“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – this is a quote that is not only true, but also something that is resonating with more and more each year, with a greater number of people than ever choosing to take time off and travel before heading into work, or taking a sabbatical from work. The rise of gap year and sabbatical travelling has risen due to a number of factors – flexibility with working, great communication with others who travel and social media. Following numerous of accounts showing thousands of beautiful destinations has not only raised our awareness of potential places to go, but also made us want to achieve that lifestyle and head there ourselves.
The benefits of taking a year off to travel are endless. For starters, it is good for you! It has been shown that by taking you out of your comfort zones, your confidence is improved, you develop problem solving skills are you are forced to continually use initiative and planning skills. It also has been said to improve your work knowledge and your character, dealing with any issues and problems when you are travelling such as language barriers, trekking through jungles or climbing mountains – all of which help build your character.
Netflights recently surveyed 2040 people from the UK who had either taken a gap year or sabbatical from work and found of those who took a gap year 72.4% found it either significantly or very significantly improved their employability and 71.8% found it significantly or very significantly improved their CV. Confidence was also found to the be the biggest thing gained, followed by independence, maturity, world knowledge and motivation. You can see the full survey for yourself here.
David Chapman, director general for the World Youth Student and Education (WYSE) travel Confederation predicts “By 2020, 320 million international trips are expected to be made by youth travellers each year, a staggering 47% increase from 217 million in 2013.
We decided to catch up with a few travellers to find out the appeal, what they would recommend and whether the experience is what they thought it would be…
Melissa Parsons
Travelled for Six Months from October to April
Around Central America from Costa Rica up to Mexico (Inc. Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala) for 2 months. Then did Australia (Sydney to Cairns) and then Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia).
Where was your favourite place?
I loved Guatemala and Mexico because they both have so much culture and history, as well as beautiful scenery (especially in Antigua and Guatemala). People were really friendly and amazing food too!
Favourite thing about travelling?
Experiencing different cultures and meeting different people from all walks of life.
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t expect?
Even though Asia and Central America are generally quite cheap, I did not expect to spend as much money as I did!
What were some of your favourite moments?
Diving the Great Barrier Reef, volunteering with turtles in Costa Rica, (watching the babies hatch!!), sleeping under the stars on a sailing yacht, staying with a real Mayan family, exploring Mayan ruins and Buddhist temples, climbing volcanoes!
Were there any difficult moments:
Occasionally felt homesick (6 months is quite a long time!) and getting ill away from home can be difficult what with doctors speaking different languages and there being no creature comforts etc. You can also encounter some funny/strange people in hostels!
Tips for future travellers:
-Don’t try to plan everything because spontaneity is fun but organise yourself enough so that you will definitely fit in all your must-see/dos.
-Be patient- in a lot of places things work very differently to back home (e.g. public transport running late is the norm).
-Try to go off the beaten track and experience things beyond the typical tourist attractions.
-Be respectful and open minded (e.g. wear appropriate clothing, learn a few key phrases).
Would you recommend it?
I would 100% recommend backpacking!
What did you take away from the experience?
A lot of amazing memories! I also learnt a lot about different countries/cultures and also about myself. It was a very humbling experience to meet less fortunate people who were incredibly happy and content.
Here are some of Melissa’s Photo Highlights:
Vanessa Tait
Travelled for Three Months from October to April
Around Hawaii staying with different local families along the way.
Where was your favourite place?
That’s a tough one- it was all so good! But probably the big islands Kealakekua bay beach, the beautiful coral reefs from the moment you jump in. And surfing the aqua waters of wakiki beach.. a dream come true!
Favourite thing about travelling?
Immersing myself in new cultures and meeting new people everyday and just not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring.
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t expect?
I went travelling on my own and was so surprised at just how easy it was to make friends! One morning I hiked to the top of a mountain alone at 4am to watch sunrise and along the way met some amazing people. I went up alone and ended up walking down with friends I still keep in touch with now.
What were some of your favourite moments?
My favourite moment for was swimming with wild spinner dolphins and swimming in the reefs day in and day out.
Were there any difficult moments?
I didn’t encounter any difficult moments, the only difficult moment I felt, was going to bed! – Wasting precious adventure time!
Tips for future travellers?
-Don’t be scared to travel alone- it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done!
Would you recommend it?
YES YES YES! And you must visit Hawaii, it is truly the most beautiful, soulful, magical and happiest place on earth.
What did you take away from the experience?
I’ve become so much more of a stronger and independent person with memories I will cherish for life, which is the most precious thing to have. But I have now caught the “travellers bug” and can’t wait to head off somewhere new!
Here are some of Vanessa’s Photo Highlights:
Connie Reed
Travelled for Six Months
Travelled all around Australia.
Where was your favourite place?
My favourite place was the Whitsundays, an incredible island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Favourite thing about travelling?
The best thing about travelling is having no cares in the world other than getting yourself from A to B to see these amazing places.
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t expect?
I didn’t expect travelling to be as stressful as it was, it was amazing meeting new people and seeing new places but stressful finding places to stay, still would do it all over again though.
What were some of your favourite moments?
Discovering new places and seeing how beautiful Australia was!
Were there any difficult moments?
The only real difficult moments was worrying about money and how long it was going to last until you could find a new job. So tips would be to pre-arrange as much as possible and be prepared.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely would recommend it, you only live once why not go travelling? I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to go its incredible.
What did you take away from the experience?
I learnt a lot about myself, how materialistic things are not important. Camping in our car was basic, but amazing waking up to kangaroos. There is so much to appreciate in the world.
Here are some of Connie’s Photo Highlights:
Megan Byrne
Travelled for One Month
Travelled from Florianopolis in the South of Brazil to the North East, Salvador.
Where was your favourite place?
Itacaré, literally paradise
Favourite thing about travelling?
Speaking with local people, getting off the tourist trail and learning about different cultures/attitudes
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t expect?
I didn’t expect to feel so at home in each place I went to, it was extremely welcoming and even though I was a ‘gringo’, I was welcomed with open arms.
What were some of your favourite moments?
Seeing some children play on the stairs next to my hostel in Pelourinho, Salvador. They were running up to the top of the stairs, sitting in used cardboard boxes and sliding all the way down the stairs to the bottom. The sound of their laughter is something I will remember forever.
Were there any difficult moments?
The most difficult moment was after I cut my foot open on some coral in a stunning natural swimming pool in Paraty. We were heading to Rio the next day and were a large hike and three beaches away from the small town, with no first aid available. Carrying my 20kg backpack through the airport was not easy, alongside the 5 hour wait in Rio’s A&E. (was pretty painful too)
Tips for future Travellers
– Open your eyes to the culture and life around you.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely. I also learnt to not be put off by things you hear about the country. I didn’t do my year abroad in Brazil because everyone (who had never been there) mentioned the fact that it was super dangerous. However, like everywhere, no country should be off-limits due to a few individuals.
What did you take away from the experience?
I learnt a lot about myself, and about the world around me.
Here are some of Megan’s Photo Highlights:
Josh Sayers
Travelled for Four and a half months
Around Europe for three and a half months, then New Zealand for a month
Where was your favourite place?
Either Nice or Prague, they were both such beautiful places to visit, full of culture too.
Favourite thing about travelling?
Meeting loads of new friends. We’ve had some of the best experiences with new people we’ve met and are sure we’re remain friends for a long time.
Was there anything about travelling you didn’t expect?
I didn’t expect it to be so hot! It’s fine when you’re by a beach or pool but can be quite overbearing in some of the cities. I also didn’t think it would be so hard to eat healthily!
What were some of your favourite moments?
Sailing the Greek Islands was a truly unforgettable moment.
Were there any difficult moments?
I didn’t really experience anything difficult- I budgeted well and I just enjoyed it all!
Tips for future travellers?
-Pack lighter than you think, and dont travel in the peak of summer!
-Always ask the locals where they like to eat.
-Do as much as you can and see as much as you can!
Would you recommend it?
YES!
What did you take away from the experience?
Pictures, friends and a big list of where to go next!
Here are some of Josh’s Photo Highlights:
