Gap year destinations

Looking for inspiration on where to visit during your gap year? Here TripAdvisor editors reveal their Top 10 gap year destinations for 2011.

Tibet

Begin the trip in Lhasa and visit two of the world's most important Buddhist landmarks, the Potala Palace and the Jokhang temple. There are a range of monasteries, such as Ganden, within day-trip distance of Lhasa - the beautiful mountain scenery, friendly residents and fascinating scenery of these monasteries make them an amazing part of any trip to Tibet. Finish your Tibetan journey with the trip of a lifetime to Everest base camp.

Check the latest travel advice for Tibet & China

Indonesia

Bali is already a popular destination on the gap year trail, but its neighbouring islands such as Lombok, the Gilli islands, Komodo and Rinca need not be missed. Enjoy the serenity of Lombok before lying on the sugar white sands of Gilli Trawangan, then sail to the picturesque islands of Komodo and Rinca and see the famous Komodo dragons.

Check the latest travel advice for Indonesia

Taiwan

]Unfairly overlooked as a gap year destination, Taiwan offers the best of all worlds - delicious food, thriving cities, buzzing markets, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. Begin the trip with a visit to Taipei, the lively capital city. Move on to awe-inspiring Taroko Gorge and be sure to visit Sunmoon lake and Kenting Beach before finishing your travels in Taiwan.

Check the latest travel advice for Taiwan

Eastern Europe

Home to a plethora of countries and cultures, Eastern Europe is seeing a continued surge in popularity thanks to favourable exchange rates and great value for money accommodation. From the spires of Prague to the goulash of Hungary and winter wonderland of Estonia, this part of the continent offers a range of sites and cities for the gap year traveller.

Check the latest travel advice for Europe

Canada

Known for its rugged terrain and friendly people, a gap year in Canada won‘t disappoint. Begin your trip in the Maritimes and enjoy the famous seafood and coastline. Move inward to French-speaking Quebec and be sure to visit Montreal, before heading for the highlights of Ontario: Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Toronto, and Algonquin park. Travel through the prairie provinces to the beautiful west and visit the highlights of Banff, Vancouver and Whistler.

Check the latest travel advice for Canada

Kerala

A relatively small area in India's South East, Kerala is as famous for its yoga retreats as it is for its varied terrain. Offering undulating hills in Munnar and Vagamon, pristine backwaters in Kumarakom and Kuttanad, forests in Thekkady and silent, beautiful beaches in Kovalam, this Indian region offers plenty of areas for relaxation after an intense yoga training.

Check the latest travel advice for India

The Middle East

With budget airlines now offering flights to the area, the Middle East is becoming a more accessible gap year destination. Cities like Lebanon, Damascus and Amman are particularly high priorities for travellers, offering a mix of impressive architecture, unique cultures and delicious cuisines. The souks in Damascus are outstanding while Jordan‘s Petra can’t be missed.

Check the latest travel advice for Middle East

North Brazil

Rio and Sao Paulo may be the best known Brazilian cities, but the north of the country has plenty to offer. A relatively unexplored area, the north has lovely beaches and interesting cities, particularly Recife, often called “Brazilian Venice”. No trip to Northern Brazil would be complete without visiting the Amazon, South America's awe-inspiring rainforest.

Check the latest travel advice for Brazil

Trans Siberian Railway

The longest railway in the world, the Trans Siberian connects Moscow with the Russian far east, Mongolia, China and the Sea of Japan. If you can, do the journey from beginning to end and be sure to visit St. Petersburg before boarding. Once en-route, make use of the many available day trips along the way, including Lake Baikal, the Altai mountains, the Siberian tiger reservation, dog sledding and more.

Check the latest travel advice for Russia, Mongolia & China

American South

Made famous by southern belles, delicious food and scorching temperatures, the American south is undeniably charming. Fly into Orlando and soak up the sensory overload of theme parks, outlet malls and golf courses, then try out some Georgia peaches en route to New Orleans, the renowned home of Mardi Gras. Nashville Tennessee, the colourful home of country music, is also not to be missed.

Check the latest travel advice for USA

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