 If you think gap years are just for students, you’ll be surprised by the new wave of travellers taking extended trips. There are now two distinct additions to the ‘gapper’ list: 'career gappers’ – those taking a sabbatical from work or travelling post-redundancy – and ‘denture venturers’ – people taking a long trip during retirement. Even the idea of a ‘gap year’ itself is changing; the perception that you have to take a whole year to travel is extinct. With programmes in every corner of the globe lasting from two weeks upwards, there’s endless flexibility in where to go, what to do and how long to do it for. Extended travel on a career break
If you’re on a career break, whether because you’ve decided to take some time out or you’ve been made redundant, a period of extended travel can be a really worthwhile way to spend your time. Travelling is a radical change from the repetitive nature of working life and a great way to get away from it all, re-evaluate and consider the future. And travelling on your career break needn’t be a purely selfish endeavour; there’s always the opportunity to volunteer or retrain with a skill, which will add value to your CV on your return home. If you’re on a career break, why not:
Discover the real Guatemala by building houses in local villages. Most homes in the country are made of nothing more than cardboard and bamboo, but you’ll help families to build safe, permanent houses – and see their lives change forever on a rewarding project. Plan your trip to Guatemala Explore the Amazon rainforest with an animal rescue centre in Ecuador. Assist in the running of a centre as you make new furry and feathered friends, including pumas, lions, monkeys and toucans – you may even be lucky enough to help in a rescue and release! Plan your trip to Ecuador Make a difference by helping out at an orphanage in stunning South Africa. Working at the heart of the community, you’ll be in the ideal position to absorb the fascinating South African culture and forge relationships with the children and the locals.Plan your trip to South Africa Extended travel during retirement
With time to spare and a bank of transferable skills, during your retirement you have the freedom and wealth at your disposal most travellers can only dream of. Plus, having worked hard for years, you deserve to reward yourself with a trip. So why not join the new wave of ‘grey gappers’? Like many modern retirees, your lifestyle may be very different to that of previous generations; as one of the baby boomers you probably still have the health, confidence and desire to travel further afield. So make the most of your new-found freedom, now the kids are grown-up, and go SKI-ing – Spending the Kids' Inheritance! If you’ve retired, why not:
Cruise along the Norway Coast and Arctic Circle, exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes. See polar bears, seals, walrus and Arctic foxes as you cruise the icy waters, before witnessing one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, the Northern Lights. Plan your trip to the Norway Coast and Arctic Circle Travel on a trans-Siberian railway tour from St Petersburg to Beijing. Experience Russian culture as you discover soviet icons, palaces and lakes, plus beautiful cities and stunning countryside, on your way towards the bustling Chinese capital. Plan your trip from St Petersberg to Beijing Tour Vietnam, taking in its rich cultural and historical sights. Witness the sights, sounds, colours and cultures of the country; from bargaining with the locals at markets to cruising the Mekong Delta and visiting the My Son monuments, you’ll experience all walks of life.
Plan your trip to Vietnam Extended travel post-study
If you’ve just finished school or university, you may feel like you deserve a break. After years of studying and exams, a period of extended travel can be a great opportunity to think about what you want to do next, whether that’s going on to do more studying or begin a career. An extended period of travel will open you up to a world of new people, places and ideas and provide you with priceless experiences. Plus, it can also enhance your CV and help you stand out from the crowd, as you’ll have proved yourself to be an adventurous and motivated individual.  If you’ve just finished studying, why not:
Preserve the coral reef on a diving programme in Cambodia. Assist with some of the first marine research to be conducted in the country, as you gain valuable diving experience and help make a positive difference to coral reefs and the people who rely on them.
Plan your trip to Cambodia
Earn money and learn new skills at an outback ranch in Australia. Get off the beaten track and experience Australia’s great outdoors as you work on an outback farm, doing anything from cattle mustering to fruit picking.
Plan your trip to Australia Learn Spanish on a home stay in Barcelona. You’ll be immersed in the culture as you get to know the locals and explore the beautiful city from your base in a host family’s home, making learning the language a whole lot easier!
Plan your trip to Barcelona |