Backpacking Europe
Hi,
I've always dreamed of being able to travel around Europe, like visit 5 or so countries over the course of a few weeks. I'm in year 13 and debating taking a gap year if my grades aren't quite good enough to get into my first choice uni. However, I have a few problems that sort of crush the dream a bit:
1. I don't have a job and don't want to spend an absolute fortune.
2. I don't think I'd want to be away for more than a month.
3. As of up to now im not very independent or practical - never solo travelled before, not good at cooking or cleaning, if I'm being perfectly honest I'm not 100% sure I could look after myself. I definitely wouldn't fancy going on my own as I want to know someone always has my back, however I would like the freedom to choose some of my activities rather than being pushed into a full time group itinerary.
4. I have a medical condition that means I need to go to the toilet more often than most people, which means travelling can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare depending on how I'm feeling and it stresses me out to be somewhere without washroom facilities.
5. I'm obsessed with hygiene and unsure about the standards of some of the hostels I've heard about.
I really would love to still achieve this dream of travelling Europe - how can I do this? I've been looking into Gap360 as an option - do you think they would suit me or is there a better company, or am I perhaps best not going with a company and trying to convince some friends to come with me that love travelling?
I've always dreamed of being able to travel around Europe, like visit 5 or so countries over the course of a few weeks. I'm in year 13 and debating taking a gap year if my grades aren't quite good enough to get into my first choice uni. However, I have a few problems that sort of crush the dream a bit:
1. I don't have a job and don't want to spend an absolute fortune.
2. I don't think I'd want to be away for more than a month.
3. As of up to now im not very independent or practical - never solo travelled before, not good at cooking or cleaning, if I'm being perfectly honest I'm not 100% sure I could look after myself. I definitely wouldn't fancy going on my own as I want to know someone always has my back, however I would like the freedom to choose some of my activities rather than being pushed into a full time group itinerary.
4. I have a medical condition that means I need to go to the toilet more often than most people, which means travelling can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare depending on how I'm feeling and it stresses me out to be somewhere without washroom facilities.
5. I'm obsessed with hygiene and unsure about the standards of some of the hostels I've heard about.
I really would love to still achieve this dream of travelling Europe - how can I do this? I've been looking into Gap360 as an option - do you think they would suit me or is there a better company, or am I perhaps best not going with a company and trying to convince some friends to come with me that love travelling?
Reply 1
hihi, not sure about some of the other things because i’m not too experienced in travelling but i would really recommend you get a part time job in year 13 as well as just trying to focus in on your a levels, make a levels a long term commitment instead of cramming, and also with the cooking thing it’s okay you’ll figure that out but everyone has to start somewhere so maybe try making a few fun recipes, or even just getting used to doing your own chores at home
i’m on a gap year right now and i think my prt time job has definitely helped me afford the things i want this year, it really adds up as long as u make sure you put on a strict saving policy and no spending, i don’t make a lot per hour and only worked around 6 hours per week but in around 6 months i had already saved ao much money, more than enough for a trip
i’m on a gap year right now and i think my prt time job has definitely helped me afford the things i want this year, it really adds up as long as u make sure you put on a strict saving policy and no spending, i don’t make a lot per hour and only worked around 6 hours per week but in around 6 months i had already saved ao much money, more than enough for a trip
Reply 2
Original post by Lilacfern
Hi,
I've always dreamed of being able to travel around Europe, like visit 5 or so countries over the course of a few weeks. I'm in year 13 and debating taking a gap year if my grades aren't quite good enough to get into my first choice uni. However, I have a few problems that sort of crush the dream a bit:
1. I don't have a job and don't want to spend an absolute fortune.
2. I don't think I'd want to be away for more than a month.
3. As of up to now im not very independent or practical - never solo travelled before, not good at cooking or cleaning, if I'm being perfectly honest I'm not 100% sure I could look after myself. I definitely wouldn't fancy going on my own as I want to know someone always has my back, however I would like the freedom to choose some of my activities rather than being pushed into a full time group itinerary.
4. I have a medical condition that means I need to go to the toilet more often than most people, which means travelling can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare depending on how I'm feeling and it stresses me out to be somewhere without washroom facilities.
5. I'm obsessed with hygiene and unsure about the standards of some of the hostels I've heard about.
I really would love to still achieve this dream of travelling Europe - how can I do this? I've been looking into Gap360 as an option - do you think they would suit me or is there a better company, or am I perhaps best not going with a company and trying to convince some friends to come with me that love travelling?
I've always dreamed of being able to travel around Europe, like visit 5 or so countries over the course of a few weeks. I'm in year 13 and debating taking a gap year if my grades aren't quite good enough to get into my first choice uni. However, I have a few problems that sort of crush the dream a bit:
1. I don't have a job and don't want to spend an absolute fortune.
2. I don't think I'd want to be away for more than a month.
3. As of up to now im not very independent or practical - never solo travelled before, not good at cooking or cleaning, if I'm being perfectly honest I'm not 100% sure I could look after myself. I definitely wouldn't fancy going on my own as I want to know someone always has my back, however I would like the freedom to choose some of my activities rather than being pushed into a full time group itinerary.
4. I have a medical condition that means I need to go to the toilet more often than most people, which means travelling can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare depending on how I'm feeling and it stresses me out to be somewhere without washroom facilities.
5. I'm obsessed with hygiene and unsure about the standards of some of the hostels I've heard about.
I really would love to still achieve this dream of travelling Europe - how can I do this? I've been looking into Gap360 as an option - do you think they would suit me or is there a better company, or am I perhaps best not going with a company and trying to convince some friends to come with me that love travelling?
You’d not have any problem staying for a month the maximum stay in the EU is 90 days in a year.
The only difficulties you will have are being able to prove to border guards on arrival where you will be staying, as they often what proof of accommodation and that means getting advanced proof of where you’ll be staying in each country.
You’ll need your return ticket to the UK to show them on arrival. These are all regulations for the new European Entry Exit system. Next year you’ll need a ETIAS visa waiver and you may have to declare things like the amount of money you have with you on your visit and any relatives or sponsors living in Europe who can support your visit.
Best wishes and enjoy your travels.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Backpacking through Brazil – mobile data question
- Backpack for uni? First year
- What uni bag?
- Is jansport backpacks good brand and worth the money on Amazon?
- A levels
- Sixth form bag recommendations
- Year 12 sixth form
- Bag recommendations
- Eight hostel staff arrested in Laos after deaths in suspected methanol poisoning
- sixth form bag
- bags + ipad or laptop
- .What would I need
- Will it be better to bring a backpack or a briefcase?
- Law degree bag
- University
- Sixth form help!!!
- NCS Phase 1 Packing
- Uni Stationary Essentials
- First day at sixth form
- I am really amazed (in a good way) by people
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 month ago
Has Anyone Used Villa Rentals for a Trip to Greece?Last reply 1 month ago
flowersinmyhair talks too much about air ambulances
