More people across all life stages are now taking gap years, from students and recent graduates to mid-career professionals and retirees. A new study by Planet Cruise highlights the best destinations for this type of travel, using data on cost of living, safety, tour availability, and visa-free access for UK citizens. Southeast Asia ranks highly for younger and mid-life travellers, while Spain appeals across every age group due to its strong cultural offering, affordability, and ease of access.

The term “gap year” has evolved from its traditional association with students backpacking through Thailand or taking the train across Europe. Today, people of all ages are choosing to travel for personal development, new experiences, or a break from daily routine. Planet Cruise’s research shows that motivations now include learning new skills, reconnecting with culture, or exploring new lifestyles.

Top destinations for 18 to 30 year olds

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Safety score: 77.7
• Bars and clubs: 69
• Cost of living score: 30.9
• Average temperature: 25.1°C
• Happiness score: 6.222
• Visa requirement: None

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Safety score: 65.88
• Bars and clubs: 148
• Cost of living score: 27.8
• Average temperature: 23.6°C
• Happiness score: 6.352
• Visa requirement: None

Phuket, Thailand

• Safety score: 60
• Bars and clubs: 214
• Cost of living score: 40.3
• Average temperature: 27.1°C
• Happiness score: 6.222
• Visa requirement: None

Madrid, Spain

• Safety score: 71.62
• Bars and clubs: 534
• Cost of living score: 53.3
• Average temperature: 14.5°C
• Happiness score: 6.466
• Visa requirement: None

Seville, Spain

• Safety score: 66.02
• Bars and clubs: 152
• Cost of living score: 46
• Average temperature: 18.8°C
• Happiness score: 6.466
• Visa requirement: None

Valencia, Spain

• Safety score: 64.37
• Bars and clubs: 80
• Cost of living score: 45.9
• Average temperature: 17.6°C
• Happiness score: 6.466
• Visa requirement: None

San Jose, Costa Rica

• Safety score: 44.54
• Bars and clubs: 18
• Cost of living score: 52.7
• Average temperature: 19.5°C
• Happiness score: 7.274
• Visa requirement: None

Cartago, Costa Rica

• Safety score: 52.04
• Bars and clubs: 0
• Cost of living score: 50.1
• Average temperature: 17.8°C
• Happiness score: 7.274
• Visa requirement: None

Mumbai, India

• Safety score: 55.79
• Bars and clubs: 23
• Cost of living score: 25.6
• Average temperature: 26.4°C
• Happiness score: 4.389
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Agra, India

• Safety score: 56.4
• Bars and clubs: 4
• Cost of living score: 19.52
• Average temperature: 25.2°C
• Happiness score: 4.389
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Spain appears three times in this list. Madrid stands out with a high safety score, strong nightlife, and cultural depth. Seville offers a relaxed pace with affordable living, while Valencia blends beach and city life. All offer visa-free access for UK travellers.

Top destinations for 35 to 45 year olds on sabbatical

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Public transport: £0.26
• Tours available: 6,981
• Health and fitness clubs: 31
• Average temperature: 23.6°C
• Visa requirement: None

Phuket, Thailand

• Public transport: £1.01
• Tours available: 1,630
• Health and fitness clubs: 82
• Average temperature: 27.1°C
• Visa requirement: None

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Public transport: £0.68
• Tours available: 997
• Health and fitness clubs: 26
• Average temperature: 25.1°C
• Visa requirement: None

Agra, India

• Public transport: £0.29
• Tours available: 4,893
• Health and fitness clubs: 1
• Average temperature: 25.2°C
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Mumbai, India

• Public transport: £0.18
• Tours available: 889
• Health and fitness clubs: 26
• Average temperature: 26.4°C
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Cape Town, South Africa

• Public transport: £0.70
• Tours available: 2,609
• Health and fitness clubs: 20
• Average temperature: 16.4°C
• Visa requirement: None

San Jose, Costa Rica

• Public transport: £0.74
• Tours available: 585
• Health and fitness clubs: 4
• Average temperature: 19.5°C
• Visa requirement: None

Madrid, Spain

• Public transport: £1.26
• Tours available: 1,462
• Health and fitness clubs: 28
• Average temperature: 14.5°C
• Visa requirement: None

Cartago, Costa Rica

• Public transport: £0.67
• Tours available: 31
• Health and fitness clubs: 0
• Average temperature: 17.8°C
• Visa requirement: None

Seville, Spain

• Public transport: £1.22
• Tours available: 1,017
• Health and fitness clubs: 2
• Average temperature: 18.8°C
• Visa requirement: None

Southeast Asia dominates this age group. Hanoi leads with low-cost transport and thousands of tours. Phuket combines tropical weather with strong wellness facilities. Chiang Mai appeals for its affordability and slower pace. All three are visa-free for UK travellers.

Top destinations for travellers over 60

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Elevation: 1,139 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 1,277
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 2,199
• Tours available: 6,981
• Visa requirement: None

Phuket, Thailand

• Elevation: 494 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 1,881
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 2,764
• Tours available: 1,630
• Visa requirement: None

Madrid, Spain

• Elevation: 865 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 667
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 5,699
• Tours available: 1,462
• Visa requirement: None

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Elevation: 368 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 1,551
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 1,509
• Tours available: 997
• Visa requirement: None

Cape Town, South Africa

• Elevation: 1,079 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 1,479
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 1,470
• Tours available: 2,609
• Visa requirement: None

Seville, Spain

• Elevation: 166 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 429
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 1,625
• Tours available: 1,017Visa requirement: None

Mumbai, India

• Elevation: 487 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 593
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 4,306
• Tours available: 889
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Valencia, Spain

• Elevation: 352 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 282
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 2,279
• Tours available: 454
• Visa requirement: None

Agra, India

• Elevation: 40 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 291
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 290
• Tours available: 4,893
• Visa requirement: E-visa

Johannesburg, South Africa

• Elevation: 399 metres
• Hotels rated four star or higher: 319
• Restaurants rated four star or higher: 577
• Tours available: 686
• Visa requirement: None

Hanoi leads for older travellers with a mix of high-quality amenities and scenic appeal. Phuket offers comfort and a wide range of top-rated restaurants and hotels. Madrid provides a rich blend of dining and culture for relaxed and accessible travel.