Feature Image by Daria Shevtsova
Adulting is stressful — from paying rent and bills to balancing work and personal life, there seems to be a never-ending set of tasks and responsibilities. So if you feel like you need to take a breather and come up for air, consider taking an adult gap year (yes, it’s a real thing!).
One of the best ways to take time off? By traveling, of course. Here’s what you need to know to do to have a successful adult gap year.
Do your homework
The secret to a successful gap year is doing your research. Look up the region you want to explore for more insider travel tips. You’ll also want to know what vaccines to get, visa requirements, and when the peak tourist travel time for the area is.
Live like a local
Take the time to immerse yourself in a new culture. One great way to experience a new culture is to live like a local. If you’re in Italy, for example, skip the tourist hotspots and opt for small towns and vineyards.
Pack well
Pack enough clothes for your stay, but avoid overpacking! The best way to pack is by packing pieces that can be layered and worn in multiple ways. We also recommend trying the Project 333 challenge: cycling 33 pieces of clothing for three months. You can use this rule to help you limit how much you bring with you.
Save as much as you can
The great thing about taking a gap year as an adult is having the luxury of setting aside money for your travels. You’ll want to save up at least a month’s salary before you take off on your adventure.
Try a variety of travel accommodations
One of the major costs while traveling abroad will be paying for places to stay. While it’s OK to splurge every now and again on a nice hotel, it’s also wise to mix in a few less expensive hostels throughout your travels to offset the costs. Try Booking.com, Couchsurfing, or Airbnb for a variety of accommodations at varying price points.
Have you ever taken a gap year? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
