We’re not getting any younger. In the time it took you to read this opening couple of lines, you’re already two seconds older. Three, two, one. Now you’re five seconds older. In five seconds time, you’ll be ten seconds older, and in an hours time you’ll be one hour and eleven seconds older than you are right now (I added on a second in case you were a slow reader).
So, with life whizzing by at such a pace, it’s time to make some plans. The kind of plans that will act like rungs on a ladder, allowing you to clamber through the world with a kick in your step.
Warning! You’re about to be sucked into a whirlwind of inspirational activities, that could majorly influence your life from this day forward. If you have already completed any of the things below, then we need to hear about it in the comment thread below this post. If you are planning on doing any of them in the near future, then we need to hear about your plans.
1. Hike The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most inspiring treks, and will put you in good stead for a lifetime of unadulterated adventure. Do it now!
2. Road Trip USA
The USA is one of the best destinations to explore with so many world famous destinations including LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami and New York. As road trips go, Route 66′ is the ultimate. Hit as many diners as you can (not literally) along the highways on this classic trans-america sojourn. Do it now!
3. Get Involved in a Volunteer Project
Life isn’t all about what you take out of it; stop a while to give back and you’ll realise how great the world really is. There are lots of gap year volunteer programs available to book in most destinations around the world. Popular options include wildlife conservation, working with communities or helping the environment. Do it now!
4. Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Sink beneath the waters off Queensland, to become startled by gnarly fish and spellbinding sealife. And when you come back up? Top up your tan! Do it now!
5. Go Big in Vegas
Love it or hate it, Vegas is somewhere you have to visit once in your life just to see what you think. Yes its a cliche trip, and quite tacky in parts, but there are some really fun things to do, especially if it is just once!
6. Learn a Language Abroad
Mainline lingo in your chosen country, with a one way ticket to a world of opportunity. Popular languages courses include Spanish in Spain, Japanese in Japan, Portuguese in Brazil or Chinese in China. Learn it like the locals this year! Do it now!
7. Island Hop in Fiji
One island. Hop. Two islands. Hop. Three islands. Four. Slap on some suncream, and get your hop on amid the spellbinding Fijian archipelago. Do it now!
8. Party in Ibiza
Ibiza has long been an epic party destination with some of the most famous bars and clubs in the world. Whether you want to enjoy the wildest trip of your life, party till sunrise, or enjoy the beaches and yoga retreats, Ibiza offers something for everyone. Do it now!
9. Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s chart-topping complex of temples, which you’ll find strewn beneath the magical skies of Southeast Asia. Sunrise here is a magical experience. Do it now!
10. Go on Safari in Africa
Swap spots for strips, and paws for jaws in one of the incredible National Parks in Africa. The Maasai Mara in Kenya is one of the best safari hotspots, but there are also lots of other top destinations like the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Do it now! If you fancy a totally different career you could even train to become a safari guide!
11. Sail Australia’s Whitsundays
Cruise the ocean wave around Australia’s beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Rip open your Captain Jack, and set your life full tilt to the wind. Do it now!
12. Learn to Surf in Portugal
Get your goofie on, as you follow the crowds into the surf to land the board skills that squeeze out your inner-cool. Although you can surf all over the world, Portugal is one of the top destinations to learn in Europe. Do it now!
13. Campervan in New Zealand
It’s rumoured that the wheel was invented so that backpackers could see New Zealand from the comfort of a campervan. Makes sense to us. Do it now!
14. Skydive in Queenstown
Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh! Need we say more? Do it now!
15. Find Zen in Bali
Bali has long been on the backpacker trail, and with temples, food, beaches and so many amazing activities it’s hard not to want to stay! Search Bali gap year trips and do it now!
16. Working Holiday
Bust out of your cubicle, break out of your bar job — this is an experience that pays you for the privilege of wandering free. There are lots of destinations where you can apply for gap year jobs and working holidays, the hard part is deciding where to go. Do it now!
17. Full Moon Party Thailand
Thailand is one of the best gap year destinations and there aren’t many greater world events than the epic This legendary party takes place on the southern Thai island of Koh Phangan. View Full Moon Party dates and plan your trip. Do it now!
18. Interrail
Wind your way around Europe as you jump aboard some of the most scenic rail routes in the world, through some of the planet’s most enigmatic countries. Do it now!
19. Island Hop Around Greece
Get your Greek on in the land of the Gods, as you weave your way through the Mediterranean’s most captivating island life. Do it now!
20. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Octoberfest is one of the most famous festivals in the world, with events being held all over the world. No destinations are better than experiencing it in Munich, get dressed up in traditional local clothing and try to remember the amazing time you had!
We hear you screaming at your computer saying how could you not include this other activity!
But we hope we have given you some ideas for amazing travel experiences to add to your bucket list, maybe you have already toppled some?
The good news is if you do want to do these trips, all can be booked via our website! Start planning your next adventure