There are so many places, people, animals, and plants to see, not to mention all of the cultures (and cuisines!). But, where do you start? Get out of your comfort zone with our 10 top rated bucket list destinations.
If you're reading this, we're here to tell you that we think you should volunteer or intern abroad.
Keep reading to learn more about our ten of our favourite places.We've included how to say hello, what to eat and the best time to visit! More importantly, by choosing to travel with Projects Abroad, you'll be making a positive impact.
Live life to the fullest with our Top 10... (note: not an Eiffel Tower, bungee jump or Grand Canyon in sight!)
#10 - Stroll inside The Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Fiji
- Native greeting: Bula
- Popular food: Kokoda
- Best time to go: October to December
Discover over 2,000 types of orchid in The Garden of the Sleeping Giant. And, whilst you’re wandering through this island paradise look at what else we have to offer.
Volunteer to work with children, teenagers, or even sharks! Explore the underwater world of the South Pacific in our marine conversation project. Here, you’ll work alongside scientists to protect one of the most endangered animals on the planet.
Feel the island magic by doing community volunteer work or assisting with shark conservation.
#9 - See the Himalayas from Kathmandu in Nepal
- Native greeting: Namaste
- Popular food: Momo
- Best time to go: October to April
Kathmandu is one of the oldest inhabited places on earth. Home to some fascinating history and culture, plus ancient temples, palaces, and monuments.
It's also famous for being the gateway to the Himalayas. From here you can marvel at Mount Everest, the tallest place on the planet.
The sunset over the mountains is breathtaking, marking this Nepali city on every traveller’s bucket list.
Feel on top of the world with our Nepali volunteering projects.
#8 - Hike Table Mountain in South Africa
- Native greeting: Howzit
- Popular food: Braai
- Best time to go: September to December
This naturally-formed three-kilometre plateau is perfect for peeking at the surrounding nature, Cape Town, and the ocean.
Here, you'll find heathland unique to the Western and Eastern Cape, giving it a personality of its own. Fun fact: there are more species of plant on Table Mountain than the whole British Isles! It's no wonder it's considered one the world's most beautiful places.
Be inspired when you volunteer in South Africa.
#7 - Discover Coral Reefs in Thailand
- Native greeting: Sah wah dee khrap (males); sah wah dee khaa (females)
- Popular food: Tom yum goong
- Best time to go: November to April
Move over Great Barrier Reef, Thailand's calling. Learn to dive, take part in surveys, clean sand beaches and so much more in our Marine Conservation Project.
Get to know the coral reef, including why it's so important and the challenges they face. Do research, plant and maintain the reefs, and indulge your inner marine biologist. The longer you stay, the more you'll learn.
#6 - Explore the Amazon Rainforest
- Native greeting: Buenos días
- Popular food: Ceviche
- Best time to go: April - October
Our Animal Rehab project is deep inside the Amazon. As a volunteer, you will be living and working right inside the world's largest rainforest.
Explore it on foot, by river, or from the highest treetop walkway in South America. During July and August, you can camp by the river to collect turtle eggs for protection.
Join our Animal Rehab Project or check out our other projects in Peru.
#5 - Live and work on the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Native greeting: Buenos Dias
- Popular food: Fish
- Best time to go: December to May
Live and work on the Galapagos Islands, famous as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species book.
Here, you’ll assist at the giant tortoise breeding centre, reforest indigenous plants, monitor the local sea lions, and more.
Get exclusive access to the Galapagos National Park through our Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation.
#4 - Marvel at Angkor Wat in Cambodia
- Native greeting: The Sampeah
- Popular food: Ho mok
- Best time to go: May to October
Immerse yourself in the rich Cambodian culture when you visit Angkor Wat. You may also find yourself enjoying some traditional activities like meditation and yoga. Take any new habits home with you.
Get the best of Cambodia on our Khmer Cultural Immersion Project. Access Cambodian culture through our list of things to see and do. Or, try your hand at our other Cambodian volunteering projects.
#3 - Safari at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- Native greeting: Shikamoo
- Popular food: Nyama choma
- Best time to go: January, February, July to October
The Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve showcases the best safari animals the Plains of Africa has to offer.
It’s the ideal bucket list destination for a family. The best time to visit is during the wildebeest migration. This creates a lot of movement amongst the big cats who are looking for a quick meal.
If you're keen to see the King of the Jungle in action, join our Giraffe and Lion Conservation Project in Kenya.
#2 - Climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
- Native greeting: Hujambo
- Popular food: Biriyani
- Best time to go: July to October
Climb Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African Continent and the fourth highest on earth. If you don't have time to get to the top, just visit the National Park next door. Here you'll find a variety of deer, birds, monkeys, and other animals.
Explore the beauty of Tanzania through one of our volunteer projects.
#1 - Explore the Citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru
- Native greeting: Buenos días
- Popular food: Ceviche
- Best time to go: May to October
Visit the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu and uncover the history of the Incas. Experience their heritage and appreciation of nature once you’re inside this stunning citadel.
This mountain retreat is the escape from the ordinary that you've been craving. Hike the Inca Trail over four days, or take a relaxed train ride through the mountains.
Take a look at our Volunteering in Peru.
The world awaits
Kick the bucket, and visit six of these amazing destinations on our Global Gap Year. The majority of our Projects include three meals a day, airport transfers, a place to stay, and much more.
Connect with our friendly Project Experts to discuss your options. Book your free consultation today.
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