Taking a year off before college?

I'm in my senior year right now..but I'm going to take a year off before I start college. I want to do a lot of traveling...get some really cool expereinces in. I found this one website called Real Gap where you can go volunteer in other countries (like teaching English to kids in exotic locations like Africa and Asia, or teaching about AIDS prevention, or helping in orphanages). So, I'm thinking about doing that. I also want to get some fun time in too, though. I don't want it to be all work and no play. Any ideas or suggestions?
Anyone else taking a year off before college?

A Gap Year is a great idea. I'm in my first semester at Claremont McKenna College, a top liberal arts school specializing in government and economics. After I graduated high school, year before last, I took a year off to write my first novel. So long as you do something worthwhile, something that you are passionate about, colleges will love seeing it on your application. This is your chance to do whatever you may never have the chance to again. Have fun!

I think it is a good experience but by that depends your future study

I think it would be best to finish college, then take a break.

I finished college and then went to Taiwan to teach English for 3 years before going to law school and graduating.

I suggest graduating from college first, then slacking because:
1. Most of your friends will be in college also.
2. It's better to go to college now and get the degree to have something to fall back on.
3. You are probably more motivated now to finish school. If you wait one or two more years, you may not feel motivated and decide not to finish college.
4. There will always be chances and opportunities to help others in different places in the world.
5. Your test scores may expire before a certain time period.
6. It is easier to get recommendations for college and easier to apply for college now, while you are still in high school and have easy accessibility to teachers and others who may write you recommendations.

I think you should just go to college for 4 years. However, during the summer, you should go travel, back pack around Europe, teach English in Asia for the summer, or go on an Africa safari. This may be best because you can go to 4 different places (1 place each summer) and still have your bachelors degree.

Or if you want to travel and study, try looking into Semester at Sea.

Best of luck on your choice!