Slip on your sunnies, because this summer looks set to be a true bobby dazzler. We’re about to slide you through some of the best travel experiences on the planet, which should prise open one of the hottest summers of travel you’ll ever know.
We threw the question open to Facebook; we laid it down on Twitter; and we mulled it over between us.
What you’re about to read, is a mash-up of the most epic ideas we saw, but don’t let us dictate the way you flow — hit us with your own ideas, in the comments below!
These are the most summeriffic experiences.
1. Work in a Theme Park
Looking for a unique and fun summer job? Could there be anything better than spending your summer in a theme park? Yes. Spending your summer working at a theme park, and getting paid for it! Roles are available in the UK, Europe and North America.
2. Hit the Slopes
Don’t fancy waiting it out for an Indian Summer? Stick a working holiday visa in your back burner, and head down under for a winter session working in New Zealand on some of the most incredible ski fields in the world. Cardrona anyone? Lots of local employers hire internationals to work a ski season in spectacular locations like Queenstown and Wanaka.
3. Backpack Southeast Asia
The world is your oyster, so be sure to make the most of it this summer with the heavenly experience of exploring countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Check out our blog post for more ideas for the best places to visit in South East Asia.
4. Sail the Greek Islands
Sun, sea, sand and… sailing, in the Greek Islands from Athens to Mykonos. An unforgettable experience, especially if you’re the Skipper. On our site you can find lots of watersports jobs – imagine getting paid to work in Greece and living in the stunning islands!!
5. Free Cycle round Europe
What have London, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Saint Etienne, Montpelier, and Avignon got in common? They’ll all rent you a bike, for little or no cost! The perfect way to explore some of Europe’s best cities! Have a passion for everything two wheels? Find cycling jobs abroad.
6. Surf en Espana
Brush aside the paella, flick away the flamenco, and grab your board for a spot of surfing, in northern Spain’s most romantic town, San Sebastian.
7. Live on a Ranch
Hey (cow)boy, hey (cow)girl. Superstar ranch hand. Head to work in the USA to learn the ropes from the real deal, in the American West. Cookouts and country music; yee-ha to that! These are popular jobs for couples.
8. Be infused by Costa Rica
Escape to Central America and plan a trip to the eco tourism destination of Costa Rica. Think beaches, jungle, volcanoes and exotic animals. You could apply to work at a wildlife sanctuary helping sloths! What a unique experience.
9. Hit the Euro Music Fests
We say Serbia, you say EXIT. We say Croatia, you say Electric Elephant. Netherlands, Lowlands. Poland, Open’er. Denmark, Roskilde. Spain, Sonar. Need we go on? Check out this guide to the best music festivals in Europe. Or to actually get paid to attend, check out music festival jobs.
10. Climb Le Blanc
Rise up almost 16,000ft to escape the madding crowds, by clambering up the Mont Blanc massif and getting a lung full of the high life.
11. Hop through Fiji
Fiji is perfectly designed for some of the world’s best island hopping. Head over for the Bula Festival in July, and bounce between culture, and wonderfully soft sand.
12. Swim with Sharks
For around £150-£259, you can be put you in a cage, lowered into the ocean, and go face to face with the ragged jaws of a Great White Shark in places like Australia and South Africa. No problem. Or, help them out by volunteering at a marine biology job or conservation project.
13. Rebuild Children’s Lives
Peru is a truly amazing destination, with wonderful experiences to offer travellers. Get to know it from the grassroots, by volunteering abroad to improve the lives of children in Cuzco.
14. Island Hopping Thailand
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with beaches, islands, amazing food and also epic parties – full moon anyone? For something unique you might like to volunteer helping elephants – magical!
15. Hit Europe by Bus
The wheels on the bus(about) go round (Italy) and round (France), round (Germany) and round (Spain), round (you get it) and round (by now). Explore Europe by bus and you will get to meet new people, have a lot of fun and enjoy some of the most popular party destinations in Europe.
16. Spot Whales in Canada
Hit the seven seas off Tofino, British Colombia, and tilt your gaze downwards to the inky waters of the Pacific Ocean, where you might spot gray whales roam amid the seal lions and gangs of orca.
17. Ibiza
Ibiza needs no introduction. Rock up and get ready for the most epic parties and nightlife on the planet. Enjoy legends clubs like O Beach, Café del Mar, Eden, Cafe Mambo, Pacha, Amnesia, Es Paradis, Ushuaia – just to name a few! Search jobs in Ibiza if you want to spend a whole summer here without breaking your bank.
18. Work as a Camp Counsellor
Have you got the skills? Do you like to have fun? Are you looking for a worthwhile summer job? Have you always wanted to break America? You can do all of this by working at a summer camp! This might be the best jobs you’ll ever have, meet new friends, get paid and travel. A lot of camps also offer jobs for under 18’s.
19. Learn a Language
While it’s nice to lose yourself in a new culture, it can be more rewarding to find a few words to navigate your way through some amazing experiences. Learn a language, and step your travels up a notch. Search language schools abroad for classes. Popular destinations include Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France, China and Japan.
20. Save the Greek (Turtles)
“The thrill and excitement we all felt watching the first of the hatchlings scramble towards the waves was amazing,” said Laura, who chose to spend her summer volunteering with turtles in Greece. This is a really rewarding experience, and a very popular gap year job.
Hopefully our list has given you some inspiration and ideas for what to do this summer. If you are currently studying and need more advice, check out Top Tips For Students. Now go enjoy the most epic time of your life!