Written by Alice McLeod on 14 / 03 / 2024
Gap Year Advice
For all those feeling the post ski-slope blues and ready for more adventure…
That post ski-season period can be a hard time. Some of you may have arrived home a few weeks back and now find yourself springing to the window each morning, disappointed again by the lack of fresh, crisp snow.
Maybe you’re still out there, but wondering what on earth you’ll do with yourself once the endless pot washing, constant food prep and those savoured hours of freedom on the slopes have gone away.
Never fear, we’ve got a few options for you:
No matter how magical the snow can be, surely you’ve had enough of the cold by now? Is it not time to whip out the shorts and swimwear stuffed below mountains of ski jackets and salopettes? Can’t you hear the blue skies, sunnier climes and plus zero temperatures calling you?
Volunteering abroad is a great way to escape the English weather, see incredible things in incredible places and, most importantly, make a little difference in the world.
It’s ideal really. Most of us live in a materialistic world, and we now think that it only blinds us to the real magic out there… the people, the nature, the cultures, the landscapes…
When volunteering, you’re fully immersed in local life. Generally your weekdays are filled with conservation or community projects, with a little sight-seeing and thrill-seeking thrown in. Being in a team of like-minded, similarly-aged travellers however, means it really doesn’t feel like work at all! Your weekends are then free for sussing out the rest of your country’s wonders.
There’s a programme out there to suit everyone, whatever your interests and desires. From turtle conservation in Costa Rica to living with local communities in Peru, we've got something for everyone. Check out The Leap’s options, spread across Asia, South America and Africa, right here.
You’ve been working hard enough in our opinion. So why not travel just for you for a while: totally free, completely self-interested, fully independent and wholly unforgettable. Travelling solo broadens the mind like nothing else.
Backpacking is the only option really. No chunky suitcases, 5-star restaurants, private cars or high-end hotels allowed. This applies even if you are feeling smugly wealthy compared to your uni friends right now.
Europe’s fleeting summer sun is on its way too-the BBQ fare is hitting the supermarkets. So why not grab your other depressed, lost-looking ski friends and start planning the infamous gap year summer of interrailing. It’s almost a rite of passage on your year out…
Those who’ve already ticked the interrail box are desperate for more and just love to tell their envy-inducing stories of hostel-hopping through Europe’s most incredible destinations. From the sights of the Colosseum and Eiffel Tower, to the pristine beaches of Croatia’s islands and leisurely gondola rides in Venice.
The great thing about an interrail pass is that the choice is all yours. The who is fixed (that’s you), but the when and the where is up to you entirely. You can zip through all 30 countries that the pass allows in 30 days if you really want, or you can pace yourself, relax, and explore every magical corner and hidden gem of a select few places. We've got some suggested itineraries here. Alternatively, if you want a real summer adventure then consider island-hopping in Greece as an alternative.
Only advice: don’t completely wing it. A little planning and preparation is needed to make sure your journey is hiccup free. Oh, and pack light and remember your ID!
More work I hear you say?! I know you’re probably just ready to kick back and relax, but don’t write this option off just yet.
For many, uni is fast-approaching and while the world of work seems like light-years away, it’s never a bad idea to get experience under your belt now. It really is rubbish being turned away from your dream job with ‘not enough experience’ ringing in your ears.
Internships, in my opinion, are the best way to do this. All the fun of travelling with all the experience to match a boring old desk job. Sometimes they’re even more desirable to employers, showing greater independence, confidence and maturity.
Having enjoyed a few months of money flowing into the accounts, you may well have caught the work bug. There is something devilishly satisfying about hearing your studying friends’ tales of declined cards and overdrafts.
Of course you simply can’t finish your gap year having slaved away month after month-it’s supposed to be a 'gap' from the hard work after all! So I really do think work abroad is the answer to all your desires. America is always in search of summer camp volunteers, developing nations always need help in teaching and childcare, and every beautiful species needs protection. You can read our article here about the pros and cons of working abroad or just travelling.
If you've got a thirst for travel and a burning passion, this is the ultimate way to indulge it. Find a programme all about said passion and you won’t even notice you're technically working too!
Hopefully something here has grabbed your interest. Just know that whatever time of the year it is, you haven't missed your opportunity to fit in an adventure. We have team volunteering programmes running throughout the year, so if you're stuck not sure what to do then get in contact and let us help.
Ready for more but don't know where to start? Fill out our What Type of Traveller You Are Quiz and we can point you in the right direction.
Start the adventure here...
