Many will like to splash out when it comes to holidays, but if you are looking to make your spending money go a little further, this could be your next booking.
A leading travel expert has revealed the top gap year destinations - with Slovenia among the best places to visit. Asian destinations also made it onto the list as well as long-time favourites Australia and New Zealand.
While it might not be the backpacking destination that tends to come to mind, globetrotting influencer Monica Stott, also known as ‘The Travel Hack’, is a big fan of the “underrated” destination, Slovenia. The Central European country offers stunning greenery and beautiful rivers, a Venetian-style coastline, and snow-capped mountains, which are popular with skiers.
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But it’s also affordable - a beer is £2.47 on average, a three-course meal for two is £36 on average, hostels start from around £18-a-night, and a one-way local transport ticket typically costs £1.15. And thanks to its low crime rate, it’s also among the safest places to travel to. The Foreign Office said around 160,000 British nationals visit Slovenia every year with most visits being trouble free.
Travel expert, Monica, who has partnered with Post Office Travel Insurance to reveal the gap year destinations, said: “Slovenia is one of the most affordable destinations I’ve visited as a backpacker. It’s also one of the most underrated and safest destinations in Europe.
"Explore beautiful cities like Ljubljana and natural attractions like Lake Bled for a fraction of the cost of other European countries."
It comes after it emerged interest in backpacking travel is on the rise, with Google searches for these words up 49% from last year. Monica added: "Choosing your gap year destinations is the most exciting part of planning your trip. Most backpackers choose destinations that are totally different to home, giving them a unique experience and an insight into new cultures, but it’s also important to choose destinations based on safety."
Paul Paddock, head of travel and protection at Post Office, which offers insurance for travellers aged 18-60, said: “Taking a gap year is one the most exciting trips an adventurer can experience in life, especially if you’re going backpacking. There are many excellent destinations to consider, as indicated in our previous Travel Safety Index.
“But even with those recommendations, it is vital to pick a suitable travel insurance cover before your trip whether it’s a backpacker, multi-trip or a single-trip policy to give you peace of mind whilst on your trip."
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