Gap Year Ideas for Nature Lovers & Adventure Seekers
It’s easy to remember what a gap year is: It’s where the gap in your resume will be. A gap year is one in which you take time off and travel. It’s classically between high school and college, but whether you’re a high school senior with cold feet or well past your dorm room days and looking to jump-start your passion for life again, there’s no time like the present to take a break from the daily grind for a bucket-list worthy trip. Here are our top picks for exotic locations with activities that are sure to get even the seasoned daredevil’s blood pumping, and a few essentials you don’t want to forget.
Fiji
Fiji’s Upper Navua River Gorge has been called the tropical Grand Canyon. River raft 11 miles of waterfalls and towering canyon walls on day one and snorkel or sea kayak on day two. It’s all close and it’s all world-class adventure in paradise. Lonely Planet has a great list of all the Fiji islands that offer rugged accommodations and endless outdoor entertainment options.
Montana
Get away from it all and get into some adventure on the 305,000-acre wildlife refuge in Montana. Go mountain biking or paddle the nearby Missouri River. The pioneer homesteads and historic teepees near Kestrel Camp where yurt lodging and a hot shower is the ultimate luxury after a long, active day. Do hit up the trails but don’t let the scenery be eclipsed by a bulky bike helmet that’s not easy to pack. If you haven’t seen the invisible helmet yet, it’s time to check it out. This is the kind of trip it was made for.
California
With over 800 miles of coastline accessible virtually year-round, is there a more scenic place for road biking heaven? SacredRide.com has a great bicycler’s pre-ride checklist to make sure you’re prepared for the long haul. Experienced riders might want to consider the 8-day, more than 500-mile long California Coast Classic to benefit a great cause and earn lifelong bragging rights.
New Zealand
Milford Sound is 40 kilometers long and over 400 meters deep. Enjoy night or day kayaking to take in breathtaking sights including waterfalls, seals and penguins. Or go diving to discover rare black coral and 11-legged sea stars.
Basic Adventure Gear Checklist
Cash. You never know if your card will work or not when you get there, so make sure to bring cash.
Cargo pants. You might regret shorts, no matter how hot it is outside. Cargo pants protect you from the sun, prickly plants and all kinds of biting bugs. Cabela’s carries a great selection of pants that offer protection, a plethora of useful pockets and lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.
A pocket knife. We all know that the right pocket knife can be worth its weight in gold on the trail. Kinfeista.com has a cool list of the best pocket knives of 2015 based on traits like maneuverability and multi-functionality.
A watch. This key tool should be purchased based on durability, then function, then price, in that order. The last thing you want is for it to die on the trail right when you need it. Men’s Fitness features the five most durable watches on the planet starting at just $250.