Monday, June 14, 2010

Top 5 Gap Year Destinations in 2010

According to recent research by the Year Out Group the Top 5 most popular gap year destinations have changed over the past few months, a higher number of people are now taking a gap year later in life and looking for a little more from their time off. People taking a year out, or a career break, are heading to countries which offer more value for their money and time.

According to the group's UK focused research the five most popular gap year countries are now India, Peru, Tanzania, South Africa and China. All offer an experience unlike any to be found in Europe while still being safe. They also offer semi-reliable transport and healthcare systems.

Endsleigh, a leading provider of gap year travel insurance in the UK, provides a brief outline of each country on the list:

India
Intense, noisy, spiritual - and cheap. The bustle and beauty of the Indian subcontinent attracts thousands of visitors every year. The country is a Mecca for celebrities, spiritual pilgrims and yoga fanatics alike. Whether you choose to attend a silent retreat or volunteer at local hospitals, orphanages or old age homes, India holds a rewarding experience for young and old. From the cold Himalayas in the north east to the vibrant party beaches of Goa in the south, India has something for everyone.

Peru
Peru is home to a number of the world's greatest archaeological treasures. No visit to the country would be complete without a trip to Machu Picchu. Trek the Inca Trail to reach the most famous 'lost city' in South America, or take an easier route to the city of Cusco, the former capital city of the Incan Empire. Learn Spanish, volunteer on a river turtle conservation project based in the Amazon or volunteer on any one of the available social welfare programmes; you are sure to leave with the most amazing memories.

Tanzania
This East African country offers visitors the opportunity to climb Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, or sail across the continent's largest lake, Lake Victoria. Travellers can immerse themselves in the culture of the Maasai tribe and observe wild animals in the world famous Serengeti. If it's sea, sun and sand you are after, head to the Indian Ocean coastline and the exotic islands of Zanzibar. Volunteers can join a number of local projects geared towards the preservation and rehabilitation of wildlife, or get involved in volunteer teaching programmes.

South Africa
South Africa has a memorable experience in store for every traveller. The 'rainbow nation' is hosting the World Cup this year and is now more ready than ever to provide a warm welcome to international visitors. Climb the iconic Table Mountain, visit the popular Kruger Park or dive with sharks off the warm coast of Durban. Help out while you travel by joining a volunteer group to teach disadvantaged children to surf, or why rehabilitate rescued lion cubs?

China
China is undeniably huge. The country boasts areas of remote and wild beauty, bustling cities and an expansive coastline. From the ancient city of Beijing to the modern mayhem of Shanghai, China offers the famous Great Wall, iconic rice paddies and internationally popular cuisine as draw cards. Visitors can volunteer to teach English, get firsthand experience in Chinese traditional medicine or get involved in Panda bear conservation. In fact, it will be hard enough to choose which city to fly to, let alone define an itinerary.

For more information of these top destinations, search online or speak to your local travel agent. For more information about gap year travel insurance, visit http://www.endsleigh.co.uk today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Borum

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