Alright adventurers, JAC here and I am about to share some great destinations with you. Today I am going to talk to you about some Gap Year locations that might not seem like the normal run of the mill places to go to, but these places will offer you some of the coolest surroundings on the planet.
#5 Bali
The first place to talk about is Bali. Now I know this doesn't sound like your standard Gap Year destination but believe me when I tell you that Bali is as close to paradise as you are likely to find. The world famous beaches of Karabi are an absolute must as is the fast paced city life of Kuala Lumpur where you will find outstanding architecture and all the hustle and bustle of any major city. If you want to get into the wild of Bali you can explore the unspoilt temples in Yogyakarta or travel to the top of Mt Bromo to witness the island's spectacular views.
#4 Macau
Another great location which sometimes gets missed is Macau. When I spoke to my friend who was planning her Gap Year I mentioned Macau and her eyes lit up as she had heard of Macau being China's answer to Las Vegas and where some of the worlds grandest casinos are situated. What she didn't know about was the amazing history behind Macau which was previously a Portuguese settlement. There are many historic sites to visit while you are there and various work opportunities while on your Gap Year Adventure. If you have a qualification where you can work TEFL which will bring in some spending money to enjoy the crazy nightlife Macau has to offer.
#3 Mexico
Now keeping in the interests of cool on you Gap Year destinations we couldn't miss out Mexico where everything is done with a little Latin flavour. You can spend time at the amazing beaches of which there are hundreds to choose from, you can find hidden treasures like Tulum where there are ruins on the cliff tops overlooking the beach. Of course everyone knows Cancun's reputation and students from across the globe travel here to experience the night life and beach parties. Definitely a Gap Year experience that will leave you with fun filled memories that will last a lifetime.
#2 United States
I was asked once about Gap Years in America, where have I been and where would I recommend to visit. My answer; all of it. If you can get across the country and see as much of it as you can in the time you have available. There are many companies that will tailor your Gap Year journey for you and tour across the east and west coast. If you are feeling overly adventurous then I would recommend hiring a vehicle your self and just explore. There are so many delights in America to experience and you find a diverse set of cultural differences between the states you visit from the cuisine to the architecture and the terrain. Not many countries offer such a wide plethora of experiences for you to try. So in your Gap Year if you like the idea of working on a ranch for a few weeks and then jetting down to the coast to work on a nature reserve for a few more weeks and then heading out to work in a summer camp then this could be the option for you. Why is it in my top 5 coolest Gap Year locations? Well because touring America is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it will show you some of the coolest Cities and sites in the whole world.
#1 Brazil
Right so my all time coolest place to visit on your Gap Year adventure is Brazil. I mean seriously five thousand miles of the most beautiful beaches in the world, access to the Amazon Rainforest on your doorstep and the most amazing people in the world Brazil really is a place to journey to. The carnival is world renowned and attracts millions of visitors each year so the party atmosphere is electric, the food is superb too. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the 100 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, is based in Rio and towers over the city.
If the clouds and mist are behaving themselves during your visit, it is a site to behold and well worth a visit. I would definitely recommend taking a trip into the Amazon rainforest too the natural habitat of the world's largest river will give you a river journey like non before.
Location for the next Olympic Games, as well as the next football World Cup, Brazil is definitely going to see a huge influx of visitors in 2014!
So that gives you an idea of my Coolest places to visit on your Gap Year, hopefully a few locations for you to choose from that you hadn't thought of before. Have fun and stay safe.
