Is it better to travel solo or with friends on your gap year?

Going away with your best friends, or seeing the world alone. Have you thought about what would suit you best?

The gap year

The gap year has increasingly become a rite of passage for thousands of students every year. Many students choose to take a year out either before they go to university, or after finishing their degree. Increasingly working adults are also taking a gap year, using the time to reflect upon work, volunteer, evaluate their life, or simply to take that holiday of a lifetime they’ve always hankered after.

Whatever you’re searching for, there are no shortages of websites that cater for the gap year- be you student or otherwise. Commercial companies that offer the perfect gap year solution seem to multiply by the year; whether you are searching for voluntary projects or extreme sports, there’s a company that will help you arrange the gap year of your dreams-for a fee.

What kinds of activities are there?

Teaching English, participating in conservation projects on the Galapagos islands, planting trees, or bungee jumping in New Zealand, are just some of the activities available. Just one cautionary word: if you do opt to do some kind of voluntary project, double check that you’re working with the support and involvement of the local community. If you’re short on cash, you can always timetable in a short spell of work, such as teaching English, working as a ski instructor/diving instructor, or waitressing.

Can’t I just buy a plane ticket?

Certainly, if you have a strong adventurous spirit, or simply dislike commercialisation, there is no reason why you can’t decide roughly which countries you want to visit, and buy a round the world ticket. Make sure before you buy, that you are able to change the dates of travel, or you are charged only a nominal fee for such adjustments.

I would advise you to draw up a rough plan as to where you want to go, and what you want to do and see. Even if your plans do change, having a timetable, will give you a sense of achievement and purpose.

So let’s assume you’ve done your research and drawn up a plan, which leads us to the next dilemma: should you travel in a group, or go it alone?

Travelling in a group

Most of us in the western world are used to a degree of security in our lives. Walking out into the unknown can leave with feelings of trepidation and niggling unanswered questions of 'what happens if?’ Travelling with a group of friends can make you feel safer, help you cut down on expenses such as accommodation and food, and provide you with support when not everything goes according to plan. However, good friends do not always make for suitable travelling companions.

And the Downside?

If you aren’t sure about how you and your friend(s) will get along in close proximity for long periods of time, my strong advice is to go it alone. However, if you are resolute on going away together, consider when and how you want to spend your time together.

Allow yourselves a bit of space

Travelling in a group can be a rewarding experience, providing you allow each other personal space and time, and accommodate for individual interests. Here, planning is important: make a list of things you want to do and see, and compare your list with your friends’.

Using these lists to plan, put aside some time for yourself so you can go to places that you find interesting, and experience the country and culture on your own terms and in your own time. Allow for the contingency where one of you may want to stay in a country for longer, or even take up a job opportunity.

Timetable some activities that you do apart, as well as together: one of you may want to work teaching English, whilst another friend may want to learn how to dive. In this way, you have the advantage of experiencing countries through your own eyes, as well as through the eyes of the group.

Benefits of Solo Travel

Solo travel can be immensely rewarding; you can go where you want, when you want, and are more likely to interact and talk with local people. Often, the dangers of travelling alone get blown out of proportion, and you are more likely to encounter trouble in the capital city of your own country, than travelling through Asia. Doing your research, respecting the local culture and customs, and keeping away from dodgy areas will all minimize the chances of having a bad experience, and help ensure that your gap year meets your expectation.

And the downside?

Travelling is an amazing and varied mixture of experiences and there can be wonderful situations you don’t plan for, and not so wonderful situations you don’t plan for. When things don’t go according to plan, you are on your own. You need to be able to appreciate your own company, and possess an independence of spirit to be able to tackle the challenges you meet when travelling alone.

Security Issues

Remember to carry your passport on you at all times, and keep a photocopy in a separate place. In some countries, you are breaking the law if you do not carry your passport, which can land you with a hefty fine. Be careful when you go out; remember alcohol lowers inhibitions, and never accept alcoholic drinks from a person you’ve just met in a bar. This may seem obvious advice, but confronted with a completely different culture, normal rules may seem irrelevant; but you should exercise the same amount of caution as you would in your own country.

Useful links:

http://www.gapwork.com/activities.shtml

http://www.gapyear.com/adventure/

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