With the world of travel beginning to reopen for many, new research reveals the best gap year destinations across the globe.
With hundreds of countries and territories across the globe to choose from, people looking to take a gap year have many travel options available to them. All countries have different elements that make them unique, from stunning cities to luscious landscapes and fascinating culture.
Although it is more common for younger people to take gap years (often just before, or just after university), the concept is becoming more and more appealing to everyone, as sabbaticals become more and more common.
But where is the best place to visit on a gap year?
By compiling data for numerous factors from countries across the globe, the most popular gap year destinations have been revealed.
The study by Bounce ranked the most popular gap year destinations based on factors such as the number of hostels, volunteering opportunities, safety ratings and beer prices, to reveal the world's best gap year destinations.
The best gap year destination was the Netherlands. This country shines in many elements essential for gap year travellers. Not only is it one of the safest nations to travel to, but the country also scores highly for the number of hostels, clubs, and bars per 1000 square miles, so prospective travellers are never far from fun in this nation famed for its nightlife.
Ireland is the second highest-ranking gap year destination. The Emerald Isle achieved this score by ranking highly for its very well-rated hostels and the most attractions per 1,000 square miles with 375.
Ranking in third place was Switzerland. The country was found to be the safest country to travel to with the highest safety score of 78.38/100.
Japan was the highest-ranking country outside of Europe, with the Asian powerhouse scoring 5.65. It scored highly for attractions and clubs and bars per 1,000 miles, on top of this it is the second safest country with a score of 77.81/100.
Thailand came in at 25th which is surprising, considering the number of backpackers who have visited the land of smiles in the past.
Germany is a country famous for its beers and the world-famous Oktoberfest, and it has the cheapest average price of a beer; a 500ml bottle of local beer costs £0.52 on average.
In Thailand, the survey said the average beer here costs US$1.72.
However, the survey perhaps did not take into consideration, that students love the laid-back style of many remote regions in the country known as the Land of Smiles.
You can view the full study here