A Gap Year is a year you take to do something completely unrelated to your current career. It’s an opportunity to try and figure out your passions and desires. Truly, it’s a time where you can do anything you desire.
In Europe and Australia, a Gap Year is commonplace. Usually taken between High School and University or between University and a career, it is an easy way to determine what someone actually wants to do. However, taking a Gap Year can be tough. It can be overwhelming. It can be hard to plan.
This is where I come in.
I can help you plan your Gap Year. I waited to do mine until I turned 27: but you can do yours so much sooner. Here are some things to think about when planning a Gap Year:
What do I want to Accomplish?
Here is my favorite part of planning. This will enable you to plan the best trip ever! It’s time for you to set a vision for this time. Maybe you want to learn a new language. Maybe you want to take a break from your career. Maybe you simply want to experience life in another part of the world. Whatever it is, write it down. Then make a list of places where you can do that. After you figure out what your priorities are, you can narrow down your destinations, estimate costs, and create an itinerary (or not, if you don’t like itineraries.)
How much money will I need?
Before leaving, obviously you want to have some money saved up. This is totally possible through a variety of ways. However, the amount you need varies by the amount of time you want to spend traveling, and how you want to travel. If you work or volunteer, you can save money on accommodation. If you can cook, maybe you will save by eating in. Additionally, different destinations have different price tags. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than Nicaragua. Australia and New Zealand have different price tags as well. Eastern Europe is less expensive than Western Europe. This will enable you to pick out your best destination.
Where do I want to go?
Do you like the mountains or the beach? Do you prefer the city or the country? Do you want to live in a private space or do you want to live in a dorm? Will you be traveling alone? All of these can be factored into your trip.
How long do I want to spend there?
A Gap Year can be a whole year. It can be ten months. Maybe you really want to go somewhere and only have enough for three months. It’s ok. No matter what length of time you desire to spend, there is a way to figure it out.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via instagram! Hope to hear from you soon!
1wanderingcuriously 