A gap year is an excellent way to spread your wings that I think every young adult needs at one stage in your life or another. Sooner or later, we all get caught up into busy schedules and plans that don’t afford the kind of time you have now. So make sure you don’t waste that time. This article is going to look at ways to make your gap year an experience you’ll gladly remember for the rest of your life.
Getting around
Before you go, you need to know how you’re getting around and plan accordingly. Whether you’re alone or with friends, different methods have different benefits. Backpacking and cycling afford you a lot of freedom, as well as being good for you. At the same time, vacationing with an RV can take you a lot further with all the comforts of home.
Know where you’re going
It’s an adventure, yes. But adventures can very quickly turn into disasters if you haven’t thought them through enough. Nowhere else does this ring true than the different stops you’ll be making on the trip. There are a lot of fantastic routes through Europe. Just make sure that you have the info on the food, gas and rest stops you need.
Have people to meet
Whether you’re with friends or on your own (especially if you’re on your own), meeting new people while travelling is a blessing. Don’t miss all of those little organic possibilities to have a drink with a local or chat to the people at your stops. Being cautious when travelling is good, but that doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself. There are even apps you can use to meet people while travelling.
Make it unique
You want to focus on making your big gap year trip fun and worthwhile. So looking at some of the more unique gap year options can help you make sure that’s the case. Don’t just stick to the roads, for example. Hit up some prime skiing destinations in the Alps. If you have the opportunity, take some time to stop and volunteer with local organizations. Look for the opportunities that involve more than just travelling and sightseeing. It will be well worth it.
Stick to a budget
At the same time that you want to explore, you want to make sure that you finish your trip. No-one likes being cut short and having to go home early. So whatever money you have prepared, make a budget for it. Do your research on the costs of each destination and split your money accordingly.
Remember to keep memories of it all
Your gap year might be an unforgettable trip over all. However, it’s full of little moments and happenings that could slip through the cracks if you let them. Finding ways to record your trip not only gives you something to do, as well as something to look back on. It can make you a little more creative in finding those opportunities to record.
