Your Traveling Gap Year Crash Course

Seniors—at this point, you’re probably getting SO tired of people asking you what your plans are after graduation. If you actually have it figured out, we commend you, but most of us don’t have an answer to that question yet. And that’s okay. If you’re feeling like you really aren’t ready to be an adult yet and are thinking through other options, you’re in the right place. We wanna tell you a little bit about taking a gap year, what you need to know before you embark and some insider tips on how to make it work. 

Your future self is calling, and she said to take that gap year. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld

Deciding to take a year off to see new places, try new things,and get more in touch with yourself sounds glamorous, but it takes a lot of behind the scenes planning, strategic thinking and resources. It’s not realistic for everyone to take a gap year, but if you feel like it’s a good fit for you then we’re here to help you plan and save, because the sad truth is travel does not come cheap. 

First of all, there are plenty of jobs out there that aren’t “job jobs” that still fit into the spirit of being slightly rebellious. You can look into bartending, waiting tables or being a barista for starters!

If you can’t find a job or are moving around too much to get one, odd jobs are going to become your new best friend. We’re talking house sitting, pet sitting, babysitting… any gig you can have temporarily that pays fairly well. Joining a site like Rover is a great place to start making connections and finding work. Bonus points if you can snag a job that gets you off a friend’s couch or out of a hotel for a few nights during your adventures! Which leads us into our next point…

Pics or it didn’t happen, right? Missing you, Paris! Photo by Ali Scheinfeld

Master the art of couch surfing. Your college friend group is likely going to spread out after graduation, so use that to your advantage. Ask your family and friends if you can visit them, and keep a running list of places you know you’ll be able to stay. If you can secure a spot on someone’s couch before you hit the road, you’ll save yourself so much money in the long run. Plus you’ll have someone to show you around whatever area you’re in! Reach out to anyone and everyone you’d feel safe staying with and just see what happens, you’d be surprised how excited people get to have visitors. 

BRB—dreaming of here. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld

Next, it’s all about the budget. Sustaining yourself during your gap year will be so much easier if you lay out a financial plan and stick to it religiously. Outline how much you’re willing to spend on transportation, food, living costs, experiences, etc.

Be realistic with yourself regarding how much money you have in your bank account, how much you’re able to make, and what your future plans look like. When you plan a trip, map out specific numbers on how much you can spend during your time there, and stick with it no matter how tempting it may be to stray. Don’t forget to leave yourself a little cushion in case a once in a lifetime experience pops up because you won’t want to miss it. 

When you have a strict budget, sometimes you’ll have to hold off on certain experiences until the time is right. Flexibility is a trait you’ll want to practice. Most of the time, plane tickets will jump down in price a day or two before the flight and, if you’re willing to be spontaneous, you can save a lot of money. If you check ticket prices regularly, you’ll start to pick up on patterns and will be one step closer to checking one of your dream trips off your wishlist. 

Have you ever seen a more picturesque panoramic? Neither have we. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld

These tips are just a few ways you can make the idea of taking a traveling gap year more attainable, but there are so many more, and it really just comes down to what works for you. Taking a gap year is definitely not a decision you’ll regret, and it’s really one of the few chances in life where it’s acceptable to put everything on hold to see the world, focus on yourself, and try new things. If you feel like it’s right for you, it most likely is.

So, be confident in your decision and have the year of your life. Oh, and take lots of pictures!

Featured image taken by Ali Scheinfeld.