Cost estimation for travel gap year

Can someone help me figure out how much a travel gap year typically costs? I'm trying to budget for a possible gap year after high school and don't know where to start with expenses. Any personal experiences or ballpark figures?

A travel gap year's cost can greatly vary, depending on factors like your destination, accommodation choices, travel method, and personal spending habits. However, having a rough estimate to guide your budgeting can be helpful.

For backpack-style travelling through less expensive regions like Southeast Asia or South America, a general estimate often quoted is around $10,000 to $15,000 for the year. This estimate usually covers basic accommodation (like hostels or budget guesthouses), food, local transportation, and some activities.

For more expensive destinations like Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, the yearly cost could reach $20,000 to $25,000 or more.

Consider these key components when planning your budget:

1. Flights: Since flights are often the biggest singular expense, spend some time hunting for deals and consider less expensive destinations.

2. Accommodations: Hostels, budget guesthouses or using services like Couchsurfing can save money.

3. Food and Drink: Eating locally and avoiding tourist hotspots can make your money go further.

4. Transportation: Using public transportation or hiring a bike or a car might be cheaper options than taxis.

5. Insurance: Don't forget to factor the cost of travel insurance into your budget, to cover any unexpected incidents.

6. Activities: Prioritize what attractions or experiences you wish to invest in.

Hopefully, these figures can provide a starting point for your budgeting. Remember that these are general estimates, your actual expenses can be higher or lower depending on the choices you make during your gap year. Start saving early, plan carefully, and look for opportunities to stretch your budget, such as working part-time during your travels or volunteering in exchange for food and accommodation.