Budgeting for Gap Year Travel
Taking a gap year is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world and discover fascinating countries and cultures. While you can have fun deciding where you go and what you do, unfortunately you also have to do the less exciting task of working out how you’re going to afford it! Budgeting for your gap year properly can help you make the most of your trip. There’s nothing worse than running out of cash halfway through your gap year and having to make an embarrassing phone call home to your friends and family!
Below our some good tips on how to budget for a gap year abroad that will save you from stressing about cash flow:
Work out how much you’ll need
Sounds obvious, but if you already know some of the costs involved then you can add them up and work out a rough budget for your gap year. Start with the biggest expenses (usually flights) and work your way through everything else until you have an idea of what you’ll be spending day-to-day. Research the average cost of accommodation in each destination as well as rough prices for local food and attractions, including any ‘must-see’ activities – you won’t enjoy your gap year travel half as much if you miss out on all the best experiences! Of course, you can’t account for everything and there are certain to be unexpected costs, but at least if you have a target budget then you’ve got something to work to. If you’re halfway into your budget within the first week of your gap year then you know you’re going to have to start cutting back!
Spend wisely before you go
No one travels half way around the world without first buying some travel essentials. The trick is to limit yourself to exactly that: essentials. This will include visas and vaccinations, as well as travel insurance, which in itself can save you huge amounts of money if you get into trouble. Most other things are optional so make sure that if you buy something you’re going to use it and it will last further than the first bus journey! Buying a good quality backpack is a good start, but don’t go overboard buying travel kit. Spending too much before you go could blow your budget and anyway, it’s always best to travel light!
Get saving!






