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Planning gap year holidays is one of the most exciting parts of taking time out before university or starting your career. But with so many incredible places to explore, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming.
The best gap year destinations offer far more than beautiful scenery. They give you the opportunity to experience different cultures, challenge yourself, build confidence and, if you're planning to continue travelling afterwards, provide an excellent base for backpacking.
At The Leap, we've carefully chosen four destinations that each offer something completely different: Costa Rica, Cambodia, Kenya and Peru. Whether you're looking for wildlife, beaches, mountains, ancient history or meaningful volunteering, each destination can become the start of an unforgettable gap year adventure.
If you've always dreamed of backpacking around South East Asia, Cambodia is one of the best places to begin your gap year.
Our Leap is based near Siem Reap, where you'll contribute to community development projects before exploring the incredible temples of Angkor. Living and working alongside local communities gives you a much deeper understanding of the country than you would gain by simply travelling through.
Once your Leap finishes, you're perfectly positioned to continue your travels. Popular backpacking routes include:
Excellent transport links, affordable accommodation and an established backpacking network make South East Asia one of the easiest regions for first-time travellers. It's ideal if you're hoping to travel for several months while keeping costs manageable.
If your perfect gap year holiday includes rainforest hikes, surfing, wildlife and tropical beaches, Costa Rica should be high on your list.
Our Costa Rica Leap combines conservation, community volunteering and adventure activities, giving you the confidence to travel independently afterwards.
Costa Rica is also an excellent launch point for exploring Central America. Many travellers continue through:
Those with more time often head onwards into Mexico before flying home, or travel south into Colombia to begin exploring South America.
Costa Rica has long been regarded as one of the safest and most accessible countries in Central America, making it an ideal destination for young people taking their first independent travel experience.
For many travellers, Peru sits at the top of every gap year bucket list.
Home to the Sacred Valley, the Amazon Rainforest and the world-famous Machu Picchu, Peru combines breathtaking landscapes with fascinating history and vibrant culture.
Our Leap allows you to experience authentic Peruvian life while contributing to meaningful community projects before continuing your own adventure.
Peru also sits on one of the classic South American backpacking routes. After your Leap, many travellers continue to:
South America offers incredible diversity, from deserts and mountains to glaciers and beaches, making Peru the perfect starting point for an extended adventure across the continent.
If you're looking for something truly different, Kenya offers one of the most rewarding gap year experiences available.
Rather than following the traditional tourist trail, you'll live within a rural community, work alongside local people and contribute to projects that create lasting impact. Alongside volunteering, you'll experience incredible wildlife, beautiful beaches and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Many travellers choose to continue exploring East Africa afterwards, with popular onward destinations including:
For those with a larger travel budget, it's also possible to continue into Southern Africa to visit countries such as Namibia, Botswana or South Africa.
Africa provides a style of travel that's completely different from Asia or South America, making Kenya an excellent choice for students looking for a more immersive and adventurous gap year.
Every traveller is different, which is why there's no single "best" destination. Instead, think about what you want to gain from your experience.
Choose Cambodia if you want affordable backpacking, fascinating history and an easy route around South East Asia.
Choose Costa Rica if you're passionate about wildlife, conservation, surfing and outdoor adventure.
Choose Peru if you dream of mountains, trekking, ancient civilisations and exploring South America.
Choose Kenya if you're looking for cultural immersion, wildlife, personal growth and a truly life-changing experience.
The best gap year holidays don't simply tick countries off a list, they help you develop confidence, independence and real-world experience.
Beginning your travels with a structured Leap means you'll arrive in a new country with support, make lifelong friends and contribute to meaningful community projects before setting off to explore independently.
Whether your adventure takes you through the temples of South East Asia, the rainforests of Central America, the mountains of Peru or the wildlife reserves of Kenya, starting your gap year with purpose gives you far more than memories. It gives you the confidence, skills and perspective you'll carry with you long after you return home.
If you're still deciding where to go, explore our four destinations and discover which one feels like the perfect beginning to your own gap year adventure.
Step into a world of ancient temples, vibrant villages, and lush landscapes on our 4-week Cambodia programme. This is your chance to go beyond the tourist hotspots and immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and inspiring community projects.
From the mystical Andes to the Amazon rainforest, Peru is a country of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Our 3-week programme takes you off the beaten track, where you’ll contribute to community and conservation projects, while embracing adventure in one of South America’s most iconic destinations.
