The Benefits of a Gap Year in Southern Europe

No one has been doing much travelling for the past couple of years. Before too long the opportunities for travel will open up again. Perhaps travel will never be as easy or as cheap as it was during the last decade. But it will certainly be possible for students, whose lives have been so affected by the pandemic. To think once again about the possibilities of a gap year. Those who regard gap year travel as just goofing off and a waste of time and money probably have never been through the experience themselves. A gap year is a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy travel rather than just a two-week tourist experience. Extended travel is challenging and a great way to build your personal confidence. It will also give you a different perspective on the culture in which you’ve grown up. A gap year in Southern Europe is a more modest and more affordable trip than a world tour. But in these uncertain times it’s certainly one worth considering.

Ease of travel

If you live in Europe, you won’t have to pay for any long-haul flights. You’ll be able to benefit from short haul budget airlines and student rail and bus travel. You’ll be able to count on plenty of travel options and you’ll be able to select the most economical combinations. By scrolling your smart phone while you’re on the go. You will also be spared the experience of 10-hour bus rides over rutted roads.

The distances are not huge

Travelling the length of India or Australia involves traversing vast distances, which is not only arduous but also expensive. Hopping from country to county in Southern Europe is easy by comparison and means that you spend less time on the road and more time experiencing new cultures.

So much to see

Southern Europe is comprised of 13 countries, but even if you were only to visit Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, just think of the great cities and World Heritage sites that you could visit, not to mention all the wonderful food, music and art that you’d get to enjoy.

English is spoken throughout most of Southern Europe

Learning another language is one of the great things to do on a gap year and you certainly shouldn’t set off with the belief that you can simply talk to everyone in English. It is, however, reassuring to know that if there’s a problem or medical emergency you are likely to be able to find someone to who you can talk to in English.

Affordable accommodation

Staying in Southern Europe will be a lot cheaper than staying in cities such as Paris, London or Vienna. Off season you may be able to find long let rental accommodation at very low prices, giving you the opportunity to stay in one place for a while and get to know the culture. Some countries are of course cheaper than others, so you need to do your research carefully: Portugal for example, has rental prices that are, on average, 33% lower than the U.K.

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