Popular Gap Year Destinations: Comparing the UK’s Favourites

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When it comes to deciding where to go on your upcoming gap year, choosing between the most popular destinations can feel overwhelming, especially with so many amazing options available to UK travellers. From working holiday visas in countries like Australia and Canada to backpacking routes across Southeast Asia and Central America, each destination offers a completely different experience.

In this article, I’ll break down the best gap year destinations based on travel style, budget and visa options so you can decide whether a gap year is for you, and what destinations actually suit you best.

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Most Popular Gap Year Destinations: Working Holidays

Australia

For all other Australian content: Australia Working Holiday Hub

Australia is consistently top of the most popular gap year destinations for UK travellers, especially due to the high wages, simple online visa process, and a vibrant backpacker network. It’s one of the few places where you could realistically arrive with the minimum visa requirement savings, and still support yourself through casual and temporary work.

Most travellers head straight to the East Coast, which is set up as a solid backpacker trail, filled with reliable transport, hostels, and job opportunities. Even though it is no longer a requirement for British passport holders, farm work is still regularly sought out for the unique experience and low living costs in rural areas (other nationalities still require farm work to extend their visa).

Beyond work, Australia offers a balance of city life, beaches, and nature, making it one of the easiest countries to settle into long-term. Even if you went to a new beach every day, it would still take you between 27 – 32 years!

Best for: Earning money + social backpacking

Typical travel route: Melbourne – Sydney – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane – Cairns

Additional destinations:

• Darwin (Northern Territory)
• Uluru (Northern Territory)
• Adelaide (South Australia)
• Perth (Western Australia)
• Tasmania (Tasmania)

Click here to see how to apply for the Australian working holiday visa.

Country:	Australia
Currency:	Australian Dollar / AUD / $AUD
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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Canada

For all other Canadian content: Canada Working Holiday Hub

Canada attracts travellers looking for a more outdoors-focused gap year, with opportunities centred around seasonal work (especially in winter). Canada is filled with ski resorts throughout the Rocky Mountains, dominated by ski resort jobs in places like Whistler, Banff and Jasper, while the summer months open up roles in their stunning national parks, camps and cities.

Unlike Australia, the visa process is quite competitive due to being a quota-based lottery, so planning ahead of time is essential. However, those who are lucky enough to secure a visa find that Canada offers a high quality of life, good wages, and a strong community of international workers.

Travel distances are large, so many people base themselves in one place and travel from there for short trips, rather than staying on the move constantly.

Best for: seasonal work and the outdoor lifestyle

Typical travel route: Toronto – Banff – Vancouver – Whistler

Additional destinations:

• Calgary (Alberta)
• Winnipeg (Manitoba)
• Ottawa (Ontario)
• Montreal (Quebec)
• Fredericton (New Brunswick)
• Halifax (Nova Scotia)
• Yellowknife (Northern Territory)
• Whitehorse (Yukon)

Click here to see how to apply for the Canada working holiday visa.

Country:	Canada
Currency:	Canadian Dollar / CAD / $CAD
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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New Zealand

For all other New Zealand content: New Zealand Working Holiday Hub

New Zealand is another one of our highly popular gap year destinations, and it has an easy working holiday visa process online. With a slow-paced and more relaxed way of life (and a less commercialised version of Australia), it’s especially popular with first-time travellers. The stunning mountain range on the South Island is one to rival the Canadian Rockies – on a smaller scale but equally as beautiful.

New Zealand is a popular place to spend a gap year due to its safety, friendly locals and manageable size. Many travellers buy or rent vehicles and complete the “New Zealand loop”, which takes them on a loop around both islands, combining road trip exploration with short-term casual work. Jobs are available in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, although wages are lower than in Australia, yet comparable to those in Canada.

Best for: Road trips and first-time solo travel

Typical travel route: Auckland – Rotorua – Wellington – Queenstown – Christchurch

Additional destinations:

• Matamata (Waikato Region)
• Coromandel (Waikato Region)
• Tauranga (Bay of Plenty Region)
• Nelson (Nelson-Tasman Region)
• Wanaka (Otago Region)
• Akaroa (Canterbury Region)
• Mt Cook (Canterbury Region)

Click here to see how to apply for the New Zealand working holiday visa.

Country:	New Zealand
Currency:	New Zealand Dollar / NZD / $NZD
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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Japan

For all other Japan content: Japan Working Holiday Hub

Japan is the ideal choice for those who want something culturally different from the typical gap year experience. While it’s not as cheap or aimed at backpackers as Southeast Asia and Australia, opportunities exist in teaching English, hospitality, and ski resorts in places like Hokkaido. The cultural experiences throughout Japan are truly immersive.

It’s more structured and less of a party-focused environment, like some other destinations. This makes it a good fit if you’re looking for personal growth alongside travel. Costs may be higher upfront, but daily life can be more affordable depending on location. The visa is a little more complicated; it must be applied for in-person through an online booking system, and it only takes around 1 week to hear back!

Best for: Cultural immersion and structured experience

Typical travel route: Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Sapporo (seasonal work)

Additional destinations:

• Okinawa (Okinawa)
• Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
• Nara (Nara)
• Mt Fuji (Shizuoka and Yamanashi)
• Hakuba (Nagano)
• Hiroshima (Hiroshima)
• Nagasaki (Nagasaki)

Click here to see how to apply for the Japan working holiday visa.

Country:	Japan
Currency:	Japanese Yen / JPY / ¥
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourists?	Check here

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South Korea

For all other South Korean content: South Korea Working Holiday Hub

Previously not a common gap year destination, South Korea has grown significantly in popularity in the past few years, primarily among travellers interested in language learning or teaching. With some of the world’s best beauty and skin care, a hugely popular K-media industry of music and television, the country has something for everyone.

Seoul offers plenty of part-time work opportunities, and many combine their stay with Korean language study. It’s less of a traditional backpacking route and more city-focused, and many visitors use the working holiday visa as a stepping stone to transition to teaching visas and longer stays. The visa requires much to be done in person (by mail since COVID), but it is much less competitive to obtain than the Canadian visa.

Best for: City life and culture

Typical travel route: Seoul – Busan – Jeju Island

Additional destinations:

• DMZ
• Daegu (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
• Gwangju (Jeollanam-do)
• Jirisan National Park (Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do)
• Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do)

Click here to see how to apply for the South Korea working holiday visa.

Country:	South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Currency:	South Korean Won / KRW / ₩
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the most underrated destinations for British citizens looking for a gap year, but it is slowly becoming more popular. It combines affordability with a high quality of life, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants to balance work and travel. It’s much less crowded than neighbouring countries like South Korea and Japan, which is surprising considering how small the island is.

Jobs in Taiwan are much less structured for working holiday makers than in countries like Canada and New Zealand, so some travellers may be more reliant on savings initially. However, the lower cost of living and ease of getting around the country make it a really strong option for independent travellers. Taiwan has metropolitan cities sitting on the edge of some breathtaking national parks and natural landscapes, perfect to add a bit of variety to your day-to-day life.

Best for: Budget and a hidden gem destination

Typical travel route: Taipei – Taroko Gorge – Kaohsiung

Additional destinations:

• Taichung City (Central Taiwan)
• Yushan National Park (Nantou County, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, and Hualien County)
• Kenting National Park (Pingtung County)

Country:	Taiwan
Currency:	New Taiwanese Dollar / NTD / NT$
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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Most Popular Gap Year destinations: Tourist travel

Southeast Asia

Specifically, the “Banana Pancake Trail” consists of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

Thailand

Thailand is often the starting point for many first-time gap year travellers and has remained a popular backpacker hub. It’s affordable, easy to travel around, and has a well-developed backpacker scene with social hostels and organised tours.

From island hopping in the south to culturally bustling cities in the north, Thailand offers a bit of everything for everyone.

Best for: first-time travellers and social atmosphere

Typical travel route: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Island (Koh Phangan/Koh Tao)

Additional destinations:

• Pai (Mae Hong Son Province)
• Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai Province)
• Phuket (Phuket Province)
• Pattaya (Chonburi Province)
• Koh Phi Phi (Krabi Province)

Country:	Thailand
Currency:	Thai Baht / THB / ฿
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Cambodia

Cambodia is often paired with Thailand, but it offers a significantly slower and more relaxed pace of life. It’s less developed, more raw, and gives a deeper insight into Southeast Asia’s history, particularly through UNESCO heritage sites like Angkor Wat and the reminders of the Khmer Rouge era in Phnom Penh.

While many visitors to Cambodia initially visit for a few days, it’s definitely worth maxing out your visa allowance and truly utilising the slow travel experience here. Places like Kampot and Kep offer a chilled-out small-town feel, while the islands of Koh Rong offer a quiet alternative to Thailand’s party scene.

Travel is cheap, but infrastructure can be basic in places, which is something to be prepared for. That said, it’s exactly what makes Cambodia one of my favourite countries and makes the nation feel more authentic and less commercialised.

Best for: History, slow travel and authentic experiences

Typical travel route: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Kampot – Koh Rong

Additional destinations:

• Kep (Kep Province)
• Battambang (Battambang Province)
• Kratie (Kratie Province)
• Cardamom Mountains (Koh Kong Province)
• Ratanakiri (Ratanakiri Province)

Country:	Cambodia
Currency:	Cambodian Riel / KHR / KHR
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here.

Vietnam

Vietnam is often thought of as one of the most rewarding destinations for gap year travellers, offering popular experiences from north to south, different cultures and a huge variety of landscapes. It’s well known for the iconic motorbike and scooter route where visitors ride between cities in the north of the country over a few weeks.

The north is known for dramatic scenery like Ha Long Bay and the mountainous region surrounding Sa Pa, while central Vietnam offers the world’s largest cave (with its own eco-system!) and Hoi An, whereas the south brings a faster way of life in the busy Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese food is a major highlight for most visitors, with the cuisine being rated as some of the best in the region. It’s a country that’s very easy to travel around, although distances are long, so bring a good book!

Best for: Variety travel and long-distance travel experiences

Typical travel route: Hanoi – Sa Pa – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

Additional destinations:

• Mai Chau (Hoa Binh Province)
• Ninh Binh (Ninh Binh Province)
• Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh Province)
• Hue (Thừa Thiên Huế Province)
• Da Lat (Lâm Đồng Province)
• Da Nang (Da Nang Province)
• Mui Ne (Bình Thuận Province)

Country:	Vietnam
Currency:	Vietnamese Dong / VND / ₫
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Laos

Laos is by far the most laid-back country on this list and is often described as what Southeast Asia was truly like before mass tourism. It doesn’t have the same level of infrastructure or nightlife as Thailand or Vietnam, but that’s what many people love about it,

If you enjoy the slow pace of life, then this is the country for you, with a focus on nature and small towns. Luang Prabang is popular to visit for the ancient temples, waterfalls, and French colonial architecture, while Vang Vieng has shifted from its old party reputation into more of an adventure hub with water sports, hiking and hot air balloon rides.

Laos works best as part of a larger Southeast Asia itinerary rather than a standalone destination, particularly for those looking to break up faster-paced travel elsewhere.

Best for: slow travel, relaxation and nature

Typical travel route: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Additional destinations:

• Nong Khiaw (Luang Prabang Province)
• Si Phan Don (Champasak Province)

Country:	Laos
Currency:	Laotian Kip / LAK / LAK, ₭, ₭N
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

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Mainland Europe

Mainland Europe is one of the easiest and most accessible gap year options for UK travellers, especially for shorter trips. With well-connected train networks, interrailing is the most common mode of transport, which allows you to explore multiple countries in a single journey without the need for flights.

From historic cities to alpine landscapes and coastal towns, Europe offers a huge variety within relatively short travel distances. However, it’s important to plan carefully as Western Europe can be expensive, while Eastern Europe offers more budget-friendly alternatives.

Since Brexit, UK travellers are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone, which makes this option better suited to shorter gap years or as part of a longer global trip.

Best for: Short-term travel, culture, and flexibility

Typical travel route: Paris – Interlaken – Rome – Munich – Amsterdam

Additional destinations:

• Barcelona (Spain)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Budapest (Hungary)
• Vienna (Austria)
• Lisbon (Portugal)
• Kraków (Poland)

Please check this link to see if you require specific visas for your countries of choice or the zone..

For those who have an EU citizenship (I am a dual national with Ireland, for example), you have no limit on how long you can spend in the Schengen Zone.

Please note: Since Brexit was finalised, some EU countries have opted to create independent working holiday visas for British citizens, so depending on if you want to visit one specific country or a whole host, please check the small print of each visa.

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Central America

Specifically, the northern section of the “Gringo Trail” consists of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Please check this link to see if you require specific visas for your countries of choice.

Mexico

Usually, the starting point in Central America is some highly popular destinations that gap year backpackers like to visit in Mexico. It offers a mix of culture, beaches, amazing food and multiple historical sites. It’s one of the more developed countries in the region, making it a relatively easy introduction before heading further south in the region.

From the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula to colonial cities and ancient Mayan ruins, Mexico provides a wide variety of experiences. It can be slightly more expensive than other countries in Central America, particularly in the tourist-heavy hotspots, but it still offers great value overall.

Best for: Culture, food and varied travel experiences

Typical travel route: Cancun – Tulum – Bacalar – Palenque

Additional destinations:

• Oaxaca (Oaxaca State)
• Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca State)
• Mexico City (CDMX)
• San Cristóbal de las Casas (Chiapas)

Country:	Mexico
Currency:	Mexican Peso / MXN / MX$, Mex$
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Guatemala

Guatemala is often a highlight in Central America (it’s even up there as one of my top 5 countries ever visited!), known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It’s particularly popular for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and small villages, as well as the beautiful colonial city of Antigua.

The country offers a strong balance between affordability and experience, with lots of opportunities for hiking, cultural immersion, and language learning. Many travellers also use Guatemala as a base for Spanish schools.

Transport here can be less predictable than in Southeast Asia (especially with the famous chicken buses), but the well-travelled backpacker route makes it manageable.

Best for: Culture, volcano hikes and scenic landscapes

Typical travel route: Flores – Antigua – Lake Atitlan

Additional destinations:

• Guatemala City (Guatemala Department)
• Semuc Champey (Alta Verapaz)
• Quetzaltenango / Xela (Quetzaltenango Department)
• Rio Dulce (Izabal Department)

Country:	Guatemala
Currency:	Guatemalan Quetzal / GTQ / GTQ
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Belize

Belize offers a slightly different experience compared to the rest of Central America due to having a much stronger Caribbean influence and English as the official language, making it one of the easiest countries in the region for UK travellers to navigate.

It’s best known for its world-class diving and snorkelling, particularly along the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as its laid-back island lifestyle. Destinations like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are popular for those looking to relax, while inland areas offer jungle adventures and Mayan ruins.

Belize is generally more expensive than neighbouring countries like Guatemala and Nicaragua, so many backpackers visit for shorter periods or as part of a wider route instead of staying long-term.

Best for: Island life, snorkelling/diving and easy travel

Typical travel route: Belize City – Ambergris Caye – Caye Caulker – San Ignacio

Additional destinations:

• Placencia (Stann Creek District)
• Hopkins (Stann Creek District)

Country:	Belize
Currency:	Belizean Dollar / BZD / BZ$
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is often described as one of the most underrated destinations in all of Central America. It’s cheaper than neighbouring Costa Rica and offers a mix of colonial cities, volcanoes, and great beaches for surfing. Granada and León are the two main cities visited by travellers, while places like San Juan del Sur attract surfers and backpackers looking for a more social atmosphere. Volcano boarding near León is one of the more unique experiences in the region.

Although tourism is growing, Nicaragua still feels less commercialised than many other destinations.

Best for: Budget travel, adventure and surfing

Typical travel route: León – Granada – Ometepe Island – San Juan del Sur

Additional destinations:

• Cerro Negro (León Department)
• Isla de Ometepe (Lake Nicaragua)
• Apoyo Lagoon (Masaya Department)

Country:	Nicaragua
Currency:	Nicaraguan córdoba / NIO / C$
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for gap year travellers in the region, and it’s also the most expensive. With stunning nature and an abundance of unique wildlife, it is home to many national parks, rainforests, and eco-tourism, with activities like zip-lining, hiking, and surfing.

However, due to the difference in costs compared to neighbouring countries, it can come as a surprise to many travellers, so it’s advised to really plan ahead of time. Despite this, it’s often considered one of the safest and easiest countries to travel in Central America.

Many travellers use Costa Rica as a place to slow down and enjoy nature after travelling through more budget-focused destinations.

Best for: Wildlife, nature and eco-adventure

Typical travel route: San Jose – La Fortuna – Monteverde – Pacific Coast

Additional destinations:

• Tamarindo (Guanacaste Province)
• Santa Teresa (Puntarenas Province)
• Corcovado National Park (Osa Peninsula)

Country:	Costa Rica
Currency:	Costa Rican colón / CRC / ₡
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?	Check here

How To Choose The Right Gap Year Destination

• Want to earn money abroad? – Australia, Canada and New Zealand
• Want cheap backpacking? – Southeast Asia
• Want adventure and something different? – Central America
• Want short and flexible travel? – Europe
• Want culture, city life and a more structured experience? – Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Feeling Inspired? Don’t Overlook These Essentials

Planning your gap year destination is only the first step; Making sure you’re properly prepared can save you time and money later on.

Travel Insurance

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is skipping travel insurance or choosing the cheapest options without checking what’s actually covered. If your plans change unexpectedly, good insurance can protect you against cancelled flights, lost bookings, or medical emergencies while abroad. If not prepared, these things can quickly become extremely expensive without cover.

Depending on the destination I visit (and the length of the trip) I swap between Safety Wing and True Traveller.

• True Traveller have a great policy for Canada’s 2-year IEC minimum requirement.
• Safety Wing is who I used throughout my time in Japan (I even got treatment for a broken foot and a torn tendon during that time!)

eSIM

It’s also worth thinking about staying connected throughout your travels. Instead of relying solely on expensive roaming charges for data or looking for wifi everywhere, it’s often worth getting an eSIM with Airalo for each destination, which can be downloaded directly onto your phone for ease of use. This makes it so much easier to navigate, book transport, and stay in touch throughout your trip.

I personally never travel without these two things now, and it has made my travel experience so much better and with less risk.