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Are you looking to take a meaningful gap year? Here are the best destinations for 2025 to gain knowledge, and skills, further your career, and even learn a new language!
The first step in planning a gap year is finding a destination that can provide a meaningful experience. Maximizing the benefits of your gap year will require work both before and during your time abroad. To find the perfect gap year destination for you, consider: Your proficiency with a second language or desire to learn one · Your budget, including cost of living, transportation, and program fees · The activities, including work, volunteering, internships, or adventure sports you would like to take part inMany gap year programs in South Africa allow travelers to experience world-renowned vineyards, a sprawling eco-tourism industry, and adventure travel. There are also many volunteering opportunities in South Africa that allow travelers to give back during their time abroad.Whether you teach English, volunteer with local NGOs, work on the front lines of climate issues, study spirituality and religion, or relax, India provides a culturally immersive experience. The low cost of living allows gappers to maximize their time abroad while traveling throughout the country and visiting its many iconic temples and landscapes.✅ Known for: Wildlife, beaches, adventure travel, watersports, cuisine, diversity ⚽ Activities: Swimming, diving, safaris, hiking 🌐 Type of visa: South African Visitor visa valid for 3 months · From world-renowned vineyards to fascinating wildlife roaming freely in national parks, South Africa is a fantastic gap year destination for adventure seekers, animal conservation volunteers, and foodies alike.
In addition to referencing this gap year guide, read over some of our other resources. ... The mission of Volunteer Forever is to make it easier for people to volunteer, teach, intern, and travel around the world by helping them find and fund their trips abroad.
Their gap year experience may involve volunteer community work and offers a number of learning opportunities. Experiencing a different culture and getting to know the world often provides an academic boost for participants. Time taken to travel and immerse oneself in the culture helps them to become global citizens.Ultimately, what you do during your gap year depends on your personal goals, budget, and preferences. For instance, if you want to take a year off before dental school, you may consider a dental volunteer abroad program. Or, if you wish to explore the history and culture of Europe but must remain within a set budget, arrange a travel itinerary that includes volunteering, teaching, or interning (as that can offset expenses).There are several gap year programs to choose from, but here are our favorites. ... Founded in 2007, IVHQ was established on the idea that volunteer travel should be high quality, responsible, and affordable. IVHQ was started online by Dan Radcliffe from his family farm in New Zealand.Now it is one of the premier volunteer travel organizations in the world. IVHQ operates in more than 40 countries and has provided volunteer abroad programs for over 130,000 participants hailing from more than 100 countries across the globe, including Gap Years!
This public university in Portland, ... to their gap year deferral policy. The school encourages gap years for volunteering, working, travel or other reasons with a $200 tuition deposit and a written explanation of how the year will be spent....
Students must submit a form with a written explanation of their gap year plans and pay the $300 tuition deposit. Likewise, the school’s admission policies state that for new applicants who apply after taking a gap year, this won’t affect their application. This public university in Portland, Oregon grants deferred enrollment for admitted first-year students, according to their gap year deferral policy. The school encourages gap years for volunteering, working, travel or other reasons with a $200 tuition deposit and a written explanation of how the year will be spent.USA Gap Year Fairs: Organized annually by Go Overseas, these fairs bring together over 100 gap year program providers for families to explore opportunities. GoAbroad – Volunteer Abroad: Platform allows you to browse international volunteer placements with alumni reviews, while also providing travel and planning resources.GapYear.com – Volunteering: This British company updates a directory of volunteer gap year programs around the globe as well as inspirational blog stories and travel ideas. Gap Year Association: With a vision to make semester-long gap years accessible to all high school graduates, this nonprofit provides research on gap years, accredits programs, and helps with financial aid. Planning Guide to the Ultimate Gap Year: This in-depth guide from the Gap Year Association helps students plan where, how, and for how long to take a gap year.Volunteering is a great way to spend a gap year before or after college. Find programs and learn more about responsible volunteering in this guide.
IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ offer ... gap year travel: The most affordable gap year programs, starting at $20 per day · Trusted by more than 144,000 program participants since 2007 · More programs open than any other provider: 40+ countries, 150+ career-focused internships and 300+ volunteer projects to choose from ... Looking for a gap year plan to suit your ...
IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ offer the best gap year opportunities by providing the most affordable and regenerative way to immerse yourself in new cultures and give back through gap year travel: The most affordable gap year programs, starting at $20 per day · Trusted by more than 144,000 program participants since 2007 · More programs open than any other provider: 40+ countries, 150+ career-focused internships and 300+ volunteer projects to choose from ... Looking for a gap year plan to suit your schedule and budget?Get in touch with our team of highly experienced Gap Year Planners, so that we can provide you with personalized program recommendations based on your travel goals, life ambitions and the causes you care about. Get internship recommendationsGet volunteer recommendationsThe Certificate in International Volunteering is a three hour virtual volunteering course from the Global Travel Academy. Join travel gurus as they journey through twelve counties to learn about volunteering best practice and how to handle real-life challenges on the road. ... Need some help planning your gap year adventure?Explore the best gap year programs for 2024 & 2025, trusted by more 144,000 program participants. With budget-friendly volunteer & intern abroad programs available 40+ countries, you can create your dream gap year here…
Founded by volunteers for volunteers, Plan My Gap Year works with local communities in the developing world towards long-term sustainable goals. We know there is no better way to travel and make a positive impact on the world.
Plan My Gap Year puts you in touch with all your fellow volunteers via Facebook before you set off. Our projects receive volunteers from around the world throughout the year, so even if you’re travelling solo, you’re going to meet heaps of people along the way.Our aim is to make our programmes accessible to motivated travellers irrespective of their financial capacity. Plan My Gap Year focuses on providing the core requirements of a volunteer programme: safety, structure and sustainability.Your orientation course will teach you everything you need to know about the country, how to stay safe and what to expect from your upcoming volunteer experience. · Our local team are on-call 24/7. Whether you’ve lost your passport or just want some help in planning a weekend trip, our friendly in-country coordinators provide that safety net to ensure you are well looked after. ... Plan My Gap Years' responsibility is not limited to our travellers but also the projects we support.Before you go we will provide you with a detailed Volunteer Handbook, which will guide you through how to prepare for your trip. This Handbook contains literally everything you need to know – from what to pack, to how to obtain a visa, to local language guides. Our experienced UK team are always available to provide assistance. Plan My Gap Year is always available to answer our questions and support you in anyway we can.
We rounded up all of the best travel gift ideas for all trips and budgets, from helpful organizers to portable tech gear.
For someone who’s always flirting with the 50-pound limit, a luggage scale is a must-have for avoiding extra fees. This under-$10 Travel Inspira scale is a great gift idea for any traveler, especially one who’s planning an extended trip. To save weight in a suitcase, skip the full-size beauty products and use this set of Ries toiletry bottles instead.These travel gifts are so good that you’ll want to pick up a few for your next trip, too. ... Ashley is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience reporting on products in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle space.Another travel hack for our overpackers is to stash a spare tote in a suitcase for shopping done along the way. I’ve been traveling with Tumi’s Just In Case Tote (which folds up into a small square pouch) for more than five years now and it’s saved me on multiple occasions when I’ve run out of room mid-trip.Anna Popp is a New York-based associate editor at Travel + Leisure, covering all of the best travel products, from luggage to outdoor gear. She has been a travel writer, editor, and product tester for over five years.
Euphoria on a moped in Indonesia, orcas off Argentina and the chance to ranch, surf or simply be the person they always wanted to be are among our readers’ wonderful memories
The most fantastic indigenous food and culture, a festival every weekend, complex social and political history – but an easy, safe place to travel, especially as a solo female. Dramatically cheaper than neighbouring countries, it’s the best way to afford a lot of bucket-list adventures, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Uyuni salt flats. Liz Cheesbrough ... Huanchaco beach. Photograph: Diego Grandi/Alamy · I took the opportunity to volunteer for a few months in the surfers’ paradise of Huanchaco, Peru with Otra Cosa Network.Workaway is a fantastic scheme that helps to connect travellers seeking cultural experiences (and accommodation) to hosts who require volunteers or work in varying shapes and forms. We spent a month looking after a working ranch in Maryville, Tennessee. Daily tasks included gardening, painting, cooking for our hosts and taking care of horses, donkeys and cats.At 18, I volunteered for a month in Eswatini (then called Swaziland) with All Out Africa. I’d never heard of Swaziland before, but read in a gap year brochure that it had the highest density of HIV/Aids in the world – an issue I was fundraising for and keen to learn more about.Gap years and volunteering are not just for students: I have enjoyed a number of conservation projects in Africa and South America and actually felt useful. There are so many organisations offering to “match” you with a volunteering role, but dealing directly with an in-country organisation means you can get exactly what you want.
Tell us about a favourite long trip – it could have been a gap year, a sabbatical or a spell volunteering abroad – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break
Increasing numbers of us are choosing to take a career break or sabbatical later in life to travel abroad or try something new. Have you taken time out to volunteer overseas, to see the world, or to study abroad? We’d love to hear about your adventures and how they enriched your life. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. ... The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, will win a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide.
Ian and Claire Fisher from Barry, Wales, decided that travel was 'one of the best learning experiences you can have as an adult or a child' and so they took their children out of school to go globetrotting...
They will soon be ready for a long-awaited second family gap year. Above right - the family in Santorini, Greece · The Fisher family explored South Africa (above), which Claire calls 'the best trip to date' Ian, 35, and Claire, 38, spotted another family on television who had sold everything to travel the world together and decided 'if they can do it, then so can we'. The pair planned to 'make it as creators/influencers' while on the road, but also saved up £27,000 'by working extra jobs, going for promotions, selling belongings and moving in with family'.They also purchased cameras, a tripod and a laptop to make content for their Instagram page, @traveltheworldfamily. Ian took a sabbatical from work and the family packed up their lives, booked their flights and planned their route for what Claire calls the 'most incredible, life-changing year of our lives'. Taking the children out of school was a big decision for the parents - but they claim it wasn't much of an issue in the end. Claire noted: 'During our gap year, we purchased some home learning books in maths, English and science for the kids to do when we got some down time, but along with daily reading before bed, we didn’t do any other sit-down learning with books.Claire told MailOnline Travel: 'We did our last one in 2018, but since then we’ve still found ways of travelling for extended periods, like during paternity and maternity where we flew to Mexico and travelled the country before doing a road trip in the U.S. 'Our next gap year is planned for 2026 and we plan to travel a lot of South America and the Pacific Islands, which is top of our bucket list!'From a 'plastic apocalypse' in Asia to a driving route in SCOTLAND - Fodor's travel guide reveals where NOT to go in 2025 (along with 25 top spots to try instead) Passenger reveals she was charged $2,300 because she used her nickname when booking flight · Plane passenger sparks fierce debate after sitting in between couple on three-hour flight
Each of our volunteer projects and internships is ethical, well-supported, and part of a better future. We work with continuing management plans to make sure our impact is sustainable. We track our impact using resources like our own Global Impact Database. You can read about our impact to find out what you’ll be a part of. Travel and tick countries off your bucket list: Use your gap ...
Each of our volunteer projects and internships is ethical, well-supported, and part of a better future. We work with continuing management plans to make sure our impact is sustainable. We track our impact using resources like our own Global Impact Database. You can read about our impact to find out what you’ll be a part of. Travel and tick countries off your bucket list: Use your gap year to broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in new cultures, and explore breathtaking landscapes.As an added measure of safety, all of our placements are fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector. This means our programs offer peace of mind that you’ll be safe and well-looked-after. ... We often get asked if we offer free volunteering abroad for gap years. The short answer is no. There are several reasons why we ask all our participants to pay a fee for volunteering abroad. Read more about why our gap year projects have a programme fee. Don't forget that most people organise their gap year volunteering plans a long time in advance.Take a gap year abroad and get ready to travel, explore, and meet new people on one of our gap year travel programmes for high school and college graduates.We want you to get the most out of your gap year. So, depending on your goals, we’ll help you put together a gap year travel programme that will benefit you the most. Here are six of the most popular reasons our previous volunteers chose to volunteer abroad for their gap years:
Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning volunteer abroad organisation, offering volunteer projects in Africa, Asia, Europe & South America.
As soon as you arrive, a trusted driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals area to take the stress out of the first leg of your trip. After confirming your booking, we’ll send you a detailed Welcome Email that includes a Volunteer Handbook. This guide will provide all the information you need to prepare for your trip, including when and where to arrive. Once your flights are booked—whether through us or independently—we’ll gather your travel details and arrange your airport pick-up. Have another question on your mind? Feel free to drop it below, and we’ll get back to you right away!✨ #solotravel #safetravel #airport #arrival #gapyear #support #team #travelsafe #pmgyYour kindness and hard work are helping to make the world a brighter place! Here’s to a magical overseas Christmas and countless unforgettable adventures in the New Year! ✈️✨ #pmgy #volunteerabroad #christmasoverseas #travelatchristmas #festivetravels #makeanimpact #gapyear #travel #solotravelFrom visa guidance to suggested packing lists, this will be the ultimate guide, helping you plan for your trip abroad. We have Facebook groups for each of our destinations. Here you can find members of our international and local teams, as well as past, present and future participants. These pages, therefore, provide a great forum for participants to network, share experiences and community updates year-on-year. Sometimes it can be difficult to picture yourself on our cheap volunteer abroad programs without yet being there.Enjoy spacious common areas perfect for relaxation, a fully equipped kitchen for shared meals, and plenty of outdoor space to unwind and connect with nature. It’s the ideal setting to make your time in Costa Rica feel just like home! 🇨🇷 #pmgycostarica #volunteerhouse #volunteerabroad #sharedaccommodation #travelbuddies #gapyear #solotravel #latinamerica #southamerica
Considering taking a gap year? Pair this incredible opportunity with the perfect travel insurance policy. Explore our best gap year travel insurance deals.
That’s why specialist gap year travel insurance is necessary opposed to ‘off-the-shelf’ standard travel insurance. Gap year insurance – which can also be known as backpacker or long stay insurance – provides cover for trips of up to 18 months, and offers protection around adventure sports and high-risk activities that are not generally covered under a standard policy. Many gap year policy terms also permit trips back home and cover paid or voluntary work abroad.Gap year travel insurance policies vary in terms of what they offer. But typically, policies will cover the following as standard: ... Note that not all policies will cover extreme or winter sports so check carefully before applying. It may be worth taking out a separate winter sports cover instead. If you’re embarking on volunteer work while away, double-check that the policy extends to this.In addition to the standard cover for say, medical bills and personal belongings, a comprehensive gap year policy extends to risks associated with a longer trip. For example, this might include disrupted travel plans, working while abroad and an emergency and temporary trip back home.This is because many gap year policies provide cover for cancellation (in certain situations) in the run up to the trip. If you wait until you go to buy your travel insurance, you will be without protection for this element of risk. Where you’re planning to go on your trip will have a significant impact on the cost of gap year insurance.
You can choose to backpack through ... or volunteer abroad. The first step is to do your research and decide on what kind of experience you want. As a starting point, decide whether you would like to travel independently or as part of a program. A solo gap year means you’ll have complete freedom, but will need to take responsibility for all the details, such as itineraries, accommodation, visas and transportation. Choosing a gap year travel program can help make the planning and preparation ...
You can choose to backpack through multiple countries, work in places like Australia or New Zealand, or volunteer abroad. The first step is to do your research and decide on what kind of experience you want. As a starting point, decide whether you would like to travel independently or as part of a program. A solo gap year means you’ll have complete freedom, but will need to take responsibility for all the details, such as itineraries, accommodation, visas and transportation. Choosing a gap year travel program can help make the planning and preparation for your gap year much easier, as many of these logistics will already be taken care of.As well as jabs, you’ll need a well-stocked first aid kit for your travels, including basics such as water sterilisation tablets, pain killers, sunscreen and insect repellent. Before going on a gap year, you’ll need to make a budget and save accordingly. If you plan on volunteering abroad during your gap year, you can explore fundraising possibilities to help you meet the program costs.Taking a gap year is an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, leap. If you’re thinking of travelling abroad during your gap year, stay calm and read our guide to planning your trip.Gap year travel programs are typically focused on experiential learning, ideal for students looking to expand their horizons beyond the classroom. Programs usually combine either intern or volunteer activities with adventure travel opportunities.
Gap year programmes for team volunteering and adventure in Africa, Asia, Central, South America. Culture, contribution and challenge combined. Find out more.
This is your time - make it the best it can be. Download Gap Guide · UCAS are revising their admissions process. Find out more · A parent friendly resource to help with the gap year planning.Download Parent Guide · We've been in this business for over 20 years, and have sent gappers to all corners of the globe. We've had many years of helping intrepid explorers plan their adventures and feel confident helping Leapers find their perfect programme.We're here to help you every step of the way with your travel planning admin. As soon as you've signed up to a team programme, we'll then advise you on what flight to book, what vaccinations you'll need, if you'll need a visa, and what gap year insurance you'll need to buy.Welcome to the Leap's volunteering adventure programmes, designed to blend volunteering, adventure, and cultural immersion. From protecting wildlife, to supporting local communities, to zip wiring across the cloud forest - itineraries crafted for variety, growth, impact and connection with new cultures and friends - perfect way to kick start a gap year. Our experienced leaders are with you every step of the way, offering support, expertise and knowledge for onward independent travel which we find most of our leapers do, (more often than not with their new leap friends).
While daunting for some, travelling full time is the 'best thing' the family of four says they've ever done.
When you think of the term gap year, your mind might wander to a high school graduate jet-setting across the globe before eventually settling down into full-time work or uni. But closer to home, there's a new trend emerging among Aussie families who are calling it quits on their busy schedules to live in a caravan on the road. Previously considered the travel of choice for retirees, otherwise known as Grey Nomads, caravan travel has long been a popular choice for many Aussies.Taking a gap year to travel the country, while daunting for some, is "the best thing we've ever done" according to Malissa.The term refers to home schooling children while adventuring across Australia. For most, that means working and living out of a caravan. Among them are parents Malissa and Hamish Rumney, full-time travellers who've been on the road for 14 months.Today there are about 40,000 Aussie kids being taught by their parents outside of the classroom (not specific to travel schooling, but home schooling more generally). That's more than double the number registered in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transform your gap year into a meaningful adventure! Discover 9 best travel and volunteer gap year ideas that will help you make a lasting impact around the globe.
If working at summer camp in Canada is at the top of your list for your gap year plans, then take the first step and start your application today! ... We're the original Camp Canada. We've got offices around the world, including in Toronto - whatever you need to know about summer camp in Canada, we've got the answer. ... 9 Top Tips for Travelling on a Budget post camp 10 Ways to Stay Safe When Travelling Solo in Canada 9 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for a Sustainable AdventureThe world is calling, and you have a year to answer. But instead of just ticking off destinations, why not create a journey that matters? From working abroad at a summer camp in Canada to teaching English in Asia, these are the best travel and volunteer gap year ideas that will ignite your passion and inspire you to make a difference.Whether you're fresh out of high school, feeling stuck in a rut, or just craving a change of scenery, a gap year is your chance to explore, grow, and become the amazing person you're meant to be. Whether it's through travel, volunteering, working, or simply taking time for self-reflection, gap years offer opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and career exploration.A backpacking expedition is the ultimate adventure for the intrepid gap-year traveller. Ditch the digital distractions and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. With just a backpack and a sense of wonder, you can embark on a transformative journey through breathtaking landscapes.
Full review and update of guidance, including additional information on volunteering overseas. Information on gap year, volunteering overseas and adventure travelling has also moved to one central place.
Information on how to stay safe and healthy during travel abroad. ... You should plan before any trip abroad, whether it’s volunteering, adventure travel or other experiences abroad.You can also check our foreign travel checklist for useful advice to help you prepare for travelling and staying safe abroad. Voluntary work can be very rewarding, but a successful volunteering project requires careful planning and support.In line with the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care for Children, the UK government is working towards the long-term process of de-institutionalisation. Whether you or an organisation make the arrangements directly or through a company, you must consider safety to plan and manage a successful adventure travel trip.check the organisation’s history and track record in leading groups to volunteer abroad · if your trip is planned through a sponsor organisation, find out more about the local associations they partner with, including how projects are monitored and quality-assured · make sure you understand the main parts of the itinerary, including travel arrangements, accommodation, any insurance cover provided for you, and what support would be available if you needed to return home early
Join online forums, attend travel ... connections to make your journey even more memorable. Want to make your gap year meaningful? Consider volunteering or working during your time abroad....
To ensure your gap year is truly unforgettable, here are some additional tips to consider on how to plan a gap year: Connect with fellow travelers to enhance your gap year experience. Join online forums, attend travel meetups, and engage with social media travel groups to learn from their experiences, gain valuable tips, and potentially form lasting connections to make your journey even more memorable. Want to make your gap year meaningful? Consider volunteering or working during your time abroad.Read our gap year planning guide to get all the best tips for planning a gap year traveling, including when is the best time to take a gap year.There are various volunteering opportunities to consider, but we’re one of the best. Raleigh International offers multiple projects, such as community, environmental, and leadership projects, during one single epic trip. Explore our expeditions to see if one might be a great fit for your gap year. Nothing is nicer than documenting your journey to remember the fantastic moments you create. Try taking different photos, videos and a travel journal to capture your memories and share your experiences with others.This sacred space will be your haven for capturing all your brilliant ideas, ambitious plans, and invaluable guides. By adding everything in one place, you won’t become overwhelmed and can structure your gap year easier. Think of it as your personal roadmap, guiding you through the exciting process of turning your dreams into reality. With this brainstorm, you can also research things like where you want to visit, the local customs, and the required travel information.
Taking a gap year provides an immense amount of freedom, so deciding how to get the most out of that time can be challenging. Here are the 13 best gap year programs for 2025.
📍 Location: Ghana 🗺️ Great for travelers interested in: youth development, healthcare, teaching, psychology 💰 Cost: starting at $684 for two weeks 📝 What’s included: accommodation, meals, airport pick up and drop off, SIM card, on-the-ground support, certificate of completion 💫 Age eligibility: 17+ Volunteer in Ghana with Plan My Gap Year (PMGY) facilitates community development projects in the historic city of Kumasi, Ghana ranging from English teaching to childcare and much more.Program: Warriors Academy Gap Year Program in South Africa ... Learn more about this program! ... 📍 Location: Ireland 🗺️ Great for travelers interested in: volunteering, outdoor adventure, community building 💰 Cost: $18,309 (€17,000) for 75 days (fall) or 78 days (spring) 📝 What’s included: accommodation, all meals, activities, local transportation, equipment, 24-hour support 💫 Age eligibility: 18-22You should have a high level of physical fitness to keep up with the rigorous activities, volunteer work, and hikes. Program: New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery ... Learn more about this program! ... 📍 Location: multi-country including Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, and England 🗺️ Great for travelers interested in: leadership training, sustainability, tourism, language learning, internships, volunteering 💰 Cost: $39,500 for 25 weeks 📝 What’s included: flights and transportation, accommodation, meals, language course, activities and excursions, 24/7 support 💫 Age eligibility: 18-22Program: EF Gap Year: Curated 23-Week Program Across Europe, Australia, Thailand & More ... Learn more about this program! ... 📍 Location: Thailand 🗺️ Great for travelers interested in: marine and wildlife conservation, teaching, public health, youth development, volunteering, interning 💰 Cost: Starting at $2,345 for 2 weeks 📝 What’s included: accommodation, all meals, airport pickup, in-country 24-hour support, equipment 💫 Age eligibility: 18+
Working in exchange for tickets from Vancouver to Texas was an ideal way for a 60-year-old solo traveller to find friends, fun and an instant community
I come from a family that has always travelled, so it was very much a “normal” activity and nothing to fear. I am single, with two independent adult children, who loaded me up with sufficient tech to ensure I could stay in touch with them. I chose North America for my maiden voyage because I love live music – Americana and blues in particular – so had planned my itinerary around various festivals, beginning with Vancouver Island Musicfest. I applied to be a volunteer for the litter-picking team in return for a free ticket, camping and access to an instant community, as well as a job to do.The serendipity of this was slow to reveal itself but has had long-lasting ramifications, and is a shining example of opportunities that can come your way as a solo traveller. I chose North America for my maiden voyage because I love live music – Americana and blues in particular · I had taken early retirement at 60 and undertaken this first long trip on my own to the US and Canada to gauge how I felt about being away for four months: I had a plan to go to Cambodia to teach for a year in the future.Waiting at El Paso station on my way to Alpine, Texas, I was savouring a fabulous green chilli and meat burrito from the famous Burrito Lady who times her visits to meet arriving trains, when an elderly gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and said: “I’ve just told my wife that you take me back to the 60s, when free-spirited women went travelling.” That made my backpack feel so much lighter. I had booked accommodation in advance, too – a mix of camping in my little Walmart tent, hostels and Airbnbs, which suited my budget. What I might have lost in spontaneity, I gained in security. When some of these plans fell through, as they inevitably did – the missed connection, the Airbnb accommodation that didn’t exist, twice!Despite being regaled with travel horror stories, nothing bad happened to me beyond a couple of long delays · Planning the trip was a big part of the enjoyment.
