Planning your gap year

You’ve decided you’re taking a gap year. But where to start? You could organise it all yourself or could seek assistance. Here are a number of organisations that specialise in gap year planning for over 50s. While not specifically focused on the over 50s, the Gap Year Association is a valuable resource for anyone interested in taking a gap year, regardless of age. They can provide information, advice, and resources to help you plan your gap year

Volunteering

If you want to spend some time volunteering or helping others, there are lots of different sites you might want to check out.

If you have a particular skill or profession, then VSO have internships for retirees which bring inspiration, energy and vital practical skills to secure better healthcare, education and opportunities for poor communities in Africa and Asia
If you’re between 25-75 then Raleigh Expedition is an exciting opportunity to work alongside and support young people to become leaders who empower communities to create lasting change
Workaway is a slightly different deal. It’s still volunteering but often working for individuals rather than communities or charities. This means there is more flexibility and the work required is varied and interesting and can be for days, weeks or months. From farm stays to small scale sustainable construction alongside more traditional roles Workaway operates in over 170 countries and excels at connecting travellers and hosts. Find out about Workaway pros and cons here
Other organisations to consider include GVI, the Peace Corps the TEFL Academy and Oyster Worldwide

Education

Whether you want to learn French in Paris or Spanish in Colombia, studying a language in a country where it’s actually spoken is always an effective way of learning – and if you get to immerse yourself in a new culture while doing so, all the better.

To find out more about the best places in the world to study foreign languages, check out Go Abroad’s website

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit organization that offers educational travel programs designed for adults aged 50 and older. They offer a variety of trips and learning experiences in destinations around the world

You’ve always wanted to learn how to Tango — why not do it in Argentina? Learn Spanish in Guatemala (or Spain, or Chile, or… or… or…). Take a glass-blowing course in Florence. Find a wine course in the south of France. Take a writing workshop in Ireland. Learn photography in Berlin.Take part in an archaeological dig in Egypt

The list is endless

Travel

Seeing the world is the number 1 reason over 50s give for taking a Gap Year. There are a huge number, and variety, of organisations to guide you, including:

ElderTreks specializes in adventure travel for those aged 50 and over. They offer small-group tours to destinations all over the world, with an emphasis on active and culturally immersive experiences

Try a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list type travel experience – this could be a round the world cruise or a trip to a remote place like Patagonia or Antarctica; somewhere that might take a bit of time to get to and you’ll only do once in your lifetime

While not exclusively for the over 50s, REI Adventures offers a range of active travel trips that can appeal to older adults who are looking for adventure. They offer hiking, cycling, and other outdoor experiences in various destinations.

The AARP offers travel resources and discounts for members aged 50 and over. While they don’t specialize in gap year planning, they can be a useful resource for finding travel deals and inspiration

Full-on adventure

Now you’re talking! If you’re looking for adventure travel oversees, there are some awesome ways to get your kicks, whether you’re taking a gap year at 50 or a gap year at 85!

Sail the world! If you don’t have a yacht or the means to buy one, check out Semesters at Sea who operate a programme for lifelong learners

If you’re looking for pedal to the metal action then how about an overland trip? Check out Overland Adventure Tours who have a couple of eight month long trips across Africa and South America

Join a rally like the Mongol Rally for 10,000 miles of true adventure (and chaos!). This takes some serious planning and sponsorship, but you’ll make friends for life and have the most incredible experiences on the way

Buy your own 4×4 overland van and head off along the Silk Road or ship your van to North America and head south through Patagonia to Ushuaia, or anywhere else that grabs you really. Planning a trip like this, whether in a van, car or on a motorbike really is the ultimate adventure

Also consider…

Becoming a house sitter or pet sitter. There are thousands of people taking time off from work to travel the world in this way, seeing foreign countries and not needing to pay for accommodation

Working whilst travelling. There’s lots of paid work abroad for over 50’s from fruit picking in New Zealand and South Africa, to using your skills to become a digital nomad and work online. Making money on the road has never been easier, whatever you age and finding grown up gap year jobs is simple thanks to the internet

Whatever you choose, remember to stay safe and, above all, to enjoy yourself!