A gap year is one of those experiences that could, very excitingly, change the course of your life. At the very least, the memories of times spent in a different and thrilling new country, with new friends will stay with you forever. Do you like the idea of taking a gap year or going backpacking? Get inspiration and start planning the most amazing gap year today.
Best Gap Year Companies
Why Take a Gap Year?
Gap years are the talk of the town, and they’re set to sky rocket this year as young people leave school to face one of the bleakest job markets in recent times, and the reality of rising university fees begins to bite.
We’re estimating around 1 million young Brits will be jetting off to reap the benefits of a gap year this year; using this unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and build their profile for the years of careers ahead.
There is no definitive period for a gap year, some people take a mini trip for a few months, whilst others spend 12+ months working or travelling. You could visit an individual destination, or take an epic round the world trip.
But what level of thought needs to go into a gap year? Surely you just pack a bag full of fading threads, and hit the circuits for a loop around the world’s most hedonistic islands, clutching a brightly coloured bucket?
Well. You could. Or, you could build those party times into one of the most exhilarating journeys of your life; splicing mystifying cultures with monumental achievements.
Benefits of Taking a Gap Year
Many young people are doing a gap year abroad before university or starting careers. But also mature people have discovered the benefits of a gap year as a career break.
A gap year gives you the chance to:
• Travel
• Gain new experiences
• Learn a new language
• Meet new people
• Improve your resume, volunteer abroad or study certain fields of interest
• Gain confidence
Overall, doing a gap year allows you to gain a better understanding of yourself while getting the opportunity to explore the world.
Top Gap Year Destinations
From the budget digs of India to the tranquil beaches of Fiji, travel routes all over the world offer the best sights, sounds, and experiences that will live with you for the rest of your life. But the trick is knowing where to go.
If you’re after solitude, or just want to rough it for a while, then the likes of Mongolia could be for you. Or for party, the island of Thailand are unbeatable if you want to meet new friends and party the night away in tropical surroundings!
Some of the most popular countries to visit on a gap year include Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, Costa Rica, Peru, USA, Canada and France.
Visit one country, or all three with the ever-reasonable round the world tickets. Allowing multi-stops at heavily discounted prices, you could potentially visit six continents for under £2000. Check in with us next week for further popular destinations to help you finalise your itinerary.
Gap Year Ideas
It’s a big decision, there’s no doubt about that, and as much as everyone will tell you how it’s one of the best thing’s you’ll ever do (it really is, by the way), there are some important things to know before you start planning a trip, including what to do, where to go and how to take.
If you are looking for the ultimate adventure there are lots of group tours available where you can discover new countries or whole continents taking in all the highlights along the way.
Working abroad on a gap year in popular, there are lots of jobs from summer camps, ski resorts, teaching English, coaching sports, to working holidays. You could become a surf instructor in New Zealand, an English teacher in China, a summer camp counselor in America or a ski instructor in Canada!
If you are keen to improve your learning there are lots of study abroad courses, from learning a new language to taking a TEFL course and getting qualified to teach English.
For something rewarding there are so many wonderful experiences for travellers looking to volunteer on a gap year. You could improve the lives of children, help conservation efforts, or work with animals like elephants!
Whatever you decide, it’s safe to say that you’ll gain experience to make your CV stand out from the crowd.
How to Plan a Gap Year
Wondering what you need to take a gap year abroad?
Organising your gap year abroad can seem like a complex and daunting task and its important to prepare well for your trip abroad so that there is no unpleasant surprises.
Things you need to prepare include buying cheap flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation and things to do.
Gap years are amazing and, planned in the right way, can reap rewards for the decades ahead. It should go without saying, that we know a thing or two about gap years, so we’ve taken the time to get your brain in gear for planning your gap year, by producing this guide which will help as soon as your feet begin to itch with wanderlust.
Here come eleven top tips for planning your gap year, but you know what would be really great? If you have some tips or advice that you would like to add, whack it in the comments below and add to the conversation!
- “What would you recommend?”
Ask around! There’s no better advice, than the voice of experience and the chances are you’re just a Facebook comment away from a flurry of tips and advice from those that have gone before you. - “The devil is in the detail”
Read the small print. While it’s all pretty straight forward — flights + tours + accommodation + insurance = sweet times — it’s surprising how many gappers miss out, or misunderstand some of the things that can make a difference on the road. - “What’s up, Doc?”
Consult your GP. Unless you’re off to Bogner Regis for the year, you need to make an appointment with your GP as early as possible to discuss the potential medical risks associated with travelling in certain areas, and fix a plan for getting your vaccinations. - “Feed the piggy!”
Consider your regular payments, and whether you need to start cancelling contracts. Look at things like your mobile phone bill, or any agreements with your bank. Why pay for something you can’t use? - “Plug yourself in”
Join the conversation! Are you Facebook or Twitter? Now’s the time to get to grips with social media. It has the ability to open up a world of ideas that could set your journey up for some unforgettable adventure and experiences! - “I did it myyyyy way!”
Keep control of your Gap Year. While we recommend getting people involved, it’s important that the essence of the trip,a nd the ideas and ambition that drives it, is yours and yours alone. - “You ain’t no fool, fool”
Ask all the silly questions! Do you need a visa for the USA? Is it possible to travel overland from Thailand to Cambodia? Can I wear a bikini in India? All of these, and so many more, can save you time and money down the line. - “Slice up the red tape”
Don’t take visa’s for granted. You need to check your individual eligibility for each and every destination you’re heading to. It’s possible to get some on the road, but be prepared and ask, ask, ask! - “Carpe Diem”
Make it work for you! After years of grinding pencils in the classroom or lecture theatre you’ll be keen to let of steam and party all the way. But stop. Wait. Listen up, this is the perfect opportunity get your gap year to work for you — consider building in a Working Holiday, or volunteering, and set your CV up for success. - “Liberate your inner list”
Don’t plan every last detail. We’re not contradicting ourselves here, we still say plan the vitals (visas, insurance etc.) but loosen your belt and lay off the spreadsheets and lists just a bit, and let the tides of adventure take you. - “Be Smart”
Fill your budget. It’s easy to leak money left, right, and centre while you’re on the road. A simple flight date change can soak up your savings, so set yourself a budget planner and see where you can make some savings to maximise every penny.
There you go! Work a plan around these pointers, the tips on our guide and view our top rated gap year travel companies and you’ll be well on your way to planning an amazing and fruitful gap year, filled with all the things you’re up for, at a price you can afford.