For many students, part of growing up and becoming independent requires some amount of travelling. If you’re looking to head off to another country in 2014, here you’ll discover the best places to go to. However, the first thing you need to decide is how long you want to travel for?
Should you consider a gap year?
Gap years have been incredibly popular over the past decade. However, they can be ridiculously expensive. Taking a year out has many advantages such as helping you to experience different cultures and gaining independence.
However, there are also downsides that you really need to think about. A great alternative could be travelling during your three month summer break.
There are many great summer destinations you can visit for three months. By the time you get back you’ll feel refreshed, enlightened and ready to complete the rest of your course.
Scotland – a surprising choice
You may be surprised to see Scotland on the list. After all, when you think of travelling you typically tend to imagine far away destinations like Thailand or India. However, Scotland has a lot to offer and more importantly – it’s cheaper.
Head to a campsite if you want to have the best possible experience. You can take part in plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking and rock climbing. Fort William is one of the best places to go for the ultimate Scottish adventure experience.
Thailand – One of the most popular destinations
Thailand has quickly become one of the ‘must visit’ places for students. It’s beautiful, cheap and there’s plenty to see and do while you’re there.
There’s also the fact you’ll get to experience another culture which is what travelling is really all about.
Don’t forget your camera when you’re in this stunning country; the scenery truly is some of the most beautiful in the world.
Worldwide Workaway
The workaway scheme is highly recommended. For just €22 you could end up working abroad for the three months you have available. The scheme matches you with a host in another country.
Typically you’ll need to do around five hours of work each day and you get your accommodation and food paid for. The scheme has hosts all around the world, so you could be heading off to Spain, Italy, Norway or Colombia.
Cornwall
Another destination close to home that you may want to consider is Bude in Cornwall. Situated on the north coast, Bude provides a budget-friendly holiday. You can learn to surf, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on the beach or camp in the holiday grounds. It is one of the more beautiful parts of the country and you are bound to fall in love with the place.
These are just some of the highly recommended destinations to head to in 2014. The world is literally your oyster and before you jet off you need to take a number of things into account. Your budget, what you are hoping to gain from the experience and your individual preferences will all need to be carefully considered.
Jeff Reeves is a keen traveller. He first got the bug on a gap year before university and has been to more than 20 countries since. He often blogs for Vita Liverpool student accommodation.