5 Ways to make the most of your Gap Year

I knew early on that I wanted to travel after finishing school. Not because I wanted to run away from anything, but because I had a dream of going to Australia. And yet, my wish was often laughed at. “Oh, you too? Everyone goes to Australia after school.” “Traveling is a waste of time it's better to start studying or working right away.”

But I didn’t let that stop me. I went. Twelve months of Work & Travel in Australia. And today, a few years later, I can say with confidence: It was the best decision I could have made. Not because everything was perfect, but because I gave myself a chance to try things out. Because I learned how to make decisions. Because I had experiences that no classroom in the world could have taught me. And somewhere along the way between hostels, jobs, and road trips I discovered a part of myself that I still follow to this day. Even now, I’m still searching. For new places. And for new sides of myself. And I’m convinced: A gap year isn’t a waste of time. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly get to know yourself.

In this blog, I’ll show you five ways to make the most of your gap year – without pressure and entirely at your own pace. Whether you want to travel, work, learn, or volunteer: here you’ll find inspiration to turn your year into an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

1. Travel – Discover the world and yourself

2. Work – Earn money and take on responsibility

3. Work & Travel – Combine adventure with income

4. Further Education – Learn what truly excites you

5. Volunteering & Gap Year Service – Give back and grow

1. Travel - Discover the world and yourself

   
   

Even though classic backpacking is probably the most well-known form of travel among young people, there are many other ways to explore the world. Whether you’re traveling with a backpack or a suitcase, by plane, car, or train for a month or an entire year. With a bit of creativity, your travel plans are almost limitless. You can pack all your belongings into a backpack and fly to Southeast Asia. Or hop on a train with an Interrail ticket and travel across Europe. It all depends on you: Which place have you always dreamed of seeing? What is it that draws you out into the world? The best part about traveling is this: you don’t just discover new countries but you discover yourself. You’ll experience what it’s like to be independent, to immerse yourself in foreign cultures, and to naturally strengthen your problem-solving skills.

And believe me – there will be challenges. But those are exactly the moments where you’ll grow.

To help fund your adventure, here are a few simple tricks:

• Sleep in hostels: They’re often affordable, centrally located, and above all, full of new people to meet.

• Volunteer in exchange for accommodation: Platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers let you stay for free in exchange for a few hours of work each day. From yoga retreats to organic farms, the options are endless.

• Train travel with Interrail: There are different passes for various trip lengths and age groups just pick the one that fits your plan.

I still remember my very first time staying in a hostel: everything felt new and a little chaotic but also incredibly exciting. Just a few months later, I was walking to the beach with a group of girls I had met only ten minutes after checking in. At first, it might feel unfamiliar or even scary to sleep in hostels or talk to strangers. But with every new connection, it gets easier.

And one day, you’ll realize: you’re right in the middle of the adventure of a lifetime.

2. Work – Earn money and take on responsibility

Working during your gap year doesn’t mean you have to find your dream job for life. Instead, it’s a valuable opportunity to try out different roles, gain experience, and discover how you function in various work environments. Maybe you’ll spend a few weeks working in a café, help out in retail, or get a taste of the hospitality industry. During the summer months, there are also plenty of chances to work at festivals or events whether it’s setting up and packing down, catering, or working at the register. Seasonal jobs like harvesting, landscaping, or working at holiday resorts can also be great ways to earn money while discovering something new. The beauty of it? You gain real insight into everyday working life, train your discipline, and learn to take on responsibility. At the same time, you improve important soft skills like communication, teamwork, and organization, all of which are highly valued in today’s job market. And on top of that, you earn your own money to help fund your travels or courses.

I’ve also tried out different jobs before, during, and after my travels and I’m still always on the lookout for new opportunities to grow. From selling fries and currywurst at a public pool, to working as a receptionist at a fitness and wellness center, to operating machinery and assembling small parts in a factory, none of these jobs were “the one” I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And still, I enjoyed every single one of them, learned something new, and met amazing people along the way.

It’s not about making the perfect career choice right now. It’s about trying things out. Every job is a step on your journey, and sometimes the best way to learn about yourself is simply by giving things a go.

3. Work & Travel – Combine adventure with income

Work and Travel is basically a mix of the two previous points: you travel and work along the way. This form of a gap year gives you the opportunity to explore new places, earn money at the same time, and gain valuable (work) experience. The most well-known version is classic Work and Travel in countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Canada: you travel through the country for several months and take on different jobs along the way. For example, on farms, in hostels, in hospitality, or as an au pair. This way, you not only improve your language skills but also get to know the country and its people from a completely different perspective than you would through regular backpacking.

But you can also create your own Work and Travel adventure within Europe or even in Germany. For example, you could work at home for a few months, build up some savings, and then travel for several weeks or months afterward. That’s also a form of Work and Travel, just done consecutively rather than simultaneously. If you decide to work abroad, there are a few organizational things to keep in mind: in many countries, for instance, you’ll need a special visa, and you should research local job opportunities in advance. But don’t worry with a bit of preparation, it’s all doable. Platforms like Workaway, WWOOF, or AuPairWorld can help you find suitable jobs and host families.

I spent my own Work and Travel year in Australia and took on jobs I never would have imagined myself doing before. I worked on a sheep farm and a horse ranch without any prior experience. I looked after three kids as an au pair and worked as a housekeeping cleaner at an accommodation in the middle of the Australian bush. Each of these jobs was a challenge and, at the same time, a huge opportunity. My tip for you: Be brave! You don’t have to be perfect at anything before you start. The best experiences often come when you open yourself up to something new.

4. Further Education – Learn what truly excites you

Having suddenly more time after finishing school can feel a bit strange at first. But it’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn things you never had time for before. Further education and courses are a great way to expand your knowledge, discover new interests, and broaden your horizons all without the pressure of grades or exams. Whether you choose creative classes, design workshops, first aid training, or language courses, anything that sparks your curiosity can be the start of something big. Maybe you learn Spanish and then plan a trip through South America. Or you explore different topics simply because you find them exciting. The best part: you’re not learning for grades or exams, but for yourself. And it doesn’t always have to be an expensive course. Platforms like YouTube and others offer a huge variety of free tutorials, allowing you to dive into almost any subject. From photography to web design, from music production to meditation.

After my trip, I took a course to become a fitness trainer. Not because I wanted to work in that field, but because I had been interested in the topic for a long time. Now I have an official certificate in hand, and if I want, I could even work in this area or use the knowledge for myself and those around me. It was similar with this blog you’re reading right now. The idea started growing in my mind, and step by step, with the help of amazing people, I brought it to life. I taught myself web design, learned a bit about writing, structure, and colors, and then built my very first website.

Let this be your sign to simply start something that’s close to your heart. Not because you have to – but because you can.

5. Volunteering & Gap Year Service – Give back and grow

A voluntary social year, volunteering abroad, or working with local initiatives can be a wonderful way to make your gap year meaningful. Here, you not only gain practical experience but also discover new sides of yourself, foster empathy, and take on social responsibility. You work with people you might never have met otherwise. You experience what it means to be part of a team that truly makes a difference. And you’ll often face situations that challenge you and that’s exactly why you grow.

I myself volunteered for several years at children’s camps during the holidays. This time gifted me countless beautiful memories, genuine friendships, and many moments I will never forget. It was loud, chaotic, fun, emotional, and incredibly enriching.

Volunteering doesn’t always have to be big or international. Sometimes the right project is right in your own neighborhood. Whether it’s youth camps, nursing homes, animal shelters, or environmental initiatives. Just check out what’s available nearby or ask in your city about ways to get involved.

If you prefer to go abroad, there are also many organizations like weltwärts, kulturweit, IJGD, or DRK volunteer services that can arrange placements in social, ecological, or cultural fields. You won’t just have an intense time full of new impressions you’ll but also leave a positive footprint. And that might just be the most beautiful thing you can do during your gap year.

The great thing about a gap year is that there are no fixed rules. You can combine the options in whatever way suits you, your interests, and your life situation best. Maybe you travel and take an online course along the way. Maybe you combine work and travel with a language course. Or you volunteer and earn some extra money with a part-time job on the side.

There is no “right” way – there is only your way.

And you will discover it step by step. Not everything needs to be perfectly planned from the start. Your gap year might not always go smoothly, but it will be real. You will learn, grow, try new things, and get to know yourself better. That’s exactly what makes this time so special. So be brave. Take the first step, even if you don’t know the whole path yet. Learn along the way. Let yourself be surprised. And be grateful for this special time, when you have the freedom to shape who you want to be and where you want to go.