There's no better time than when you're young to travel. Travelling gives you the opportunity to have adventures, experience new cultures, meet interesting people, serve other communities, and learn about yourself and the world. Even if college is the next step for you, taking a gap year to travel can be an invaluable opportunity to gain insight and real world experience.
Travelling Abroad
Working Holiday Visas allow Americans under 30 to work and make money for a year in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Click on the link to learn about the specific requirements for each country, and the steps you need to take to acquire a visa.
HelpX is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts around the world, facilitating an exchange where travelers work roughly 4 hours per day for free accommodation and meals. It is a great way to travel on a budget and immerse yourself in other cultures.
WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a cultural and educational exchange program where volunteers help on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Participants work about 4–6 hours daily, learning sustainable farming techniques.
Travelling in America
The Student Conservation Association is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for teens and young adults and operates all across the country.
Amtrak USA Rail Pass costs $499 and allows you to take 10 different trains over 30 days. You could travel all the way to New York and back, or down the west coast and over to New Orleans before heading up to Washington DC.
Travelling During a Gap Year
CIEE Gap Year Abroad is one of the largest and oldest study abroad and work-travel exchange providers in America, and organizes programs across dozens of countries.
Rooted Life Adventures offers a structured, supported gap year in New Zealand that is grounded, adventure-filled, and designed to build confidence, independence, and momentum into adulthood.
Pacific Discovery offers a short quiz to help you find which of their programs would work best for you.