Everyone’s RTW trip is different – no two people will ever have the same experience.
However, there are ways you can enrich your experience as long as you are open to getting out there and exploring.
It may mean going off the beaten track or trying something you’ve never done before but these are all things which can make your trip a memorable one.
1. Wake up early
Starting your day early means you miss most the tourists, leaving you the freedom to explore without the crowds. You’ll find that places can look completely different first thing in the morning, and if you enjoy photography it’s a great way to get some good pics without loads of people in the way.
2. Lose your guidebook
Guidebooks can be a great source of information, but once in a while it’s a good idea to lose the guidebook and simply explore things for yourself. One of the best things about travel is being able to discover that traditional local restaurant tucked away in a side-street or that pristine deserted beach.
3. Book a tour
You can find so many amazing tours, from short sightseeing trips to epic month long overland adventures. Gap year adventure tours are really popular, you’ll travel with like-minded travellers, see the world and get taken to the best locations whilst having tons of fun. No matter where you are thinking about travelling, you’ll usually be able to find a tour.
4. Interact the locals
Have a laugh, get them to show you the best places to eat and drink and get a real insight into the culture of the country.
5. Try the street food
There’s no point splashing out on expensive restaurants when you’re travelling. The best thing to do is to eat like the locals and sample some street food. It’s likely to be a world away from what you’re used to.
6. Take a cookery course
Friends and family will appreciate it when you return home being able to cook loads of authentic dishes – yum.
7. Spend the night somewhere unusual
If you do some research you’ll find that there are lots of quirky places to spend the night if you choose; there’s the ice hotel in Sweden, the cave hostel in Turkey and an underwater hotel in Florida!
8. Learn a new language
Learning a new language is possibly once of the most valuable skills you can pick up while travelling. Immersing yourself into the culture of another country really is the best way to learn the language. Most locals appreciate tourists making the effort to speak their language so you’ll have lots of opportunities to practice along the way! Search gap year language courses.
9. Haggle at the market
If you’re not used to it, haggling can seem like quite a scary thing to do. But, just remember that market traders expect you to haggle and as you get better at it you’ll find you can pick up quite a few bargains!
10. Go to a festival
Whether it’s a music festival, a carnival or a street party get involved in the fun and celebrate like the locals do. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is – sometimes no excuse is needed!
11. Pick up some local trends
Whether it’s a Henna tattoo, a traditional haircut or a locally made piece of jewellery, give it a try and return home with some new trends!
12. Volunteer
For a trip that’s a little different, and a little more affordable, volunteer abroad. You also don’t have to worry about covering the cost of your accommodation or board. You’ll meet some amazing new people and get an in-depth feel for the culture you’re working in. Volunteering is a travel experience like no other. There are so many benefits to volunteering – the travel experience is just one of them. You could spend a life changing gap year in Africa helping communities and children, work with exotic animals somewhere like India, or help conservation efforts in Costa Rica!
A RTW trip and a gap year really is an amazing opportunity. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Travel is all about broadening the mind and experiencing different cultures. The best way to do that is to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity and learn that sometimes the best parts of your trip won’t be found in the guidebook!