Planning your gap year travel itinerary
Independent travel can be hard work. Some people prefer the flexibility of an unplanned trip, but many find that it’s helpful to have an idea of how to get from A to B and where to stay when they arrive. You don’t have to adhere rigidly to your itinerary – it should help you make the most of your time rather than restrict you.
Heading to India to escape Britain’s grey skies? Avoid the monsoon season.
Which parts of the world are best for independent travel?
Some countries are more accessible for independent travel. Europe, North America and Australasia have good transport networks and cheap accommodation such as hostels. Other areas, such as India, Africa and Asia, don’t cater for travellers in quite the same way, but many people prefer the cultural experiences these places offer. Before you go it’s a good idea to ask yourself what you want from the experience – if you like your home comforts, backpacking around Thailand might not be the best idea.
- Find out more about international transport and accommodation during your gap year
- International travel checklist: documents, currency and other gap year essentials
- Find out about picking up casual work while you travel during your year out
Check the Foreign Office’s travel advice and avoid unsafe areas
There are some areas you might wish to avoid for safety reasons, such as civil wars or terrorist activity. Look at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website to find out where they advise avoiding and while you’re away, use the internet to keep track of the situation in risky countries. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
Take climate and seasons into account when you plan your travels
Consider climate and seasons before you decide where you want to go and at what time of year. Avoid equatorial regions if too much sun makes you miserable. If you hate the cold, you probably don’t want to go skiing in the Alps. Heading to India to escape Britain’s grey skies? Avoid the monsoon season. If you want to get a great tan, don’t go to a country where you’ll need to respect cultural and religious values by staying covered up.
Popular options for your gap year travel itinerary
The grand tour is a classic gap-year option. It involves visiting all the famous spots in Europe. Buy an InterRail or Eurail pass and travel by train, spending a day or two in each place and staying in hostels.
Leave the hordes behind and try trekking through the wilderness. The Annapurna mountain range in Nepal has possibilities for walkers of all kinds. You could join an organised hike exploring Peru’s stunning Inca Trail, taking in spectacular views of the Andes before you reach the ancient mountain fortress city of Machu Picchu.
India has something to offer everyone, from the Himalayas to the tropical paradise of Tamil Nadu, bustling Delhi and the beaches of Goa.
If you enjoy train travel, consider the Trans-Siberian railway, the longest continuous railway line in the world. The Trans-Siberian line takes seven days to go from Moscow to Vladivostok, where you can take a boat to Japan. The Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian railways veer off towards Beijing.
Thrill seekers may want to visit ‘the adventure capital of the world’ – Queenstown, New Zealand, famous for adrenalin-pumping activities such as helicopter rides over Skippers Canyon, white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
