5 Critical Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year

Long-term travel is something that we all think about at some point. Maybe you’re bored of your town or city, or you’ve always wanted to go to Europe. Or maybe, you’re just so done with your 9 ‘til 5 job.

So perhaps you’re considering a travel gap year? Maybe between school programs or between jobs?

Whatever your reasons are for taking that travel gap year, you need to make sure that you’re prepared to embark upon such a big journey.

Earlier this month I wrote about how to decide whether long-term travel could be in the cards for you and how to know if you’d be up to the challenge.

So if you went through that checklist and decided you want to take the plunge, here are 5 things to consider before you take a travel gap year.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase any of my recommended products at the bottom of the post, I will earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Keep in mind though, that I only post affiliate links to products and services I personally love and use myself! Purchasing through my page ensures that I am able to keep writing useful content for all of you.

Table of Contents

Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year: Money

Naturally, money needs to be at the top of your list when you’re considering long-term travel. You need to work out how you’re going to be able to afford it, and there are many ways that you can do so. For example, you can work whilst you’re traveling, or you can save up as much money as possible before you head out there. Work out your options, so that your trip is covered.

[mailerlite_form form_id=10]

Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year: Destinations

Before you head off on your gap year, you need to sit down with a map, and work out where you actually want to go. Not only do you need to consider the countries that you want to visit, but you also need to make sure that you can put together a route that makes sense, and won’t waste you a lot of time or money. Over-planning the details of your trip is better than being ill-prepared.

Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year: Medications

OK, this sounds pretty boring, but before you head off on your gap year, you need to make sure that you can get a year’s supply of any medications that you may need. Whether it’s for a medical condition, you need hearing aids, or you need contraception, don’t forget about the fact that you will need to stock up on these things before you start off on your travels. This is important!

Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year: Vaccinations

Whilst we’re on the topic of medicines, you need to make sure that you’ve had the necessary vaccinations for the countries that you’re heading to. This can include yellow fever jabs, hepatitis, and even rabies if you’re going to a remote region, or one with many stray animals. If you’re not quite sure what vaccinations you’ll need, then it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about this.

Things To Consider Before You Take A Travel Gap Year: Commitments

Before you pack your bags and jump on the next plane, you need to think about any commitments that you currently have. Whether you’ve got a pet, you’re tied into paying rent on your apartment, or you have a job that you’re not sure you want to give up, you should think thoroughly about your commitments, and how you’re going to deal with them during your gap year.

[mailerlite_form form_id=9]

TL;DR

So, if you’re thinking of traveling for a while during your gap year, then remember these 5 things, and you should be ready to go! Ultimately, though, you will need different things depending upon what type of trip you’re going on, so do some research into this.

Enjoy what will likely be the best year of your life, we’re totally not jealous at all…