How do I take a gap year and travel the world?

I'm looking at taking a gap year to travel the world before college. Has anyone else done this and have tips for planning? I'm trying to figure out how to make it worthwhile and affordable.

A gap year can be a great opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, especially if you've been longing to experience different cultures around the globe. Here are some steps to help you plan:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Before you start planning your gap year, it's important to identify your goals. What are you hoping to get out of this experience? Experiencing new cultures, gaining personal independence, learning a new language, or even volunteering can all be potential objectives. This will guide your choice of destinations and activities.

2. Research and Plan: Once you know what you want to achieve, you have to research your destinations and create a rough itinerary. Look into the cost of living in each place, consider any visa or immunization requirements, and research cheap accommodations or work exchange opportunities.

3. Budget: It's essential to establish a budget. This should include all your major costs like flights, accommodation, meals, and incidentals. Don't forget to include a little extra for emergencies or unforeseen expenses.

4. Finding Affordable Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels can be very economical. Using booking sites (like Airbnb) can also give you access to less expensive options. Opportunities such as work exchanges, where you work a few hours a day in exchange for room and board (like through WWOOF or Workaway), can also help to stretch your budget.

5. Safety: Always consider safety. Keep an eye on travel advisories, register with your country's embassy if suggested, and make sure you have travel insurance.

6. Work or Volunteer: You might also consider working or volunteering during your gap year. Not only can this enhance your resume, but also it can cut down expenses. Some programs even offer stipends or cover room and board in exchange for your time.

7. Getting Prepared: Prepare yourself physically and mentally. A gap year is a significant endeavor and it’s important to ensure you're fit and ready to take it on.

In terms of making it worthwhile, consider keeping a journal or blog about your experiences. This can not only serve as a memento of your gap year, but also it helps you reflect on your experiences and what you learned from them.

Finally, form connections with the people you meet along the way. Creating a network of international friends can make your travels feel more rewarding and less isolated. Plus, you never know where these connections might lead in the future. Enjoy your gap year!