Are you looking for a year out before heading away to university? Do you want a break from education and fancy seeing a bit of the world? If that sounds perfect, how about taking a gap year? Yes it can be scary jumping on a plane and heading off into the great unknown but it can be liberating, character building and life changing. Let’s have a look at some top tips if you’re asking the question of how to plan my gap year.
Where Do You Want To Go?
Firstly, where is it you want to go? Many people go to Australia or Thailand or New Zealand. There are some popular bucket list locations on the list of many looking to take a gap year and go travelling. You might have been fascinated with Japan since you were younger. Head to Tokyo and see the hustle and bustle of the busy cities as well as the peace and tranquility of the countryside. It could be that Africa is calling you to visit. Travel through country after country, meeting amazing people, seeing wildlife and embracing culture. If Brazil is on your radar, you could be on the beaches of São Paulo in no time. Get ready to see the world and broaden your mind.
Make A Budget & Stick To It
Whilst you want to have an amazing time, you don’t have to spend a small fortune for the pleasure. Make a budget for your gap year and stick to it. Figure out the cost of the plane tickets, accommodation, travel and food whilst you’re there. You could even get jobs in the places you visit. Know your way around a bar and you can pick up casual work on your trip. When you plan my gap year you can make amazing memories and see wonderful things. However, doing it within your budget means you don’t come home at the end of it all dragging a massive debt behind you.
Volunteer Abroad
There are incredible charities and schemes which allow you to volunteer your time abroad. This can be eye opening in itself as you can do important work, right there on the ground, changing lives. This is a great way to see a bit of the world. If your parents are maybe a little bit worried about you heading away for a year, working via a charity might help put their minds at rest. There is actually an organisation called Plan My Gap Year who will do just that, help you plan your gap year!
Stay Connected With Home
It’s so important to stay in touch with home when you are off on your adventures. Whilst you might be updating your Instagram account with incredible photos every day, your loved ones will appreciate more than that. As we’re so easily connected these days, a quick video chat every now and then helps family see that you’re doing OK and also help you if you’re feeling homesick. Send emails, voice notes on WhatsApp and drop friends a text. Stay connected with home but don’t let it take up too much of your adventure. You’ll want plenty of stories to talk about when you return home.
Cover Yourself
Be sure that you are covered for all eventualities. There are affordable travelers insurance policies which will cover you for theft and medical. This can be so important because you never know what might happen and you don’t want to be stranded in a foreign country unable to pay medical bills. If you don’t get insurance, you might find yourself in a situation where you wish you had.
Make Amazing Memories
Regardless of where you want to go and what you want to see, ensure you tell yourself to plan my gap year for memories. Life is short and there are so many incredible experiences to enjoy. Pack your bag, say your goodbyes and get on that airplane. Your gap year awaits!
