Budgeting For Your Trip
It might seem as though a year off work and school, travelling the world and enjoying the sun, should cost an arm and a leg, but gap years are surprisingly affordable. While not every gap year student will be able to live in luxury, most can meet their basic needs without going deep into debt. Even if you are starting with nothing in the bank, remember that almost anyone can AFFORD a great gap year.
Do Your Gap Year Research
Many students latch onto the idea that gap years are prohibitively expensive and never let it go. In reality, a few simple questions will help you figure out exactly how much you need to budget for the trip of your dreams.The most likely candidates to interview are gap year agencies and former gappers themselves, so be sure to pick their brains about; the cost of airfare to your chosen country/countries, the availability of an around-the-world ticket and the average cost of accommodation while abroad.You should also ask them about things such as: a reasonable per-day budget for food and internal travel, a reasonable budget for sight-seeing and touring, including admissions fees, the cost of gap year travel and/or medical insurance and the cost of clothing and supplies for a successful gap year.
Forget the Luxuries
Gap year travel can be expensive, particularly if you are unable to forget the luxuries that you enjoy at home. However, if you begin your travels planning only the basics, the cost of a gap year suddenly becomes much more affordable. Remember that budget fees can always be applied to things such as; economy class air and train travel, hostels and budget hotels, student and youth entry to tours and sightseeing venues, and evening meals and organised activities.A great way to keep expenses low is to investigate travel discounts via student and youth travel cards. Depending on your age and educational status, you may be entitled to:- International Student Identity Card (ISIC) - must be a student.
- International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) - must be under 26 years of age.
- Inter-Rail Pass - cheapest if you are under 26 years of age.
- EuroDomino Youth Pass - must be under 25 years of age.
- Youth Hostel Association - cheapest if you are under 26 years of age.