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Macau: The Las Vegas of the East
China’s answer to Las Vegas is just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong. It has some of the grandest casinos on the planet and a clutch of historical treasures.
The Coolest Festivals in the USA
The biggest and best festivals in America. Want to combine a trip to see The XX, Ben Howard, The National or Bjork into your gap year itinerary? Then check em out!
Where to Go in Colombia
Colombia is one of the places to start your South American gap year; make sure you read Tej Parikh's article on where to go in Colombia to see what's hot.
Four Things to Get You Ready to Teach English in Europe
Thinking of teaching English as a foreign language? Then make sure you read Christina Chandler's useful tips on teaching English in Europe to help get you prepared.
Working as an Au Pair in New Zealand
Get a job working as an au pair in New Zealand with Au Pair Link and you'll literally get paid to travel around and have fun playing those childhood games!
Is a Gap Month the new Gap Year?
Do you want to conquer the world but think you haven't got the time to do it? Think again, buddy. If you're short of time then you need to go on a Gap Month.
The Coolest Things You Could Ever Do in Australia
Hitting the awesomeness that is Australia on your gap year? Then read Rusja Foster's top 10 of the coolest things you could ever do while you're in Australia.
The Importance of Ethics While Volunteering
When you're choosing a volunteering placement there are a few things you should always consider, and the ethics of volunteering has never been more important.
Travelling with Your Boyfriend
Travelling with your significant other is easier said than done. Luckily for us, Marta Napierala has given her top 5 tips on how to travel with your partner.
5 Essentials to Pack for Camping on Your Gap Year
If you're planning on going camping on your gap year take note of Rhys Jackson's top essentials to make sure you take with you.
Money Saving Tips for Would-be Travellers
The thing about gap years is they quite a bit of cost money (bugger). That's why we thought you'd like some money saving tips for would-be travellers.
5 Things to do in Phuket
Phuket is often over-looked as a gap year destination but that hasn't stopped Rob Kay. He's written about 5 things to do in Phuket to change your mind about the place.
Using Your Smartphone Abroad
Using your smartphone abroad has never been easier. That's why you should know how to keep in touch with friends and family while backpacking & travelling.
50 Photos to Get You in the Festival Mood
Festival season! If you need to push your mates to get booking, just show them these pics and they'll be on it quicker than you can say 'Glastonbury'...
The Best Music Festivals in Croatia
Croatia has become a festival hub. With boat parties, beach raves and guaranteed hot weather it's no surprise. But which one are you going to choose?
Become an Au Pair in New Zealand
Travelling and working is one of the most popular things you can do on your gap year. That's why we thought we'd tell you all about becoming an au pair in New Zealand.
Super Awesome Things to Do on a Gap Year
We asked the question on the message boards "what are the things to do on a gap year?" and your response says it all. The short answer; a lot. See what you said.
A Photo Essay of Darwin
Darwin is in one of the remotest parts of Australia. Louise Denton has been checking it out armed with her camera and she's taken some amazing snaps.
Super Celebs Who Have Taken a Gap Year
Gap years are so popular that even a few super celebs have take one. Brendan Wan tells us what celebrities have donned their backpack and gone travelling.
The European Festivals Calendar
Summer's here, which can only mean on thing... festivals! Check out our European Festivals Calendar to get you in the mood to party your summer away.
9 Amazing Things to Do Under an Hour Away from Surfer’s Paradise
If you think Surfer's Paradise is only worth a quick stop on your gap year in Australia think again. There's loads to do in the area, so make sure you invest some time in exploring.
The Craziest and Best Festivals in Malaysia
Malaysia, famous for being a melting pot of culture, can serve up some sumptuous festivals of its own. Here are some of the craziest and best Malaysian festivals.
5 Frickin’ Awesome Travel Videos
We're always on the lookout for inspiring travel videos to get you in the mood for your gap year. That’s why we thought it'd be a good idea to show you top 5 travel videos.
What is Holi Festival?
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, may not be the biggest festival in the world, but it is without a doubt one of the best. Find out what Holi Festival is all about.
How to Make a Podcast
When it comes to travelling and podcasting there's not much Gary Bembridge doesn't know. That's why he tells us exactly how to make a podcast.
Teach English as a Foreign Language in Prague
Teaching English as a foreign language is one of the most popular activities you can do on your gap year and Prague is one of the most beautiful cities to do it in.
Landscapes of Malaysia
Malaysia is a magnificent country and it has some simply stunning scenery on offer. This photoessay shows just some of the landscapes of Malaysia.
Embracing Chinese Culture in Beijing
Beijing is one of the best cities in the world, but it's even better if you embrace the Chinese culture. Sarah Abrahams tells us how it's possible to do just that.
Top 5 Experiences in Jordan
Jordan is one of the most magnificent countries in the world and with Petra it boosts a Wonders of the World. Tej Parikh tells us his top 5 experiences in Jordan.
25 of the Best UK Music Festivals
A rundown of the best music festivals in the UK this summer featuring where exactly they are, how much they cost, and the top three line up announcements...
What to Keep in Your Day Bag on Your Gap Year
A day bag is an essential piece of equipment for any backpacker. You'll end up using it as your personal safe with most of your valuables so keep it close at all times.
Hostel of the Month: Habitat HQ Melbourne
We've been chatting to Habitat HQ Backpackers Hostel in Melbourne to find out all the latest news, hostel horror stories and gossip from Melbourne's best hostel.
Visiting Cambodia’s Killing Fields
A harrowing report from Joe Bloomfield on the first time he visited Cambodia's Killing Fields where thousands of innocent victims were slayed in the 1970s.
The Rites of Songkran… or How to Get a Free Shower in Thailand
Was your supersoaker your favourite toy as a child? Songkran is the time for your love of water and travel to meet, on the drenched streets of Thailand...
My Top Tips for EXIT Festival in Serbia
Went to EXIT Festival, raved in a fortress, drank a lot of cheap beer, had a brilliant time, now it's time to share my tips... Get your tickets while you still can!
Essential Extras you Should Take on your Gap Year
The ultimate list of essential extras we recommend you pack for your gap year to help you stay safe & healthy during your big trip. Make sure these things are in your bag!
Top 5 Cities Around the World
On your gap year you're going to come across some of the most amazing cities around the world. We thought we'd give you our top 5 cities so you know what you're in for.
Top 5 Celebrations Around the World
There are some parties that you just have to go to. That's why we've put together the top 5 celebrations around the world. The question is, how many will you do?
Highlights from South Africa
Monica tells us about the highlights from her whistle-stop tour of South Africa, from shark cage diving to safaris to visiting a township in Soweto.
5 Things to do in Helsinki
Sara West is currently studying in Oulu, Finland. However, when she's not studying she's travelling, and she tells us about 5 things to do in Helsinki.
Top 10 Gap Year Destinations
Where do you want to go on your gap year? Struggling for ideas? That's why we’ve come up with 10 gap year destinations that you just have to see on your travels.
10 of the Coolest Things to Do in Cuba
What to do in Cuba to get the most out of your trip. From rolling cigars, to cruising down the Malecon and drinking Mojitos, it's an assault on the senses!
A-levels: Resit Before Your Trip
It can be a shock if you have a gap year plan and suddenly you have to take A-level resits. Harriet Lawrence explains why you need to get the right results before you go.
Exploring the Mysticism of Kabbalah
Laurie Rappeport has been exploring the mysticism of Kabbalah in the city of Safed, Israel, and goes into understanding the true meaning of Kabbalah.
2013 Graduate Career Planner
Coming back from a gap year in 2013? This career planner will help you understand annual graduate recruitment trends, and how to make the most of them.
Travel Horoscopes 2013
What is your travel horoscopes for 2013? Are you going to have the best year of your life and find that special someone or are you going to mix it and change it up?
5 Things to do in Southern Tunisia
From oases to El-Djem Lauren Razavi has been exploring the delights of Southern Tunisia and she tells us what the 5 things to do in Southern Tunisia are.
Virtuous Volunteering or Clueless Colonialism?
Virtuous volunteering or clueless colonialism? Anna goes into an in-depth view of volunteering in Ghana and whether it can do more harm than good.
Backpacking in Central Europe
Backpacking in Central Europe; an absolute essential trip for any keen, culture hungry backpacker. Jen found out why this region is a melting pot for East meets West.
9 Things You Didn’t Know About the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are one of the best kept secrets of the Pacific Islands. That's why we thought we'd show you 9 things you didn’t know about the Cook Islands.
More Than Just Fridge Magnets
We couldn't resist the opportunity to chat to the frontman of The Fridge Magnets, the band that NME have named 'Scotland's buzziest / drunkest band'.
Playlists
We've searched through our messages boards and included some of your favourite tracks (as well as a few of our own) so get listening to some bangin tunes!
Loving Life with Lex Luca
Lex Luca has worked with the best in the business. The hugely talented DJ and producer is currently living in Costa Rica, so had a chat about music and travel.
Hostel of the Month: Wake Up! Sydney Central
We've been chatting to WakeUp! Hostel in Sydney to find out their hostel survival tips, top things to do in Sydney and what to do with hostel snorers!
Chatting to Coda
Deep, dark bass vibrates through the ground, a tasty drum beat cuts through the cold air and a drawn out trombone note is carried on the crisp autumn breeze.
Travelling, Tunes and Bucket Lists
The One Twos ; brilliant songs and even better shows. We caught up with frontman Matt Clark to chat about two of our favourite things, music and travelling.
Tours, Triumphs and 2012
You Me At Six have had a big year in which they've managed to bag themselves a Kerrang! award (again) and saw their latest album go gold.
Gap Years and Guitars
Indian Red Lopez are just about to drop their debut album, 'Empty Your Lungs and Breathe', and embark on a National tour from Aberdeen to London.
Getting Deep and Dirty with Picnick
Picnick hasn't been on the dance scene for that long but he's already taking his parties from London to Spain. We caught up with him to see what he's in to.
November Music Festival Guide 2012
What's better than getting off the plane and straight into a festival? Our music festival guide will tell you exactly where you need to be.
Travel Blogging on the Road
If you're interested in travel blogging on the road then read how it's done from Barry. He's a travel blogger (obvs) and goes into the ins and outs of how it's done.
5 Things to do in Israel
What's there to do in Israel? Lots according to Jessica. She's put together the top five things to do in Israel from seeing the Wailing Wall to eating falafel.
Top Reasons to Study Abroad
The top reasons why you should study abroad and a chat with Dave Brett, an expert in studying abroad in Finland and the Netherlands.
How to Make Your Gap Year Work for You
When you're planning your gap year, there'll always be someone who raises the question of "what will you do afterwards?" Well, you can make your gap year work for you.
How to Use the Message Boards
If you've just signed up to the site, you're probably quite keen to dive into the deep end start posting. However, be careful, you might get shot down.
Moving to Canada
Four and a half years ago Ben sat at home in England with a bit of a dilemma. He wanted something more from life; the answer suddenly found him - Canada.
The Green behind the Gold
It's easy to get caught up in city life - it's fast-paced and hectic. But there's a way to chillax - all you have to do is see the green behind the gold.
How to Write the Perfect Blog Post
Creating the perfect blog post can take a bit of practice so we’ve put together some hints and tips based on what we’ve found makes a great post.
All You Need to Know About TEFL
Teaching English as a foreign language is a popular thing to do on a gap year. In fact, it's so popular we thought you'd like to know all about TEFL.
Planning a Round the World Trip
The easy part is deciding you want to go travelling. The hard part is planning your round the world trip. There's so much information - that's why we're here.
Frequently Asked Questions about RTW Tickets
Every year we get the same questions about round the world tickets. Instead of constantly answering your questions, that we'd write an article about it.
What can a Gap Year Really do for You?
What can a gap year really do for you? Does it matter if a gap year doesn't boost your CV? At the end of the day, it's what the gappers think themselves.
Questions about Clearing
With A-level results day approaching, not getting your grades is a reality for some. But hey, don't worry, we've got it covered in our questions on clearing.
Travel Health Tips
Your travels can be the best experience of your life; don't risk ruining them by not protecting yourself - make sure you follow some travel health tips.
How to Plan a Short Gap
So you know what a short gap is and you've decided that it's for you. Awesome! But what do you do now? How do you go about planning your short gap?
What is a Short Gap?
Want the gap year experience but only have a university break or work holiday window to play with? Sounds like it's time for you to take a short gap!
What is WWOOFing?
WWOOFing gives you the opportunity to experience idealistic lifestyles while learning more about organic farming and the environment, all for free.
Things to Do Before You Die
What's top of the backpacker bucket list? Featuring bungee jumps, North Korean nightclubs and eating snake hearts, here's our things to do before you die.
The Gap Year Footprint
How much do gap years damage the environment? Are backpackers killing the ozone layer? And do they care? One student decided to investigate.
What is a Round the World Ticket?
What is a round the world ticket? A round the world ticket does exactly what it says on the tin - it’s a series of flights that take you round the world.
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Gap Year Programs
Volunteering on gap year programs in developing countries can be beneficial and rewarding, but what are your options? And what are the challenges?
Top Party Islands
If you're looking for a party island then look no further than our article on top party islands. From Ibiza to Ayia Napa, you'll find one hell of a party here.
Travel Beauty Tips
Girls have more to think about when it comes to backpacking, so here are some brilliant tips for beautiful travel from some of the gapyear.com ladies.
Volunteer in Africa
Volunteers in Africa are spoilt for choice and there are a number of options and programmes to choose from. Read all about why you should volunteer in Africa.
Travel on a Budget
How do you make your backpacking kitty go further? Here are some tips from experienced backpackers and gapyear.com members on how to travel on a budget.
How to Be a Travel Writer
It's really easy to write an awesome travel article. Here are 10 top tips to get the best out of your content, including some classic pitfalls to avoid.
What is Gapyear.com?
Hooray! You’ve found gapyear.com. That's obviously pretty exciting, but what does it actually mean? Who are we and what’s this site all about?
5 Awesome Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the most culturally and spiritually diverse countries in the whole world - but what makes the top five list of amazing places to visit?
The Gapyear.com Guide to Social Network Conduct
Using the gapyear.com social network is brilliant, but when does content cross a line? When does debate get deleted? And when will swearing get censored?
72 Hours in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is more than just a tourist hub. That's why Gemma Knight took to the streets to see what there was to see. Read about her 72 hours in Hong Kong.
6 ‘All-in-One’ Gap Wrap Adventures
Need inspiration? Brain melting from travel research? Don't go through the hassle of planning - do an 'all-in-one' GapWrap and get the complete experience.
The History of the Gap Year
The history of the gap year is long and rich. Gap years have come along since they first started in the 1960s, but the question is, when did it all start?
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Why Volunteer on Your Gap Year?
Why do gap year travellers spend their money, time and effort to volunteer when they can simply throw on their backpack and have a care-free experience?
Katie Finn’s Guide to San Francisco
San Francisco is a blur of exciting experiences. Katie Finn guides us through the city that gave the world hippies, gay pride and Otis Redding's best tune.
Gap Year Ideas
Gap years come in many forms and guises. That's why we've put together our top 10 gap year ideas to inspire you to travel and see the world.
Interning on a Gap Year
Attitudes to the gap year are changing. No longer seen simply as a break from education or a chance to exercise one’s travel bug, a gap year now represents the opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and experiences that will put them ahead in life. One way to do this is as an intern on a gap year.
Horrible Holiday Spending Habits
On your gap year you can convert your money in a number of ways. You can obtain your travel money before you leave, but if you’re travelling for months on end and travelling to a number of countries, then that isn’t very practical. Also, you can convert your money using traveller’s cheques, bureaux de change or ATMs abroad.
Heading to War: A Journalist in Libya
Tom Lee travelled to Libya in September 2011 during the Libyian civil war. With no training or plan, Tom launched his career as a war journalist uniquely.
Counterfeit Medicines
Counterfeit medicines are quite simply medicines which are not ‘what they say on the label'. They can do more harm than good so here's what to look out for.
5 Alternatives to Malaga
I understand the argument that once you’ve spent a certain amount of time on the road, you’ll never be satisfied with two weeks Benidorm, but there are alternatives.
