Where I would travel if I was going on a gap year and had money
By Kiera Short
I would like to preface this by saying this takes place in a highly ideal world where I have the money and ability to travel to this many countries in a year.
I have always wanted to travel to numerous countries - all for different reasons - but mainly to see the world. I don’t want to go through my life without the opportunity to travel, and so far I haven’t been granted the opportunity. So, I have made this as a list of my dream travel destinations if I was going on a gap year.
For my travel destinations, I will start in Asia, go around Europe then finish with Canada in North America.
Firstly, Japan
I love cars and have undoubtedly watched the Fast and Furious movies (which I highly recommend) with one of my favourites being Tokyo Drift. This interest is definitely a heavy influence for my desire to travel to Japan other than the fact that it seems so incredibly cool. Additionally, I have many friends who have traveled to Japan and have had amazing experiences there. The culture along with the cars seem so cool and ultimately would be an amazing experience to start out my gap year travels.
Next, Thailand
I’ve seen such amazing videos of people travelling in Thailand and it seems like such an amazing place to travel to, with such beautiful scenery. Therefore, definitely being added to my extensive list of countries to travel to.
Moving to Europe, starting with Spain
I want to go for various reasons, but first and foremost, for the art. I’ve heard that it has some amazing art with some of my favourite painters having their art on display in galleries and museums. For me, it’s an absolute necessity to visit every single gallery and artwork museum in Spain. But also, have you seen Spain? Absolutely gorgeous, the scenery looks beautiful. I strongly believe it is necessary to travel around Spain in my life. I'd start with Madrid and go to Barcelona then go around to different towns on my way between each city. I’d also love to learn Spanish, it seems such a cool and useful language, although in all honesty I haven’t successfully learnt a language yet but I still have time.
Going to France next
I can’t not go to France when in Europe. When I was a kid I was so obsessed with France, I wanted to learn the language and travel there as soon as possible. Neither of which commenced, to my dismay, but I am still stuck with a deep and personal need to go to France and finally making an appearance here.
Italy afterwards
Obviously I need to try all of the food in Italy, but also the art - every form of art - from Renaissance to modern, visiting every gallery and site with any kind of art. I need to see them all, it is imperative to my life. Also going to Rome, mainly the colosseum and pantheon, all of the ancient Roman sites will fulfill my deep interest in history. I unfortunately ran out of units in year 11 to be able to do ancient history but I still have a passion for learning about it and find it incredibly interesting. So of course, I need to visit all of these places. I also love a good walk, so double positives.
Moving on to Greece
First and foremost I need to see the ancient ruins, specifically in the archaeological site of Olympia and the Temple of Poseidon and Apollo, also visiting Athens and Delphi to name a few. Greece will definitely be filled with the most amount of walks and sightseeing because I undoubtedly need to see everything. I would probably spend the most time here, enjoying every second.
Finishing Europe in Monaco
Monaco is here for one reason and one reason only, Formula 1, I will be planning this whole entire trip around seeing the F1 Monaco race. Since watching the F1 on TV I've always wanted to see the Monaco Grand Prix in real life, it is the most iconic circuit with so much history making it a beautiful place to watch the F1. I will (hopefully) watch the other races in Japan, Spain, Italy, and Canada hoping that the race calendar aligns perfectly with my plans.
Finally finishing my long trip in Canada
Finally I will go to Canada, where I will take beautiful scenic walks and hikes around all the national parks. I've heard that Banff National Park is gorgeous so I'll start there and make my way around. I also think it would be so fun to go on long car trips to nowhere in particular just travelling around and camping at camp sites. This trip will be filled with so much wandering and very little planning, maybe a little checklist though.
