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Taking some time away to travel the world can have many benefits. Here are some ideas and saving strategies to help you plan your big trip.
There are so many decisions to make as a young adult in Canada. From choosing your post-secondary program to making career choices—not everyone has their life figured out yet. So, what can you do about it? Well, many people choose to take a gap year. It’s a great way to grow personally and take a break from academic studies. It’s also the perfect opportunity to travel and see the world.
A gap year refers to taking a year off, typically with the goal of pursuing an interest or figuring out what to do next in life. Most people who take a gap year (a.k.a. “gappers”) do so after they graduate high school, but others do it in the middle of their college or university program. While each person’s approach to a gap year is unique, common themes include stepping outside of your comfort zone, travelling solo or with friends, learning about new cultures, and self-reflecting on new experiences.
Before I get into the numerous benefits of taking a gap year, first consider whether it’s the right choice for you. Making a plan avoids feeling stuck and like you’re wasting valuable time. Without structure, you might feel like you’re in a rut.
Also, consider the potential for feeling disconnected from your friends, family and classmates. If you take a gap year, you’ll be a year older than your peers when you enroll in a program, if you’re still in school. This could make you feel out of sync with your classmates. Or it may not.
You may also feel a sense of FOMO (the fear of missing out) when you see friends attending college or university. While they enjoy new experiences on campus (such as Frosh Week or having dorm parties) or having their graduation ceremony before yours, it may leave you feeling like you’re falling behind. So, you need to be mentally prepared to face those situations.
From a financial standpoint, you’ll want to budget for your gap year. For example, travelling to Costa Rica for a few months could cost you several thousand dollars, whereas an all-inclusive trip to visit multiple countries for 12 months could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Also, you can earn some money during your gap year. It may help to pay for your school. People may overlook the fact that tuition and rent will most likely increase year over year. Moreover, since you’re graduating a year later, you’re delaying entering the workforce. This means your earning potential is also being pushed back by one year. Essentially, taking a gap year isn’t for everyone. There are social, emotional and financial aspects to take into consideration before you make this big decision.
It’s true, taking time off to travel as a young person can be expensive and nerve-wracking. However, there are plenty of advantages that come with travelling before you start a new school year or your career. It can allow you to:
Taking a gap year can be the best thing for you financially as well. If you’re uncertain about your academic interests, for example, a gap year gives you more time to decide; it can confirm your previous choices or open your eyes to different possibilities. Think of it this way: Switching programs part-way through your education costs time and money. So, it could be advantageous to figure out what you want to do first. Plus, a gap year could provide you with more time to work and save money for your post-secondary studies, while allowing yourself to recharge between academic years.
Before picking a destination, decide why you want to travel in the first place, if you decide to not stay at home. There are many exciting options, and knowing which one interests you most will determine how you should prepare financially. Here are some ideas:
Some gappers volunteer their time. From learning about wildlife conservation to participating in animal rescue and teaching English, there are unique opportunities to give back.
Another great option is studying abroad. Some programs allow you to earn a university or college credit, which may help you justify the cost of the trip and complete your post-secondary studies. If you are currently enrolled in a program, check with your school to see if they offer exchange programs.
If you’re looking to gain practical work experience, you can find part-time jobs while you are travelling. This can help you fund your trip or to save money, say for tuition or a new apartment.
Sometimes you just need to hit the road! A great way to visit multiple cities is by taking a road trip. You can rent a car or an RV so that you have a place to sleep—saving you on the cost of booking accommodations. From driving through the Rocky Mountains to eating fresh lobster in the Maritimes, it can be fun to experience the diverse landscape of Canada from coast-to-coast. It’s an excellent way to start exploring your own backyard. In my 20s, I had the opportunity to go on an 11-day road trip from Toronto to Nanaimo, B.C, which allowed me to see our vast country for the first time.
From New York to L.A., there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities south of the border as well. What I like about travelling within North America is that you can choose between visiting urban cities or camping out in national parks. Keep in mind that with the currency exchange rate, your expenses will be higher travelling within the U.S.
For those graduating from a post-secondary school and want to explore the world before they enter the workforce, a popular destination is travelling to Europe. From visiting the the Louvre’s Mona Lisa in Paris, and sipping on sangria in Barcelona, to watching an orchestra perform in Vienna, you can hop between many countries in Europe. If you’re travelling on a budget and open to meeting international travellers, you can explore different hostels, an affordable alternative that’s more like a dorm than a hotel.
In my 20s, I went on a group tour throughout Europe for an entire month. I visited 13 countries and made friends from all over the world. I learned about the history, indulged in local cuisine and checked off a ton of tourist attractions from my bucket list.
There are plenty of affordable places to travel to within Canada. Staying in small towns—from Kamloops, B.C. to Summerside, P.E.I.—can help you stretch your gap-year dollars. But, if you want to stay in a big city, try to save on accommodations.
Instead of booking a hotel or Airbnb, there are places to call your temporary home, and you can even earn income for staying there, too.
When people are away from their homes for extended periods of time, they may hire someone trustworthy to take care of their home (and pet!). So, you could sign up as a house sitter and stay for free or get paid in exchange for taking care of their pets.
Pet lovers with experience caring for furry friends can try pet sitting, a service provided to people who need to leave their beloved pet pals at home while they’re out of town. Depending on which company you sign up with, you may have the potential to earn extra cash while exploring a new neighbourhood as you take “Charlie” for a walk.
Here are some popular websites that offer house sitting and/or pet sitting services. When you sign up, you may have to pay a monthly fee or annual membership. For example, a Trusted Housesitters membership costs sitters from $14.10 to $28.25 per month ($169 to $339 annually). And, if you’re planning to go abroad, check to see if you need a travel visa. (I’Il go into this later on).
If you want to meet people from all over the world, you can join a global community of couch surfers. For example, a subscription to Couchsurfing costs $4 monthly or $20.05 annually, and you can choose to stay with locals from over 230 countries, and learn about their culture. The couch surfing itself is free. Of course, you’ll need to pay your own way to get there.
If you’re open to spontaneous travel, you never know where couch surfing could take you. Couch surfers plan events and “hangouts” where you can meet other couch surfers visiting the same city as you. Maybe one day you decide to join a group tour to hike the famous Machu Pichu in Lima, Peru. Or, you could be sitting in a cafe in Lisbon, Portugal.
What’s great about couch surfing is that it provides an authentic way to make new friends, attend local events or be invited to a dinner party. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Here’s the fun part—deciding where to visit. Once you’ve decided why you want to travel, you can narrow down your destination by asking yourself these questions:
So you’ve done your homework and narrowed down the list of countries you want to visit during your gap year. Check whether you need a travel or work visa before you book your flight and accommodations. A travel visa is an official document that is issued by a foreign government office that allows you to enter their country or stay for a long duration (such as 90 days or more). This document is stamped or glued to the inside of your passport. So, ensure you have spare pages, or else you’ll need to get a new passport.
Find out about the visa requirements, costs and processing time from your destination’s foreign embassy or consulate in Canada. For example, a travel visa to Australia costs $18 (AUD$20), whereas a travel visa to Spain costs $117.20 (€79). You’ll also need to determine the type of visa, such as a student, tourist, business or work visa. Keep in mind that there may be a travel advisory in your country of choice. Whether it’s due to a war, weather or crime, you want to ensure that you stay safe while travelling. Use your best judgment, and don’t put yourself at risk of danger because it’s not worth it. Instead, come up with a backup plan if your dream destination doesn’t work out.
Here are some expenses to consider based on the type of trip you will be taking. Undoubtedly, these costs will vary widely depending on where you choose to travel, the length of the trip and your budget. No matter what type of trip you’re taking, account for unexpected costs by adding a contingency of around 10%—just to be safe.
| Expense category | Volunteering, studying or working abroad | Taking a road trip | Backpacking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | • Round-trip flight • Train • Transit pass • Cab rides • Bike rental | • Car/RV rental • Fuel • Car wash • Parking | • Round-trip/multi-city flight • Ferry/boat • Train • Transit pass • Cab rides • Bike rental |
| Accommodations | • Long-term rental | • Airbnb • Hotels | • Hostels • Hotels |
| Food | • Dining out • Groceries • Food delivery | • Dining out • Groceries • Drive-thru | • Dining out • Groceries |
| Activities | • Local shows • Outdoor activities • Local markets | • National park • Heritage site • Museums • Historic landmarks | • Museums • Art galleries • Concerts |
| Insurance | • Travel Insurance • Flight cancellation insurance • Medical insurance | • Travel Insurance • Car insurance | • Travel Insurance • Flight cancellation insurance • Medical Insurance |
| Other expenses | • Souvenirs/gifts • Postcards • Cell phone roaming plan | • Souvenirs/gifts • Cell phone roaming plan | • Souvenirs/gifts • Postcards • Cell phone roaming plan |
Let’s take a look at some ways you can save up for either a short or extended trip.
If you’re travelling for, say, several weeks, save up the money in advance, or else you’ll have to pay off any balances upon your return. You can find travel deals online through platforms like Travelzoo. Don’t forget to look up travel partners that offer discounts with your student card or college/university alumni group. If you need to earn extra cash, you can do so with a side hustle.
Long-term stays could last from several months to a full year and will require a different financial strategy. Aside from saving money in advance, maybe even with a dedicated travel account, consider working while you’re away.
If you require financial assistance, the Canadian Gap Year Association and Mobilize offer scholarships for soon-to-be gappers. Make sure you know when the application deadlines are so you don’t miss them!If you are travelling on a budget, find as many free or low-cost activities as you can, such as hiking, going to the beach or visiting an art gallery. Or, get a travel rewards credit card which you can use for discounts on bookings and other travel perks.
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
MBNA True Line Mastercard credit card
An important tip: Check if the place (or places) you are visiting accepts cash, debit cards or credit cards (such as Visa or Mastercard) or the Wise card (an internationally accepted pre-paid card. During my travels abroad, I was surprised to discover that a country as technologically advanced as Japan can still rely heavily on cash. So, you may want to get foreign currency from your bank or the exchange counter before you leave on your trip. Typically, the airport exchange counters charge a premium.
As I wrote above, a gap year may not be suitable for everyone, so it will require reflecting on whether it’s worth it for you. Hopefully, your gap trip can help you gain some clarity, become more mature, and discover (or confirm) your educational interests. Plus, it could help you boost your self-confidence, learn new skills and become a global citizen.
Remember, you have the ability to customize your travel gap year experience. Bonus: If you can earn school credits while you’re at it, then it may be a no brainer. Whether you’re in between academic years or have just graduated from school, it’s a great time to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
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