| Swim in pure blues oceans, climb enormous | | | | and road links and South-East Asia, with the |
| mountains, immerse yourself in tradition; take | | | | exception of Myanmar, is probably the easiest |
| your gap year in Asia. | | | | and cheapest place to explore in the world. Don't |
| Like its people, Asia is warm and accessible. Years | | | | forget to bring a good book for the journey |
| of experience in welcoming tourists have made | | | | though! |
| Asia the perfect host, and like all good hosts, it | | | | **** Plenty to see and no reason not to explore |
| offers something for every taste. Whatever | | | | Cost |
| you're looking for on your gap year there's a | | | | Money is a big consideration when you're planning |
| good chance you'll find it in Asia; from whitest of | | | | to spend a year away from home, so the cost |
| white knuckle rides to some of the best | | | | of getting to and living in a place is all important. |
| volunteer projects in the world. | | | | There are big differences between countries here; |
| Asia is built for gappers; the serene beauty | | | | the more expensive countries to explore in Asia |
| provides a soothing backdrop to a career | | | | are Japan, Taiwan and because of its size, China. |
| escaping break while the rugged mountains and | | | | If you want to visit these countries perhaps |
| million mile an hour cities offer the perfect slice of | | | | consider earning money by teaching English while |
| adventure for those full of youthful energy. So rip | | | | you're away. The affordable countries include |
| off your ties, clear the in-tray and discover Asia | | | | Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and |
| on your gap year. Keep reading for advice on the | | | | Sri Lanka while cheap countries such as Thailand, |
| how, why and where of gap year travel in Asia | | | | Nepal, India, The Philippines and Indonesia offer |
| and start planning your own trip. We've invented | | | | truly budget travel. |
| our Gapometer to mark Asia on key gap year | | | | Living costs are a large part of your budget so |
| criteria. | | | | plan carefully. While you're on a volunteer |
| ***** Gaptastic | | | | placement this will normally be sorted out for you |
| **** Great for gappers | | | | but when you're travelling independently |
| *** Worth a look | | | | remember that budget hostels doesn't mean |
| ** Too much else to see | | | | rubbish hostels. In fact they can often be the |
| * Never mind the Gap | | | | most fun! The same is true about food; the best |
| Volunteer abroad | | | | food in Asia is found on the street and it's |
| Asia is a land of extremes; in an age of the mass | | | | incredibly cheap. Some of the best meals of my |
| media the beauty of this place somehow | | | | time in Asia cost less than 50p! The great thing |
| continues to surprise, yet too much of the | | | | about Asia is that you don't need to pay for your |
| continent continues to experience severe | | | | entertainment because it's all around you! |
| deprivation. According to the Asian Development | | | | ***** Plenty of bargains to be found |
| Bank, Asia's poor account for two thirds of the | | | | Earning money |
| total in the developing world and a huge number | | | | Earning while you're away is essential for many |
| of volunteer projects have sprung up to help | | | | people. If that's you then Asia is a good place to |
| ease the problem. | | | | choose for your Gap year traveling. The continent |
| You can take your pick of projects in areas like | | | | has the biggest demand for English teachers and |
| community work and teaching or maybe even link | | | | there are placements all over the place in some |
| one with a conservation project or two. Asia | | | | of the world's most exciting locations. Getting |
| should be as famous for its wildlife as its | | | | qualified could be the best money saving |
| landscapes; animals like pandas, elephants, tigers | | | | investment you make. For a relatively small price |
| and sea turtles all await you here and offer a | | | | you can get qualified in double quick time and at |
| great chance to make a difference. The WWF | | | | least have it as a safety net in case you spend a |
| has listed 6 places in Asia amongst their list of 19 | | | | little too much souvenir shopping! You'll get access |
| priority places , leaving no-one in any doubt as to | | | | to TEFL contacts all over the continent and can |
| the area's significance. Given the number to | | | | easily include a little teaching in your itinerary. |
| choose from, why not combine more than one. | | | | ***** There is nowhere better to earn money |
| ***** The perfect place to use your gap year | | | | while traveling |
| for good | | | | The wow factor |
| Traveling around | | | | Asia has the wow factor in bucket loads. It's the |
| We know that with a year on your hands you'll | | | | most popular destination for westerners and |
| want to spread your wings and really explore a | | | | millions of people can't be wrong. The diversity of |
| place and in Asia that's both easy and rewarding. | | | | the continent offers the perfect backdrop to a |
| There are now easier ways to get around Asia | | | | gap year with enough diversity to keep you |
| than the famous overland expeditions of the 70s | | | | entertained at just the right price to keep you |
| (though if you've got a camper van spare we'll | | | | solvent! The old favorite still has plenty to offer a |
| give it a go). Traveling varies from country to | | | | new generation of travelers. |
| country so make sure you plan thoroughly. Most | | | | ***** Everyone should go at least once. It's the |
| countries, like China and India, offer extensive rail | | | | law. |