Written by Alice McLeod on 04 / 01 / 2024
Gap Year Advice
If you're reading this, chances are you will soon be embarking on your gap year adventure or you're in the planning stages. Well, there's no time like the New year to make some backpacking resolutions. From learning a new skill to being pushed out of your comfort zone, there is so much you can achieve whilst on your gap year travels.
Let's kick things off with a bang, shall we? One of the best things about a gap year is the unpredictability. So, resolution number one: embrace the unknown. Ditch the rigid itinerary and go with the flow. Serendipity often leads to the most incredible experiences and life-changing moments. So, leave some room for spontaneity in that perfectly color-coded gap year travel planner of yours. Whether it's playing poker with the locals in Colombia or zip-lining past a sloth in Costa Rica, be ready for those weird and wonderful experiences that might be coming your way.
Sure, collecting passport stamps is cool, but have you ever connected with locals and fellow travelers on a deeper level? Take the time on your gap year to learn a bit of the local language, share stories with fellow backpackers, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The real beauty of travel lies in the people you meet and the friendships you form, and this is easier to do when you venture away from the beaten track. All of our team programmes contain at least one element that would be hard to find/organise as an independent backpacker. We believe that there's a time and a place for the 'Top 10 things to do in...' lists, but you'll also get to see a more authentic side to a country if you get away from the crowds.
In 2024, being a responsible gap year traveler is non-negotiable. Resolve to leave a positive impact on the places you visit. Say no to single-use plastics, support local businesses, and be mindful of your ecological footprint. If you can then, look into a volunteering programme where you can give your time and manpower to help with projects that need support. You can help with anything from turtle conservation to reforestation, all in beautiful parts of the world. There are smaller changes you can make as well, such as to pack a tote bag to use instead of plastic bags, to avoid things like plastic straws, and to carbon offset your flights (read our golden rules for green backpacking here.)
Comfort zones are overrated, right? Resolution number four is all about breaking free from the cozy bubble and diving headfirst into new experiences wjilst on your gap year. Whether it's trying exotic street food, conquering a fear, or attempting a local dance, challenge yourself. Growth happens when you're a little uncomfortable, so make 2024 the year of daring adventures. Even travelling to a new country or continent you've never been to before is a great way to push yourself, sometimes both mentally and physically. Often things that initially felt scary, for example making new friends from a team of people you don't know, quickly become easier with practice.
You're not just a backpacker; you're a walking, talking, globe-trotting encyclopedia. Resolution number five is to soak in as much knowledge as you can. Take local cooking classes, join historical walking tours, and be curious. And here's the fun part – share your newfound wisdom with fellow travelers. Whether it's a cool travel hack or an off-the-beaten-path gem, spread the knowledge and let the backpacker community thrive.
So, there you have it – five backpacking resolutions to make your gap yearthe best adventure yet. Here's to the year ahead and to embracing the
unknown, connecting with amazing people, traveling responsibly, and
being open to new experiences. If this all sounds like something you're
interested in but don't know where to start then consider joining one of
our team programmes;
we'll sort all the logistics for you so all you have to focus on is
having a good time. Your gap year is the perfect time to do all of the
above and more - make 2024 your year!
What is the best age to go backpacking? There's no "perfect age" to go backpacking, but taking a year out between leaving school and starting uni is a great time. A gap year means you can focus solely on having a good time and making lasting memories.
How much money do you need for a travel gap year?
We recommend that you budget around £1000 per month for independent
travel, but this will of course depend on where in the world you go (SE
Asia is considerably cheaper than places like Australia and New
Zealand).
How do I get the best out of my gap year? By planning, planning, planning. You need to plan where you're going, how much you're going to need to save in order to fund it, and how you're going to get there. You can go with the flow once you're out there, but you don't want to waste your gap year by not having a plan of action - you'll realise it goes quicker than you could imagine.
Will taking a gap year hurt my career? If anything, employers like to see that you've taken a gap year, just as long as you make it worthwhile.
Do some volunteering, show that you've learnt soft skills like
teamwork, and make sure that you've done plenty to add to your CV. This
shows that you haven't wasted it, and might even improve your career
prospects.
Top 10 things to do before you're 20
Plan your gap year with this 10 step guide
Job ideas to fund your gap year
