New research reveals the best gap year destinations across the globe for 2022, and the USA ranks only 37th.

The study ranked the most popular gap year destinations based on factors such as the number of hostels, volunteering opportunities, safety ratings and beer prices, to reveal the world’s best gap year destinations.

The top 10 countries to visit on a gap year

Rank	Country	Area (sq mi)	Safety Rating /100	Hostels (per 1000 square miles)	Average Hostel Rating	Clubs and Bars (per 1000 square miles)	Attractions (per 1000 square miles)	Price of a Beer (500ml)	Total Available Volunteering Projects	Total Score/10
1	Netherlands	16,160	72.84	7.7	7.8	57	89	$1.34	1	6.02
2	Ireland	27,133	54.49	2.1	8.2	50	375	$2.84	11	5.92
3	Switzerland	15,940	78.38	7.5	8.3	28	61	$2.13	6	5.86
4	Greece	50,949	54.10	1.2	7.9	30	337	$1.58	37	5.71
5	Japan	145,937	77.81	2.7	6.9	41	77	$2.41	14	5.69
6	Czech Republic	30,452	74.48	1.6	8.0	27	29	$0.78	4	5.59
7	South Korea	38,690	73.32	2.5	6.6	3	262	$2.18	5	5.59
8	United Kingdom	93,628	53.93	2.6	7.3	103	87	$2.33	21	5.53
9	Austria	32,383	74.46	1.3	8.6	12	37	$1.21	4	5.51
10	Denmark	16,639	73.78	1.1	8.1	25	54	$1.79	0	5.51

The USA ranked in only 37th place, with a score of 4.38. The country scored low on a series of factors including the number of hostels (per 1000 square miles), and price of beer. However, the country still beats the likes of popular gap year destinations such as Australia.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

The study ranked the most popular gap year destinations based on factors such as the number of hostels, volunteering opportunities, safety ratings and beer prices, to reveal the world's best gap year destinations.
The country scored low on a series of factors including the number of hostels (per 1000 square miles), and price of beer.
The USA ranked in only 37th place, with a score of 4.