So, you want to take a gap year but have no idea where to start? Check out our guide including tips to make sure you enjoy the most incredible experience of your life.
Planning your gap year adventure should be fun, but it can also be very daunting when looking at where to go, what to do and how to actually do it. Also at the end of your gap year you don’t want to look back on it as time wasted and have any regrets.
Check out our top recommendations for planning a gap year, including important things to think about to ensure you have a memorable trip.
Research
Make sure you leave enough time to get everything arranged and avoid any last minute stress. Planning ahead will help you to save money to fund a gap year, and also give you time to book transport, activities and structure your time productively.
What Type of Experience are You Seeking?
On a gap year you can do anything, but you Do you want to explore the world? Or gain work experience for a career? Or enhance your knowledge? Or do a bit of everything? Finding out why you want to take a gap year will help you to have a successful time as you can then structure your trip with things you want to do. For example, if you are keen to travel, learn a skill and do something meaningful you could plan a trip to include discovering new countries, learning a new language and apply to help local volunteering causes. Or if you dream about escaping your world and living abroad you could consider a working abroad.
Consider Where You Would Like to Visit
There are literally hundreds of countries you could visit and you will need to see where interests you. This can be deciding by countries which appeal to you, or you could book an experience which looks amazing and then base yourself in the location. Some of the best gap year destinations can include the USA, Canada, France, Australia, Thailand, Bali and New Zealand – just to name a few. You can find lots of trips and experiences all around the world, so whether you want to see historical cities, discover ancient civilisations or you just want to take time out to relax and sit by a beach you will find somewhere to match your interests.
Who Will You Travel With
You will need to decide if you are going to travel solo or with friends/a partner. If you have no-one else you know interested in travelling at the same time as you there are lots of group trips and activities you can do to avoid being by yourself or getting lonely. Tours, courses and activities, or just staying in shared hostel accommodation can help you to meet other people.
Duration
See how long you can possibly or would like to be away for. A month? Or a year? Do you need to return home to study or work? Or can you be flexible and stay long term?
Cost
Check how much money you have available and this will help shape your trip and destinations. If you are lacking funds you might want to work to raise funds before going away, or an alternative option is to find gap year work abroad. Lots of countries offer working holidays and some companies offer employment around the world.
Find Things to Do
Use our website to find amazing gap year ideas and opportunities around the world. If you currently have zero idea what to do then you can get inspiration on our travel and activity guide pages. If you want to just want to travel, a tour is highly recommended. There are lots of other rewarding options like volunteering abroad, interning, teaching or booking a course.
Check Departure Dates and Book Transport
Start looking at departure dates and book your flights/transport. Generally the earlier you book the cheaper the prices will be. If you want to visit multiple countries around the world you might want to check round the world flights and trips.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
Check travel essentials and things you need to buy before departing like passport validity, travel insurance and visas. Make sure you have this arranged well in-advance of your departure date.
Safety
It is important to check all destinations you are thinking about before departing and check forums and guides for safety tips. Consider language barriers too when travelling, download language apps and practice basic words and phrases, don’t just arrive and expect people to be able to speak English.
Hopefully our helpful advice for how to plan a gap year has given you some suggestions for what you need to do to make a trip happen. If you need any specific advice please contact us.