So, you’ve made it! High School, University, or that job you hated is finally over, and you just decided you need a well-deserved break. Starting a gap year is one of the most exciting opportunities, no matter the reasons or circumstances. With this guide and our expert tips, you can make sure the adventure ahead will be the best you can get.

We know going on a big trip is a challenge, but that is why we’re here to help you – for free. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit, manage your budget and find the perfect job opportunities to make your gap year in Europe unforgettable. If you’ve already decided that you want to get an amazing, secure job while taking a gap year, contact our recruiters or search for a perfect job opportunity abroad here.

1. Budgeting for your gap year abroad

We all wish we could travel with a bottomless wallet, but life is what it is. If you plan to take some time to see the world, earn some money and grow, it is a good idea to figure out how you will be able to afford it. But don’t worry, your gap year in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. If you work during that time, you might even end up saving money or have extra cash for all the fun ahead.

Expected expenses when starting your gap year

Before you start your gap year adventure, it is advised to have a little bit of savings, just to be secure. Going away from home always carries costs, which will initially include:

Flights and transportation: Initial flights, trains, buses, and local transport
Initial accommodation: Hostels, Airbnb, couchsurfing
Travel insurance: Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, theft protection
Visas and work permit: Some countries and employers require advance applications and fees
Phone and internet: A local SIM card or an international plan

Gap year accommodation

After you have covered the list above, you have to think about your accommodation. If you’re planning on staying in one place, renting an apartment is ideal. But it can be pricey. A good option is to rent a room in a shared flat. You can meet locals or other travellers and also cut down on costs. If you’re looking to move around more, hostels are the next best option. Depending on the area in Europe, the price per night can vary from 20 to 40 euros a night.

Gap year budget tip

For a perfect budget in your destination, we propose the 50/30/20 rule, spend:

50% on essentials (housing, transport, food)
30% on fun activities
20% for savings, unforeseen expenses, or emergencies

Traveling during your gap year in Europe

Traveling around Europe doesn’t have to be expensive! Many cheap airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair can get you from one country to another for prices as low as 30 euros. If you’re not a big fan of flying, consider taking a train or a bus – companies like FlixBus have affordable routes between countries.

Pro tip: If you stay in the city, make sure to check their transport system and purchase a seasonal ticket, they are normally much cheaper than paying for individual tickets.

Affording food on your gap year

When it comes to food, we all love to dine out. But if you’re thinking of your budget, finding some affordable grocery stores and preparing great meals yourself or with your new roommates can be a great bonding time and a much more budget-friendly option.

Safety measures

Taking a gap year in Europe is generally a safe practice but remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Some general tips to prepare before you leave:

Have €500 – €1000 emergency cash saved
Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Know emergency contacts in the place you will stay

2. The best gap year destinations in Europe

When thinking of planning a gap year, probably the first thought that comes to mind is: “Where the hell would I go?”. Well, Europe is extremely diverse and it all depends on your priorities. Here are some destinations that we recommend:

Cheapest countries to live in:

Countries with the warmest weather:

Best countries for the food and culture:

Planning for your gap year: visas, vaccinations, and passport

As fun as a gap year may sound, there are some important things to include when you’re planning your trip. First make sure to check your passport’s expiration date. Most countries require it to be valid for at least 6 months after your departure.

Next, if you are traveling within the EU and Schengen area, there mostly is no need for a visa, but some countries in Europe will require you to obtain specific permits. If you are wondering about specific documentation and requirements for moving in the European Union, please check out the European Commision portal. If you travel to non-EU countries or are not an EU citizen, check out this website.

Same goes for insurance – the EHIC insurance card is a must when traveling in Europe, but it is best to provide yourself with additional insurance for the times of your travel, as it does not cover all the costs that might come along the way. Visit the AXA or Allianz websites for reliable and extensive insurance options that would be perfect for your gap year. If you’re just traveling, it is a little more simple, but if you plan on working or volunteering, make sure to check if you don’t need any additional registrations.

4. When to start your gap year in Europe

When you plan your best gap year in Europe, it is also important to consider finding the best time of the year or season for it. Depending on what type of weather you like, some countries might be better for you than others. Here is a little breakdown of the good and bad traits of each season:

Spring: The weather is often just wonderful in most countries during this time, but it’s not only sunshine and rainbows! Some countries experience heavy rainfall and wind, so make sure you are ready for that. Besides, this is a quiet season – you’ll be able to enjoy your gap year without hordes of tourists and unbearable heat waves. If Spring is your favorite season, maybe it’s a good idea to spend it in Riga, Latvia. You will be amazed by the bloom of nature and the sights it offers during that time of the year.
Summer: It’s getting hot and many places all through Europe experience extremely high temperatures during the summer, especially in the south. Be ready to sweat, but also be ready to tan and enjoy the sun. But you won’t be the only one who wants to enjoy it – crowds pour into the big cities, the prices skyrocket and daily life can become challenging. If a hot crowded summer is not exactly what you enjoy, have a look at our jobs in Sofia, Bulgaria, the climate there makes summers very moderate and make sure you’ll avoid sweating too much.
Autumn: Many landscapes and cities look best in Autumn, and the season is wrapping up, so the prices will get lower. On the downside, the rain and cold will start coming back and finding housing might become challenging, as that is the time when students who come back from the summer holidays are looking for a place to live too. There are not many cities more beautiful for autumn walks than Prague, Czech Republic. Its charming streets covered with red falling leaves are something you can’t miss.
Winter: It is surely the quietest season. Finding a house and affording your life will be much, much easier than any other time of the year, but that comes at a different cost. Not only does it get cold, but the days become much shorter. The same goes for the social scene – not many things are happening – unless you want to go skiing! If winter coziness is not calling you, maybe it’s a good idea to consider going to places that have warmer winters, like Cyprus and Malta.

5. Gap year work opportunities

Wherever you go in Europe, most countries have different jobs and opportunities for you to earn some good money and add international work experience to your CV for your future career. Some jobs that our team strongly suggests include:

And many many more! New jobs are added to our site every day. Don’t hesitate to find your perfect job by browsing our vacancies and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. You can also check out our blog post about the 5 best gap year jobs in Europe.

Meeting people and volunteering during your gap year abroad

Trying to navigate your social life and activities while taking your gap year can be daunting. Fortunately, you’re not the only one on this journey! There are several ways in which you can find others who are doing their gap year in Europe. Here are some of our tips on how to meet people and arrange your free time:

Master the art of saying yes: We know it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone, especially in a foreign country, but the best way to meet anyone is indeed being extremely open. Some opportunities might seem like a waste of time or something you don’t feel like doing, but giving it a chance is always worth it, trust us!

Join Social Media groups and online communities: In every city you go to, there are countless Facebook groups, Whatsapp threads and online communities for people like yo. People share their struggles, ideas and most importantly opportunities and events they are interested in on there. Why not join one of them yourself?
Stay in social accommodation: Living on your own has several advantages – you have comfort and peace, but that also means no chance for socialising. The easiest option to get to know someone is by simply staying in the same place! Hostels, especially the internationally oriented ones, not only force you to live and interact with people but go out of their way to provide you with activities and communal areas where bumping into a future friend is as easy as stepping out the door.
Volunteer: The best way to gain even more invaluable experience and skills is by helping others. You can find opportunities in your area online on these recommended websites:
- Workaway: Work in hostels, farms, eco-projects, or NGOs in exchange for food and accommodation
- Worldpackers: Similar to Workaway but includes more structured host safety measures
- Volunteer World: A marketplace for global volunteering projects

Pro tip: Some sites try to include extra costs, like placement and travel fees, so a budget-friendly alternative to using these websites is searching locally. You can contact local NGOs directly and ask if they need volunteers. You can also check community centres and schools and ask if they need English teachers, sports coaches, or admin support. For some extra social interaction check the hostels and eco-lodges, some exchange work for free lodging and food.

We hope this guide has prepared you fully for the exciting adventure of a gap year in Europe! If you’re ready to start your adventure, contact our recruiters or check out our job opportunities today.

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6 tips to plan your best gap year in Europe