Gap years can afford you the opportunity to travel abroad or gain world experience before launching head first into further education or a career.
While the idea of travelling abroad during your gap year may seem financially out of reach, here are several places you can visit that will give you an affordable travel experience and offer opportunities to volunteer, access internship placements and even earn money while you’re abroad.
1) Laos
Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, this landlocked Southeast Asian destination is a hidden gem and an often overlooked tourist hotspot. Boasting mountainous terrain, picturesque waterfalls, stunning architecture (think lots of temples and buddhist monasteries) and rich culture, Laos is a beautiful place to spend time during your gap year. It’s also fairly easy to travel to neighbouring countries.
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 12 USD/ 11 EUR/ 10 GBP
Project Opportunities:
- Laos Elephant Rehabilitation and Conservation Project
- Teach in Laos
- Community Volunteer Project in Laos
2) Thailand
Another popular destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand is known for its incredible tourist culture, stunning beaches, tasty cuisine and lively ex-pat community. Many backpackers and travellers like to hit vacation spots like Phuket and Chiang Mai to visit historic sites. Western expats often choose Thailand as a home away from home due to the low cost of living compared to their North American or European home-towns.
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 25 USD/22 EUR/ 19 GBP
Project Opportunities:
- Thailand Photography Experience
- Marine Conservation Research Internship
- Thailand Gibbon Rehabilitation Volunteer Project
- Law Internship in Bangkok
- Business Development Internship
- Paid Teaching TEFL Training
3) India
As the second-most populous country in the world, India definitely provides a rich travel experience. With its history, culture and traditions, iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, and delicious local cuisine, this South Asian destination has a lot to offer the modern traveller. Along with being a hub for information/technology opportunities, more rural areas in India can offer opportunities to exchange accommodations and meals for work.
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 10 USD/ 9 EUR/ 8 GBP
Project Opportunities:
4) South Africa
Visit the southernmost tip of the African continent and explore the historic sites of Johannesburg, the beautiful coast of Cape Town, or cosmopolitan Durban Beach. In South Africa, you’ll experience the multi-ethnic community and fusion of variety of cultures (there are 11 officially recognized languages!). Notable sites to visit include Mandela House, The Apartheid Museum, Kruger National Park and The Garden Route along the coast.
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 39 USD/ 34 EUR/ 30 GBP
Project Opportunities:
- South Africa Shark Research Education Conservation Project
- South Africa Environmental Travel Journalism Internship
- Business Development Product Design Internship
- Teaching Youth Development
5) Greece
Take a walk through ancient history in Athens, drink in the scenic azure blue waters on the coast and bask in the beauty of Santorini’s white-washed buildings. Greece is a European tourist gem, and is eager to welcome tourists to help give the economy a boost. If you’re looking for a beautiful but affordable place to visit during your gap year, make sure Greece is on the list!
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 46 USD/41 EUR/36 GBP
Project Opportunities:
6) Nepal
Trekking Mount Everest and other snowy peaks of the Himalayas aren’t the only draws towards this South Asian destination. Nepal also offers a wide range of unique cultural experience in both small charming villages and renowned cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. For an extra dose of intrigue, visit Lokara–the birthplace of the famous Buddha.
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 10 USD/9 EUR/ 8 GBP
Project Opportunities:
7) Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, this popular vacation destination attracts all types of tourists– from new graduates looking for an adventure and individuals looking for a spiritual retreat. Bali is one of this nation’s most well-known bucket-list places to see, not to mention Indonesia reportedly has some of the best scuba-diving in the world!
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 17 USD/15 EUR/ 13 GBP
Project Opportunities:
- Bali IT skills training project
- Bali Turtle Conservation Rehabilitation Project
- Bali Healthcare Education Project
- Bali Environmental Internship
8) Guatemala
This old-world Latin American country is full of stunning colonial architecture, a diverse indigenous culture, drool-worthy local cuisine–all against a backdrop of picturesque volcanic peaks. If you’re a beginner or novice traveller, be sure to do some research and travel with a group to increase your confidence. Better yet, enroll in a volunteer or internship program to get an authentic, immersive experience into Guatemalan life with the guidance of local hosts!
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 14 USD/12 EUR/11 GBP
Project Opportunities:
- Guatemala Human Rights Project
- Guatemala Medical and Healthcare Project
- Guatemala Teaching and Education Volunteering
9) Tanzania
Tanzania is reportedly the destination over all others for safari adventures. More than this, you can experience beautiful beaches, friendly people, stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscape all in one! If you’re looking for an African adventure on a budget during your gap year, Tanzania is a must!
Approximate/Avg Cost Per Day:
As low as 29 USD/23 EUR/20 GBP
Project Opportunities:
Are you thinking of taking a gap year? Which countries are at the top of your travel list?
Sources:
You might be dead set on a specific career path. Maybe you’re passionate about sustainability and environmental work. Perhaps you’d like to pursue business or not-for-profit management, or you know for sure you’d like to work with wildlife and conservation.
Once you’ve figured out which career path suits you best, research and make a list of the leading 3-5 organizations and companies in those sectors. Find out the types of jobs they are hiring for, current openings and available positions and make note of the skills and experiences they require. No matter which industry, 
