How to plan a family gap year: Your guide to an unforgettable adventure

If you’ve always wanted to travel, but feel like you never have enough time, consider taking a gap year as a family. Sound enticing? A family gap year can be that dream come true, offering a unique opportunity to bond and explore.

But how do you make it happen? There are plenty of things to consider, from whether you’ll sell your home to where you’ll go. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your family gap year, ensuring it's as stress-free and enriching as possible.

Set your timeline

The first step in planning a family gap year is to decide on your timeline. Consider your work arrangements — can you or your partner work remotely, or will you need a sabbatical? If school-aged kids are involved, are you comfortable with homeschooling, or will you limit your travels to summer months? Establishing a clear timeline will guide your preparations and help manage expectations.

For many families, a full year may seem daunting, so consider starting with a shorter period if necessary. Remember, flexibility is key; your timeline might evolve as you continue planning and saving for your journey.

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

Budget for your adventure

Budgeting is arguably the most critical part of planning a family gap year. Start by determining if you'll be able to work during your travels — if you already have a remote job, that’s great. If you have a traditional in-office job, it’s worth seeing if you can take your job online for a bit.

If you won’t be working, you’ll need to save enough to cover all expenses beforehand. Calculate a daily budget by considering accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Websites like BudgetYourTrip can offer invaluable insights into average costs for different regions.

Balance expensive destinations with more budget-friendly ones. For instance, a month in a small town can offset costs of spending a month in a big metropolitan city. Remember to factor in savings for splurges like unique excursions or special events.

Choose your destinations

Choosing the right destinations can make or break your family gap year experience. Begin with a bucket list and refine it based on feasibility, interest, and budget. Create a “Things to Do” list that includes both must-see sights and experiences, like attending a local festival or catching a sports game.

When planning your route, think about the best times to visit each destination. Avoid monsoon or hurricane seasons or extreme temperatures if possible. Use tools like weather charts to help align your travel plans with optimal conditions.

Prepare for travel

As your departure date approaches, there are a few things you should do to make the transition a smooth one. Here’s a list of what you should think about. 

• First, decide whether to rent out or sell your home. Renting can provide a steady income, but selling might give you the freedom and capital you need.

• Next, tackle logistics like mail forwarding, insurance, and vaccinations.

• If homeschooling, research curriculums and gather necessary materials. 

• Packing is another key task — you’ll have to strike a balance of packing light, but bringing all of your essentials. 

Balance routines

Once on the road, balance everyday routines with adventure. Slow travel allows deeper immersion into the local culture while also offering the time to relax, which is important for young kids. Set aside days for schooling, work, and downtime, interspersed with exploration and local excursions.

Embrace the unpredictability of travel — flexibility will become your best ally. Some of the most rewarding experiences might come from spontaneous decisions or unforeseen opportunities.

Returning home

Eventually, the family gap year will come to an end. Transitioning back home can be challenging, but you can use it as an opportunity to reflect on your travel experiences. If returning to your previous home, re-enrollment in schools or jobs might be necessary. For those settling in a new area, plan ahead to ease the adjustment period.

The journey of planning a family gap year is as much a part of the adventure as the travel itself. With careful planning, your family can embark on an unforgettable journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Want more parenting wins? From budgeting to spending wisely, Greenlight’s family money app teaches money lessons for life. Get Greenlight now.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.