Archive of articles from 2012

New York named best night out in the world

New York is known as the city that never sleeps and according to a new survey, it would seem it's the world's leading nightlife that is keeping everyone from their beds.

Top things to remember during your first trip to India

India is a popular destination among gap year travellers - and with good reason. This vast country is packed with incredible buildings, delicious food, amazing animals and a vibrant culture. To get some handy hints for your first visit, read our guide.

Top Italian destinations to visit on a gap year

Although people often associate gap year travel with jetting off to Australia and Asia, you don't need to go that far from home to have a fantastic time away. Italy is an amazing country to explore as a backpacker - here are just a few of the highlights.

Spain named best International Youth Destination

The best hostel, volunteering organisation and international destination for young travellers have been announced at the British Youth Travel Awards.

How to do the temples of Angkor, Cambodia

The temples of Angkor, including the most celebrated – Angkor Wat – are located in the northern Cambodian city of Siem Reap. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South East Asia. A gap year trip around South East Asia is not complete without a visit here, so here’s everything you need to know to organise your trip to the temples of Angkor.

Top gap year experiences in Peru

If you're planning to spend part or all of your gap year in Peru, there is a lot for you to see. Should you have time in your itinerary, it's worth visiting a few of the country's most famous landmarks - as well as one or two a little off the beaten track.

Sydney named Australia’s favourite city

The harbour side capital took the title at The Australian Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, beating last year's winner, Melbourne, by just a single vote.

An introduction to St-Germain-des-Pres and Saint-Michel

As city celebrated for its artistic heritage and a place where intellectuals congregate, Paris is the ideal destination to explore on a gap year. If you do include it on your itinerary, make sure you visit the districts of St-Germain-des-Pres and Saint-Michel.

What makes Goa perfect for a gap year?

When you start planning a gap year, the first things you'll need to decide are where you want to go and how long you intend to be away for. If India is on your list of places to visit, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Goa while you're travelling.

New eco hostel brings backpackers to tropical island in Australia

Adventurers looking to get away from the hubbub found on the East Coast backpackers trail can retreat to a new specialist hostel that has opened on Great Keppel Island.

The best places to celebrate Loy Krathong

One of the biggest Thai festivals of the year, Loy Krathong is almost here, so if you’re spending your gap year backpacking around South East Asia, then you’ll want to find the best places to celebrate this most atmospheric of festivals.

Burma's most exciting sights

Burma is an incredibly exciting destination for a spot of active sightseeing on your gap year - especially as it is home to so many unusual, unforgettable and historically important landmarks. If you are planning to take a tour of Burma, make sure you do not miss the below.

Celebrate Diwali

Diwali known as ‘the festival of lights’ is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar; it is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of the Hindu calendar month Ashwin. This year it falls on November 13.

Travel bloggers wanted for Australia vs New Zealand challenge

It’s the question that’s long been dividing gap-year travellers who have explored Oceania: which is the better destination, Australia or New Zealand?

Discover nature in abundance on a gap year in Cape Town

If you're planning to explore South Africa as part of your gap year, Cape Town is a must-visit location. The city is renowned for its glorious landscapes and abundant flora and fauna, and if you want to make sure you take in the most prominent natural attractions, read on.

Top things to see and do in Shoreditch

If you are planning to spend a few days or weeks of your gap year checking out what London has to offer, Shoreditch is an absolute must-visit. Situated in the East End, it is famous for its nightlife, shops and restaurants - find out what not to miss with our guide.

Top spots for wildlife watching in north Goa

If you're jetting off to Goa on your gap year, chances are that you'll want to do a little more than just lounge on the beach (although sunbathing is a perfectly acceptable gap year activity!). A top tip is to seek out some of the local wildlife.

Air New Zealand creates safety video inspired by The Hobbit

Hobbits, elves, dwarves and wizards take flight as Air New Zealand launches a safety video inspired the new movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Unusual and unmissable attractions in Amsterdam

If you're planning on spending some of your gap year in Amsterdam, make sure you see more than just the usual tourist attractions. The city has some fantastic options for getting off the beaten track - find out more with our guide.

Best places to celebrate Halloween

The night when ghouls, goblins and witches roam the streets and scaring each other out of our wits becomes the norm, is fast approaching. This ghoulish tradition is fast spreading around the globe. So just where are the best places to celebrate a horrifyingly gruesome Halloween?

How to see 2 of Nepal's most famous mountains on a single trip

When you start planning a gap year, you'll want to make sure you see and do as much as possible while you're away. If Nepal is one of the destinations on your itinerary, consider booking a hiking tour to visit the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Speed dating with ... Philadelphia

Trying to decide where to go your gap year? Spend five minutes speed dating some of the world’s most exciting cities to find out which ones you want to visit. This week we’re in Philadelphia, home to history, murals and the famous Philly cheesesteak.

Global recipes: Vietnamese pho

Possibly the most famous Vietnamese dish of them all, you’ll practically live on ph? (beef noodle soup) if you spend your gap year in Vietnam.

Halloween Coffin Racing Festival in Colorado

If you’re after something a bit different to do this Halloween then why not head to Manitou Springs in the US state of Colorado?

Global recipes: Pumpkin pie

We’re continuing our global recipes on mapthegap.co.uk this week by cooking something rather festive for this time of year – yes it’s pumpkin pie from the USA. It is typically eaten around Halloween and Thanksgiving.