5 Long-Haul Adventures for Gap Year Travellers

Do you have an adventurous spirit? If so, taking a ‘Gap Year’ out to travel to far-flung destinations may be your kind of break, whether you’re 18 years old or 70-plus. In 2025, holiday companies are experiencing a year-on-year surge in demand for long-haul excursions for travellers of all ages, especially in the 18 to 49 age range.

What’s more, some trips offer exceptional value for money, offering long-distance travel at prices equivalent to holidays in European countries closer to the UK.

With P J Hayman’s Long Stay and Backpacker Insurance, you can cover yourself for up to 18 months away, and also have either two or four return visits home within this period (depending on your level of cover) to recharge before setting off on your next journey!

We’ve taken a look at five popular long-haul destinations to help you plan your Gap Year travel adventures.

Let’s start with a transatlantic trip across the pond…

1. Take A Trip to the USA

From spectacular cities and world-class entertainment to awe-inspiring natural locations, the United States has it all. Long-haul travellers can spend months here, travelling across the continent from coast to coast.

On the East Coast, New York City offers visitors iconic landmarks to view, such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. You can take in a Broadway show, sip cocktails in a Greenwich Village bar, or take a relaxing stroll through Central Park.

The natural beauty of the USA can be experienced in a trip to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in Arizona, or the vast National Park of Yosemite in California. You can also see bison and elk and active geysers at Yellowstone Park – covering 2.2 million acres, it straddles the Western states of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Theme parks such as Disney World in Florida (on the East coast) and Disney Land (on the West Coast) offer a fun-filled day out for the young and old. From Mickey Mouse to Marvel Superheroes, you’ll come face to face with legendary TV and movie characters and enjoy unforgettable interactive attractions.

In the culturally diverse southern city of New Orleans in Lousiana, it’s always time to party! Immerse yourself in jazz music, Creole cuisine, and enjoy the colourful Mardi Gras carnival season from January to February.

Live it large in Los Angeles! Head to the Griffiths Observatory, where you can see the famed Hollywood sign. Wander down Hollywood Boulevard and take a look at the iconic stars on the Walk of Fame. Take a tour to see the homes of the rich and famous, then head for Venice Beach for sun, sand and surf.

There are also work opportunities in the USA for younger travellers – if you’re aged 18-30, why not consider working as a summer camp counsellor? You’ll get paid to coach sports or teach crafts to children – as well as living and working in the US for two to three months, it’s a great addition to your CV.

For our next adventure, we’re off to Africa…

2. Go Wild in South Africa

A land of stunning vistas and free-roaming wildlife, South Africa offers travellers rugged outdoor adventure, as well as scenic cities, Cape Dutch colonial architecture and some of the world’s best wines.

Go on safari at Kruger National Park in the northeast of the country, where you’ll encounter lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards – the ‘Big 5’ African wild animals. The mountains, plains and tropical forests of the park are also home to numerous bird species, including eagles, vultures and storks.

In Cape Town take a cable car to the flat top of Table Mountain. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the surrounding mountains, as well as the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean.

For a snapshot of history, visit Robben Island in nearby Table Bay, site of the maximum-security prison that once held Nelson Mandela. It is now a museum documenting South Africa’s complex past and the divisive apartheid era (1948-1994).

If you’re a wine afficionado, you’ll enjoy a drive through the Cape Winelands on the Western Cape. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek routes are the most famous passages through the region, and you can sample wines in beautiful surroundings. There are also spas and wellness centres in the Winelands if you’re looking for a re-energizing break.

For serious road trippers, take a jaunt along South Africa’s southern coast on the ‘Garden Route’. This 300 km-long trip takes in mountain and desert vistas, with views of forests, waterfalls, lagoons and golden beaches.

You’ll also encounter picturesque towns like Knysna and Plettenburg Bay, and for architectural buffs, well-preserved Cape Dutch-style colonial houses can be viewed in the town of Swellendam.

It’s time to fly to the Southern Hemisphere now, and say G’day to Australia…

3. Oz-tastic Excursions Down Under

A perennial favourite for backpackers, Australia is a long-haul destination that offers amazing cities, outstanding outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences. Here are just a few…

The cosmopolitan city of Sydney is New South Wales, is famed for the Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece featuring a unique, shell-like geometric design. Enjoy an opera, play or musical show here, or simply marvel at this iconic building close up.

Take a train from central Sydney to Bondi Beach. Soak up the sun at this legendary surfing hot spot. And while you’re there, why not take a surf lesson and hit the waves?

At Port Douglas in northern Queensland, book an excursion on a dive boat to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. Snorkel or scuba dive amongst the colourful coral formations. You’ll also encounter a huge variety of marine life, from clown fish and sea turtles to cod, dugongs and sharks.

In the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, experience the giant red sandstone monolith Uluru (formerly referred to as Ayers Rock). Uluru is best viewed at dawn and dusk, when the sunlight glints off the iron oxide in the sandstone and makes it appear to glow! You can also take a walking tour with the local Aṉangu people and learn about the sacred importance of Uluru to their culture.

On the southeastern coast, you find the exciting city of Melbourne. The cultural and sporting capital, there’s something for everyone. Watch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), or take in an open-air movie at the Royal Botanic Gardens. For the latest sounds, check out the newest bands at the Northcote Social Club.

To experience Australia’s unique wildlife, go to the Melbourne Zoo. Get up close to wombats, koalas, platypuses, kangaroos and possums. You’ll also find animals from all over the world here, from tigers and lions to elephants and capybaras.

Now let’s take trip to the shimmering Indian Ocean…

4. Long-distance Leisure Time in Mauritius

A jewel in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Mauritius is an island paradise. Surrounded by a shallow lagoon, it boasts pristine white sand beaches, stunning reefs and spectacular mountains. Visitors can explore historical sites, sample local cuisine, shop in unique markets and enjoy the colourful diversity of Mauritian culture.

Visit the vibrant north coast resort of Trou aux Biches, where you can indulge in numerous watersports, such as sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing, and even take a deep-sea fishing trip!

At Pointe Aux Piments, marvel at around 200 different marine species housed in the Mauritius Aquarium. Keen gardeners will appreciate the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Garden Botanical Garden in the town of Pamplemousse. Its origins go back to the 18th century, and beautiful examples of Mauritius’ unique flora can be found here.

Cycling enthusiasts can use pedal power to explore the island’s coastal or inland roads, and get a taste of everyday Mauritian life in the local communities they’ll encounter.

In Tamarin Bay on the west coast, why not take a snorkeling trip and swim alongside wild dolphins? If you venture further out into the ocean, you may spot majestic whales gliding through the crystal-clear waters.

On the west coast, you’ll find the capital, Port Louis. Named in the 18^th century after King Louis XV by the island’s French colonial rulers, it’s been an international trading post for centuries.

History buffs will enjoy Port Louis’ Blue Penny postal museum, home to two of the world’s rarest stamps – the Red Penny and the Blue Penny. Visit bustling Chinatown and the stunning Jummah Mosque to experience Mauritius’ cultural diversity. You can also hunt for unique souvenirs in the capital’s sprawling Bazaar.

And if you’re hungry and fancy delicious cuisine that blends French-Mauritian, Indian, Chinese and Creole influences – why not stop off at the impressive Le Caudan Waterfront?

For our final long-haul location, we’re off to Southeast Asia…

5. Experience the Vistas of Vietnam

One of the most popular destinations for long-haul/Gap Year travel Vietnam offers attractions ranging from lively cities and stunning beaches to rice terraces and mountain ranges. The weather is variable throughout the country, but the spring months (March-April) offer low humidity, warm temperatures and light rainfall nationwide.

Start your trip in Hanoi, in the north. Vietnam is a former French colony – in Hanoi’s ‘French Quarter’, you’ll see European colonial architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House. Modelled on the Palais Garnier in Paris, you can enjoy a show here, from Western operas to contemporary Vietnamese productions.

Visit the Dong Xuan Market to try tasty street food, such as pho (broth and rice noodles) or crispy pancakes. Take a break at Hoan Kiem Lake, in the centre of Hanoi, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

In the mountainous Ha Giang region, you’ll find spectacular, terraced rice paddies carved into the verdant hillsides. Visit in the rice-growing ‘green season’ from March to May, or from September to October, before harvesting ends.

Take a hike through the stunning Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone peaks named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thủy (water), Mộc (wood), Hỏa (fire) and Thổ (earth). You’ll find Buddhist pagodas, caves and tunnels here, a location that has great spiritual importance to the local people.

Head for the coastal city of Nha Trang for watersports, swimming and sunbathing at Tran Phu beach. After a refreshing dip, why not sample some delicious fresh seafood, such as grilled lobster?

Explore Ho Chi Minh City in South Vietnam. Formerly known as Saigon, this thriving city is criss-crossed with rivers and canals. Visit Ben Than market, where you can purchase exquisite silk goods and embroidered accessories. You could also take a cookery course here – local chefs will teach you how to create fresh, delicious local dishes.

Zoom along the Saigon River by speedboat into the jungle and explore the Cu Chi tunnels – an underground network used during the Vietnam War (1954–75). Visit the War Remnants museum and learn about this divisive North vs South conflict. You’ll also see a wide range of war-era military helicopters, planes, tanks and jeeps.

In the Mekong Delta region, glide along the Mekong river in a traditional Sampan boat to discover rural Vietnam. In the picturesque village of Cái Bè sample traditional craftspeople’s wares from floating market stalls, or see a Cài Luong performance – a local folk opera recounting tales of rural Vietnamese life.

Insure Yourself Wherever You Go For A Long-haul Holiday

We hope we’ve given you some useful travel tips on these five exciting destinations to consider for your long-haul Gap Year trips. Taking out P J Hayman’s Longstay & Backpacker policy allows you to travel, with confidence.

With up to 18 months’ cover for individuals, couples or family groups, you can pack in as many life-enhancing, unique experiences as your time and travel budget allows. For more information, download our Longstay & Backpacker guide  or visit the FAQs page.