia

This has always been a very well-sought-after destination beyond the gap year trends for its unique culture, traditions, and overall community. Being such a large continent, there are so many places for you to explore with their own unique tendencies that could inspire you greatly, whether it be the food you eat, the customs you agree with or the type of music you listen to.

Here are 3 areas I recommend you visit during your travels around Asia.

Japan

A beautiful culture that is far ahead of its time and filled with a love of technology, and people who prioritise hygiene, convenience, politeness and tradition is heartwarming to many who decide to come. It also would be a perfect place to study with state-of-the-art schools; you would be more than looked after if you came here.

These unique traditions, cuisines and cultures leave you enriched, enlightened and culturally aware of Japan.

India

Ever since I watched Eat, Pray, Love and The Darjeeling Limited, I have been fascinated with not only the spiritual side of India but also the community it harnesses within itself. While it is a very large country, I would recommend going to a spiritual retreat surrounded by those who can educate, enrich and help you understand the power of their practices.

Thailand

Steer away from all the gap-year popular destinations if you want some more authentic and head towards the tropical paradise villages with ancient ruins, vibrant markets and opportunities for spiritual exploration, which aren’t few and far between here. When travelling to new places, you are supposed to be open-minded and ready to receive. I suggest you seek out those experiences that allow you to feel and think differently.

Europe

A lot of us are from the UK, especially heading over to Europe for the gorgeous weather and escape from the rain and clouds we are so familiar with at home. Seek out a different side to these popular destinations in Europe and open your world up.

Spain

For individuals wishing to travel around Europe, Spain is seen as an inexpensive gap year alternative. Spain has a lot of gap year programs that emphasise language, art, and music. Volunteers are in high need to assist with conservation efforts around the country’s stunning beaches. Spain is one of the most well-liked locations for gap years in all of Europe, and Barcelona is frequently listed as one of the world’s greatest cities.

For English speakers who want to study or advance their Spanish, language immersion is very popular. Spain is also home to a thriving nightlife, a world-class food scene, and other significant cultural attractions. This is the ideal location for a gap year because many programs emphasise immersing gappers in the Spanish language through experience study.

Greece

Ancient Greece has always been something that is both fascinating and extremely popular amongst many people’s lives and media so it is both culturally enriching and also educating to get to visit first-hand some of the monuments that to this day still tell their story. While gap years don’t always have to be insightful or educating, Greece is a more than sought-after location for its stunning collection of islands, each with its own unique Greek flare. It could be a great idea to do an island-hopping saga as part of your gap year.

The Americas

Try something that might be pretty alternative to what people around you go to, including the Americas.

Mexico

A blend of pre-Columbian heritage, colonial architecture and vibrant modern culture, Mexico could be a great stop-off location on your travels through the Americas. Renowned for its warm weather and vibrant modern culture, there is still some ancient history that you can immerse yourself in, such as the Chichen Itza or even experience the Day of the Dead celebrations, all while savouring the delicious cuisine.

Peru

Home to the Inca Empire, Peru offers so much for the unexplored and is a must-visit destination on your gap year or otherwise. You will be able to explore Machu Picchu, the Amazon forest and the Nazca Lines. These are some of the most iconic features of Peru’s beauty but there is so much more to it.

Australia

Australia is a very popular choice for anyone looking to take a gap year abroad. With the second-most gap year programs of any country, it also provides gappers from the US, UK, and many other countries with the opportunity to work and travel lawfully for a minimum of one year through the use of a working holiday visa.

To pay for their travels, many tourists with working holiday visas take jobs at bars, hostels, or working farms. The maximum length of time that visa holders may lawfully work for one employer is six months. Because of this, gappers frequently look for temporary employment to help pay for their national travels during their free time. Long-term travel in Australia might be costly due to its size and remoteness, but combining travel with employment provides a great gap year opportunity.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking which and how many destinations you would like to visit during your gap year, be sure that the funds are always available for you to get home, you’re safe and you’re opening yourself up to the culture and experiences. Just remember to be respectful of other people’s cultures, so wear appropriate garments such as a black abaya, hijab, sahri or just covering parts of your body; it’s the bare minimum you can do while visiting.