Exploring The Globe: Taking A Gap Year To Travel

Taking a gap year to travel the world can be a life-changing experience. It can be an opportunity to broaden your horizons, gain valuable life skills, build confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of other cultures. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or working professional, taking time off from your regular routine to embark on a gap year can offer numerous benefits.

A gap year typically refers to taking an extended break, usually a semester or a full year, to focus on personal growth, travel, and exploring new interests. It can be a great way to gain new perspectives, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and discover different parts of the world.

When planning a gap year, it's important to consider your goals, budget, and the activities you want to engage in. You can choose to travel independently or as part of a structured program, and there are various destinations worldwide that cater to different interests and budgets.

So, if you're thinking of taking a gap year to travel the world, get ready for an exciting journey of self-discovery and exploration!

Planning your trip: outline costs, compare programs, and decide on an itinerary

Planning your trip is an essential step in turning your gap year dream into a reality. Here are some key considerations to help you outline costs, compare programs, and decide on an itinerary:

Outline Costs

Firstly, it is important to understand the overall costs involved in taking a gap year. While costs will vary depending on your chosen destination and activities, there are some general expenses to consider:

• Travel to, from, and between destinations
• Food and dining out
• Daily transport (e.g. bus or train fares)
• Tours and experiences
• Pre-travel costs (e.g. passport fees, medical checks, visa applications)
• Accommodation
• Vaccinations and other health-related expenses
• Travel and health insurance

Compare Programs

There are numerous gap year programs offered by various organisations, and it is worth researching to find one that aligns with your goals and interests. Some factors to consider when comparing programs include:

• Cost: Evaluate the upfront costs, as well as any ongoing expenses during the program.
• Inclusions: Understand what is included in the program fee, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.
• Destinations: Choose a program that covers the regions and countries you wish to explore.
• Activities: Select a program that offers a balance of structured activities and free time to explore independently.
• Reviews: Read reviews from past participants to gauge their experiences and gain insights into the program's strengths and weaknesses.

Decide on an Itinerary

When deciding on an itinerary for your gap year, consider the following:

• Goals: Identify what you hope to achieve during your gap year, such as learning a new language or volunteering. Choose destinations and activities that align with these goals.
• Travel Companions: Decide whether you want to travel with friends or go solo. Both options have their advantages, and your choice will impact your itinerary and budget.
• Flexibility: Unless you opt for a structured gap year program, it is advisable to maintain some flexibility in your itinerary. This allows for spontaneity and the exploration of places that may not be on your initial itinerary.
• Seasonal Conditions: Research seasonal weather conditions and religious observances in your chosen destinations, and plan your itinerary accordingly.
• Travel Options: Explore travel passes or round-the-world plane tickets that can offer cost-effective and flexible transportation options for your journey.
• Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet the necessary entry requirements for each country, including passport validity and visa applications.

Choosing a destination: consider language, budget, and activities

Choosing a destination for your gap year is an important step in planning your trip. There are several factors to consider when making your decision, including language, budget, and activities.

Language

If you want to learn a new language or improve your existing language skills, consider choosing a destination where you can immerse yourself in the language. For example, if you want to learn Japanese, you might consider a trip to Japan to practice your skills.

Budget

Cost is an important consideration when choosing a destination for your gap year. Some countries are more expensive to visit and travel through than others. For example, New Zealand and Australia are known for their high costs, but there are ways to supplement travel with work, such as through working holiday visas or work exchange programs. On the other hand, countries like Thailand, India, and Costa Rica are known for having a lower cost of living, making them more budget-friendly options.

When considering your budget, don't forget to factor in costs such as visas, travel insurance, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. Websites like Hostelworld.com, StudentUniverse, and Airbnb can help you find affordable accommodation.

Activities

The activities you want to participate in during your gap year will also influence your destination choice. Do you want to focus on adventure activities such as hiking, surfing, or scuba diving? Or are you more interested in cultural experiences like language immersion, culinary scenes, and historical sites? Perhaps you want to volunteer, work, or intern abroad.

• Adventure activities: Hiking in the Outback in Australia, zip-lining in Costa Rica, trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, scuba diving in Fiji, or skiing in New Zealand.
• Cultural experiences: Language immersion in Spain, culinary experiences in Thailand, historical sites in England, or art and music programs in Italy.
• Volunteering: Conservation efforts in Spain, wildlife conservation in Costa Rica, teaching English in Thailand, or volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.
• Working or interning: Working holiday visas in Australia and New Zealand, working on a ski season in New Zealand, or internships in Europe.

Remember, your gap year is uniquely yours, so choose a destination that aligns with your interests, budget, and desired activities.

Funding your trip: get a part-time job, apply for scholarships, or work abroad

Funding your trip

There are several ways to fund your gap year travels, from getting a part-time job to applying for scholarships. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Part-time job

If you're a student, consider working part-time to save money for your trip. This can be a great way to gradually build up your travel funds while also focusing on your studies. Look for jobs that fit your schedule and try to save as much as you can by cutting back on unnecessary expenses.

Scholarships and grants

There are various organisations that offer scholarships and grants specifically for gap years. These can be needs-based or merit-based, so be sure to read the requirements carefully before applying. Start planning early and apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving funding. Some examples of gap year scholarships include:

• ARCC's Voyagers Scholarship for BIPOC students
• USA Gap Year Fairs $5,000 Scholarship for US residents aged 17-20
• Verto Opportunity Grant for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Global Citizen Year Scholarships for applicants of the Global Citizen Year Fellowship

Work abroad

Working abroad during your gap year is a fantastic way to travel without a large budget. You can find a variety of jobs, from summer camp positions to long-term working holidays, that will allow you to live and work in different countries. Some jobs even provide free transport, meals, and accommodation, helping you save money while gaining valuable cultural experiences. Popular destinations for working holidays include Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Travel essentials: vaccinations, insurance, passport, visas, and safety

Vaccinations

Schedule a doctor's visit or visit a travel clinic well in advance (up to a year) of your trip to receive the necessary vaccinations and medications for your destinations. Some countries may require additional medical tests or medication, like malaria tablets.

Insurance

Secure a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Compare travel insurance policies from multiple sources and providers to make sure you get the best policy at the best price.

Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for the entirety of your trip and consider additional validity for visa applications. Some countries require at least six months of validity before you travel.

Visas

Research the visa requirements for all the countries you plan to visit. Contact the respective country's embassy to determine application deadlines and visa durations. Costs can vary widely, so be sure to budget accordingly and allow plenty of time for your destination country to process your application.

Safety

• Create a document with your passport details, bank information, insurance policy details, mobile number, and email address. Leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member for emergencies.
• Research the religion, cultural norms, and customs of the countries you'll visit to ease culture shock.
• Notify your bank and emergency contacts of your travel plans.

Packing: only pack essentials, and focus on versatile clothing

Packing is an essential part of preparing for your gap year travels. To make the most of your luggage space and ensure you have everything you need, it's best to focus on versatile clothing and packing only the essentials. Here are some tips to help you pack like a pro:

Choose Versatile Clothing

Opt for clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Go for neutral colours as they are more versatile and can be worn multiple times. For instance, you can pack items like t-shirts, shorts, skirts for summer, and cozy layers for winter. Look for pieces that are comfortable, stylish, soft, and sustainable. Some specific examples include:

• Chinos and sweaters
• Dresses and jumpers
• Leggings
• Crop tops
• Shirts
• Jeans
• Joggers
• Tank tops
• Sweaters
• Cardigans
• Sweatshirts
• Blazers
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Pants
• T-shirts

Pack Smart

When packing your clothes, roll them instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles. Place heavier items like jeans or jackets at the bottom of your bag and lighter items on top. If you plan to do laundry during your trip, pack a small travel-sized detergent. Bring a lightweight, collapsible laundry bag to separate dirty and clean clothes.

Consider the Weather

Check the weather forecast for your destinations and pack accordingly. Include layers for unpredictable weather. A light, waterproof jacket is a good idea if there's a chance of rain. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes and swimwear if you plan to hit the beach or pool. For colder destinations, pack thermal underwear, sweaters, jackets, scarves, and other warm layers. For warmer climates, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing.

Accessories and Other Essentials

In addition to clothing, don't forget to pack the following essentials:

• Toiletries (travel-sized containers are recommended)
• First-aid kit
• Electronics (smartphone, charger, portable power bank, adapter, converter)
• Personal items (travel pillow, books, etc.)
• Important documents (visa, travel itinerary, travel insurance info, driver's license, health insurance card, etc.)
• Cash and credit/debit cards
• Undercover bra stash or money belt for securing valuables

Frequently asked questions