Creative Strategies for Funding Your Gap Year on a Budget

Imagine exploring Thailand’s vibrant markets, immersing yourself in South Korea’s tech-savvy culture, basking on one of Australia’s stunning beaches, wandering the art museums of France,  or discovering medieval castles in Wales—without breaking the bank. A gap year offers an incredible opportunity for personal growth, and it’s absolutely possible to make it happen even on a limited budget.

Check out these ideas to maximize your gap year experience without draining your wallet!

• Choose your destination wisely. Research affordable options, as many popular destinations offer a lower living cost than Western countries. Smaller cities and towns often have lower prices for accommodations and activities, so consider less touristy areas.
• Earn while you learn. You can trade your time for free or discounted housing, meals, or transportation in a work exchange program. Volunteer abroad and help local communities, or teach English and earn a salary while immersing yourself in another culture.
• Time your travels strategically. Travel during off-peak times to save on flights, lodging, and activities—and use public transportation.
• Plan ahead for the essentials. Research the requirements and costs of visas and vaccinations well in advance, and make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip. The U.S. State Department suggests renewing your passport nine months before its expiration date, especially as many countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel.

Types of funding for gap year travel

Many organizations offer grants and scholarships to support gap year experiences. You can save the money earned from a part-time job, do your own fundraising, or apply for a loan.

Grants and loans

In certain circumstances, you can use your 529 college savings account to fund a gap year. If the program you choose offers college credits through an accredited institution, like Harvard, Tufts University, Princeton University, and others, it’s worth looking into. However, you can’t use these funds to pay for living or travel expenses related to the gap year. To confirm, ask the program coordinator and read the fine print of your specific 529 plan.

Another option (if your gap program offers college credits) is to consider a federal loan or Pell Grant to help subsidize the cost. But check with the gap year program coordinator to verify.

Part-time jobs

It’s hard to find jobs if you’re younger than 16, but not impossible. Sometimes, getting that part-time job requires a little creativity and outside-the-box thinking. For example, if you love photography and have a knack for framing and getting great shots, you could take and sell pictures. Of course, there’s always babysitting, too.

Are you a fan of furry critters? You could charge a small fee for dog walking while the owners are at work. In the summertime, you could also offer pet-sitting services.

Love to write? See if your hometown paper hires student writers. Or explore options to become a blogger. Love to make videos? Launch a YouTube channel and become a vlogger. You need to be 13 years old for your own channel, though your parents can give consent if you’re younger.

Start a seasonal business! In the warmer months, set up a car washing station. You only need a hose with water access, a bucket, soap, sponges, and towels. Live in a neighborhood with lots of yards? Offer lawnmowing and other yardwork, like weeding and mulching. In the fall, walk the neighborhood with a rake and some leaf bags and offer a raking service. In the winter, grab a shovel and help dig out your neighbors for a reasonable fee. 

Some states set the minimum age to work at 14 or 15, although there are strict laws about when and where you work. Possible options include:

• Movie theaters
• Ice cream stores like Baskin Robbins
• Fast food restaurants like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Dairy Queen
• Community centers
• Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Albertsons, Giant Eagle, or Winn Dixie
• Amusement parks 

Fundraising and family

Fundraising is another powerful tool to help fund your gap year dreams. But before you launch your campaign, think about how you’ll explain your plans to volunteer, study abroad, or pursue other meaningful experiences to those you’ll ask for support. Show how your journey will have an impact, whether contributing to your personal growth and cultural understanding or through community engagement. Options include:

• Using an online platform like GoFundMe, Fundly, or Bonfire.
• Organizing an event like a bake sale, car wash, or talent show that doesn’t just raise funds but also engages your community.
• Offering your skills or services in tutoring, graphic design, or photography in exchange for donations.
• Networking with local businesses or corporations aligned with your gap year goals and asking about sponsorship possibilities. 
• Sharing your goals with family and friends and requesting financial support instead of birthday and holiday gifts.

Consider starting a website or a newsletter (or even a vlog on YouTube) where you can regularly update your donors on your progress. Share photos, stories, and reflections to keep them connected and invested in your journey. The fundraising process itself can help you develop valuable communication, organization, and project management skills.

If you have older clothing or jewelry in good shape, why not sell it? Are you—or people you know—a packrat (or trying to clean out a basement, attic, or garage)? Offer to help them sell old games, books, collectibles, vintage clothing, antiques, and other items on online platforms like eBay, Etsy, Vinted, and Poshmark. Ask your friends and family to donate some of the sales toward your gap year fund.

Make your gap year dream a reality

Gap year participants say it’s a transformative experience. So whether you consider work exchange programs, choose a program that offers grants or tuition assistance, launch your own fundraiser, take a part-time job, dip into your 529 plan, or combine all of the above, remember that every little bit counts. Planning carefully and exploring funding options can make your gap year dream a reality.