7 Best Gap Year Blogs to Follow

Why Follow Gap Year Blogs Travel Inspiration and Planning Tips

So, you're thinking about a gap year? Awesome! It's a life-changing experience, and trust me, you'll want all the help you can get. That's where gap year blogs come in. They're like having a seasoned traveler whispering in your ear, sharing their secrets, mistakes, and triumphs. These blogs offer a wealth of information, from destination ideas to budgeting tips, and even advice on dealing with culture shock. They’re a fantastic source of inspiration and practical guidance for planning your own adventure.

Blog Selection Criteria Credibility Experience and Target Audience

Not all blogs are created equal, right? So, how do you pick the good ones? I’ve looked for blogs with a few key things: credibility (are they actually experienced travelers?), a clear voice (are they engaging and relatable?), and a focus on gap year-specific content (not just general travel fluff). I’ve also considered the target audience – are they geared towards students, young professionals, or career changers? This list is designed to give you a broad range of perspectives and advice.

Top 7 Gap Year Blogs A Detailed Review

Alright, let’s dive into the list! These are my top picks for the best gap year blogs to follow:

1. The Broke Backpacker Budget Travel Advice and Destination Guides

What it's about: The Broke Backpacker is all about adventure on a shoestring. If you're worried about budget, this blog is your bible. They cover destinations all over the world, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia.

Why it's great: The founder, Will Hatton, is a legend in the backpacking world. He's been traveling for years and knows how to stretch a dollar. You'll find detailed guides on how to travel cheaply, find free activities, and even volunteer your way around the world.

What to look for: Budget breakdowns for specific countries, tips on finding free accommodation (like Couchsurfing), and advice on earning money while traveling.

Product Recommendation (relevant to budget travel): Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international money transfers. It offers low fees and excellent exchange rates, saving you money on every transaction. Using Wise can save you a significant amount compared to traditional banks, especially when withdrawing cash abroad.

Price of Wise: Fees vary depending on the currency and amount, but are generally very low (often less than 1%).

2. Nomadic Matt Travel Tips Budgeting and Long Term Travel

What it's about: Nomadic Matt is a classic travel blog with a focus on long-term travel. Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world for over a decade and shares his experiences and insights.

Why it's great: Matt provides practical advice on everything from booking flights to finding accommodation to dealing with travel anxiety. He also has a great community forum where you can ask questions and connect with other travelers.

What to look for: His guides on booking cheap flights, his packing lists, and his tips on overcoming travel fears.

Product Recommendation (relevant to flight booking): Skyscanner. This website allows you to compare flight prices from different airlines and travel agencies, helping you find the cheapest deals. It also has a \"price alert\" feature that notifies you when the price of a specific flight drops.

Price of Skyscanner: Free to use.

3. Adventurous Kate Solo Female Travel Safety and Empowerment

What it's about: Adventurous Kate is a blog dedicated to solo female travel. Kate McCulley shares her experiences traveling the world as a woman and provides advice on staying safe, confident, and empowered.

Why it's great: Kate's blog is incredibly honest and relatable. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of solo travel, but she also shows how rewarding it can be. She offers practical tips on everything from choosing safe accommodation to dealing with harassment.

What to look for: Her destination guides for solo female travelers, her safety tips, and her advice on building confidence on the road.

Product Recommendation (relevant to safety): Personal Safety Alarm. A small, loud alarm that can be activated in case of emergency to attract attention and deter potential attackers.

Price of Personal Safety Alarm: Around $10-$20 on Amazon.

4. The Blonde Abroad Luxury Travel and Photography

What it's about: The Blonde Abroad is a luxury travel blog with stunning photography. Kiersten Rich shares her experiences traveling the world in style and provides inspiration for those who want to travel comfortably.

Why it's great: Kiersten's blog is visually stunning and filled with aspirational content. She provides detailed reviews of hotels, restaurants, and activities, and offers tips on how to travel in style.

What to look for: Her hotel reviews, her photography tips, and her destination guides for luxury travelers.

Product Recommendation (relevant to photography): Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera. A compact and lightweight camera that delivers excellent image quality and is easy to carry on your travels.

Price of Sony Alpha a6000: Around $600-$700 (body only).

5. Legal Nomads Food Travel and Cultural Immersion

What it's about: Legal Nomads is a blog focused on food travel and cultural immersion. Jodi Ettenberg shares her experiences traveling the world in search of delicious food and unique cultural experiences.

Why it's great: Jodi's blog is incredibly insightful and engaging. She provides detailed descriptions of the food she eats and the cultures she encounters, and offers tips on how to connect with locals.

What to look for: Her food guides, her cultural immersion tips, and her stories about her travels.

Product Recommendation (relevant to food safety): Probiotic Supplements. Taking probiotics can help boost your immune system and protect against stomach issues when trying new foods.

Price of Probiotic Supplements: Varies depending on the brand, but generally around $20-$40 per bottle.

6. Maptia Storytelling and Authentic Experiences

What it's about: Maptia is more than just a blog; it's a community of storytellers sharing authentic travel experiences. They focus on deep, meaningful connections with places and people.

Why it's great: Maptia prioritizes quality over quantity. The stories are beautifully written and the photography is stunning. It's a place to find inspiration and connect with other travelers who are passionate about authentic experiences.

What to look for: The personal essays, the photo journals, and the community forums.

Product Recommendation (relevant to journaling): Moleskine Classic Notebook. A durable and reliable notebook for documenting your thoughts and experiences on the road.

Price of Moleskine Classic Notebook: Around $20-$30.

7. Goats on the Road Couples Travel and Digital Nomad Life

What it's about: Goats on the Road is a blog about couples travel and digital nomad life. Nick and Dariece share their experiences traveling the world together and earning money online.

Why it's great: Nick and Dariece provide practical advice on how to travel as a couple, manage your finances, and build a location-independent business. They're a great resource for anyone who wants to live a nomadic lifestyle.

What to look for: Their tips on traveling as a couple, their guides on earning money online, and their destination guides for digital nomads.

Product Recommendation (relevant to digital nomad life): Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot. A device that provides internet access wherever you are, allowing you to stay connected and work remotely.

Price of Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: Around $50-$150, plus monthly data plan.

Choosing the Right Blogs for Your Gap Year Needs Specific Interests and Travel Styles

So, which blogs are right for you? It depends on your interests and travel style. If you're on a tight budget, The Broke Backpacker and Nomadic Matt are great resources. If you're a solo female traveler, Adventurous Kate is a must-follow. If you're looking for luxury travel inspiration, The Blonde Abroad is a good choice. And if you're interested in food and culture, Legal Nomads is a great option. Consider your priorities and choose the blogs that best align with your goals.

Staying Updated on Gap Year Travel Trends Email Subscriptions and Social Media

The travel landscape is constantly changing, so it's important to stay updated on the latest trends. Subscribe to the email newsletters of your favorite blogs and follow them on social media. This will ensure that you're always in the know about new destinations, travel tips, and deals.