Make your gap year the best year of your life with our ultimate roadmap to adventure.
Read on for our useful checklist, and start exploring as soon as possible!
What are your goals?
Although this isn’t really the first step to kickstarting your gap year, young people travel abroad for many reasons. So, it’s wise to think about why you want to travel, and what your goals are for your gap-year travelling.
Do you want to be more independent? Are you looking to immerse yourself in different cultures and perspectives? Or do you simply want to have a good time? These are questions you should be asking, as they will influence the entire trip!
Where would you like to visit?
It is important to decide exactly where you would like to visit before taking off on your gap-year adventure. Choosing your location in advance means you will know how much money you must budget, which forms of transport you will have to use, and so on! Needless to say, this is the first step to getting your gap year started.
If you intend to book a trip with a single travel provider, it will also be important at this stage to carefully research your options, which might be greatly influenced by which specific parts of the world you have in mind for your gap-year travelling. Companies such as The Dragon Trip, for example, operate Asia group tours that enable you to explore the cherry blossoms in springtime Japan or the inspiring Himalayas in Nepal – to cite just some of the possibilities – in the company of others.
Plan your budget and save
When you know where you’re going, it’s time to plan your budget and save. How much are you setting aside for accommodation, transport, souvenirs, and food? Will you have to pay for a local guide or entry into different attractions? Be sure to save more money than you think you’ll need in case of any emergencies – some countries require payment or insurance for medical care, too.
Prioritise your health and vaccinations
Always prioritise your health and your vaccinations before travelling abroad. You should use a travel clinic that can advise you and give you the vaccinations you need at a convenient time for you. Each country’s government website often outlines clear vaccination requirements for international travel. Of course, when you choose a reputable group tour provider or holiday company, they can also advise you on what vaccination certificates you will need.
Pack smart
For backpacking adventures, which gap years often involve, you must pack smart. You can’t carry two suitcases with you everywhere – this would be a great inconvenience, and overshadow the joy of your trip!
Instead, pack a capsule wardrobe tailored to your destinations and activities. Choose clothes that are versatile, a small range of essential toiletries, and any specific equipment or sports gear that’s non-negotiable for your trip.
Invest in travel insurance
Young travellers often overlook the cost of travel insurance for their gap year – more often than not, the common belief is that you don’t need it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In case of an emergency, and medical treatment or even an evacuation is required, travel insurance could save you an unfathomable amount of money! Travel insurance is also important in case you lose your luggage or things get stolen, and you’ll be reimbursed fully for any financial loss.
Create a list of emergency contacts
Talking about emergencies, it’s important to compile a list of emergency contacts during your travels. Note down local embassy details, any healthcare providers, and the numbers of your loved ones back home. Keep a copy of these notes with you, and don’t forget to share this information with your family and friends.
Check your passport
Before you even think about a gap year, remember to check that your passport’s up to date! You don’t want to reach a border before the trip of a lifetime, and be unable to embark on your gap year. Though, we recommend checking that all your important documents are in date. This includes visas and insurance policies, which can also act as an obstacle to your trip abroad.
Most of all, always have a contingency plan!
If your choice of transportation doesn’t work out – for example, a taxi or bus doesn’t turn up, or your accommodation isn’t what you thought it was… – always have a contingency plan.
If your bus doesn’t appear, have a local taxi rank on speed dial. Keep a list of local accommodations or hostels that you’d prefer if your current one falters, and do this for everything related to your trip – including restaurants, museums or other cultural destinations.
This basic checklist is a great start for organising a gap-year travel experience that runs as smoothly as possible. With these preparations done, you will be in the best possible position to enjoy every minute of your gap year!
*This is a collaborative post
