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North Carolina launches first ever Beer Month

With more breweries than any other state south of Pennsylvania and east of Texas, North Carolina is truly the South’s beer stronghold. To celebrate the state’s craftsmanship and the destinations where it’s made, breweries, hotels and restaurants are to combine forces for the inaugural NC Beer Month this April.

Oscars inspired gap years

The most important movie event of the year is almost here, the Oscars. This year’s Oscar nominated movies are set in variety of destinations across the world and many may even inspire your choice of gap year destinations, from a road trip in the USA, to language learning in France, exploring the landscapes of India or ‘finding yourself’ in Thailand.

Best places to bed down in the USA

Camping is ideal for those on a backpacker's budget and gives you a chance to get closer to nature and experience the great American outdoors

Global recipes: American pancakes

In honour of Pancake Day on Shrove Tuesday (February 12) this week’s global recipe is the classic American pancake, thick and fluffy and served with fruit, berries or chocolate chips – and of course covered in syrup.

Three intrepid Brits travel to 50 American states in 30 days

Three Brits are travelling across 50 American states in 30 days for a new American Airlines project – ‘The United States of Adventure’, which aims to demonstrate the scope of the airline’s network in the US.

How to cut costs when booking a trip to the USA

You might have always dreamed of having an exciting adventure holiday in America during your gap year, but these types of getaways aren't always the cheapest and costs can quickly mount up. If you really want to head across the Atlantic for a trip of a lifetime, read on for tips on how to stick to your budget.

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.

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.

Top places to go for space travel

October 4-10 marks the start of World Space Week, so we’ve found you some top space travel destinations where you can meet astronauts, travel in spaceship simulators and see historic space sites. Five.... Four... Three... Two... One... Blast Off!

Head into the desert for the Burning Man Festival

In five days time, the usually barren Black Rock Desert in the US state of Nevada will become home to Black Rock City and the festival of the Burning Man.

5 films that give us destination envy

Ever watched a film that made you really want to visit the country it was set in? These are the top five films that give us destination envy...

The world's weirdest ice cream flavours

If you can think of a food – literally any food - you better believe that someone, somewhere in the world, has turned it into ice cream. From horse meat, to beer, pizza and beyond - we round up our top 10 weird flavours (and it's just a snippet of what's out there!).

Interview with a backpacker: Summer Camp USA

MaptheGap.co.uk interviews Tace Bleasby about her gap year experiences with BUNAC, working at Summer Camp USA.

Enjoy gap year thrills by rafting in the Grand Canyon

If you're keen to incorporate some exciting activities into your gap year plans, you should be sure to visit the US. Although amazing adventures can be had throughout the entire country, there is perhaps nothing as thrilling as white water rafting along the Grand Canyon.

Best countries for adventure sports

Going on a gap year or career break provides you with the opportunities to try out new thrilling adventure sports, challenge yourself and do things you would never normally dream of doing at home. It’s a New Year and time to put those New Year’s resolutions into practice by trying new things and finding the best places for a thrilling adventure. So, here is our list of the best countries for adventure sports.

Top five places to celebrate New Year’s around the world

It’s coming up to that time of the year again - saying goodbye to one year and welcoming in the next with style. If you’re travelling this year, then why not take this opportunity to head to some of the world’s best spots to celebrate? Here is our list of the top five places to celebrate New Year's Eve.

See more of the USA on a gap year road trip

There are so many destinations in America to visit it can be hard trying to work out where to go on your gap year in the USA. However, one of the best ways to really get under the skin of the nation is by embarking of a road trip across the country.

How to plan your gap year in North America on a budget

You may have always dreamed of having a gap year in the USA, but might be concerned that it is out of your budget. In this case, these tips on how to enjoy a trip to America without breaking the bank could be useful for you.

Where's best for skiing in the US?

If you are planning skiing holidays as part of your gap year, it is well worth looking at what the US has to offer. There is a wide selection of winter sports destinations in the country, many of which have world-class facilities for skiers.

The USA is the perfect summer working holiday destination

If you are looking to go on a short working holiday for the summer, why not consider travelling to the USA? By doing so, you'll get the chance to earn a wage, meet new people and develop skills, while soaking up everything that Stateside has to offer.

Working holidays in the USA - What you need to know

Working holidays in the USA are a bit different to working holidays in New Zealand, Australia and Canada and are usually done in the summer working in summer camps. It’s a great way to combine volunteering and other activities with travel for an amazing gap year. So here’s our guide on everything you need to know about working holidays in the USA.

Top destinations for gap year adventures in the US

When it comes to planning an adventure-packed gap year, you'll find you can take part in exciting activities and pursuits in countries across the globe, but there are perhaps few better places to do so than the United States.

Feature: Popular gap year destinations

The world is a big place, but it’s getting a lot smaller due to globalisation. While this brings a mixed blessing, the good news is that the modern travel scene is the best the world has ever seen! If you’re a first time traveller...

Feature: Gap year adventure tours of the USA

What country offers the broadest range of landscapes in the entire world? Yep, you guessed it - the USA. Although this vast and fascinating country does not have the well-known backpacker network and traveller’s infrastructure of destinations like Australia, there are numerous tours designed for gap year adventurers. Even better news - we’ve found the best ones for you!