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It's tempting to be lazy on your gap year and do what everyone else does; travel to Thailand and go to a full moon party, then "explore" Vietnam and Cambodia.
Or backpack in Australia and learn to surf. Or travel to Kenya and volunteer at a rehabilitation centre for monkeys.
You get the drift.
The trick is to think outside the box. Instead of going to Kenya, why not Botswana? Or Swaziland? Why not take the plunge and go to China? Or soak up a different culture in Japan?
There are so many opportunities so you don't have to do the standard gap year package. As they say, the world is your oyster.
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10 Obscure Gap Year Destinations Countdown
10. Botswana(01 of10)
If you dream of seeing wildlife up close, but you fancy breaking the mould and skipping Kenya, Botswana is the place for you. You can find some of the world's most diverse ecosystems, varied wildlife and remarkable landscapes here. From the floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the arid Kalahari desert, a trip to Botswana guarantees any gap year traveller an extraordinary safari. (credit:Heinrich van den Berg via Getty Images)
9. The mountains of East China(02 of10)
Learning Kung Fu in the beautiful mountains of East China will make for a truly unforgettable experience, and one to make you stand out from the crowd. The martial arts academy is situated next to the tranquil sacred mountains of eastern China, the birthplace of Taoism (Quan Zhen Religion), which gives you a picturesque and peaceful landscape for training your mind and body. You'll be taught by Shaolin monks- can you think of a better way to learn Kung Fu? (credit:View Stock via Getty Images)
8. Swaziland(03 of10)
Swaziland is one of the the smallest countries in Africa and has a well-earned reputation for friendliness, civility and peacefulness. In Swaziland you'll get an experience of South Africa, untarnished by the tense undercurrents elsewhere in the region. Check out when there are traditional festivals happening, and make sure you're there to experience one. And from 30th May onwards theres a fantastic internationally acclaimed three day MTN BUSHFIRE festival, featuring music, dance, art, theatre, poetry, circus performers and more. Tickets are selling fast....Lonely planet tip: Don't whiz through the valley on the MR3, but instead take the old MR103, and see the sights and lush countryside. You'll see some beautiful woodland scenery, with brilliant orange flame trees, flowering jacarandas and views over the surrounding mountains. The area boasts an excellent selection of places to stay and wonderful craft shopping. (credit:www.bush-fire.com)
7. Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu(04 of10)
Machu Picchu, nestling high in the Andean Mountains, is known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ and for centuries it was hidden from the outside world. It is now the most famous city of the Incan Empire and has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. Although we know this is the most visited sacred site in the world, it's certainly not your typical gap-year destination. There are a number of Inca Trails running through the Urubamba Valley, but we think that the unique 'Community Inca Trek' sounds great. You get the chance to hike unspoiled trails used only by local villagers and Dragoman passengers, avoiding the crowds of the Classic route. And you'll camp as guests of the local communities. See here: dragoman.com. (credit:Mikel Oibar / Nervio Foto via Getty Images)
6. Canada Bear Rainforest(05 of10)
If you want to visit a rainforest on your gap year, this one should top your list. This 21-million-acre Great Bear Rainforest is the largest coastal temperate rainforest on Earth. Amazingly this nature reserve is still host to every single one of the wildlife species present when Captain Vancouver sailed up the coast back in 1793. If grizzlies aren't your thing, perhaps wolves, eagles, or Humpback whales are more up your street? Check out greatbeartours.com to find out when is the best time to visit. (credit:Daisy Gilardini via Getty Images)
5. Mozambique(06 of10)
Not many of your gap-year buddies will have been to Mozambique. Not yet, anyway. It's an incredible country in many respects, and is quickly taking off as a popular holiday hot-spot for a reason. This country has some outstanding beaches, and is a dream destination for those of you who just can't wait to hit that beach, and go snorkelling and scuba diving. (credit:www.visitmozambique.net)
4. Japan(07 of10)
These are the bamboo groves of Arashiyama in Kyoto. You can rent a bicycle for around 1000 yen (from near the train stations), and cycle through rural residential areas and fields whilst temple-hopping. There's also an attractive preserved town area near the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple that's well worth a look. As is the general rule for visiting Japan, it's most beautiful in April, because that's when the cherry blossom is out. However as you might guess, it's also very busy at that time of year. During the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is practiced on the Hozu River for tourists to watch. Another good time to visit is during December's Hanatoro illumination, when hundreds of lanterns line the streets and bamboo groves. (credit:Flickr: lestaylorphoto, www.japan-guide.com)
3. India(08 of10)
....and more specifically, the 'Harmandir Sahib', or as travellers call it, the Golden Temple. It's located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered one of the best architectural specimens in the world. It's stunning and well worth a visit. India is an incredible country, the people, customs, food, and hospitality is superb. Even better still, a trip to India won't burst the bank. Make sure it's on your gap year 'must visit' list. (credit:en.wikimedia.org)
2. Iran(09 of10)
Predictions are that Iran will be rocketing to the top of the “must-visit” lists for 2014, helped by the President' promise to ease visa requirements. Iran is a top gap-year destination; it's got everything. Ski resorts, beaches, stunning Islamic architecture, ancient archaeological sites (remember Persepolis the movie?), friendly people, and some of the most delicious food known to man. The colourful mosque in the photo (above) is called Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, or easier to pronounce, 'Pink Mosque'.It might be worth mentioning that Iran's currently not got an English embassy... but that needn't stop you if you're mind's made up! (credit:picalm.com)
1. Bolivia(10 of10)
Bolivia is our Top 10 unusual gap-year destinations winner. It is a stunning, geographically diverse, culturally fantastic country. To give you a taste of what to expect here is a spectacular photo.This blindingly white landscape is made entirely of salt. Known as Salar de Uyuni, the area is said to have been created about tens of thousands of years ago when Lago Minchin dried up, leaving the salt behind. Today, 10 billion tons of salt remain spread across around 4,000 square miles, where it cracks in naturally occurring hexagonal designs (have you seen them in the naughty boy lala video?). In the rainy season (January to March) water spreads over the flats and creates the illusion of an infinite mirror!The salt flats are located outside Uyuni, a mining town, just half an hour's flight from La Paz. 'Natour' do a two-day tour which includes hikes for the best views of the flats and an overnight stay at the Tayka Salt Hotel, which is also made of...salt. See www.uyuni.com.bo for more info. (credit:Juergen Ritterbach via Getty Images)