Blog

We asked Pacific Discovery alumni, Abigail Hasselbrink why she chose Pacific Discovery as her Gap Year provider and how she chose which program to do. When I first started thinking about taking a gap year, I began researching gap year travel programs. I quickly realized that there were hundreds of options, and I didn’t know how to decide which one to choose. I didn’t even know where to begin in the sorting and eliminating process. What programs were the most reputable? … Read more

It's one of our most frequently asked questions, 'What's the accommodation like on program?' And we're here to tell you what you can expect. Diversity is key in life. We embrace this idea while traveling overland across the world.  The place you lay your head at night is so much more than that. It’s an opportunity for connection and learning. Whilst on a program, you will experience a number of accommodation types. You will always be safe and comfortable. Accommodation … Read more

Taking part in a summer program is an amazing opportunity to gain new perspective, experience a new culture and so much more. Gap Summer Programs for 17-19 year olds are designed for students to take a break from school and dive into a 3-week to a month-long, fully supported and action-packed trip. By taking an intentional month off, Gap Summer Programs are helpful in gaining clarity and purpose for the next chapter in life. We wanted to shine a spotlight on a few of our… Read more

Taking a gap year is one of the best decisions I ever made. I learned so much about both myself and the world. Here are 10 things I learned during my gap year. 1. Jump from waterfalls as often as you canI jumped off a few cliffs and waterfalls during my semester with Pacific Discovery, and as long as you can assure that what you are doing is safe, I highly recommend doing it. It is such a rush and landing in the water is the most liberating, refreshing feeling. 2. The … Read more

Not sure how to spend your summer? Join us on one of our incredible summer programs! So, you’ve decided you want to travel this summer? Congratulations! This is an important decision that will serve you for the rest of your life. Summer programs are a great opportunity for students to take a break from their regular academic routine and gain new experiences that can enhance their personal and professional growth. These programs offer a variety of opportunities to learn … Read more

Our programs are filled with intentional and thoughtful travel experiences that are in line with sustainable development. However, it’s still a bit of a catch 22, figuring out how to limit your carbon footprint whilst out gallivanting in the world. It’s something that’s always on our mind as an experiential travel company, and this list is fluid and changing with the times. Here are a few tips on traveling sustainably. Extend Your Trip Make the trip worthwhile! Once you… Read more

When you finish a program, you might not look different (apart from the teva tan lines), but you will most certainly feel different. You will take away a lot more than photos and souvenirs after traveling on a 70 day overland journey to some of the most vibrant and culturally diverse destinations on earth. The lessons learnt from our experiences on program will be drip fed into Your lives for years after the program.  Wide Open MindA gap semester program might unravel s… Read more

Past student Abby recounts life after her Pacific Discovery program. I distinctly remember the day after I had flown home from Costa Rica. It was a sunny day in mid-April, and I could barely process what had just happened. I had just had the adventure of a lifetime. I had spent the last seventy days seeing and doing more than some people get to do in their whole lives. I had jumped from waterfalls, seen a volcano erupt in front of my eyes, dived the crystalline turquoi… Read more

Brace yourself for the weird and wonderful creatures of the Land Down Under. 1. Koala Cute, fluffy little sleepyheads. Perhaps not so friendly, because they don’t like to be woken up from their 22 hours of sleep daily. When they do rise and shine, it’s to eat eucalyptus leaves.  The koala has one of the smallest brains in proportion to body weight of any mammal, probably because of its nutrient poor diet. They are also endangered, so lots of environmental activists are… Read more

What does it really look like trekking in the Himalayas?  We are thrilled to announce we have just released a combined India and Nepal Semester Program. These exotic sounding countries conjure images of monasteries, the towering Himalayas, the Taj Mahal, mountains of spices and colorful fabrics. Nepal won’t just be trekking; it will also involve grassroots homestays, yoga at a buddhist monastery and a safari in Chitwan National Park. After several weeks of travel, we ju… Read more