gap year on travel

All Gap Year Programs | 2024-2025

What are you interested in.

• Adventure Travel
• Marine Conservation
• Outdoor Courses
• Volunteering

What should I do with my gap year?

If you are looking for inspiration on where to spend your gap year, you can rely on Gapforce to have something that will excite you. Gapforce has carefully selected gap year programs around the world since 1989, providing a variety of gap years abroad and gap year volunteer programs for experiences in wildlife conservation, outdoor training courses and once-in-a-lifetime adventures across the far corners of the world. 

Thrilling locations...

From the snowy heights of Everest Base Camp to the heat of the African plain, turquoise waters of Thailand and humid jungles of Costa Rica and India, there is a truly diverse range of thrilling locations. The hardest part will be choosing where to go. If you need help deciding, read our gap year advice resources which explore the possibilities that gap years can open to you.

Is there a gap year program that’s right for me?

The world is beautiful because it is varied, and our range of gap year options reflects this. The diversity of a gap year abroad means there really is something for everyone — follow your instincts:

For those looking for experience in marine conservation take a look at our gap year in Thailand .

If you want to combine travel with adventure on your gap year abroad — snorkel, sail, ride off-road and surf through your gap year in Australia .

Perhaps you are conscious that you want to spend time helping a worthy cause, in which case our summer volunteer programs will inspire you.

Our Range of Gap Year Programs...

Australia Adventure

Bali Escape

Costa Rica Adventure

Dive Instructor Training - Costa Rica

Europe Tour

Fiji Marine Conservation

Game Ranger Course - South Africa

Marine Scientist Training - Costa Rica

Nepal & India Adventure

South Africa Wildlife Volunteering

South America Explorer

Southeast Asia Explorer

Sri Lanka Escape

Thailand Escape

Thailand Marine Conservation

Trekforce Expedition Leader Training

Wildlife Volunteering - Ecuador

Get your questions answered at our live info session !

Make this your year

Experience the world and discover your passions. Build real-world skills, make lifelong memories, and return home a better you. For ages 18-22.

Two program lengths

Choose how long you want to travel. With Year & Semester programs, there's an EF Gap experience for everyone.

The EF Gap Year Program

Discover the world on the ultimate, global gap year: explore Europe, Asia, and Australia through a combination of guided exploration and cultural immersion. Travel across three continents, then discover what it’s like to live independently abroad while learning a language or interning. Learn more

Semester Programs

Spend your gap semester living in different parts of the world, experiencing multiple destinations, cultures, and themes in depth. Or, opt to kickstart your college career with one of our study abroad programs, focused on immersive learning in one international location.  Learn more

The most productive break of your life

The gap year is not an alternative to college. It’s about preparing yourself to make the most of college—and in many ways, the rest of your life. Our innovative experiential learning model helps students discover their goals, while equipping them with the confidence and skills to get there.

Develop global skills

Travel the world, experience new cultures, and gain valuable life skills abroad.

Grow into your best self

Become a more confident, independent, and resilient version of yourself.

Define your life path

Return home with greater clarity about your goals and inner compass.

Gain a competitive edge

Enter college more socially and academically prepared, with life experiences under your belt.

The world leader in international education

When you travel with EF Education First, you travel with a global organization that has been in operation since 1965. EF’s mission has always been to open the world through education, and we’ve delivered on that promise for millions of students.

Years of operation

Countries and regions

Offices and schools

Staff, faculty, and teachers

Interested in traveling with us? Here’s what to do next!

Taking a gap year before or during college is an incredibly worthwhile experience. It can also be a complex decision. We strongly recommend speaking with someone on our admissions team as you determine which program or destinations are right for you.

Set up a time to talk

Fill out a short contact form and one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will be in touch to walk you through the program and answer any questions you may have.

Join a virtual info session

Not ready to talk to us just yet? Learn more about how our program works and get your questions answered at one of our weekly virtual info sessions.

After completing this short form, one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will reach out to schedule a time to talk in more detail about which of our programs is right for you. For U.S. students ages 18–22.

*Required Fields

By submitting your information, you agree to allow EF to process your personal information in accordance with EF’s Privacy Policy and to allow the use of your data for direct marketing purposes. By entering your mobile number, you agree to receive recurring text messages about upcoming offers from EF Gap Year at the number provided and you understand that consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of purchase. You agree to all EF Texting Terms and Conditions .

Beyond the books: Unpacking the profound benefits of gap year travel

Published by libby marcouillier on september 15, 2023 september 15, 2023.

In today’s fast-paced world, young adults are increasingly recognizing the transformative power of taking a gap year to embark on a journey of self-discovery through travel. Gap year travel offers a unique opportunity to explore new horizons, both geographically and personally. This article delves into all the benefits of gap year travel, shedding light on why it’s an increasingly popular choice among young adults seeking growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Explore the world of gap year travel and discover the advantages it holds for adventurous souls eager to take the leap into a ✨life-changing✨ adventure.

Personal growth and improvement

Embarking on a gap year travel adventure is a profound way for young adults to nurture personal growth, encompassing both mental and physical health and well-being. As gap year travel get more and more popular for their valuable life experiences, it’s crucial to understand how this unique opportunity can positively impact a young person’s life.

Mental well-being

Traveling during a gap year allows young adults to disconnect from the pressures of academia or the corporate world. It offers a chance to step out of one’s comfort zone, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a deeper sense of self. Exposure to diverse cultures and new perspectives enhances empathy and mental flexibility, leading to improved overall mental well-being .

Physical health

Gap year travel often involves physically demanding activities, such as hiking , exploring new terrains, and participating in local sports or wellness practices. These experiences not only promote physical fitness but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Engaging in outdoor adventures and embracing healthier dietary habits can have a lasting positive impact on your physical well-being.

Personal growth

The transformative power of gap year travel extends beyond the mental and physical realms. It encourages young adults to set and achieve personal goals, build self-confidence, and cultivate problem-solving skills. These experiences contribute to a more holistic sense of personal growth, empowering them to face future challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

Incorporating gap year travel into one’s life journey can be a catalyst for unparalleled personal growth, fostering a healthy mind and body and setting the stage for a brighter, more confident future.

Self-discovery

Traveling on a gap year is an unrivaled avenue for young adults to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth while embracing challenges that lead to lifelong benefits. As the idea of taking a gap year to travel continues to grow in popularity, it’s important to look into all the ways in which this adventure encourages self-discovery and the rewards that come with conquering personal hurdles.

Traveling during a gap year offers young adults the invaluable opportunity to peel back the layers of their own identity. Removed from the familiar routines of education or work, individuals can delve deep into their passions, interests, and values. Exposure to diverse cultures and environments allows for self-reflection, leading to a clearer understanding of one’s goals and aspirations, an essential component of self-discovery.

Personal challenges

Traveling any time, including on a gap year, is a tapestry woven with personal challenges that serve as stepping stones to growth. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar territories, overcoming language barriers , or adapting to unforeseen circumstances, each challenge met equips young adults with resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. These benefits extend far beyond the journey itself, shaping confident and capable individuals prepared to thrive in various aspects of life.

As you travel you continue to unlock more potentials for self-discovery and personal growth, where every challenge met becomes a catalyst for a more profound understanding of yourself and the world.

Cultural understanding

Gap year travel is a gateway to the rich tapestry of global cultures. It enables individuals to step into different worlds, engage with diverse traditions, and forge connections with people from all walks of life. Through these immersive experiences, individuals gain cultural empathy and sensitivity, breaking down barriers and fostering a broader global perspective. Travel becomes a bridge that brings you closer to the heart of humanity, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of our world’s myriad cultures.

Language skills

One of the standout advantages of gap year travel is the opportunity to immerse oneself in different cultures and languages. Whether it’s conversing with locals, navigating through foreign streets, or trying out regional delicacies, travelers are exposed to real-life language scenarios. This hands-on approach is an effective way to accelerate language acquisition , turning gap year travel into a linguistic classroom without walls. Student travelers return home not only with unforgettable memories but also with valuable multilingual skills that can open doors to diverse career opportunities and cross-cultural connections.

Skill Development: Education, Work, and Volunteer

Traveling during a gap year provides young adults with a unique opportunity to develop essential skills that are highly valuable for both education and work. While exploring new cultures, navigating unfamiliar territories, and engaging in diverse experiences, individuals build adaptability, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. These skills not only enhance personal growth but also make young adults more competitive in the academic and professional arenas. Gap year travel becomes a powerful teacher, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed academically and excel in their future careers.

Resume enhancement

Employers today seek well-rounded candidates with a diverse skill set, and traveling offers precisely that. It showcases qualities such as independence, adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness – all highly valuable in the professional world. Placing your gap year travels on your resume signals that you’re not only academically inclined but also possess the practical skills and life experiences that can contribute to a dynamic work environment.

Education and skill development

Student travelers receive a unique blend of experiential learning and practical skill acquisition. Exploring historical landmarks, engaging with diverse cultures, and participating in local activities provide an education that goes beyond textbooks. Whether you’re learning a new language, mastering outdoor survival skills, or honing your photography talents, gap year travel equips you with a diversified skill set that extends far beyond the journey itself. These skills become invaluable assets, not only enriching your personal growth but also enhancing your career prospects in an increasingly globalized world.

Volunteer and work experience

A gap year is the perfect time to give back to the global community by engaging in meaningful volunteer work . Whether it’s teaching in local schools, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts, or aiding in humanitarian projects, gap year travel offers a wide array of opportunities to make a positive impact. Additionally, young adults can explore work opportunities abroad, gaining hands-on experience in various fields, from hospitality to agriculture. These experiences not only enrich your resume but also shape you into a well-rounded, adaptable, and empathetic individual ready to take on future career challenges.

The connections you forge while navigating different cultures and collaborating on projects can be instrumental in your future career endeavors. These global connections can lead to job opportunities, internships, or partnerships that you may not have encountered otherwise. By embracing your travels, you not only gain experience but also expand your professional network, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career journey.

Time for reflection

The beauty of gap year travel lies in its ability to grant young adults the freedom to step back from their daily routines and obligations. This pause in the regular rhythm of life allows for introspection, goal-setting, and personal growth. Whether you’re pondering your academic pursuits, career aspirations, or life values, a gap year journey provides the solitude and perspective needed to make informed decisions. By investing this time in self-reflection, you emerge from your travels with a clearer sense of purpose, ready to embark on the next phase of life with renewed determination and focus.

Adventure and fun

Maybe the most obvious of all, gap year travel promises an array of thrilling experiences that redefine the boundaries of adventure. Whether it’s hiking through lush rainforests , scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, or embarking on epic road trips , every moment is an opportunity for excitement and discovery. Exploring new cultures, savoring exotic cuisines, and forging lifelong friendships all contribute to the sense of fun that defines your youth and your travels. This adventure not only leaves you with unforgettable memories but also empowers you to embrace the joy of spontaneity, making it an adventure of a lifetime.

Gap year travel isn’t just a journey; it’s a life-altering experience for young adults seeking personal growth, education, and adventure. This transformative opportunity offers a unique blend of cultural understanding, language acquisition, and self-discovery, shaping well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.

Importantly, gap years aren’t confined to any one time in life; they can be embraced at any stage in life, offering the chance to pause, reflect, and grow. Just because you didn’t take a gap year before starting college, doesn’t mean you can’t take one in the middle of your education, or as soon as you graduate, or later on down the road after you have started your career. Traveling during a gap year offers so many profound benefits and it’s a journey that transcends boundaries and paves the way for a brighter, more enriching future.

Looking for more resources about taking a gap year?

Why don’t you check out one of these other articles we’ve got on all things gap year travel!

Related Posts

Before You Go

How to get a passport in the us.

Everything you need to know about how to get a passport in the US, whether you've never had one before or are just renewing an expired one.

Ultimate guide to shoulder season travel

The easiest way to save money, avoid crowds, and still get great weather is to travel during the shoulder season. When is that? We tell you.

How to get free WiFi on your next flight

Don't be disconnected for hours or pay outrageous fees just for wifi access. See our list of which airlines offer free wifi to you.

Gap Year World

USA Gap Year Jobs, Programs & Tours

The United States in an amazing country to visit on a gap year and there are so many things to do here. If you are looking for USA gap year ideas, from summer jobs to work experience or overland backpacking adventures, search amazing opportunities and book your trip today.

Paid Work, Internships, Volunteering & Trips in USA

Summer Camp Counselor in USA

• 2-3 months • Price from £995

Au Pair in United States

• 12 months • Price from £1,195

Paid Hotel Work Experience in USA

• 12 months • Price from £3,795

Marine Conservation in Hawaii

• 2-3 months • Price from £2,445

Internships in the USA

TEFL Course in New York City

• 4 weeks • Price from $2,290

North East Highlights

• 7 days • Price from £1,971

New York to Miami

• 10 days • Price from £2,382

Grand Southern

• 21 days Price from £3,170

Best of California

• 9 days • Price from £2,299

LA to the Bay

• 11 days • Price from £2,197

Best of USA

• 13 days • Price from £3,177

Travel and Backpacking in the United States

View our comprehensive guide with tips for things to do, where to go and advice for the best trips, courses, jobs and programs.

Work in the USA

Spend your gap year working in the USA! There are so many jobs available for foreigners including seasonal and summer positions. Summer jobs are very popular, thousands of people apply to work at summer camps and at resorts every summer.

If you are looking to get work experience boost your CV by applying for an internship in the US, imagine working for a company somewhere like New York City or Los Angeles!

Volunteer Programs in the USA

If the idea of spending part of your gap year doing something meaningful appeals to you then applying to volunteer stateside is recommended. Lots of local organisations hire international participants to help wildlife, the environment and communities.

Study in the USA

The USA is home to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world and studying here will really help you get ahead academically. There are short and long term courses available all year round.

USA Adventure Tours

The USA is a huge country with 50 states! One of the best ways to experience the highlights of the country is on a small group tour where you will see amazing places, make new friends and have a lot of fun. Some trips last a few days whilst others can be a month or longer taking in all the top tourist destinations.

There are so many world famous destinations you can visit on an adventure tour like New York, California, Chicago and Miami. You can also experience stunning nature with the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks all must visit places.

Top Places to Visit

For many people, a holiday to the USA is the trip of a lifetime. There’s so much to see and do that the choice can be overwhelming. If you’ve already got a trip planned or are thinking of visiting, here’s our quick guide to the USA!

New York This city is the backdrop to numerous films and television shows and is known for its coffee culture, art and music scene and reputation as ‘the city that never sleeps’. Some of the most popular attractions are Central Park, Ellis Island, Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty.

Miami A vibrant city renowned for its glam South Beach, cafes and cigar shops. It’s a mixture of high rise buildings and golden beaches and is said to have something for everyone. The Art Deco district and Little Havana are must-see.

Las Vegas If you enjoy a flutter then Las Vegas should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s an overwhelming atmosphere filled with casinos of all shapes and sizes. Plus, if you’ve ever fancied getting hitched in a drive through chapel then this is the place!

Los Angeles If you’re searching for a little glamour then LA is the destination for you. Film and TV fans will rejoice in the choice of attractions such as Hollywood sign and Paramount Studios , plus you might even spot a famous actor! If you’re more of a culture vulture then the Museum of Art or the Norton Simon Museum are must-see attractions.

Similar Destinations

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. For more information, see the site  Discl aimer .

Taking a Family Gap Year: Everything You need to Know

Are you dreaming of taking a family gap year to travel and live abroad with your kids? Go! A family gap year (or family sabbatical) is a special opportunity to share unforgettable experiences with your children. 

Taking a family gap year or a family sabbatical with kids is a way to slow down time. Spending six months or a whole year together allows you to know your kids and bond over shared experiences in ways you just can’t do without leaving your comfort zone.

Traveling the world with my children was a huge dream of mine. When they were 15, 12, and 11, we took a family sabbatical and lived and traveled in Australia and New Zealand. 

Taking a family sabbatical was absolutely the best decision we’ve made as parents. 

It took an incredible amount of work and planning to make it happen, but it was absolutely worth it. 

If you want to know how to take a gap year with children, venture out on a half year of travel as a family, or even dedicate just a few months to full time travel, this blog post covers everything you need to know.

The Ultimate Family Gap Year Guide: How to Plan Your Family Sabbatical

What’s a family gap year or a family sabbatical, what is a gap year.

Traditionally, a gap year is when students take a year away from school between graduating from high school and starting college.

Many young adults who take a gap year travel the world. They might participate in a language immersion program, backpack through a foreign country, or volunteer with a nonprofit. 

Others take a gap year to volunteer, work to earn money for college, explore a potential career path, or help their families. 

What is a family gap year?

A family gap year is when a family (however you define your family) takes a break from school and work to explore the world, and learn together.

By traveling together, families can deepen family bonds, experience personal growth together, and gain new perspectives on different ways of life. 

Individuals and families can take have a gap experience for any length of time. You could take a gap month or a gap semester. 

What is a sabbatical?

A sabbatical is a period of time, usually a few months to a year when someone takes a break from their work or career to explore personal or professional interests or rest and recharge. 

Academic institutions typically grant sabbaticals to tenured faculty. Other employers also allow employees to take sabbaticals. There are many grants that help fund travel and research for sabbaticals .

Individuals on sabbatical can use the break from work to travel, research, write, volunteer, reflect, or simply rest. 

What is a family sabbatical?

A family sabbatical is when a family takes a break from their daily routine of work and school to travel and learn together.

By traveling and learning together, families create lasting memories together, become closer to each other, better understand different cultures, and grow as individuals. 

A family sabbatical can last for any length of time, from a month to a year or more. 

Basically, a family gap year and family sabbatical mean the same thing: a chance for all family members to take a break from their typical schedules at work and school and explore the world together. 

What is a career break?

A career break is when someone stops working to do something else, like travel, go to college, or take care of a child or aging family member. 

A career break usually implies that someone’s return to work is uncertain. Some people do take a career break in order to travel with their family on a gap year.

Usually, they feel that they’ll be able to return to their original job when they return from traveling, or they expect to start a new job in a different field or with a different employer. 

How is a family sabbatical different from a vacation? 

A family sabbatical is different from a family vacation in many ways. A sabbatical is a more structured and purposeful break than a vacation. 

A sabbatical and vacation are usually for different lengths of time. A vacation is a short trip or brief break from work, usually a few days to a few weeks. A sabbatical usually lasts for a few months to a full year. 

The purpose of a sabbatical and vacation are different. When taking a sabbatical, there’s usually a specific goal or purpose in mind, like learning a new skill, doing research, or exploring a personal interest in depth. A vacation is usually just about relaxing and taking a break from work. 

It’s much more time consuming to plan a sabbatical than to plan a vacation. Planning a vacation can happen relatively quickly and easily. Planning a sabbatical requires creating a detailed budget, securing funding or savings, taking a leave of absence from work, and making longer-term living arrangements. 

The return experience is different too. When you return from a vacation, it’s pretty easy to return to work and regular life. Returning to work after a sabbatical can be more challenging, as a sabbatical can cause a significant shift in your perspective, goals, or interests. 

Why should you take a family sabbatical? 

As you know, kids grow up fast. I felt like if we didn’t take some time off from “real life” to travel when we did, we’d never be able to.

Investing in our relationships by traveling together is one of the best things we’ve ever done.

Here are some of the reasons why: 

1. Personal growth

Taking a family gap year or sabbatical can be incredibly beneficial for each family member. 

Parents and children will experience personal growth, increased curiosity about the world, and a clearer sense of direction for the future interests, academic pursuits, or career plans. 

2. Family bonding

Traveling as a family for an extended period of time is also good for the family overall. We made so many memories together when we were traveling. 

Even better was the sibling bonding. Because our kids were spending more time together, without the distraction of sports or afterschool activities, they became much closer. 

3. Seeing the world

There’s a great big world out there! It’s much more diverse than our neighborhood, city, or state. But if you don’t experience it, how will you ever know what it’s like?

Stepping outside of our regular home life to explore the world offered my kids the perfect opportunity to explore different ways of living, experience a better way of learning in school, and meet local people in lots of great places.

They made lifelong friends, and they have an entirely different perspective on the world.

4. Hands-on education

Sure, our kids missed a whole bunch of classroom time (even though we enrolled them in school in Australia). But they learned so much more.

They were exposed to Maori culture in New Zealand. They came to expect hearing “welcome to country” messages in Australia. 

Our girls got to experience the Great Barrier Reef now, so they have a personal understanding of the threats caused by climate change. 

We all learned about native plants and animals, invasive species, and environmental practices that we wouldn’t have encounter if we hadn’t left the United States. 

5. Meeting new people

By making new people and making new friends, we were all exposed to different ways of thinking, socializing, and learning. Also we just met some really awesome people!

6. Resetting priorities

It felt a bit countercultural to step away from club sports teams and the rituals of everyday American life. 

My kids certainly worried about what they would be missing out on. 

But they quickly realized that a lot of what they thought mattered really didn’t. When it came down to it, what they missed the most from home was their friends and our dog. 

7. Resiliency

I’m not gonna lie–there were times when it was really hard on my kids to have left behind their school, friends, and routine.

Adjusting to a new house, new school, new ways of teaching, new friends, and everything else was hard! The FOMO was real. 

But from that experience, they learned that they can do hard things! They can get through some really uncomfortable, lonely times. 

Now, my kids are much less nervous about being “the only one” in the room who doesn’t know anyone else or talking to new people. 

8. Different perspective on life

Our kids learned so much about what it’s like to live in other countries, how politics work in other nations, and how other people see America.

Taking a family sabbatical really helped us all learn about the world and changed our perspective on pretty much everything. 

How to plan your family gap year

Don’t underestimate the importance of planning for your family gap year or family sabbatical. You’ll need to figure out finances, make travel plans, and decide what to do with the things you leave behind. 

Family gap years can look very different. How you choose to plan your family sabbatical will depend on your family’s interests and needs, your budget and your flexibility. 

Let’s take a look at all the things you’ll need to consider when you plan your gap year with kids. 

How long can you take a sabbatical?

Figuring out how long you can be away from your regular life is essential. If you can take a few months off, maybe you want to immerse your family in one region of the world, like Southeast Asia or South America. If you can take an actual gap year , you might want to plan an around the world trip and make the most of long-term travel while you have the opportunity. 

Here are some things to consider when thinking about how long you can travel for a family gap year. 

Leaving Work for a Family Gap Year

If you (and/or your partner) are taking a leave of absence from a permanent job, how long your leave is will determine the amount of time you can take off from work to travel with your family. 

If you can work remotely, or you’ve managed to save enough to cover all your expenses, you can afford to travel for a longer time. 

Other Obligations to Consider for a Family Gap Year

As an adult, you probably have other obligations you can’t just drop. Perhaps an aging parent, a side business, or other responsibilities have a claim on your time. You’ll have to decide how long you can be away. 

Financing a Family Gap Year

How much savings or income will you have to spend? Family gap year costs can vary greatly, but knowing how much you have to spend will help you decide how long you can travel with your family. 

Will you be working while you travel? Will you be depending on your savings account? 

Leaving School for a Family Gap Year

If you have small children, you won’t have to pull them out of school to travel. 

If you have older kids who attend school, might want to consider their school schedules. It might be easier to miss a whole academic year than the end and beginning of different grades. 

If you homeschool, these questions might not matter as much!

For us, the right time to travel was when our kids were in fifth, seventh, and tenth grades. Everyone was old enough to take care of their own things, remember the trip, and really participate in the adventure. 

How will you afford a family sabbatical?

Of course, travel is expensive. When you add kids to the mix, you’re obviously paying for more people, so your costs will go up too. 

So you’ll have to get a larger hotel room or an Airbnb. You might need a bigger rental car or more train tickets. 

You’ll need plenty of money in the bank before you start to travel. 

How to save for a family sabbatical

• Selling things you don’t need
• Cutting back on expenses before you leave
• Downsizing to a smaller apartment before your trip
• Renting out your house
• Taking on extra freelance work or a second job before traveling
• Working remotely (even part-time) while traveling

When traveling, you’ll find lots of ways for traveling on a budget as a family. 

How to save money when traveling as a family

• Couch-surfing
• Home-swapping
• Pet-sitting 
• House-sitting
• Stay with friends
• Buy a museum membership

When thinking about how to afford traveling with your family for an extended period of time, you have to consider how your family travels. Meaning: everyone’s idea of “budget travel” is different. 

It’s best to be realistic about how much money you have to spend and how much it will cost your family to travel in different locations. 

What to include in your family gap year budget

• Accommodations (potentially the highest cost/day)
• Food (meals, snacks, and drinks)
• Daily transportation (car rental, parking, bus tickets, or train tickets)
• Attractions (tours, museum tickets, etc.)
• Special events (expensive splurges, rather than normal daily attractions, like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef or taking a safari)
• Transportation between different major locations

Draft an itinerary of where you want to go, then research costs for each location. 

I recommend making a spreadsheet to track and adjust numbers as you plan. As you see how expenses add up, you may need to adjust costs of certain things. 

What will you do on a family sabbatical?

Personally, I think one of the best things about a family gap year is traveling slowly and getting to know the places you’re visiting. 

A family sabbatical isn’t a really long vacation. Instead, it’s a chance to settle into everyday real life in another part of the world.

Enjoying the simple things, as well as the cultural highlights, of a new culture is what makes an extended trip like a family gap year so special. 

During your sabbatical, you may choose to live primarily in one country or even one city. This is what we did, because my husband was doing research at the National Library of Australia. 

Alternatively, you could choose to spend a few weeks, a month, or longer in different areas of the world. You’ll get to know things about the country, region or city you live in during your sabbatical that you wouldn’t know if you were rushing through. 

During a family gap year, there will of course be times when you’re traveling a lot and living like a tourist. 

But by giving yourself time, you’ll be able to settle into new routines. You’ll find your favorite coffee shops, learn where the best bread is sold, and enjoy your favorite family meals in a home away from home. 

Also, it’s a lot easier to be away from home for a long time when you allow yourself and your kids time to relax and do “normal” things, instead of always seeing new sites. 

What are your top priorities for your family sabbatical?

A sabbatical is a time to rest and reflect. It’s an opportunity to learn something new and get back to yourself after however many years you’ve been in the corporate rat race. 

You might want to learn a new language, take up painting, or write songs. Maybe you just want to soak in the different cultures you experience. 

If you’re taking a traditional academic sabbatical with your family, you will have research, teaching, or writing to keep you busy. 

And of course, on a family sabbatical, you’ll want to prioritize time together as a family.

No matter what you’d like to accomplish on your sabbatical, it’s important to take note of those goals. You’ll want to design your family sabbatical with your priorities in mind. Every person or family travels for different reasons, and no matter what you want to accomplish, you’ll have plenty of different options.

Where will you go on a family gap year?

There are several things to consider when deciding where you’ll go on your family’s big trip. 

Where have you always wanted to go?

What destinations are on your personal bucket list?

If you’ve always pictured yourself living in a lovely village in France, now’s the time. Your petits enfants can pick up French enunciation as you pick up fresh baguettes!

If, on the other hand, you’d rather go somewhere truly off the beaten path, take you kids with you! A family sabbatical is a wonderful opportunity to explore places of the world that are harder to get to or get to know. 

What sorts of things do you really want to see and do?

Do you want to visit the best art museums of Europe? Do you want to go to the opera in Italy? Do you want to practice yoga in India?

Do you want to cruise down the Nile in Egypt? See the rainforests of Brazil? Visit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? Walk along the Great Wall of China? Go on safari in South Africa?

Are there any festivals you want to go to? Or seasonal events you can’t miss? Do you want to ski in New Zealand or see the Northern Lights in Finland?

Are there best times of the year to visit destinations on your list? (Remembering that in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.)

Are there weather patterns that you should try to avoid?

Which destinations should you visit at peak times and which should you visit at off-peak times?

And also, what do you want your children to see? 

What new perspectives do you want to expose your kids to? 

Since you probably can’t do it all, you’ll have to prioritize what you most want to do. This will probably require negotiation with your kids and partner.

After everyone agrees on a few places and things that are essential to your trip, you’ll be able to start outlining your world travel itinerary. 

Do you have friends you want to visit? 

If you have friends and relatives who live in far-flung destinations, and you’d like to see them, check in with them well in advance of your trip to see if you could visit.

Maybe you could stay with them for a few days or maybe they’d be happy to show you around for an afternoon. 

I firmly believe that people are the best part of travel. Reconnecting with old friends or extended family is a really lovely thing to do. 

Are you looking for kid-friendly destinations?

There are kids all over the world, so most places are pretty kid friendly. That said, some places are clearly easier to visit with kids. 

We like to include plenty of destinations that feature the great outdoors. We love hiking and visiting beaches. We always go to children’s museums and science centers. 

When my kids were younger, they very grudgingly went to art museums, but now they love them almost as much as I do. 

Everywhere you go, you can build kid-friendly activities into the schedule. A family gap year is a balance of activities for the kids, activities for the adults, and things that everyone wants to do. The beauty of it is that you’ll both learn from each other. 

heck with the US State Department for any travel warnings. 

Where will you stay during your family gap year?

The answer to where you will stay when you’re traveling on a sabbatical depends on what your travel style is.

Are you open to sleeping on a stranger’s couch? How about camping? Or is a three-star hotel roughing it for you? 

If you’re open to couch-surfing, home-swapping, or pet-sitting, you can save some serious cash on your family gap year. 

You have lots of accommodation options during a family sabbatical, including:

• Pet-sitting
• House-swapping
• Campgrounds
• Holiday parks
• Home rentals
• Staying with friends/family
• Hotels 

Your budget might dictate your style. For our family sabbatical, we did a combination of several of these options. 

As you travel, you’ll have a combination of short stays and longer stays, so experiment with different types of accommodations as well.

How will you get there?

If you’re staying in the US for your family gap year, you could drive. Driving is the perfect way to see the United States. You could visit lots of national parks or take a road trip along the east or west coast. 

You can also drive to Canada or Mexico. If you’re venturing outside of North America, you’ll probably end up flying. 

When you reach your destination, you might want to drive a rental car, take trains or buses, or go by ferry. 

To get to your destination, you could choose to book either consecutive one-way tickets or around the world tickets.

Before buying plane tickets, consider your list of must-see destinations and when would be the best time to see them. Play with the dates and destinations like puzzle pieces to make your itinerary fit together in a way that makes sense.

You could choose to travel eastward or westward, depending on where you’re going, what time of year it is, and what you want to do. Also consider the costs of flights before finalizing your plans.

I like to use Google Maps to plan travel time and chart the best routes. Thinking of travel planning like a puzzle is a great way to get a general idea of what might be possible. There are so many great options, so explore all the possibilities before making any final decisions.

I created a spreadsheet that listed lots of different combinations of dates, destinations, and flight costs, to help me balance all the places we could go, schedules, and costs. We didn’t buy any tickets until we’d finalized the whole plan.

What’s the best age for a family gap year?

There is no perfect age for a family gap year. I truly believe that if you have the opportunity to take a sabbatical with your family, you should do it, no matter your kids’ ages. 

Babies–preschool-age kids on family sabbatical 

Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are quite portable and infinitely curious. Very small kids will love being in new places and having all your attention. 

You’ll be a bit limited in how adventurous your activities can be. They’ll get tired easily, but you can structure your day around their naps.

Very young kids won’t remember much, if anything, from all the travels. Also, parents will spend a lot of time and energy keeping them safe.

If you do travel with babies, here are some infant travel essentials you might want to take with you.

School-aged children on family gap year

Elementary aged kids are capable of packing their suitcase and asking great questions. This is a fun age to travel with. They’ll learn so much from a long-term family trip. 

Tweens and teens on a family sabbatical

Middle- and high-school aged kids are ready to learn about the world, including the difficult topics. They have a lot of thoughts about social justice, climate change, and the future of this world.

They’ll remember a lot about their family sabbatical experiences. You might have to do a bit of convincing to get your teenagers to travel with the family , as their friends, school, and sports or clubs are super important to them. 

The ultimate list of the absolute best gifts to give teens who love to travel !

And here’s something else to consider: 

When you start to take long-term trips with your kids, you’re normalizing the act of traveling. 

If you take a family gap year when you have fairly young children, your kids will remember that. So later, when they’re older and you propose taking your own family gap year, they’ll be open to the adventure! 

If you’re traveling with tweens or teens, they’ll get so much experience traveling and living in other countries, studying abroad in a new country or traveling alone will be second nature to them.

There is no perfect time to take a family sabbatical.

So, find a way to make it happen, whenever you deem it possible for your family, given your particular work and family dynamics.

The most important thing is to not be scared of all work that goes into planning a sabbatical (so much work!) and all the changes that will ensue (leaving school, home, friends, etc.)–because the rewards of traveling with your family are so amazing.

What to bring with you on a family sabbatical?

Honestly, bring with you as little as possible. 

Pack for the climate and season of your destinations. 

Pack for one week, because you can do laundry when you get there. 

If you’ll be working, bring a few work outfits. 

You can buy extra clothes when you get there. If you’ll need a winter jacket at some point on your trip, buy it when you need it, rather than dragging it with you for months.

You’ll also need your personal toiletries, but you can buy that stuff wherever you go. Just bring enough to get started and buy more when you run out. 

Our list included our phones, airpods, kindles, cameras, a guitar, and some card games. 

What to do with your home/pets/stuff while you’re gone?

If you rent, you can either sell or give away any nonessential stuff and store the rest. You can give up your lease, knowing you’ll be able to find a new place once you return. 

If you own your home, you’ll have to decide if you’re coming back to it after your family sabbatical, or if you’ll be moving on. 

If you sell your home or give up your apartment, your monthly bills, like the electric bill, cable and internet bill, and water bill will go away. (While traveling, you’ll also not have to worry about paying for a housecleaner, gym membership, or other similar expenses)

When we took a family sabbatical, we knew we’d be returning to our house and my husband would be returning to his university position after taking a research sabbatical. So we didn’t sell our home–instead, we did a home swap. 

In addition to swapping homes, you could rent out your house for some extra cash to put towards your travels. 

Sometimes, people who take a family gap year choose to resign from their jobs and aren’t sure if they’ll return to the same city. In that case it might make sense to sell your house. But that will depend on your circumstances and plans. 

Your pets while you’re on sabbatical

Some people can’t imagine traveling without their pets. If that’s you, there’s a complex world of vet visits and permits out there. 

If you’d rather just leave your pets in good hands while you travel, you have several options. 

Get a pet-sitter to come and stay at your house. Lots of people do long-term pet sits, so you can see if you find someone who’d be a good match for your animals. 

Leave them with family or friends. This is the perfect option if you have friends or family who love animals, but can’t make a long-term commitment to a pet. 

If you’re selling a house or will stop renting an apartment, you’ll have to store your stuff. Pare down to the essentials. By the time you get back, you won’t remember half the stuff you own. 

Then, you can store everything in a storage unit–unless you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member with some extra room for your stuff. 

You will have to think about the costs of a storage rental and any insurance coverage you need. 

If you’re coming back to your own home, I still recommend doing a big clean out before you go. You’ll be really happy to come back to an uncluttered house. And if you’re renting it out your house or home swapping, you’ll want to make it as clutter-free as possible for your guests. 

What are the best destinations for a family gap year?

The best places to go on a sabbatical completely depends on your family’s interests. 

World tour or immersion

Do you want to really get to know one or two countries? Or do you want to get a glimpse of lots of different places? 

If you’re taking a family gap year, you could actually do both. 

Do you want to travel only or mainly to English-speaking countries? 

Or do you want to use your family sabbatical as an opportunity to study and practice another language? The easiest way to learn another language is to be immersed in it.

If budget is a big factor, you might want to spend most of your family sabbatical in less expensive countries. For example, Southeast Asia is much more affordable than Europe. 

Alternatively, you can get creative about how you pay for things. Easy ways to cut your travel costs include:

• Limiting transportation costs between countries by staying in one place for a longer time.
• Free or cheap accommodations
• Cooking at “home” instead of always eating out
• Enjoying free experiences 
• Traveling at off-peak times
• Booking in advance

Domestic or international

Do you want to take a family gap year to explore the United States, or do you want to travel to foreign countries? 

If you stay in the US, there’s certainly enough to see and do to fill an entire year. The logistics are easier, and you’ll be close to home if you need to return. 

On the flipside, it’s much easier to take a short trip in the US than to take short trips abroad. So if you’re considering long term family travel, it might be the right time for international travels.

We personally consider Australia to be a perfect place for a sabbatical, based on our experience! But of course, there are many wonderful places you can travel to!

How will you “school” your kids?

If you are traveling with elementary, middle school, or high school aged kids on a family sabbatical, you will want to consider how to continue their education on the road. 

Schooling will look different for each family taking kids on a sabbatical or family gap year. Often, families taking a sabbatical will use a combination of these schooling options. 

Regardless of which schooling method you choose, your kids will learn so much from world travel .

Enroll in a local school during your sabbatical

If you will be living in one place during your family gap year or sabbatical, consider enrolling your kids in a local school.

Whether or not you can enroll your kids in a local school during your sabbatical will depend on local rules and visa regulations. You’ll have to do your research in advance and see if attending local schools during your family sabbatical is a possibility for your kids.  

Enroll in an American/international school during your sabbatical

If you are spending your family sabbatical in a country where attending a local school might be difficult, your kids could enroll in an American or international school.

American or international schools in foreign countries are usually quite diverse, with students from all over the world. Benefits to attending an international or American school can include

• Instruction mainly or solely in English
• Familiar curriculum
• Built-in school community
• School is used to people attending short-term

Remote schooling

Some students taking a family sabbatical might be able to take online classes through their home school district. After the Covid pandemic, many school systems recognized that some students prefer remote, asynchronous learning. 

Taking one remote class might be helpful if your child needs to keep up to speed on a certain subject.

For example, when we took a family sabbatical, our oldest daughter took a math class online through her school district. Doing so allowed her to return to high school in the US ready to progress to Calculus with her cohort. 

Find out if your school system offers this option and what the details are. 

• Must a student take a full set of courses, or can they take just one or two?
• Are the lessons asynchronous?
• What is the schedule of the school year?
• Is there any flexibility to account for your family’s travel plans?
• Would this be a good fit for your student?

Homeschooling

When families homeschool, parents set the curriculum, schedule, and learning environment for their children. Homeschooling during a family gap year can allow for greater flexibility than following a traditional curriculum. 

When homeschooling during a sabbatical, students usually study traditional academic subjects (math, science, social studies, and language arts). One benefit of homeschooling is that students have more time, flexibility, and support to explore electives based on their interests. 

Homeschooling parents often use a variety of resources, such as textbooks, online courses, Khan Academy, educational software, and materials from libraries and museums.

When making a homeschooling plan during a family gap year, it’s easy enough to choose online resources and visit museums and libraries during your travels. 

World schooling

World schooling means that children learn by experiencing and exploring the world around them.

Unlike a traditional classroom environment, world schooling involves learning about different cultures, languages, and lifestyles while traveling to different parts of the world. World schooling is similar to homeschooling, except that the world is your classroom. 

If you are world schooling with your children, you personalize the curriculum. Lessons can combine traditional academic subjects and experiential learning.

So a math lesson might involve visiting a traditional market, and an writing assignment might relate to a trip to historical sites. 

With world schooling, parents and kids can create a customized, well-rounded education that goes way beyond a textbook and prepares students for life in a globalized world.

World schooling promotes personal growth, creativity, and independence in students. It also lead to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diverse perspectives and cultures. 

Tips for taking a gap year with kids

Start planning far in advance.

Taking a family sabbatical takes so much time and logistical planning. For us it was a long term plan that we worked toward, even before we knew where we would end up going.

You really want to have they “why” and “what” of your trip in place early on, so you can work out the details.

After you know what your goals and priorities are and where you want to go, you can decide how long to spend in each place and exactly what you want to do there. 

If your kids are anxious about traveling, start preparing for a big trip long before you actually leave.

Build in down time

Travel is exhausting. Long-term travel can take you (and the rest of your family members) down to your last nerve. 

Build in flexible time for your kids to just relax. Some of my kids favorite memories are when we just let them watch TV all day and when we scrapped our touristy plans for the day so they could swim in our Airbnb pool all day. 

Downtime is important for the adults, too. Especially if you’re trying to get any work done on your trip or need to deal with any situations at home, you’ll need a break from travel. 

So go into the trip knowing that you’ll have to build in some slow days along the way. 

Be flexible

Be open to changing your plans. If your kids suddenly develop a new interest in an unexpected topic, find out all you can about that topic and go see all the related sites.

Allow space for serendipity

If you hear about a tour you really want to take, find a way to fit it in. If you see a sign for live music, go check it out.

Anticipate some not-so-great days

When it comes to your family’s moods and health, allow for flexibility. If someone has a headache, no one will have fond memories of the day you made everyone go hiking all day. 

On a long trip, you’ll inevitably face some bad weather, so be ready with rain plans .

Expect culture shock

Long term travel is particularly tough when you experience cultures very different from what you’re used to in your home country. Being a long way from home can be hard on anyone, and sometimes it can be particularly tough on kids.

Things to do before you leave on a family Gap Year

As much planning as you’ll do, well in advance of your departure date, you’ll be a bit overwhelmed when you’re looking at the last few weeks before you leave the country. 

Here are the final things you’ll need to take care of before you leave for your family gap year. 

Handle your mail

This is a big one! We had a friend stop by our house periodically and go through our mail for any surprise bills or important letters. 

You can also use a service like PostScanMail , which scans your mail and emails it to you.

Be able to access money and pay bills

Confirm that your debit and credit cards will work where you’re traveling. Be sure and let your bank and credit card companies know you’ll be traveling. 

Set up automatic bill pay or add your bills to your bank account’s direct payment system, so you can pay bills from anywhere in the world. 

Consider adding a trusted friend or family member to your bank account, or leaving them with a few signed checks, just in case they need to take care of any expenses while you’re away. 

Doctor and Dentist appointments

Take everyone to the doctor for a check-up and any necessary vaccinations. Go to the dentist for a check-up and a cleaning before you go. 

Refill prescriptions

At the doctor’s office, get refills for any prescriptions you might need. Also, get a paper copy of each prescription to take with you. Find out how to refill medications where you’ll be when you run out. 

Withdraw from School

Find out what you need to do to withdraw from school.

Also be sure you understand what you need to do for your kids to get credit for their schooling while you’re traveling. This is more of an issue for high-school aged kids, but it’s better to check in advance. 

Make copies of important documents

Scan and copy your passports, birth certificates, and visas. Save them in the cloud so you can access the copies if you lose the originals. 

Give copies of your wills to your emergency contact, just in case. 

Designate an emergency contact

Choose a family member or friend who will be the point of contact in an emergency. Make sure all family members know their phone number, even the kids. 

Cancel memberships/subscriptions

Cancel your gym membership, any subscription boxes, Amazon pantry subscriptions, and anything else that’s a recurring charge. 

Check your insurance

You might need a travel insurance policy. Check your regular health insurance and other insurance policies to see what kind of coverage they’ll offer you while you’re traveling. 

Confirm your initial reservations/plans

In all the excitement of getting ready for your travels, don’t forget to confirm your reservations for the start of your trip.

While you don’t need to have everything planned at this point, be sure you’ve made all the necessary arrangements for the first month of your travels. 

For family travel tips, check out these 90 smart travel hacks for traveling with your kids .

Final thoughts on family gap year ideas

If you’re thinking about taking a gap year with your family, you won’t regret it. A gap year with kids might be the most challenging type of travel you’ve ever planned, but it will be absolutely worth it. 

I know that the sabbatical with my family in Australia was the best thing we could have done, for all of us.

We adults had a break from our everyday lives, my husband got to focus on his research work, and our kids got to explore Australian culture every day we were there. We all had an incredible time.

My last two bits of advice are:

• Go. Make this happen! You absolutely will not regret taking a family sabbatical. 
• On the days when you are exhausted and might be wondering why you did this, take a deep breath and appreciate the fact that you are exploring the world with your kids. Even when it feels stressful and overwhelming, just enjoy this amazing opportunity with your family . 

I hope you find these sabbatical ideas for families and tips for planning family sabbaticals useful. Check out some of my favorite travel hacks to help make your trip go more smoothly.

If you have any thoughts you want to share, please send me an email! 

I’m a traveler at heart. I’ve been an exchange student, roadtripped across the US, backpacked around Europe, and lived in Australia with my family. Sharing tips and inspiration with you, so you can travel bravely too!

Similar Posts

Best Family Vacations with Teens: Tips, Destinations & More

Are you planning a family vacation with teens and wondering how to make the most of your trip? Are…

How to Hike with a Toddler and Have Fun: 15 Tips

Do you want to hike with your toddler? Read on for the best advice and tips about hiking with…

How to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane: Best Tips & Activities

Are you looking for ways to entertain a toddler on a plane? This post is full of fantastic tips,…

Travel with Baby: 232 Best Baby Instagram Captions & Quotes

Looking for just the right insta caption for your travels with baby? I’ve got a collection of the perfect…

Great Airplane Snacks for Toddlers & Kids for Happy Flying

Are you looking for the best airplane snacks for toddlers and kids? This post is packed with great ideas…

82 Baby Travel Essentials You Won’t Regret Packing

Are you wondering what baby traveling essentials you need to pack when you travel with your baby? This post…

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

The student gap year is evolving — and travel with purpose is more popular than ever

From enhancing a CV to benefitting a local community or travelling with purpose, the motives for students to take a gap year are increasingly nuanced.

For decades, the gap year recipe remained virtually unchanged: cheap hostels, all-night parties, banana pancakes and months spent ‘finding yourself’. Throw in some bungee jumping, quad biking and moped riding, along with days doing not very much, and you quickly paint the stereotypical picture of the fabled ‘year out’ of old.

The gap year travellers of today, though, are far more likely to be found doing   sunrise yoga on a beach before a day of volunteering. Evenings are less about getting blind drunk and more about   sitting around a campfire, herbal tea bubbling away on a stove, discussing the day’s work.

Once synonymous with those taking a break between A-levels and university, or after a degree, the gap year has evolved into a catch-all that includes anyone seeking an escape before joining the workforce. And according to Student Universe, the world’s largest youth travel agency, the post-pandemic era has seen the biggest shift in students’ desire and motivation to travel in 50 years.

While pure ‘leisure’ — fly and flop, adventure tours and festivals — still has a place in the market, the prevailing trend among gap year students is for educational or vocational trips.

“Their main goal is to do something ethical and responsible,” says Milly Whitehead, co-founder of specialist gap year travel company The Leap. “We’ve seen a huge growth in the demand for volunteering programmes and trips that have a proper structured itinerary.  

“They’re so much more discerning and into the fine detail of what a trip will involve than what we’ve seen in the past. The aim really is for a year out to add something to the future value of their CV and their UCAS [Universities and Colleges Admissions Service] form.”

It is a stark change from even a decade ago, Whitehead says, when most gap year travellers were happy flitting about until the kitty dried up and it was time to fly home.Her assessment is consistent with the findings of The State of Student and Youth Travel in 2024, the latest annual report by Student Universe. It surveyed 6,000 members of Generation Z — generally defined as those born between the mid-1990s and the late-2000s — in the UK, US, Canada and Australia to assess their motives for travel.

It suggested 79% would embark on a trip with the main intention being that the experience would make them more employable. It’s a theme that runs through the report: around 87% believed vocational travel would improve their employability, while 86% said they’d sign up to volunteer on a project related to their ideal future career path.

Jemma Gore-Booth, 21, says about half her year group at Emanuel School in southwest London decided to take a gap year before going to university. “Taking a gap year was common,” she says. “Of my nine closest friends, five travelled. I worked as a teaching assistant in London to build up funds and then started with a month in Sri Lanka volunteering as an English teacher before travelling to Thailand and Vietnam.”

When Gore-Booth set off for her year abroad in 2021, there were still strict Covid protocols in place, especially in Asia, and the looming threat of further restrictions. Such risks, she says, still made it a more attractive proposition than online learning, plus she’d always intended to take a year out. “I really didn’t want to do any of my university degree online, but I was also nervous about the travel situation,” she says.

Gore-Booth is far from alone. Latest figures reveal that a record number of British teenagers who studied for GCSE and A-levels through the pandemic opted to take a gap year before starting further education. Figures from UCAS, released last summer when A-level results were published, showed more than 73,000 students applied to defer their place for a   year — an increase of almost 10% compared to the previous year.

Jump around

One of the biggest shifts Whitehead has seen in the 20 years since she and her husband Guy founded The Leap is the pace at which people want to travel. “It really needs to be pacy to keep everybody focused and energised,” she says. “Heaven knows how we kept people entertained for eight weeks back in the day. It was more go and teach in a school in the morning, maybe do something else in the afternoon… but all much slower. That just doesn’t wash now.” These days, she adds, “it has to be ‘bang, bang, bang’: a variety of projects, a variety of adventures. Every day has to be different.”

Experiences offered by The Leap include volunteering with organisations such as Oceans Alive Trust, a non-profit organisation that works to halt coral loss and boost fish stocks; beach cleaning in Costa Rica; or assisting with a community reforestation project in Barichara, Columbia.   Most programmes average about five weeks and include language learning alongside training in a skill, such as diving.

The demand for more structured programmes is a trend that Student Universe is also adapting to. “That desire of younger travellers to think ‘I’ll get on a flight and see where life   takes me’ has shifted somewhat,” says Sam Willan, vice president of global marketing. “Maybe it was blissful ignorance, but now our travellers definitely want to feel more looked after.”

Willan says the company has also seen a gradual move towards young people taking several shorter trips over the course of a gap year, as opposed to one long adventure. These typically follow a similar pattern: a learning holiday, a working or volunteering trip and then travelling.

“It all comes down to career development again,” he says. “There’s a real drive among gappers to end up with experiences that will bolster their CV while building themselves as culturally aware, well-rounded individuals.” When participants in the The State of Student and Youth Travel in 2024 were asked ‘what appeals to you about taking a vacation?’, partying and clubbing came bottom, with just 21% of the 6,000 respondents selecting it. Top of the list was sightseeing and city activities (70%) followed by experiencing different cultures (68%) and relaxing and rejuvenating (61%).

According to Willan, gap year operators are also reporting subtle shifts in the countries gappers are choosing, with former staples in Southeast Asia — notably Laos, Thailand and Vietnam — losing some of their lustre and the likes of India, South Africa, Brazil and Peru on the rise.  

Whitehead reports a similar trend, with destinations that were among the first to lift Covid border restrictions benefitting from a rise in student travellers. “Central and South America were the first to reopen after the pandemic and really started the drumbeat,” she says. “What we’ve seen is that as more students have travelled there in recent years, word of mouth has followed through year groups.

“There’s a feeling they offer more contrast geographically than Southeast Asia. Take Peru, you can be in the Andes one day, on the Amazon the next and on Rainbow Mountain the day after.”

For working trips, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the standout, thanks in part to their Commonwealth status, which opens doors to young travellers from the UK, according to Jenza, a travel agency specialising in working holidays.

Last year the UK signed agreements with all three countries to expand the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, increasing the age limit from 30 to 35 and the maximum length of stays from two to three years.

“Working holidays are more accessible to today’s youth, as they break down what’s undoubtedly the biggest barrier to entry: money,” says Lucy Lynch at Jenza. Options for students today are, however, more limited than they were. Villa staff, chalet boys and girls, resort reps, childminders and sailing instructors were the mainstay of British package holidays and extremely popular gap year jobs — until Brexit.

The UK’s departure from the EU cut off the ability for young people in the country to easily work overseas and reduced the number of services available to holidaymakers. A recent report by trade bodies ABTA and Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT) revealed the number of Britons fulfilling tourism roles overseas has fallen from 11,970 in 2017 to just 3,700 in 2023.

This, SBiT says, has a disproportionately greater effect on young people, who’ve traditionally filled such seasonal jobs — working for holiday companies in a year off, say, or during the summer break.   It’s also had a huge impact on chalet holidays, beloved of British skiers, which relied heavily on gap year staff who were happy to work for less money in return for bed, board and a lift pass for the season.

Charles Owen, managing director of SBiT, says: “It’s proving tremendously difficult to employ the UK staff we need to run our businesses in the EU. In some countries, it’s a mountain of complex paperwork, delays and extra costs that need to be overcome; in others, there isn’t really a workable route.”

ABTA is calling for an enhanced seasonal mobility agreement between the UK and EU for tourism workers, as current arrangements apply only to certain roles and limit stays to 90 days. It’s also calling on the UK   government to work to extend the Youth Mobility Scheme to the EU.

“There’s nothing stopping us doing this,” says Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA. “It is mutually beneficial, not least for the individuals who take part   in the scheme and get to live and work overseas. Critically, it’s not part of the wider immigration regime. The mobility scheme doesn’t confer any longer-term rights to remain for those that have taken part.”

Many people in the travel sector are hoping that a change in government will pave the way for a closer relationship with the EU and forge a route for young Britons to work in the bloc without expensive, bureaucratic hurdles, which most travel companies can’t afford. SBiT estimates the cost of recruiting a young person from the UK for seasonal work in France (the most popular ski destination for the UK) has risen by £880.

One of the biggest decisions gap year students face is how to fund their overseas adventure. Research by recruitment agency Teaching Abroad found that one in five young people rely on parents to help pay for a year abroad. Others, however, are more self-reliant. Minnie Fisher, 18, is currently on a five-month trip taking in New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia. She’s paid for the trip by working from last summer until leaving in January this year.

“It was hard work but worth it,” she says from Nusa Penida, an Indonesian island near Bali. “After finishing my A-levels last year, I worked pretty much full time in a local cafe and I also did lots of babysitting, too. I saved up £11,000 in all. We used £3,000 for flights and I left with £8,000 in the bank, although I really want to end the trip with at least £2,000 left over.”

Gore-Booth is also planning another year out once she finishes her degree at Newcastle University.“No matter what, it would have to involve some element of earning money,” she says. “I’d also want it to contribute in some way to my CV and future work. I’m thinking I’ll do a TEFL [Teaching English as a Foreign Language] course and then go teach English somewhere like Vietnam. I think that would be a brilliant experience.”

Related Topics

• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• VOLUNTEERING
• VOLUNTOURISM

You May Also Like

Can tourism help recovery after a disaster?

Saving our shores: coastal conservation projects making positive change

Become a subscriber and support our award-winning editorial features, videos, photography, and more—for as little as $2/mo.

Why voluntourism still matters and how you can make a difference

What does it take to become a saint in the modern age?

Stay overnight at this lighthouse—a thrilling 32 miles out to sea

Why do we blindly follow trends—even when they’re bad for us?

Scotland could become first ‘rewilded’ nation—what does that mean?

• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Get tips to avoid decisions that may decrease your Social Security benefits at our free webinar Sept. 19.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP 

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products, hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

• AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• Members Edition
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

AARP Hearing Center

Advice on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Your Health

What to Know About Vaccines

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

25 Ways to Get a Flatter Stomach

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Camping and RV Ideas

Fun Camping and RV Journeys

Exploration

25 Great Ways to Explore

Train Travel

How to Find Great Train Deals

AARP National Park Guide

Travel to Pinnacles in California

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

TV for Grownups

Fall TV Preview

Kevin Costner’s Big Bet

Looking Back

Take Our ’80s Music Quiz

Sex & Dating

7 Dating Dos and 7 Don'ts

Get Happier

Creating Social Connections

Friends & Family

Veterinarians May Use AI to Treat Pets

Home Technology

What's Inside Your Smartphone

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Creative Ways to Store Your Pets Gear

Meals to Make in the Microwave

Wearing Shoes Inside: Pros vs. Cons

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Clean Your Car

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

What to Know About a Golden Gap Year — and How to Take One

Traveling for a year can help bring clarity to transitional life phases.

Cheryl Maguire,

When her marriage ended, Camille Rae, at 53, was searching for answers.

“Sometimes when you’re thrown into one of these storms in life, you’re just not quite sure which way to turn next,” she explains. While researching ways of coping with her new circumstances, she found a podcast about how to reboot your life — the concept is based on rebooting a computer. She liked the idea of starting over and decided to spend a year traveling.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 

Now 56, she says, “The physical distance gave me the perspective and the clarity that I needed. So that when I did come home, I really did feel like I had that reboot.”

Rae is one of many people who embarked on a golden gap year. Like a traditional gap year taken by high school graduates before entering college, a golden gap year is when you dedicate time to your personal growth through travel at age 50 or older. Taking a golden gap year can be considered a luxury, as a survey of nearly 4,600 people ages 18 and up, conducted for Northwestern Mutual by the Harris Poll, found an average nest egg of $88,400 . Yet, many Americans say they will need nearly $1.5 million to retire.

“The idea is to find a new spark in life, and it’s often a great thing to do during a transition,” says Doni Belau, 61, the founder of the travel company Girls’ Guide to the World. “There’s a clarity that comes to you when you go away,” she says.

Aiden Freeborn, the senior editor of The Broke Backpacker, noticed the trend of taking a golden gap year while organizing group trips to Pakistan around 2019. “It was more common to find people who were [in their] 50s [and] in [their] 60s backpacking into places where we were,” he says.

This may be due to different factors. After the pandemic people realized the importance of traveling now instead of waiting, explains Sarah-Leigh Shenton, director of marketing at travel company Red Savannah. She adds that people tend to be more active later in life as well. Another factor in the move toward taking a golden gap year is due to the changes in how people retire. “Whatever your idea of an old-fashioned retirement is, it doesn’t sound fulfilling to most of us,” says Belau. She explains that instead of moving to a warmer climate to retire , many people are interested in traveling and having adventures.

An additional difference in retirement is the extended time frame. “People are gradually retiring now. They’re not just stopping at a certain day,” says Angela Rice, the cofounder of Boutique Travel Advisors. This change allows more opportunities for longer periods of travel and a chance to figure out how you want to retire during this transition phase. There are also more people retiring now , with about 4.1 million Americans expected to reach the traditional retirement age of 65 this year, according to the Alliance for Lifetime Income.

We spoke to travel experts who offered their advice on how to have a successful journey during your golden gap year.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

1. Create a mission statement

Many people embark on a golden gap year of travel during a transitional period in their life in hopes of figuring out their next steps for retirement or from a change in relationship, such as divorce or death of a partner. One way to help achieve your goals during this time is to create a mission statement that defines your purpose and provides “a guiding light for the year,” Belau says.

2. Meet up with friends and family during your year of travel

If you haven’t seen some of your friends or family in a while, planning to meet up with them during your year of travel is a great way to reconnect. Research has shown that connecting with friends can help improve your quality of life, so incorporating them into your trip may enrich your journey. While planning her trip, Rae intentionally stopped along the way to see friends.

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

3. Consider downsizing before your trip

Downsizing to a smaller home and decluttering before your trip will mean that you will have less to worry about while you are away. “I literally got rid of everything. It was quite a liberating experience,” Freeborn says.

4. Understand your travel personality

Traveling usually involves getting out of your comfort zone. There are different types of travel to match your personality , such as adventure or wellness . Consider these options and your personality when planning your trip. If you are unsure about your travel personality, you can take an online test to figure it out.

Freeborn says a key personality trait when traveling for extended time periods is being open to trying new experiences. “If you’re someone who’s very closed off and into your routine and into your preconceived worldview then you’re probably not going to like [travel] that much,” he says. He adds that patience and a willingness to sometimes forgo comfort is also beneficial.

5. Budget for emergencies and serendipity

Before traveling, create a budget for the year. While doing so “you probably want to have a little extra money in your bank account in case you need to come home unexpectedly,” Rae says. Also, consider setting aside money for splurging on unexpected experiences. “If the budget is planned properly, it will cover the costs of the journey, but it will also allow for serendipity to kind of step in and present a few wonderful opportunities along the way,” Shenton says.

One way to save money through the travel year is on your accommodations. Freeborn explains that even though most people consider hostels to be for younger people, there are hostels that cater to people who are interested in sleeping instead of partying. He suggests searching hostel descriptions for words such as “quiet” or using travel websites that review hostels and explain their target demographics.

6. Research visas and travel or medical insurance

If you are traveling outside of your home country for an extended period, research necessary visas and fees for each country you plan to visit. Next year, Belau says, Europe is going to require U.S. citizens to get a travel authorization, or European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) access. You might need to apply for visas for some countries about 30 days before you travel there, she says.

You also want to have travel or medical insurance . Rae says that while she was in Vietnam, a woman fell and required surgery. “Make sure that you’re prepared in case something does happen,” she says.

7. Document your journey through journaling

During your trip you can journal about your experiences. “It’s a really good historical record, as well as [a] personal record,” says Shenton. You can share your journal with your friends and family when you return from your trip and also refer to it for your memorable experiences.

Cheryl Maguire is a freelance writer whose work has been published in The New York Times , National Geographic , The Washington Post , The Boston Globe , Parents Magazine , Healthline and many other publications. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. 

Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition

Already a Member? Login

MORE FROM AARP

Traveler’s Guide to Portugal: Should You Retire Here? 

Before you make retirement plans, take a vacation to get to know the country 

4 Second Honeymoon Destinations Abroad

AARP Smart Guide to International Travel

Everything you need to plan your trip abroad 

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid from location

Enter a valid to location

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid destination location

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid date

You didn't specify child's age

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid From location

Enter a valid start date

Please select a Pick Up Time from the list

Enter a valid drop location

Enter a valid drop off date

Please select Drop Off Time from the list

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid going to location

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

Benefits Recommended For You

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

• TEFL Job Board
• Partnerships
• Fundraising
• Sustainable Tourism
• Volunteering
• Travel Insurance
• Student Travel
• Child Protection Policy

TALK TRAVEL 1800 330 837

VIETNAM UNEARTHED

11 Days | $2195

TEACH & TRAVEL

Get TEFL qualified and find your new path teaching English abroad.

SKI INTERNSHIPS ABROAD

Ski Instructor Internships with GUARANTEED Job Offers.

CAMBODIA | BUILDING BLOCKS

Build a house for a severely poor family, then provide a helping hand at one of Cambodia’s most important children centres.

CAMBODIA | BUILDING BLOCKS:  Limited places still available on our December Adventure!

More than travel.

Not just another travel company. We are a social enterprise that partner’s forward-thinking travellers with unique Adventures designed to give back to the communities in which we operate. At the forefront of a global movement towards sustainable tourism; we offer some of the most unique, off the beaten path & sustainable travel experiences available anywhere in the world.

TRAVEL. WORK. VOLUNTEER.

Just like any true Adventure, having options is essential. We offer a variety of gap year & travel solutions to meet any desired Adventure. Whether you want to work abroad, volunteer, or head off on an epic travel adventure, we’ve got plenty of ideas to satisfy your wanderlust.

ADVENTURE ARCHITECTS

We deliver complete end-to-end travel solutions to help you create the complete gap year Adventure. Need flights booked? Our in-house flight gurus have you covered. Searching for the best deals on travel insurance? Look no further. By taking all the guesswork out of planning your upcoming Adventure you can spend more time focusing on more important things, like what to pack!

Not just another travel company. We are a social enterprise that partner’s forward-thinking travellers with unique Adventures designed give back to the communities in which we operate. At the forefront of a global movement towards sustainable tourism; we offer some of the most unique, off the beaten path & sustainable travel experiences available anywhere in the world.

Just like any true Adventure, having options is essential. We offer a variety of gap year & travel solutions to meet any desired Adventure. Whether you want to work abroad, volunteer in Asia, or head off on an epic Adventure tour somewhere different, we’ve got bundles of ideas to satisfy your wanderlust.

Top Adventures

From the horse’s mouth.

Don’t believe us? Here’s what our previous adventurers say.

I want to thank the MGY team for the amazing experience! 4 weeks volunteering flew by and I never thought I'd be able to do something like this!

Tia, Sydney Australia

You are on the go from the very beginning. MyGapYear takes you on an adventure filled with laughter, smiles and an eye-opening experience everyone should do.

Athena, Sydney Australia

Be Inspired

Talk. Share. Inspire. Be Inspired. Connect with other travelers & follow our cyber Adventures for daily travel inspiration, giveaways, news on tours, and much more.

My Gap Year

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Volunteers Beware, Pandas are Sneaky!

Whew! What a Year!

PANDAmonuim

Van Sreyno – Surviving Human Trafficking

Forced to Eat Mice

TTT | The Tuk Tuk Effect

7 Travellers Tips For Visiting Cambodia

I fell in love when travelling.

A look into our Cambodia Building Blocks Adventure

3 things you shouldn’t forget on your South-East Asia Adventure

Talk travel, start your adventure today 1800 330 837 or email us [email protected], epic journeys. meaningful travel. paid work. gap year solutions..

Our team of passionate travelers live & breathe Adventure and can work with you to create the ultimate gap year Adventure. Call us now and start your Adventure today!

First Name (required)

Email (required)

Last Name (required)

Phone Number

6 Potential Cons of Taking a Gap Year (And Why They're Okay)

Jessica grew up in California, where she learned to love the beach and sunny weather...and then s...

• button]:border-none [&>button]:bg-white [&>button]:hover:cursor-pointer [&>button]:hover:text-cyan-400"> button]:hover:text-cyan-400 [&>button]:bg-white hover:cursor-pointer" height="1em" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

A gap year can be an amazing experience. Extended travel is a great way to see the world and learn more about yourself. Taking an entire year gives you time to think and figure out more about what you want in life. And you’ll have incredible adventures throughout the year!

So why are gap years so controversial?

Gap years are awesome!

You might’ve heard a bit about why gap years are bad, but there are many misconceptions and fears about taking a gap year. Most concerns about taking a gap year are valid in one way or another. It’s definitely important to consider all concerns, and benefits, of a gap year before committing to an entire year abroad. The cons of a gap year are real and valid, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take one. The pros are just as real, and beneficial to boot! 

Knowing the pros doesn’t just make the cons vanish from your mind, and we get that! Here are some of the most common potential cons of taking a gap year, and why they’re okay.

Why gap years are bad (er, can be)

1. the con: gap years can be expensive..

From flights to housing to program fees and food, there are a lot of budget considerations to take into account during a gap year. It can add up quick! Depending on the type of gap year travel you choose, you could be looking at some sizeable costs. And while you’re reveling in your newfound freedom from high school, it’s not like you’re made of cash! The costs of a gap year can be a little intimidating. We get it.

Saving up for a gap year can be hard.

Why it’s okay: It’s worth the cost! (And there are tons of ways to cut costs).

Gap years are sometimes expensive, but the gap year benefits make it totally and completely worth it. If you have to spend money on something expensive, it might as well be on an amazing experience that will help define and shape you for years to come . You aren’t wasting money on the latest fad or iPhone; you are investing in yourself and your future.

Plus, there are tons of ways to cut costs and fundraise . Starting from scratch with funds is hard, but not impossible. And there are gap year options for programs that are cheaper to begin with! With a little luck and a lot of research, you’ll be able to keep gap year costs low, no problemo!

2. The Con: You might be totally on your own.

Being away from home for the first time is something every person has to go through eventually. But most eighteen-year-olds go through this at college, surrounded by familiar culture and food, with their family just a phone call away. Having this experience during a gap year can be a bit different.

Traveling alone might be hard at first and that’s okay!

You’ll likely be in a totally different country, which means unfamiliar culture and no comfort foods. Depending on where you go, you might not even be able to call your family and friends. You’re not just homesick, you’re also totally on your own . That’s a valid concern and something that can be scary for anyone.

Why it’s okay: You’ll learn a ton about yourself.

Being on your own means you’ll be forced to rely on yourself. Your independence and self confidence will skyrocket when you are 100% responsible for yourself. And being in new situations will help you learn a ton about yourself. By the end of your gap year, you’ll know how you are in a crisis or the best way for you to relax after a long day. 

Being on your own might be a little scary, but it’s not a totally bad thing. Feeling nervous means that you’re aware of the possible emotional complications that come with being on your own. And that means you’ll be even more prepared to face and deal with them. You got this.

3. The Con: You might lose momentum.

Because gap years are tons of fun ;)

A really common fear among gap-year takers, and their friends and families, is that one year off will turn into another and another. It’s easy to get caught up in this fear and worry that you’ll never make anything of yourself if you dare to take a year off from school. When thinking of all the reasons why gap years are bad, this might come up, and that’s okay!

Why it’s okay: The statistics don’t back this up.

While this is a common fear, it’s just not backed up by statistics. Gap Year Association statistics show that “ 90 percent of students who took a gap year returned to college within a year .” Another source, Joe O'Shea's book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs says that "economic researchers found that high school students who deferred their admission to college to take a Gap Year went to college (after their gap year) at the same rate as those who accepted an offer and intended to go straight there.” 

So while it’s good to be aware of this con, cut yourself a little bit of slack. The stats aren’t there and if you want to go back to college, you will! :)

4. The Con: It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.

Choosing to take a gap year of travel means you’ll probably be starting college a year later than your peers. You might see your friends posting pictures of their new dorm rooms or tweeting about their first college classes. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when people you know are moving forward with college. 

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, but you aren’t!

And once you do start college, you’ll be a year older. You’ll also graduate a year later than everyone else. It’s possible that your career might begin a bit later as a result. Taking a year off will logically delay everything else by a year, and it’s easy to feel like this puts you at a disadvantage.

Why it’s okay: You’re recharging while boosting your resume!

Thinking of a gap year as “delaying college” sounds negative, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people need the time off from school. After twelve years of schooling, it’s normal and even healthy to delay college and take some time away from your academic career to rest up and recharge.

And, while a gap year will delay your college experience by a year, it will also boost your college performance and future career. Claire Crawford and Jonathan Cribb, of the Institute for Fiscal Studies through the Centre for Analysis of Youth Transitions, did a study on gap years . They found that, in the United Kingdom and in the United States, students who took a gap year were more likely to graduate with a higher GPA than observationally identical individuals who went straight to college. 

Taking a gap year actually prepares you for college.

Depending on how you spend your gap year, it can also boost your resume! Employers want to know that you’re well-rounded and know how to balance your life. Taking a year to volunteer with children in Africa is more impressive than finishing college just a year earlier. Gap year benefits can do amazing things for your resume, so delaying school by a year is worth it!

5. The Con: It’s hard to keep in touch with friends.

Graduating high school already means potentially moving away from friends. And going on a gap year means you’ll be even further away from your friends. It’s hard enough to keep in touch when you’re at different colleges, much less different countries! This con might sound silly out loud, but these are the people you’ve spent hours laughing and bonding with for years prior, and the possibility of losing your connection with them can be a really scary.  

Why it’s okay: The friendships that really matter will last. And you’ll make a ton of new friends!

This con is valid because of the deep connection you’ve developed with your friends, but the truly genuine friendships will last through the years. Through busy schedules, college, and even gap years, the friendships that really matter will last. Plus, with today’s technology, you can keep sharing jokes and moments from a thousand miles apart.

You’ll meet tons of awesome people during your gap year.

Whichever path you choose for your gap year travel is bound to bring people with similar interests into your life. Whether its bonding with other volunteers or bumping into a fellow traveler at a themed restaurant, you’ll meet tons of new friends while traveling abroad for your gap year. So, while some friendships from back home might fade, you’ll be out making new connections and friendships abroad! 

6. The Con: Gap years require a ton of extra planning.

When thinking about the cons of taking a gap year, this one definitely comes to mind. Taking a gap year is a huge decision with endless possibilities. You could volunteer abroad or try an internship somewhere! You could backpack around on your own or take a pre-planned group trip. You could take just a few months or take the entire year. There are so many ways to personalize your “gap year” experience, and all of them require planning.

You’ll have to decide where you want to volunteer and for how long. You’ll get to plan your entire backpacking route. While it’s exciting to plan, it can also be really overwhelming. A gap year is supposed to be an escape from normal life, right? So why can’t it be an escape from planning and making tons of decisions too?

The Reality? Planning means you’re making your own decisions. 

The world is your oyster!

You’ve spent the last 18 years of your life trying to make your own decisions and plans. But, as a teenager, you don’t always have the freedom or ability to do exactly what you want to do. Planning a gap year gives you the chance to do just that.

Have you always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower? You can plan your gap year around that, without having to account for anybody else’s wishes. Is spending the night in a hammock in the rainforest a secret dream of yours? There’s programs to help make that happen. Want to spend your gap year in New Zealand learning how to be a fire dancer? Legitimately nobody is stopping you. ( Just be safe please :) )

So go crazy! Use your imagination, follow your dreams, and apply any other cliche advice you’ve always heard. Planning can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got resources up the wazoo to help you on your way. Your gap year options are endless and the sky is literally the limit. (Space program gap years aren’t a thing quite yet :(

[ View ALL Gap Year Programs ]

Trust us when we say: a gap year will be your most amazing travel experience yet.

Adventure is out there, waiting for you!

Taking a gap year is a big deal, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of taking a gap year before you commit to an entire year abroad. The cons are definitely valid, but so are the pros!

There are lots of awesome advice articles about gap years, but, when it comes down to it, you know what’s best for you personally. Regardless of the opinions of your friends and family, despite the potential obstacles, if you think a gap year is right for you, then just go! Get out of your head and don’t overthink it. You are an (brand new) adult with a good head on your shoulders, and a gap year has the potential to be the most amazing adventure of your life so far. It’ll shape your education, career, and personal development for the rest of your life. You know the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and you got this. 

Get Matched with 5 Gap Year Programs for FREE

Look for the Perfect Gap Year Program Now

Related Articles

By Elizabeth Gorga | July 10, 2024

By Jane Stine, M.Ed, JD | July 2, 2024

By Megan Lee | July 2, 2024

By Farryl Last | July 2, 2024

Popular Searches

Recommended programs.

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

1707 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

105 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Top Gap Year Providers

Popular opportunities to check out

Explore, Learn & Grow. Make the Voyage Your Own.

Experience new cultures, discover yourself, become a change-maker, customized gap year programs in costa rica, guatemala, peru, seamester study abroad and gap year voyages, hawaii / nz / australia semesters + internships in 22 countries, join our impactful gap year programs in africa, costa rica and more, welcome to the african impact family., take a gap year in south africa. reserve your place now, #1 gap year in 2024 - over 100 animal welfare programs worldwide, get tefl certified & explore the world as a paid english teacher, world’s #1 volunteer programs. 40+ countries from $20/day, dream destinations infused with vibrant culture & untamed nature, subscribe to our newsletter, travel resources, for partners, connect with us.

© Copyright 1998 - 2024 GoAbroad.com ®

• Study Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad
• Intern Abroad
• Teach Abroad
• TEFL Courses
• Degrees Abroad
• High School Abroad
• Language Schools
• Adventure Travel
• Jobs Abroad
• Online Study Abroad
• Online Volunteer Programs
• Online Internships
• Online Language Courses
• Online Teaching Jobs
• Online Jobs
• Online TEFL Courses
• Online Degree Programs