Gap year buddies

Hi everyone! My name is Eden, I’m an 18 year old woman located in Devon, England, and I am looking for someone/some people to travel with. I would love to go hiking and wild camping for maybe 1 to 2 weeks in Norway, Finland or Switzerland either end of this year or early next year.
I also really want to go backpacking in SE Asia for 1 to 2 months around March/April kind of time next year, but none of my friends are interested in travel internationally and my family are really worried about me going solo, even though I don’t have a huge problem with it - I will if I have to, but I’d rather have a friend. Would anyone be interested in travelling with me? I’ve tried posting this in Facebook groups but I’ve only had creepy older men comment so thought I’d try here 😂. All dates and locations are really flexible, and absolutely nothing is set in stone. Also, if anyone has planned a similar trip please feel free to get in touch if you’re looking for someone to join you. By the way I’m really into hiking, camping, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Thanks, Eden

Hi @rozzel.xx
I hope you are well! A gap year sounds like a great idea! I did a gap year before starting at LJMU last year and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life! I travelled to Thailand and Australia and absolutely fell in love with both places so I would highly recommend going there if you get the chance!
It Is difficult when it is just you that wants to go, I was lucky to have someone that came with me however I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility of going solo! Have you considered a group tour? They are offered by companies for solo travellers and it means that you meet up with a group when you are over there and travel around together! You will stay in the same hostels and do all the same activities. It might be a good idea for you to look into it and will reassure your family and friends if they know you are with a group. If you search group travel tours in south east Asia then there will be lots of options to look at!
Travelling is the best and really boosts confidence and independence even if you are with people all the time. I hope you manage to sort out a plan and get to go and see and do all the places and activities that you have mentioned! Let me know if you have any other questions about a gap year and I will try my best to help you!
Thanks, Matt 🙂
Official LJMU Student Rep

Hi Matt, thank you for the advice! I had a look into some Australian group tours but they were quite expensive, however they are probably much cheaper in SE Asia so I’ll look at some there too. Glad that you enjoyed your year, I love travel so much so I really hope it all works out. I feel pretty confident about doing something like the banana pancake trail alone as it’s such a popular route, but things like wild camping I’m a bit more apprehensive about.
Thanks,
Eden