Do you dream of taking a gap year but wondering how you can afford it? Figuring out how to fund a gap year can be difficult when you take into accounts things like flights, accommodation and activities. But with some helpful tips, financing and raising money towards a trip of a lifetime can be achieved.
Check out our top recommendations below.
Are Gap Years Expensive?
The cost of a gap year can vary a lot! As a general guide it really depends on where you want to, how long you want to be away and what you want to do. If you want to visit expensive destinations like Australia, Canada and the USA then with flights, accommodation and sightseeing you can soon see your money go quickly. In 1 month in any of these destinations you could probably travel for 3 months in Asia, Central and South America due to the differences in costs.
How Do You Take a Gap Year with No Money?
A gap year can be very cheap or even free, for example, you stay living at home or get a job abroad – this can really eliminate your outgoings. Some companies and charities offer grants and bursaries which are worth checking out, this can help fund a whole trip.
How Much Money Do You Need For Gap Years?
You will need enough money to cover transport, accommodation, insurance, visas, food and sightseeing. How much you need really depends on where you go and what you want to do. There is the option to book everything independently or go with an agency who will arrange everything for you, depending on where you want to go and what you want to do, both options can have advantages and disadvantages.
Staying Local Can Be More Affordable
You could spend your gap year in your home country rather than going overseas, this will cut your costs back by a lot. A gap year doesn’t necessarily mean going to a different country, there are lots of options all around where you live.
Choose Destinations Carefully
Some countries are a lot more expensive than others. For example, travelling in Europe for 6 months for example, will possible be double the price of going backpacking in Asia when you factor in accommodation and eating out. Also don’t be put off, some of the cheapest countries are sometimes the best gap year destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Peru and Costa Rica.
Duration
The shorter the time away, the lesser the costs are likely to be. A gap year doesn’t have to be a full year or longer, you could spend a couple of months enjoying some time out.
Top Tips How to Save Money for a Gap Year
Are you wondering how can I get money for a gap year? Here are some recommendations:
Cut Back on Outgoings
This is one of the easiest ways to save money towards a trip. Could you cancel a gym membership? Walk rather than drive or public transport? Not eat out? Cut back on alcohol or going out? All these little things can add up. You could also sell things you own on Ebay like clothing.
Get a Job
You could spend a few months working full time before departing. Or if you are studying you could work part time, this helps to save money towards travel.
Fundraise
Could you try to raise money through fundraising. Possibly you could apply to join a volunteering program abroad and ask people to help towards the cost of this worthwhile experience.
Work Abroad
Working abroad on a gap year is an amazing way to travel without having a huge budget. There are so many different positions available, from summer camp jobs to longer term working holidays. All allow you to live abroad, integrate into the countries/cultures and save money towards travel. Some jobs even include free transport, meals and accommodation. Popular options which allow you to stay overseas for a long period include spending a gap year in Australia, New Zealand and Canada on a working holiday.
Find All-inclusive Experiences
Some popular gap year activities like language courses and volunteering programs usually include accommodation in the initial cost you pay meaning you can spend a long period somewhere without huge outgoings.
Book Early
As a guide the earlier you book things like flights and activities the cheaper costs generally are. You could also wait for special offers for example on flights.
Go With an Agency
Some international travel and gap year companies offer trips and packages which can seem expensive, but they usually include flights, transport, accommodation and some meals. Also when you have the upfront cost in mind, you can work to raise this amount and then try to save a little extra for optional other things like sightseeing.
Hopefully our tips have given you some ideas how to save money and fund a gap year.