Planning Your Gap Year Abroad

26 Jan

You're thinking about taking a gap year? It’s a fantastic thing to do, wherever and however you do it, and it doesn’t have to be for a year, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and we at GAFV make a gap year affordable. Whatever you may dream of doing, we are happy to give you time to advise you, as proper planning can make all the difference to having a positive experience and memories. Taking some time to plan ahead before you go, and to continue whilst you are away, will help you manage your experiences, finances, and personal resources. With a little effort upfront, you can ensure that you make the most of your time and make it an adventure.

Key Considerations

Book your free Gap Year discovery planning calls today

Download your free Gap Year Budget tracker (MS Excel)

Download your free Gap Year Check List (MS Word)

Setting Goals for Your Gap Year

Good planning relies on asking yourself some good questions. Here are some that are key to planning:

What do I want to do during my gap year?
Where do I want to go?
Why am I taking this gap year in the first place?
Should I make a checklist of goals?
Does it really have to be a full year, or would a shorter timeframe work better?
Am I traveling solo, with friends, or through an agency? Would volunteering provide extra support in each country?
Do I have any professional qualifications (like teaching or medical skills) that could help me find work or volunteer opportunities? Can I buold websites, and work form anywhere?
Can I offer skills such as website development or hospitality work in exchange for accommodation?

Budgeting:

Your budget will shape everything—where you go, how you travel, how long you stay in a place, and how long you can stay away for.

Defining Your Goals:

Clarify what you want to get out of your gap year so you can prioritize your time and money.

Research:

Don't just rely on Instagram or guidebooks. If you can, get firsthand advice from people who've been there. Check travel information, compare accommodation and transport costs, and be mindful of post-pandemic changes (The world is still in flux after 2020)

Evaluate and Adjust:

Plans can (and should be able to) change! Be flexible and factor in unexpected costs — consider budgeting for 13 months instead of 12 to stay on the safe side.

Stay Open-Minded:

Sometimes what looks good on paper isn't quite like that in real life. Don't be afraid to tweak your plans and ideas if they aren't working as well as you’d thought, or you are having problems making everything add up.

Budgeting for Your Gap Year

Money matters, and planning ahead can help you avoid financial stress on the road. Here are a few things to think about:

Understanding Costs:

Accommodation can range from budget hostels to rental apartments. Don’t forget the costs supporting your trip — such as vaccinations, travel insurance, suitable clothing, luggage, visas, SIMs, data — it all adds up, so make sure you're prepared.

Transport: Whether it's local buses, tuk-tuks, or trains, research your options. Remember, it can take a while to work out local transport in some countries. It’s okay to start with pricier choices until you get the hang of things. And if you are happy walking, take a good pair of walking boots. They are invaluable. I live in mine.

Here’s one example of travel costs from Sri Lanka

a 9 km journey by public bus in Colombo is US $0.33, by tuk tuk $3, and by taxi, $5
a 200 km journey by public bus is $3, by a/c bus $5, and by taxi, $100

Daily Spending: Be realistic with your daily budget and always add a little extra for surprises. A splurge day here and there for special experiences can make your trip even more memorable.

Earning on the Go: Look into remote work, freelancing, or work-exchange programs like hostel staffing to stretch your budget further.

Visas and Flights: Plan your visa requirements ahead of time and book flights wisely to avoid last-minute costs. Remember, some countries require proof of onward travel, and you will not be allowed to board to go there without it!

Essential Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip and has enough blank pages for visas. Also, keep copies of your visas and travel insurance details.

Choosing Destinations

Where you go depends largely on your budget and travel style.

Match Your Budget: Southeast Asia is often more budget-friendly than Europe, for example. Eastern Europe is less expensive than Western Europe
Seasonal Timing: Traveling off-peak can mean fewer crowds and better deals.
Booking Flights: Use incognito mode when searching to avoid price hikes, consider booking directly with airlines for better service, and keep your travel days flexible for savings – I find Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and New Year’s Eve the cheapest days to fly.

Staying Connected

Staying in touch and managing money on the go is crucial, and technology makes it easier than ever.

Phones and SIM Cards: Take an unlocked phone with you, or buy one in-country. A local SIM card can save you significant amounts on roaming charges.

Money Management: Carry a mix of cash, cards, and if your phone supports it, digital payment options. And keep a tracker of your spending. Look into bank cards with minimal foreign transaction fees to avoid unnecessary charges.

Packing Smart

Packing smart can make your journey much smoother.

Travel Light: Stick to carry-on luggage (if possible) or at least a small rucksack. Pack versatile, lightweight clothing — you can always do laundry or buy essentials on the road. Less is more when it comes to packing.

Essential Documents: Be sure to bring copies of your passport, visas, and travel insurance details, just in case. Having both physical and digital copies can be a lifesaver in emergencies. And keep them on the cloud.

Staying Flexible

Things won't always go as planned, for any number of reasons. Some of thsoie reasons make it part of the adventure. Other reasosn need to be more carefully managed to ensuer the outcome can be looked back on as part of the advnture.

Embrace the Unexpected: Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous experiences, much-needed downtime, and for things that go wrong to not be a problem.

Avoiding Scams

Stay Aware: Research common scams in each country so you're prepared and can avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, be cautious of taxi drivers who claim their meter is broken and demand inflated fares, or street vendors who might use distraction techniques to overcharge or shortchange you. Avoid going places with taxi drivers who want to take you to a shop.

Planning with GAFV

If you're looking for a cost-effective and safe way to travel, volunteering with Give A Fig Volunteering (GAFV) might be just what you need. We provide accommodation, meals, and 24/7 on-the-ground support at guaranteed prices, making your gap year planning a breeze.

In 2024, I was interviewed by university researchers who commented that our gap year offerings were up to 75% cheaper than other providers – the cost of one month with GAFV being the cost of one week with some others. I was asked why., and the simple answer is to enable as many of you as possible to join us. You can find out more about the costs associated with a gap year here.

Free Planning Sessions

Need help getting started? We offer two free 30-minute consultations to help you budget, plan your trip, and explore amazing volunteer opportunities (Contact Us today by email or whatsapp). If you decide to join us, and do you gap year with us, we’ll continue to support you every step of the way, until you return home.

Let's make your dream year happen!