Gap year destinations feature prominently in most desirable locations

A host of gap year destinations are among the favourite locations for British travellers this year, according to a new poll.

WhereToSleep.co.uk commissioned a study to look at the destinations which Brits would most like to visit in 2011 if they had the opportunity.

New York came out on top, with Sydney in second, while Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro also made the top five.

Rome was sixth, with San Francisco, Vancouver, Barcelona and Tokyo appearing in the top ten.

Radek Dobrolecki, director of the company, said: "Hopping over the pond to New York for either a long or short trip is a favourite of Brits. But the real surprise is the number of UK travellers looking to head to Sydney. Even the weakness of the pound against the Australian dollar is not stopping Brits longing for the sought-after beaches and sunnier climes that Sydney has to offer."

The expert added that staying in more affordable accommodation gives people a real choice away from hotels, giving them a unique travel and cultural experience.

Earlier this year, Frommer's listed its top destinations to visit in 2011, with Rio de Janeiro also being named.

See the different gap year destinations on offer