How to Plan A Gap Year

How to Plan a Gap Year

Taking a gap year is my number one recommendation for literally everyone—at any age. Seeing the world, meeting new people who may live and think differently than you, and expanding your idea of what life can be by seeing the different paths people take is SO VALUABLE. The world is so much bigger and has so many more possibilities than most people think, and the best way to really understand this is to get out there and see it. And while everyone has different circumstances, I want to show you that it is possible to start planning your trip even with limited funds and/or travel experience. It might take a while, or you might have to work along the way, but that’s half the fun in the long run so don’t be discouraged! 

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In my opinion, there are three main types of gap year plans:

1. Gap year tour packages (usually don’t last a whole year, but could be a good place to start depending on your situation!)
2. Through a working holiday visa (or other, short-term visa type such as a student visa for language school) where you will spend most of your time in one city while you work or study, travelling when you can on the side
3. Go full nomadic, budget backpacker and last as long as you can through savings or finding odd jobs/trading labour for free places to stay

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Of course, there are other ways to do it. Or maybe you're even thinking of doing a combo of the three above! But these are some pretty common paths for what are often people’s first, big trips as an adult, so let’s dig in to each of these styles of trips and see if any seem right for you!

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Tour Packages

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One of the biggest things I hear from potential travellers is that they want to travel, but they have no one to go with them. If you don’t have the confidence to go alone, a tour is a great option. 

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Growing up, when I thought of tours I imagined old people on a bus, or again, old people on a cruise. Not that there’s anything wrong with these kinds of tours, but they didn’t seem like they were going to be interested in the kind of travel I wanted to do as a 20-something looking to backpack SE and Europe. But there are so many options for young people, including tours with age caps, that will have you on the trip of your dreams making lifelong friends in a heartbeat. 

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I have been on two guided tours aimed at young travellers exclusively, and have quite a few friends who have been on trips like this as well and I can honestly vouch for them as a great intro to travel and backpacking. Most people on these trips are also alone, or in a duo, so you don’t have to worry about being the only solo person there, and they are designed to be fun and easy while giving more freedom and options than the old-fashioned tour you are imagining in your head. 

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The downside? They are often more expensive than if you were to just go yourself (especially for longer-term options), and they are usually very fast-paced. If you’re the type to want to stay a couple of days, or a even week in one location to really get to know it, these trips will not be for you. 

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Pro’s of group tours:

• Easy to meet people
• Don’t have to worry about the logistics of planning your trip
• Will have professional support from the tour company during your trip
• Can accomplish a lot of activities in a short period of time

Cons of group tours:

• Are usually more expensive than going alone 
• Are very fast-paced
• No control over who else is on the trip
• Little to no control over the general schedule 

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In the end, these types of trips can be a great way to dip your toes into travelling, and if nothing else re-searching the routes these tour companies advertise can give you some inspiration for your own trip! (I did this a lot for South East Asia). 

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The Working Holiday Visa

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Working holiday visas, youth exchange visas, or any other equivalent are one of the greatest opportunities for young people looking to experience travelling abroad that you can possibly have. Depending on where you are from, there are plenty of countries to apply to with visa durations anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for young people up to 35 years of age (some countries visas cut off age is much younger though, usually at 30, so do your research and don’t wait too long!). Often there are restrictions on the type of work you can do, but you can work, and that’s the point. 

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These visas are best if you don’t have the money to travel long-term without working, if you really want to get to know the culture or learn the language of a certain country, or if you want to do most of your travel in a certain area (think Europe) and are looking for a home base. 

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I used this visa to go to Australia, and it was hands down the easiest visa I have ever received in my life. Incredibly convenient, and knowing you have the option to work if you do run low on cash is a big peace of mind for long-term travellers. Being able to work is also a big bonus for solo travellers as you can always find your community in your new country at work, and maybe make some new travel buddies for future trips as well as over the duration of your visa!

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For those trying to permanently move to a country, this also isn’t a bad way to get your foot in the door. It’s a lot easier to get hired for jobs once you are already in the country, and this visa will get you there. But do keep in mind, to switch to an actual work visa, you often have to leave the country first in order to do this (this is the case for my current country of residence, Japan). 

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Pros of the working holiday visa:

• Great option if you don’t have the money to travel long term without working, or have payments (student loans for example) that won’t stop just because you are out of the country
• Gives you a 'home base' to travel additional countries, as well as your new working holiday home
• Experience actually living in another country for a deeper understanding of the culture and/or language
• Can be a good foot in the door for a more permanent move

Cons of the working holiday visa:

• Age limit
• Restrictions on type of work allowed
• Visa application costs, and not guaranteed (popular countries have a lottery system for visas)
• Not renewable for the long term
• Not every country participates

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Overall, the working holiday visa makes long-term travel possible for more budgets, and can allow you to work and travel the world for years at a time. This is an incredible opportunity and I encourage anyone who is eligible for these visas to consider it. Check with your local consulate to see your countries agreements and if you eligible able to apply. 

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Backpacking

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And we made it—backpacking! Backpacking is my favourite way to travel; or solo backpacking, to be more specific. There is nothing like the freedom of having everything that you own in a pack on your back with the world at your fingertips and only you to decide what’s next. 

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Going solo is also the easiest way to make friends on trip! When you travel in a big group, you don’t need to branch out and for solo travellers, big groups can be intimidating to approach. It’s not a bad thing, but I have always met less people on the road when I’m in a group than when I’m solo. And in travelling solo, I have met some of my best friends who now also live all around the world. And what better reason for your next trip than visiting an old friend from the road?!

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I will admit that maybe long-term solo travel may not be for everyone, but short-term solo travel I do think is for everyone. Learning to enjoy your own company, feeling confident and independent enough in your own abilities to get you through any situation, and also the freedom of having no one to please but yourself, is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. So if you’re not sure if it’s for you, try a short trip, stay at a hostel or bed and breakfast, somewhere with other travellers around, and give it a go. You might surprise yourself! 

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Pro’s of backpacking:

• Full freedom of your own schedule
• Great way to meet other travellers
• Budget travel option
• Works for any timeline
• No age restriction!

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Cons of backpacking:

• Safety concern—I do think solo travel can be done safely, but there are obvious risks to being alone that you should be aware of and make sure to have someone you check in with regularly!
• Have to pack light and can't do much shopping while you travel (unless you have somewhere to ship it)
• Can get lonely
• Harder to do activities that require a group

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Backpacking can be intimidating, especially solo, but it is an amazing way to travel. If you’re a bit nervous or new to travelling, you can always start on a group tour for a week or month and then try backpacking afterwards. You’ll be a pro in no time!

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So, what do you think? I have done all three of these types of travel and have had amazing experiences on each. The most important thing is to get yourself out there, and know it’s never too late. A gap year doesn’t have to be right after highschool or university either, we all need a year (or more) for ourselves and your opportunity could come at any age. So get planning, and wander on my friends xx

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