Jill McElroy, travel expert at StudentUniverse, shares guide to enjoying a gap year on a budget.
Whether it is the dream of living and working abroad in Australia, experiencing the best of Southeast Asia, or studying abroad in the US, gap years have long been a popular rite of passage for young travellers, even despite concerns about how to enjoy them without breaking the bank.
Jill McElroy, Director of Marketing and travel expert at StudentUniverse, the world’s largest youth and student travel agency, says: “A gap year offers young people the chance to travel and experience new places and cultures. It also offers the opportunity to learn valuable skills that simply can’t be taught in a classroom or traditional work environment, so its brilliant to see a renewed interest in the traditional gap year, with UCAS reporting a further decline in 18-year old school leavers opting for university straight from college.
“That said, concluded in the StudentUniverse State of Student Travel Report for 2024, 75% of students admitted that the financial implications of extended travel pose a cause for concern when planning their gap year.
“It doesn’t have to cost the earth though; with the right knowledge and tools, a gap year on a budget is more than possible.”
Below Jill shares her top tips to enjoying a budget gap year, from living like a local, to banking with the best…
Plan ahead
Whilst spontaneous destination hopping is fun, it’s important to plan ahead and understand exactly what your budget is so that you’re able to avoid spending recklessly and have enough money to enjoy yourself once you’re in destination.
Failing to plan ahead by sourcing money saving deals in advance of their travels leaves students paying well over the odds for flights, transport and accommodation. Not to mention with far less money in their pocket to spend exploring when they arrive!
Pick your timing
By avoiding peak seasons for travel you can secure much more reasonably priced flights and accommodation because prices are generally inflated to match demand. Instead opt for the ‘shoulder seasons’, which are generally spring and autumn.
It may not be the summer sunshine or perfect dusting of snow you had originally hoped for, but it will protect your wallet.
Savvy flying options
Travel expenses amount to a large proportion of the costs associated with gap years and travelling overseas. Choosing a midweek flight or one with a connection provides the best value for money. Avoid weekends, premium seating options, and additional luggage to make your money last longer, so pack light.
Hostels over hotels
Save your pennies for exploring not sleeping.
There’s no need for glitz and glam when the aim of the game is to see as much of the world as possible. Hostels are not only cheaper, but they also offer the opportunity to socialise with like-minded travellers and make new friends, making them the best alternative to hotels on a gap year, thus making the most of each new destination.
Don’t bank on your currency
Falling foul to unfavourable exchange rates is a common mistake many travellers make when hopping from country to country, as banks surcharge purchases, and give less than ideal charges to cards used in non-approved territories.
Choose cards from providers like Chase and Monzo that offer you the best rates whilst travelling, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses and save your money for one more cheeky gyros.
Find money saving apps like ‘Buy Nothing’, ‘Bunz’, or ‘TravelSpend’
Making the most of mobile apps is an incredibly easy way to keep on top of your budgeting whilst travelling. So, whether you’re currently planning your adventure or already on an epic gap year, it’s worth researching Apps that can help you save your hard earned cash.
TravelSpend helps you budget, plan, and make your income stream the most efficient it can be pre-adventure. Buy Nothing does exactly what it says on the tin, you don’t pay for goods as they are listed free of charge whilst Bunz is a trading app allowing you to swap your unwanted items – ideal when you’re travelling and have both limited funds and limited bag space.
Earn as you go
What could be better than seeing the world without depleting your savings?
Some part time jobs even come with accommodation and food included. So, whether you’re interested in hospitality and a stint living and working at a private vineyard or ski resort, or a construction job, there are options to suit every traveller.
Live like a local
Failing to research the local area before arriving in a new destination leaves students open to falling victim to local scams and tourist traps.
Before reaching each destination, it’s important to ask three key questions.
- Where do the locals eat?
- Where do they shop?
- How do they get around?
Employing this mindset will help you enjoy a new destination in a more authentic way whilst saving money in the process. You never know,
Is that magnet necessary?
Whilst buying souvenirs is a lovely way to remember your travel experience, when every pound matters, they might not be the best expense to indulge in. Especially when there are other ways to help you hold on to your memories.
Photos are priceless as is a travel journal – they will help you remember every dinner, beautiful sunset and the people you meet along the way.
For more information and exclusive discounts when booking your next trip, visit www.studentuniverse.co.uk
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
* Survey of 500 nationally representative adults between the ages of 18-34, carried out by Attest on behalf of StudentUniverse in September 2023.
For further press information, please contact:
Elsa Findlay | Peter Gregory
Rooster.
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About StudentUniverse:
Launched in 2000, StudentUniverse is a Boston-based tech company that operates the world’s largest student and youth travel marketplace. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers exclusive pricing and terms for its members.
With operations in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and the Philippines, StudentUniverse empowers students and youth to travel more. Acquired in 2015, StudentUniverse is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. For more updates, follow our corporate blog and LinkedIn.
