What are the top-rated gap year travel programs out there?

I'm seriously considering taking a gap year to travel before college, but I'm unsure which programs are highly recommended. What are some of the best options that offer unique experiences and opportunities for personal growth?

Several gap year travel programs have garnered extensive praise for their distinct offerings. Here are a few that might catch your interest:

1. Where There Be Dragons: Specializing in immersive programs, Dragons offers participants a unique cultural experience with a focus on experiential education, leadership, and community service. Their programs span across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the USA, and with first-hand interaction with people and communities within these regions.

2. Outward Bound: Outward Bound is renowned for its interactive outdoor programs focused on guiding young adults to develop skills of leadership, team working, and resilience while exploring remote wilderness across the globe.

3. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): NOLS offers a range of outdoor experiences with emphasis on leadership, wilderness survival skills, critical thinking, and environmental ethics. Their programs span multiple continents and include activities like backpacking, mountaineering, and sea kayaking.

It's important to consider what matters most to you in a gap year program, whether that’s the locations you’ll travel to, the topic of focus (like conservation or social justice), immersion level, or the skills you'll learn.

Remember, gap year programs can be quite an investment. Always consider your budget and how much support you’ll need during your travels, like whether the program provides insurance or has medical staff on call, whether they help you prepare with pre-departure training, etc. Also, consider how the programs align with your personal goals and the skills you want to acquire during this time. Have fun exploring your many exciting options!