Travelling After Graduation | How to Save, Funding & Travel Tips
by Skylar Grace
Let’s be real; the years 2020 and 2021 have been utter bummers, especially for students. But what if we told you there was a way you could make up for the last two years after graduation? Travelling the world may seem like a distant dream, and if you’re reading this thinking it’s impossible; we’re here to tell you it’s not! Plus, you 100% deserve the break after these last two years. So, how do you get started? Where can you go? And most importantly, how do you get the money to fund such an exciting adventure?
Firstly, the best way to get started is to lay out your expectations but be realistic. Consider how long you want to travel, as the length of time you’re away could increase how much money you’ll need. But if you’re willing to put in a little work, there are ways around this. Countries like Australia are popular travel destinations, and you can stay for up to a year so long as you’re working. Farm jobs are often the work of choice for backpackers, and in countries where English isn’t the primary language, you may also be able to find employment as an Au Pair. We know working while travelling may not be the dream, but it can be a fantastic experience! There’s no better way to experience a country’s culture than working alongside the people that live there, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet so many exciting and unique people.
But what about funding the travel itself? To start, set up a savings account specifically for your gap year. Setting up a separate account will allow you to easily track how much money you have and how much you need. Next is to consider your options. There are many ways to go about funding your gap year; you could get a job to save up before you go, research sponsorships, or try fundraising. Of course, getting a job and saving up can take some time, so this might not be the favourite option. Some universities offer grants for their students to volunteer abroad for charitable organisations, so this is the best place to look for sponsorships! But you could always consider running a fundraising event if this isn’t available to you. Some great event ideas include running a marathon, cake sales or selling your old, unused possessions. These types of events are great fun, and they’re a brilliant way to raise money!
So, you’ve got your funding and travel expenses sorted. Now all that’s left is to decide your destination and where to stay. Some of the most popular countries among students include Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands, but really, the world is your oyster! Plenty of places offer charity-based travel opportunities, and some even pay you to work abroad. And, when it comes to accommodation, there are some great low-budget alternatives if you’re willing to sleep “rough”. Hostels are one option, and camping is certainly a brilliant option with little to no costs involved! Many options are available to students and graduates hoping to beat the blues and get their 20s back on track. Travelling abroad might feel daunting and impossible, but it doesn’t need to be!
And just like that, you’re ready for a gap year. Yep, it’s that simple! Like we said, travelling is not a distant dream; it’s something anyone can do. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to have a fantastic year. So good luck with your adventures, and don’t let anything hold you back!
