Planning a Gap Year Archives - The Gap Year Hub

Is taking a gap year to remember your New Year’s Resolution? Then you’re in the right place. We’re here to help you plan the perfect trip. The Gap Year Hub are gap year travel experts and have all the advice and resources you need to make 2023 the year you travel the world.

Here we outline why this should be the year you take a gap year.

A gap year after finishing studying in 2023

If you will finish school, college or university this year, then it could be the perfect time to take a gap year. Many people head off on their trip after their final exams and before they take the next step in their education or start a job.

Many young people feel they need a break after all those years of studying, especially with the backdrop of Covid-19. Whatever you plan to do next, a gap year is a great way to take some time out.

Develop new skills on your 2023 gap year

Do you want to learn a new language, boost your confidence or master problem-solving? These are just some of the skills people learn on a gap year, so you could return from your trip with a list of impressive new talents. These can help with your future education and career plans.

Many gap year travellers learn new financial and communication skills and develop an incredible sense of cultural awareness.

Make your CV stand out

All of the skills we’ve just mentioned are fantastic to include on your CV. The job market has always been competitive, and 2023 is no different. You want to hone a CV that makes you stand out to potential employers, and a gap year can help you gain valuable experience.

Perhaps you’ll decide to volunteer or work on your gap year, do an internship or teach English as a foreign language. All of these will help you develop new skills that you can talk about on your CV and when applying for jobs.

How Covid-19 has changed gap years

Covid-19 put a pause on international gap years for the majority of travellers during 2020 and 2021. While the past three years have undeniably changed the travel landscape and Covid-19 is still causing immense challenges in some countries, there are signs for optimism.

We believe 2023 travel is looking positive, and with some careful planning a safe and enjoyable trip abroad is possible.

Travel is more complex than it was previously, especially for gap year trips that include multiple destinations. Doing thorough research on what you’ll do on your gap year and where you will go is vital.

Use the Government’s Foreign Travel Advice to find information about travel warnings, entry requirements and safety and security in the destinations you want to visit. Having expert advice can make your trip run much more smoothly, and if you plan your trip through a travel agent or gap year consultant they will know the latest travel developments.

Make 2023 the year you have fun!

The past three years have been immensely challenging for many people. Lots of the young people we speak to are keen to plan a 2023 gap year to give them something exciting and new to look forward to.

A gap year is a wonderful opportunity to see the world, meet new people and experience different cultures and places. If you’re ready to plan a fun-filled gap year, browse our list of suggested gap year activities.

Photo by S Migaj on Unsplash

Posted on January 20, 2023 by The Gap Year Hub

Covid Gap Year, Gap Semester, Gap Year Ideas, Planning a Gap Year

gap year travel

Finding your gap year accommodation is one of the most exciting parts of planning your trip. Will you choose a hip hostel in the centre of town, a working rural farm, or a tucked away family-run hotel?

There is a huge range of gap year accommodation, and there’s an option to suit every budget. Here are our top tips to help you book your perfect stay:

Find cheap gap year hostels

Hostels are the most popular choice for gap year accommodation, and rightly so. They’re a great place to meet new people and discover all the tips and must-see places that will make your trip incredible.

Hostels are also one of the cheapest accommodation options. You’ll often find the best deals by opting for a dormitory, which is a shared room housing several beds or bunk beds. You can also choose a smaller shared room with just a couple of other travellers, or even treat yourself and book your own private room. Bathrooms are often shared but many hostels also offer ensuites.

Another way to save money when staying in a hostel is to work in one! If you find a hostel you love and you’re keen to stay for a while, ask if they have any available roles, as accommodation is often included.

Forget any outdated tales you’ve heard about gap year hostels, as the modern versions are clean, friendly and often incredibly stylish. The amenities vary across properties, but most hostels offer a common room, which is a great place to meet fellow travellers. The majority also offer laundry facilities and WiFi.

Hostels are also a good way to save money on food, especially if they have a communal kitchen. You’ll be able to store your food in the shared fridges, freezers and cupboards, and kitchen equipment is supplied. These are a great place to pick up top cooking tips and share recipes with other travellers. Many hostels also offer restaurants too, and look out for those offering free breakfasts.

To find gap year hostels head to Hostelworld, which offers 36,000 properties across 178 countries. Hostels are reviewed by travellers, so you can easily find one that travellers like you rave about.

Staying in gap year hotels

Don’t discount hotels as too expensive, as there are some bargains out there which are perfect for gap year travellers. While gap year hotels are likely to be expensive on a long-term basis, they can be a great choice for your first few nights in a new destination, or if you want to guarantee a good night’s sleep ahead of a long flight or tiring trip.

With a hotel you will have your own room and bathroom, so it’s a good option if you want more privacy.

To find a hotel for your gap year head to Booking.com, which offers low prices and great deals on a range of hotels across the globe.

Choose a budget-friendly Airbnb

On Airbnb you can filter accommodation to find those that best fit your budget. Booking an entire apartment, home or unit is likely to be the most expensive option, while choosing an individual room is normally cheaper.

It’s a great place to find quirky and inspiring gap year accommodation with friendly hosts. Choose from barns, farms, castles, treehouses, tiny homes, chalets, beachfront properties and more.

Couchsurfing on your gap year

Couchsurfing helps you find people in destinations across the globe who have a free sofa, bed or airbed available for travellers. It’s a sociable and cheap way to explore a new place, and they also organise events to help you meet like minded travellers.

As you’re staying in someone’s home make sure you check out the safety advice and hints and tips before signing up, as this includes lots of useful information.

Stay on a farm

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a worldwide movement that links travellers with organic farmers, enabling you to receive free food and accommodation.

When you stay on a farm you’re invited to participate in daily life there, helping out, learning about sustainability, experiencing a new culture and meeting new people. You can choose from farms in 130 countries, which focus on a huge variety of farming practices.

Top tips for booking gap year accommodation

The Gap Year Hub’s expert team have been helping gappers plan their trips for more than 30 years. During that time we’ve picked up these top tips to help you arrange the best accommodation for your trip:

If you are doing an organised program or volunteering your accommodation may be arranged for you, so check when you first enquire.
Always book at least one night’s accommodation in advance when arriving in a new destination. This will ensure you have somewhere to stay, even if you are delayed. No one wants to be roaming the streets at night looking for a hostel with a spare bed.
Some hostels offer mixed-sex dorms, so check in advance if you want to avoid these.
Think carefully about location and how you will get there. Do you want somewhere in the heart of a city with great transport links, or are you keen to have some quiet time in a rural location?
You may be asked to pay a deposit or pay in full to secure your accommodation, and these terms should be clear when booking.
Don’t forget to check reviews from other travellers before booking. This could help you snag the hidden gem gappers rave about, and avoid the place that’s known for its bed bug infestations.
Remember to keep your family back home updated about where you are staying. Even a quick text or email to let them know where you are will put their minds at rest and enable them to get in contact in an emergency if you lose your phone.
There are so many fantastic gap year accommodation options out there. For more advice head to our Accommodation page, and start booking your next stay!

Posted on March 16, 2022 by The Gap Year Hub

Gap year accommodation, Gap Year Advice for Parents, Gap Year Ideas, Planning a Gap Year

gap year accommodation, gap year camping, gap year hostels, gap year hotels

Imagine a gap year encyclopaedia. One that can answer all those niggling questions, like what the latest Covid-related travel restrictions are, what’s the best time of year to visit a certain country, and exactly which tours you should do. You won’t find these fonts of knowledge in a library, as they are living, breathing gap year consultants, and they can help you research, plan and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

We’re often asked why you should use a gap year consultant, so here are our top reasons:

Gap year consultants will save you time and stress

Planning a gap year can be fantastic fun, but there are also quite a few tedious elements. The planning stage involves a lot of research and takes a considerable amount of time. There are also A LOT of options out there, and trying to decide between two tempting programs or tours can be hard.

The global pandemic has made planning a gap year even more challenging, so gap year consultants are an excellent source of knowledge and information. They know how to work with Covid restrictions and can share advice on where you can visit and what insurance you need.

For example, Leap VIP offers gap year consultancy services and describes themselves as ‘Covid travel experts’, who can help you navigate the complexity of pandemic travel.
It’s a gap year consultant’s job to know the intricacies of planning an amazing trip, so they will breeze through tasks and help you plan your trip without the stress. Their services typically involve researching, finding options that suit you, planning the trip with you, assistance with booking different elements and providing help and support.

En Route Consulting provides gap year consultancy to families in the USA and beyond, and offers different packages depending on the level of support you need. The Standard Consultation includes 15 hours of meetings to help travellers structure and clarify their plans, plus unlimited support via email. You’ll receive program and activity recommendations, help with budgeting and itinerary planning, and support both before you depart and during your trip.

Most gap year consultants charge a fixed fee for a package of services, and many offer a free initial consultation to help you decide if they are the right choice for you. The Center for Interim Programs provides a complimentary 90 minute phone or Zoom consultation so you can get gap year advice and talk through the options available, such as making art in Italy, working with animals in Costa Rica or trekking in Peru.

Looking for a specific gap year program? Try a consultant

A gap year consultant will make sure the program and trip you go on fulfils all of your objectives. They can also provide mentoring and coaching if you’re not sure what you want to get out of your gap year, or what you want to do.

They’ll do their best to make sure you don’t have to compromise on anything that’s really important to you. And if your plans simply aren’t possible – whether that’s because of Covid restrictions, availability or something else – they will give expert gap year advice and help you find a fantastic alternative.

Consultants like J2Guides work with you to thrash out exactly what you want to do. Their Plan The Gap service includes one-on-one sessions with your gap year mentor to create your gap year plan. It will include quality, vetted program recommendations, which are tailored to your interests, needs and budget.

Gap year consultants can also ensure that you maximise your time away. As part of the services offered by the Taylor The Gap consultancy, you’ll receive support and advice on planning your trip, and you’ll discover how to turn your adventures into valuable entries for your CV.

Gap year consultants can help you source an internship

If you’d like to do a working internship during your gap year, then a gap year consultant can help you find the ideal position. Companies like Gap Year Solutions help people find in-person and virtual placements in a wide range of sectors. These are typically for six to ten weeks, working between eight and twelve hours a week.

These internships are often part of a longer gap year, and Gap Year Solutions also offers The Gap Year Plan, which helps travellers plan and enjoy their trip.

If you’re ready to find an expert to help you plan the trip of your life, check out our recommendations for top gap year consultants.

Posted on February 24, 2022 by The Gap Year Hub

Benefits of a Gap Year, Gap Year Advice for Parents, Gap Year Ideas, Planning a Gap Year

gap year advice, gap year consultancy, gap year consultants

Taking a gap year with a disability is not only possible, it can also be one of the most incredible experiences for those that take the opportunity. We asked Callum Russell, founder of CrystalEyes for his tips on taking a gap year with a disability and key things to consider before you travel…

For many, disability could be perceived as an immovable barrier for a young person wishing to take a gap year or mini-gap from formal education or employment. However, with the right support and a positive attitude, a gap year or mini-gap for a young person with a disability is a very realistic ambition. In this blog, we explore how to make this a reality and how CrystalEyes can support you.

Introduction

My name is Callum Russell and I am blind since birth. In 2011, as part of a mini-gap, I volunteered on a project run by Quest Overseas, where I taught percussion lessons to primary school children in a Lima shanty town called Villa Maria. I also undertook independent travel, which included visiting both Rio De Janeiro and Buenos Aires, as well as completing the Inca Trail. Last year, I founded CrystalEyes, which is a bespoke consultancy dedicated to enabling young people with a vision impairment and other disabilities to fulfil their ambitions in either education, employment or voluntary work. This includes working with organisations to ensure that they are as inclusive and accessible as possible for those with disabilities.

Finding a project

Finding a project or career experience opportunity is vital for ensuring a successful gap year or mini-gap if you have a disability or not. There are lots of gap year organisations out there but their quality and reliability vary significantly. A good place to start is The Gap Year Hub’s Gap Year Programs directory, as well as Independent Gap Advice, which has a database of organisations that are known to be reputable. Start by creating a shortlist of the things that interest you the most. It’s then a good idea to contact potential organisations to ask them all the searching questions you can think of, as well as to discuss whether your needs can be successfully accommodated. It’s important to be as upfront as possible to give organisations the best chance of meeting your needs. However, be aware that you may not always get a positive answer, and this is usually due to the nature of the work or a lack of necessary infrastructure. Consequently, it’s good to have some options.

Raising the funds

Once you find the right project or career experience opportunity for you, the next step is to raise the money you need. The amount you will need will depend on where you’re going and for how long, which is the same whether you are disabled or able-bodied. However, those travelling with disabilities may incur some additional costs, such as additional support when traveling independently, as well as the possible need to stay in more expensive accommodation to ensure a more appropriate level of support. An able-bodied young person might reasonably expect to raise something in the region of £5000. But if you have a disability, this figure could rise by at least 50%.

Regardless of the amount, raising the money always seems daunting. But there are lots of ways to do it. Typically, young people get part-time jobs, undertake other paid activity such as private tutoring or babysitting and/or put on some sponsored events. These are all viable options to raise money for your gap year if you have a disability. Another worthwhile option is to ask for contributions towards your fundraising target for birthday or other festive presents.

How long can I be away for?

You can be away for as much or as little time as you wish. An able-bodied young person might reasonably expect to be on a project for three months and travel for a further two in the case of a gap year or a month each in the case of a mini-gap. For those with disabilities, your individual needs might have a bearing on this.

Do I have to go abroad?

The short answer is no, and some disabilities may necessitate staying in the UK. There are a number of good UK gap year alternatives and in some cases, such as if you want a placement in industry, staying in the UK can be a better option whether you are disabled or not.

How can CrystalEyes help you if you have a disability?

Advice and guidance on the various disability gap year options
Bespoke support with finding the right organisation and discussing your needs with them
Tailored awareness training for your chosen organisation for staff and fellow volunteers
Advice and guidance on raising the funds you need for your gap year
The implementation of other specialist support, for example, if travelling independently
Provision of comprehensive mentoring support whilst on your gap year placement

For more information or to make an enquiry, go to https://crystaleyes.me or call Callum Russell on 07557916996.

Posted on December 3, 2021 by The Gap Year Hub

Gap Year Advice for Parents, Gap Year Ideas, Gap Year with a disability, Planning a Gap Year

disability gap year, Gap year with a disability, gap year with disabilities, travel with disabilities, travel with disability

When you’re travelling on your gap year there are so many useful apps to make your trip run more smoothly. Here we’ve rounded up 10 of the best travel apps, which we hope will help you on your journey.

These gap year apps are available for iOS and Android users and are all free.

1. TripIt

When you head off on your gap year you will quickly amass a lot of documentation for your travels. TripIt is a clever gap year app that organises all of your itinerary details in one place, making it easy to access them at any time.

Once you’ve created a free account you then forward all of your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and TripIt will instantly create a master itinerary for you. It also has a host of handy extras, and can send you reminders of when to leave for the airport, or help you find a decent place to eat near your hostel.

2. Citymapper

Citymapper’s tagline is “Making Cities Usable”, and that’s exactly what this nifty app does. It works in more than 100 cities around the world, including every major city in Europe, and shows you how to easily get to your desired destination. It’s the perfect gap year technology.

The app will give you options for walking as well as using public transport. It also shows all the local private transportation options, such as scooters, e-bikes and mopeds.

As well as showing you a map it can also provide audio directions, so you can listen on your headphones as you walk, cycle or use public transport. It can even tell you when the next bus is coming.

3. Google Translate

Fancy having your own personal translator? Google Translate will help you have a conversation wherever you are in the world, in any language.

It can translate 108 languages by typing, which is helpful if you want to ask a question. If you point your camera at text in images – such as a menu or sign – it will instantly translate it for you. It can even translate bilingual conversations as you talk, using 71 languages.

You can save translated words and phrases to use again in the future, and it also has an offline mode, allowing you to translate even if you don’t have an internet connection. Travel technology is amazing!

4. Duolingo

If you want to actually learn the local language, Duolingo is a travel app that will help you master it using bite-sized lessons. It’s designed to be fun and easy, using game-like features, fun challenges, and reminders from Duolingo’s mascot, Duo the owl.

Lessons are quick to complete, so you can easily slot them in and try out your new language skills as you travel.

5. XE Currency

There’s a good reason why this is one of the most popular travel apps, having been downloaded more than 70 millions times. It’s the perfect solution when you’re travelling and need to work out if that must-have item at the local market really is a bargain, or when you can’t remember what an Australian Dollar is worth. Just whip out your phone and the app will instantly do a currency conversion for you.

You can also create your own currency list and monitor up to 10 currencies of your choice. The app includes historical charts of currency conversions and you can transfer money in 65 currencies to more than 170 countries.

6. Hostelworld

The Hostelworld is a gem among gap year apps, allowing you to search 36,000 properties in more than 170 countries, so you can easily secure your next stay. It’s easy to browse hotels and simple to book, and you can check out maps, photos and reviews.

There’s also the option to look at last-minute availability, which will be helpful if your plans change. It’s always sensible to have your first few nights’ accommodation booked before arriving in a new destination, and this app will make securing a bed a breeze.

7. Skyscanner

Skyscanner makes its way onto most gap year travellers’ devices as it’s so incredibly helpful. The clever travel technology allows you to find the best value flights by comparing hundreds of options, and you can set up a price alert to find out when prices change.

You can also find deals on hotels, apartments and hostels around the world, including last-minute deals. If you need wheels, the app allows you to find the best car hire deal. It even helps you check you’re not paying too much for fuel. Reviews from other travellers are also available.

It’s a really useful tool, and there are no booking fees or hidden charges when booking any product.

8. Packpoint

If you’re always worried you’ll leave out something crucial when packing, then Packpoint has you covered. It shows you what you need to bring based on the length of your trip, where you are going, what you are doing and the weather. It makes packing for your gap year much less stressful as it tailors your list to your exact trip.

You can easily share your packing list if you are travelling with a friend. Plus, Packpoint can connect to TripIt (mentioned above), to automatically create your packing lists. Gap year technology at its finest!

9. TheFork

TheFork allows you to find and book restaurants in Europe, Latin America and Australia. You can search for a dining spot by area, cuisine or restaurant type, or even sort by average price. You can then check out ratings and reviews from fellow diners. Whether you want fine dining, a quick and cheap bite to eat or a hidden local gem, TheFork will help you find it.

You can make a reservation through the travel app, and it often includes discounts of up to 50%, which are applied when you pay in the restaurant. Owned by TripAdvisor, the brand acquired Bookatable in 2021.

10. Flush Toilet Finder

When nature calls and you need to find a public toilet pronto, Flush will flag up the nearest loo. It lists 200,000 public toilets around the world, and you can easily see which WCs have disabled access, charge a fee or require a key.

The app will give you directions on how to find the toilet, ensuring you aren’t caught short when travelling, and you can rate it after use.

Posted on November 26, 2021 by The Gap Year Hub

Gap Year Advice for Parents, Planning a Gap Year, Safety advice, Travel technology

gap year apps, gap year technology, travel apps, travel technology

When you start planning your dream gap year, we’re guessing that getting sick, being scammed or having your wallet stolen aren’t what you had in mind? The chances are you’re planning a fantastic gap year brimming with amazing experiences. And with a few careful gap year safety considerations, you can make sure you have a fun-filled and safe trip.

Most gap years are hassle and trouble-free, especially if you are prepared. We’ve rounded up our top suggestions to help you stay safe on your gap year:

Gap year safety: what to do before you travel

Having the right information and equipment will go a long way to keeping you safe. Here are our suggestions for what to do before you travel:

● Prepare your itinerary in advance and leave a copy with your family.
● While no tourist board can guarantee you will have a safe trip, some destinations are generally considered safer than others. The Government’s Foreign Travel Advice shares information about travel warnings, entry requirements and safety and security.
● Always have at least your first night’s accommodation booked for each of your first few destinations. Make a note of the hotel or hostel’s contact details, in case you’re delayed and need to reschedule.
● If possible, aim to arrive in a new location during the day, so you can find your way around in daylight.
● Get the relevant gap year insurance before you travel. We’ve shared our top tips in our guide to gap year insurance.
● For a safe gap year, add key phone numbers to your phone. These should include the emergency services’ number for each of your destinations. You should also have your insurance providers’ contact details saved, alongside your policy number.
● As well as saving them in your phone, write down these important phone numbers and keep them hidden in your bag. If you can’t remember them, also write your family’s phone numbers. We’d also advise emailing all of this information to yourself.
● Photograph or scan your passport in colour and email it to yourself so you have a copy if needed.
● Buy an emergency travel first aid kit and make sure it stays in your bag.
● Research the local cultures and customs of the destinations you are visiting. Find out if there are any clothes that could cause offence, and make sure you have appropriate things to wear before you arrive. In some destinations you may not be allowed to photograph certain things or people.
● If you are a LGBTIQ+ traveller, research social attitudes and laws in destinations you plan to visit, as rights that may affect you will vary by country.
● Make sure you have your visas and vaccinations sorted. We’ve included these in our list of gap year essentials that people often forget about.
● Don’t pack anything valuable. You will need your phone and wallet, but leave expensive and sentimental jewellery, clothes and items at home.

How to stay safe on your gap year

When you’re abroad it can be tempting to slip into a holiday mindset and become lax with your personal safety. But it’s important to take the same precautions that you would at home.

Here are some of our top tips to keep yourself safe while you are travelling:

● Familiarise yourself with a destination when you arrive and be aware of where to get help. If you get lost, try to ask for help in a well-lit place, like a shop.
● Avoid walking on your own in the dark.
● If you are travelling on your own, then let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
● Always book safe transportation and never hitch-hike.
● Don’t carry around huge sums of cash or valuables.
● Avoid getting drunk or taking drugs as your judgement will be impaired. Just as in the UK, your drink could be spiked while abroad, so keep it with you at all times.
● As you travel you’re likely to book transport, excursions and tours with local providers. Choose carefully, as you want a reputable and safe supplier, rather than the cheapest and pushiest.
● Check if the tap water is safe to drink.

How to keep your belongings safe on a gap year

While you may end up losing a few items along the way, you don’t want anything to be stolen. Safe gap years are possible if you take a few simple steps to keep your belongings protected.

Think about how you can keep your wallet, passport and phone close to your body and hidden – you don’t want any of them sticking out of your back pocket. Look for bags that you wear across your body, or a bum bag or money belt that you can hide under your clothes.

There are also lots of thief-proof bags, bag locks and anti-theft devices you can buy, which can provide gap year safety peace-of-mind. You can also wear a lightweight rucksack on your front. Try to avoid a single strap bag that you wear over one shoulder, as someone could snatch it.

It’s also sensible to avoid keeping everything in one place, in case you are pick-pocketed. For example, you could keep your bank card in a money belt and a small amount of cash in your bag. Some travellers opt to carry a fake wallet containing a few banknotes and coins. If they were mugged they would hand this over, rather than their real one.

Most thefts are opportunistic, so avoid looking like a target. Avoid showing large wads of cash when you get your money out, and don’t walk around with your phone in your hand.

Keeping in touch with your family

No matter how well-prepared you are for your gap year, your parents and family will still worry about you. It’s important to keep them informed of where you are, even if you’re on the other side of the globe.

Remember to stay in touch, whether that’s by email, text or calling, and let them know when you move to a new area.

Look at roaming charges for your phone before you travel. For some destinations it may be cheaper to buy a pay-as-you-go phone abroad, especially if you plan to stay there for a while.

There’s a lot to think about before you set off on your gap year, but with some careful planning you can have a fun and safe trip. We love helping people plan their dream gap year, so you have any questions please get in touch.

Posted on November 19, 2021 by The Gap Year Hub

Covid Gap Year, Gap Semester, Gap Year Advice for Parents, Planning a Gap Year, Safety advice

gap year safety, safe gap years, stay safe on your gap year

Stuck for what to do on your gap year? You want an experience that’s as unique as you are, which reflects your interests and passions. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up five gap year ideas to inspire you. From cooking courses to trekking, there are exciting options for all gap year students.

Remember, as the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic there are still entry restrictions for certain countries. However the situation is constantly evolving, and we hope these ideas will provide inspiration as you plan your future trip.

Learn Spanish and be an intern on your gap year in Ecuador

Hone your Spanish while doing an internship in Ecuador and living with a host family during a 15-week Gap Semester with Amigos de las Américas. Gap year students get to work on a project they’re passionate about, with plenty of time to explore the local area, visit key local attractions and take part in Spanish lessons.

Amigos organises gap year programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador for those who have left school or university. This 15-week course is aimed at travellers aged 17 to 22 and takes place between September and December 2022.

The program in the Andean city of Cuenca involves spending your first month in intensive Spanish lessons, before enjoying an internship. It could be with a non-profit organisation, a fair trade store or an urban agriculture program. Your gap year trip will also include meals, accommodation, Spanish classes, excursions and support.

Amigos de las Américas is just one of the top gap year specialists we’ve listed in our Conservation Projects section. They all focus on wildlife, environment and marine opportunities and will inspire you with some amazing gap year ideas.

Trek across mountains on your gap year

Looking for gap year ideas filled with adventure? Join an expedition with the British Exploring Society, which promises life-changing trips to some of the most remote and challenging parts of the world. All expeditions are aimed at young people aged 14 – 25.

The Kyrgyzstan expedition in July 2022 involves high-altitude trekking over isolated peaks, where you’ll camp and look out for rare wildlife. You could spot a golden eagle, an ibex and – if you’re lucky – a snow leopard. This trip is for travellers aged 16 – 25.

Closer to home there’s the first UK Explorers Spring itinerary in Scotland, for those aged 14 – 17. This takes place in April 2022.

For more exciting group expedition adventures see our list of top suppliers.

Start your gap year by joining a professional cooking course

If you want your gap year to be a true culinary journey, why not spend it learning how to master everything from pasta to pastry?

The Cookery School at Little Portland Street describes itself as London’s most sustainable cooking school. As it’s based in the capital it’s the perfect option if you aren’t able to travel abroad.
The school offers numerous short courses which are perfect for gap year students, including the fundamentals of baking, vegetarian cooking, and several options for beginners. These would be helpful if you plan to work as a chalet host or are heading off to university after your gap year.

If you dream of pursuing a career in the food industry, consider the school’s six-week full time Cook’s Certificate in Food and Wine. It will give you several professional qualifications, including a Level 3 Certificate from OCN London, a WSET wine qualification and a Food Safety award.

The course runs in March, May and September 2022 and includes more than 200 hours of practical learning and additional study. Classes are limited to 12 students.

Ready to don your chef’s hat? You can also discover more cooking schools in our Cookery Courses guide.

Join an Alaska Expedition on your gap year

Nature-lovers can travel through British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon Territory on a 30-day adventure with Green Tortoise Adventure Travel. Staying in hostels and campsites, you’ll explore rainforests, trek through State Parks and spot wild animals and birds. Don’t forget to look out for North America’s highest peak, Denali.

All of your transport is provided on a Green Tortoise custom sleeper coach, alongside 70% of your meals, National Park entrance fees, a sleeping pad and camping fees.

This gap year trip departs in June 2022 from San Francisco and snakes up the coast to Anchorage in Alaska.

You can find more exciting gap year ideas in our Overland Tours section.

Learn about the arts on your gap year

If you want to indulge your love of the arts on your gap year, consider a nine week residential course with art specialists John Hall Venice.

Aimed at gap year students, it covers music, cinema, art history, architecture, literature, world issues and more. You can also add extra classes in areas including cookery, photography, Italian language and life drawing.

The course starts in January 2022 and takes place in London, Venice, Florence and Rome. You’ll study art in galleries and museums, with numerous private visits.

If you’re interested in art, music, dance or drama then check out our list of gap year providers offering educational gap year art and performing arts experiences.

Posted on November 12, 2021 by The Gap Year Hub

Covid Gap Year, Gap Semester, Gap Year Ideas, Planning a Gap Year

gap semester, Gap Semesters, gap year ideas, gap year planning, gap year students, plan a gap year, planning a gap year

A gap year is one of the most exciting times of your life. It’s a chance to explore vibrant destinations, meet new people and try unique experiences. But a fantastic gap year doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of lots of careful planning.

We know just how overwhelming it can feel when you start planning a gap year. So here we share everything you need to know about how to plan a gap year to remember.

1. What do you want to get out of your gap year?

When you start planning a gap year you will be faced with lots of choices. Before you make any decisions, start by thinking about your goals for your gap year. What do you want to get out of your time?

Now is the time to think big – what is your vision for your gap year?

It can help to write all your ideas down, and they may include:

Career skills: Would you like to develop any skills that could help in your future career? On your gap year you could hone skills that will help you stand out to a future employer, such as learning a language, gaining experience in a relevant sector or volunteering in a relevant field.
Personal skills: Do you want to work on your personal skills, such as budgeting, being independent, meeting new people and planning?
Volunteering: Do you want to use your gap year to help others? There are a huge range of volunteering opportunities, which focus on people, the environment, animals and much more. Don’t forget, volunteering experience can be incredibly valuable on your CV when job-hunting.
Exploring: Is adventure high on your list of priorities? Perhaps there is a country or an experience you have set your heart on?

2. What do you want to do?

As you focus on your goals you may start thinking about the experiences that would suit you.

There are so many options when you are gap year planning, and it can be hard to know where to start.

To help, we’ve rounded up a list of gap year activities. As you browse through, consider which type of activities will help you meet your goals.

3. Where do you want to go?

Have you always wanted to visit a particular destination? Are you keen to tour the world, or is there a continent you want to explore? This is your adventure, so plan a gap year that suits you.

The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how and where we can travel. You can learn about the changes to travel restrictions following coronavirus on our blog.

Remember, if you are planning further in advance, the travel landscape could look considerably different to now. Start planning your gap year by including your bucket list of destinations. Dream big! Just be aware that depending on when you are set to travel they might not all be viable options. Being flexible is key.

Start by checking out the Government’s advice on which countries you can visit.

4. Who to travel with

Ask yourself whether you want to travel alone, or with a friend.

Travelling with a friend on your gap year

When travelling with someone you will have a friend to share the highs and lows, and it can help you feel less lonely when you are in a new and unfamiliar country. Plus, there’s the benefit of being able to share all the planning, and you can often split accommodation and travel expenses.

Just remember that you will have to take your friend’s gap year plans into consideration. Do they want to experience the same things as you, and visit the same places?

Travelling alone on your gap year

When you travel alone on your gap year, you are the boss. You can decide where to go, when you want.

You can still join organised groups for all or part of your time. Many travellers find this is a great way to find an instant network of friends with similar interests.

5. Do you want to plan a gap year yourself or get help?

There are numerous gap year specialists, operators and travel agents who can help with planning a gap year. They are all experts in their field, so will share advice on getting the best value for money, where to go and how to structure your trip. They will also be able to help you plan the logistics of your trip.

Here on The Gap Year Hub you can find a gap year consultant to help you plan your trip.

6. Funding your Gap Year

You will be in charge of your gap year, so you dictate the budget. Everyone has different plans, and when you are gap year planning it’s important to think about how you will finance your trip.

Jot down prices as you explore options, to help you work out a rough budget. Will you be backpacking and staying in budget accommodation, or do you want to experience luxury hotels along the way? Would you like to invest a chunk of your funds in a paid-for gap year program, or do you hope to earn cash by working as you travel?

It can be helpful to use a spreadsheet to log your predicted costs.

Next, think about how you can raise the money you need. Ideas include:

Get a job to help save. Even a part-time role will be a great help.
Set up a dedicated savings account for your trip. Try to only use it for items related to your gap year.
Look carefully at your spending habits to save money where you can. Be ruthless, so you can stash cash into your savings fund.
Consider fundraising activities, such as sponsored runs, hikes or cycles, cake sales, or even car washing. Be inventive!
Many people choose to work while they are on their gap year. Working in hospitality, office temping or seasonal work such as fruit picking are all popular options.
If you choose to do a gap year program there are paid and voluntary options available.

7. Plan your Gap Year kit

Don’t forget to factor in your gap year kit when planning a gap year budget. This often includes a bag, a sleeping bag and travel towel. You can keep your costs down by borrowing items or buying items second hand.

Find out what you’ll need to take on your gap year.

8. Gap Year Essentials

As well as planning where you want to go and what you want to do, it’s important to cover the essentials too. This includes insurance, having the right documents and visas and money. It’s also vital to think about any vaccinations you may need.

Check out our list of gap year essentials to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
By following these steps you will be well on your way to planning a gap year to remember.

Putting the effort into planning will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, which is perfectly tailored to you.

Posted on October 1, 2021 by The Gap Year Hub

Planning a Gap Year

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