When hearing the term “gap year”, most of us imagine a student backpacking through Thailand or train-hopping across Europe.
But these days, it’s not just school leavers packing their bags. More and more adults from recent graduates to mid-career professionals and even retirees are taking time out to travel and dive into something new. For some, it’s about learning new skills or boosting their careers. For others, it’s a much-needed break from the daily grind, a chance to discover new places, meet new people, and experience a different way of life.
In light of this shift in travel, the travel experts at Planet Cruise dug into the data to uncover the best places around the world for gap year-style travel at any age.
The experts where able to determine this by looking at such factors as: cost of living, safety, availability of tours, and how easy it is to travel there from the UK.
From island hopping in Southeast Asia, strolling through ancient cities in Europe, to trying out the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, these are the top locations for a gap year depending on your age.
These are the best destinations for a gap year for 18–30-year-olds
| Rank | Location | Safety Score | No. of bars & clubs | Cost of living score | Avg Temp (°C) | Happiness score | Uk citizens travel visa free |
| 1. | Chiang Mai, Thailand | 77.7 | 69 | 30.9 | 25.1 | 6.222 | Yes |
| 2. | Hanoi, Vietnam | 65.88 | 148 | 27.8 | 23.6 | 6.352 | Yes |
| 3. | Phuket, Thailand | 60 | 214 | 40.3 | 27.1 | 6.222 | Yes |
| 4. | Madrid, Spain | 71.62 | 534 | 53.3 | 14.5 | 6.466 | Yes |
| 5. | Seville, Spain | 66.02 | 152 | 46 | 18.8 | 6.466 | Yes |
| 6. | Valencia, Spain | 64.37 | 80 | 45.9 | 17.6 | 6.466 | Yes |
| 7. | San Jose, Costa Rica | 44.54 | 18 | 52.7 | 19.5 | 7.274 | Yes |
| 8. | Cartago, Costa Rica | 52.04 | 0 | 50.1 | 17.8 | 7.274 | Yes |
| 9. | Mumbai, India | 55.79 | 23 | 25.6 | 26.4 | 4.389 | E-visa required |
| 10. | Agra, India | 56.4 | 4 | 19.52 | 25.2 | 4.389 | E-visa required |
Three locations in Spain take the top 10 leaderboard
Spain stands out as a top choice for younger gap year travellers, with three of its cities making the top 10. Madrid comes in at number 4, offering a lively mix of culture, nightlife (with over 500 bars and clubs), and a solid safety score making it a great all-rounder for those younger travellers wanting both fun and substance.
Seville, ranked 5th, is a bit more laid-back but still full of character, known for its warm climate, historic charm, and more affordable cost of living. At number 6, Valencia brings a balance of beach, city life, and a slower pace ideal for youger travellers looking to stay longer without stretching their budget.
With visa-free travel for UK citizens, Spain is not only accessible but packed with options that suit different travel styles, whether you’re after nightlife, culture, or just a bit of sun.
These are the best destinations for a gap year for 35–45-year-olds (sabbatical)
| Rank | Location | Public transport price (£) | No. of tours | No. of health & fitness clubs | Avg Temp (°C) | Uk citizens travel visa free |
| 1. | Hanoi, Vietnam | 0.26 | 6,981 | 31 | 23.6 | Yes |
| 2. | Phuket, Thailand | 1.01 | 1,630 | 82 | 27.1 | Yes |
| 3. | Chiang Mai, Thailand | 0.68 | 997 | 26 | 25.1 | Yes |
| 4. | Agra, India | 0.29 | 4,893 | 1 | 25.2 | E-visa required |
| 5. | Mumbai, India | 0.18 | 889 | 26 | 26.4 | E-visa required |
| 6. | Cape Town, South Africa | 0.70 | 2,609 | 20 | 16.4 | Yes |
| 7. | San Jose, Costa Rica | 0.74 | 585 | 4 | 19.5 | Yes |
| 8. | Madrid, Spain | 1.26 | 1,462 | 28 | 14.5 | Yes |
| 9. | Cartago, Costa Rica | 0.67 | 31 | 0 | 17.8 | Yes |
| 10. | Seville, Spain | 1.22 | 1,017 | 2 | 18.8 | Yes |
Southeast Asia dominates the top spots for gap year travel among 35–45-year-olds
Southeast Asian locations Hanoi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai take the top three rankings. These destinations tick all the boxes for those taking a career break or sabbatical offering a mix of culture, wellness, affordability, and adventure.
Hanoi leads the way with thousands of tours on offer and incredibly low public transport costs, making it easy to explore both the city and beyond. Phuket follows at number 2, combining warm weather with a strong focus on health and fitness ideal for travellers looking to recharge or stay active while away. Chiang Mai rounds out the top three, offering a slower pace, great value for money, and easy access to nature and wellness retreats.
All three locations are visa-free for UK citizens, making them straightforward to visit and perfect for anyone looking to step away from work and into something new.
These are the best destinations for a gap year for 60+ year olds
| Rank | Location | Elevation range (m) | 4*+ hotel | 4*+ restaurants | No. of tours | Uk citizens travel visa free |
| 1. | Hanoi, Vietnam | 1,139 | 1,277 | 2,199 | 6,981 | Yes |
| 2. | Phuket, Thailand | 494 | 1,881 | 2,764 | 1,630 | Yes |
| 3. | Madrid, Spain | 865 | 667 | 5,699 | 1,462 | Yes |
| 4. | Chiang Mai, Thailand | 368 | 1,551 | 1,509 | 997 | Yes |
| 5. | Cape Town, South Africa | 1,079 | 1,479 | 1,470 | 2,609 | Yes |
| 6. | Seville, Spain | 166 | 429 | 1,625 | 1,017 | Yes |
| 7. | Mumbai, India | 487 | 593 | 4,306 | 889 | E-visa required |
| 8. | Valencia, Spain | 352 | 282 | 2,279 | 454 | Yes |
| 9. | Agra, India | 40 | 291 | 290 | 4,893 | E-visa required |
| 10. | Johannesburg, South Africa | 399 | 319 | 577 | 686 | Yes |
Hanoi is the best location for golden year gap years
For travellers aged 60 and over, gap years are becoming a meaningful way to explore the world at a more relaxed pace and the top destinations reflect that. Hanoi takes the top spot, offering a rich mix of culture, scenic landscapes, and thousands of tours to suit a range of interests, all with a strong selection of quality hotels and restaurants.
Phuket follows closely behind, with a huge number of four-star and above hotels and dining options, making it a great choice for those who want comfort alongside adventure. Madrid rounds out the top three, standing out for its vibrant food scene with over 5,000 high-rated restaurants and plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy at your own speed.
All the top choices allow UK citizens to travel visa-free, making them easy to visit and ideal for a longer, more immersive getaway.
If you’d like to find out more about the best destinations for a gap year for every age, please visit: https://www.planetcruise.com/en/top-gap-year-destinations-for-every-age-group
