Travelling during gap year?

[Kaiser Soze]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm applying this cycle and am taking a lag year. I'll be working as a lab tech for most of the upcoming year, but I was hoping to go backpacking in Asia or Europe sometime in the following spring or summer (maybe from April - June, when I'll be done with interviews and everything).

The only problem is that I can't think of anyone to go with. Everyone I know will either be going off to grad school or have a job that they can't take off from. For those of you who traveled during your gap year, did you go alone? Are there any programs for people who want to travel during gap years? I tried googling but couldn't find anything

 

[dsk89]

I am also in the same situation. I'm planning on hopefully traveling around the same period after the process is over. My friend took a gap year last year, and he actually went to Europe alone for 3 months. He said at first it was lonely, but then as he was staying in hostels, he just started to meet a ton of people from all over the place- Europe, USA, Asia- just everywhere. He actually told me he was glad he went alone because it really put him out of his comfort zone and forced him to meet people. If he had just gone with someone he knew, he would have just basically talked to only them the whole trip and likely not met as many people. He also found that after he met these people, they often just made travel plans together. He had this whole route he was gonna take thru Europe before going, but he ended up not really following it and just winged it, had some spontaneous adventures.

As far as gap year programs, I'm sure there are some type of "medical related" stuff like GapMedics and other random stuff, but you'll have to pay a hefty price for those types of things. But I'm not sure/familiar with any programs that just organize groups of people that are taking gap years..I dont think those exist.

 

[Nebby]

I am also in the same situation. I'm planning on hopefully traveling around the same period after the process is over. My friend took a gap year last year, and he actually went to Europe alone for 3 months. He said at first it was lonely, but then as he was staying in hostels, he just started to meet a ton of people from all over the place- Europe, USA, Asia- just everywhere. He actually told me he was glad he went alone because it really put him out of his comfort zone and forced him to meet people. If he had just gone with someone he knew, he would have just basically talked to only them the whole trip and likely not met as many people. He also found that after he met these people, they often just made travel plans together. He had this whole route he was gonna take thru Europe before going, but he ended up not really following it and just winged it, had some spontaneous adventures.

As far as gap year programs, I'm sure there are some type of "medical related" stuff like GapMedics and other random stuff, but you'll have to pay a hefty price for those types of things. But I'm not sure/familiar with any programs that just organize groups of people that are taking gap years..I dont think those exist.

👍 I agree -- going alone usually makes for a more interesting trip, if you're personable that is. And yeah -- don't bother working up a schedule. Purchase a eurail pass if you have the money and see things as you please. You'll find that you want to stay in one region more than another.

OP, if you cannot find a specific program, I highly recommend couchsurfing.org. If you're comfortable with meeting new strangers and staying with them, DO THIS. The site has a vouch system and you can stay with individuals with higher reviews. I personally see it as a safe way to travel if you pick trustworthy users. If you want to learn about the customs, culture, and language of a given region, staying with a host will benefit you in all these regards. Plus, they can tell you where the best bars are.

Don't shy out of opportunities if they arise -- traveling (and learning along the way) is one of the best things you can do for yourself