Travel
Gap years aren't just for teens – why you should take one too
The kids have flown the nest and now it’s our turn. A ‘golden gap year’ is all about rediscovering freedom, adventure and the joy of doing something just for you.
By Carolyn Tate
The empty nest phase of life can be daunting, but it also brings an unexpected gift: freedom. As our children spread their wings and leave home, we might worry about what we’ll do with ourselves without a family to care for, but more and more parents are discovering that they have plenty of their own adventures to enjoy.
A 2024 report revealed a striking trend – 92% of Australian empty nesters are travelling more frequently than ever before. In what is known as a ‘golden gap year’, many are embracing extended trips that would have been impossible during the chaotic child-rearing years.
This was supported when we recently surveyed our Citro readers – 95% of you travel each year and 21% of you would like to travel more. But this isn't just about filling in your spare time; it's about seizing an opportunity for personal reinvention and growth.
Why take a gap year?
The transition when children leave home can be a time for a profound shift in identity. Many parents find themselves asking, "What now?" And a golden gap year offers a pretty fun answer.
Beyond the immediate appeal of packing your bags and flying off into the sunset, there are also significant benefits for mental wellbeing. Travel in later life can enhance our cognitive function by exposing us to new environments and cultures, while physical activities like exploring, hiking and cycling help reduce stress and improve our overall health. A 2022 study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, concluded that being a tourist “significantly reduced the risk of death among seniors” through the “process of active ageing”. We’ll take that!
The ‘empty nester’ period also presents a unique chance to rediscover passions that we may have had to set aside while we were up to our ears in weekend sport and helping with homework. Whether that’s photography, writing, learning a language, Nordic walking or simply having unstructured time to explore what thrills you, a golden gap year creates space for you to reconnect with yourself and experience a new phase of personal growth.
Planning your golden gap year
If all of this sounds up your alley and you’re thinking of planning your own gap year, you might like to begin by defining what success looks like for your gap year. Are you seeking adventure in far-flung locations, or does a series of shorter local adventures appeal more?
Despite experiencing a life-changing accident in Thailand in 2013, Lifeline Australia ambassador and world champion para-surfer Sam Bloom recommends travel for the education and perspective it offers.
"Just go travelling because it's the best education you can have,” she told the Daily Telegraph. “One that broadens your horizons and gives you a perspective on life that will stay with you forever."
Of course, if you’re going to travel for an extended period of time, financial planning will be important. If you have some time before your kids fly the nest, it helps to create a dedicated travel fund you can contribute to regularly to ensure you have enough for what you want to do.
Home swapping or house sitting can significantly reduce your accommodation costs (we’re all probably well past enduring the horrors of a 10-bed dorm room). Try sites like:
Housesitting
Home swapping
Find out more here: Housesitting: the ultimate hack for budget travel
Many destinations will also offer senior discounts on transportation and attractions – so research and book in advance to secure the best rates.
Try to make sure your itinerary reflects both your interests and practical considerations. Spring in Europe offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while Southeast Asia's volunteer opportunities can provide meaningful engagement with local communities.
And, of course, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers any planned activities.
Read this too: 9 tips for travelling with an existing medical condition
Making the most of your golden gap year
While all that planning is important, the key to a memorable gap year may just be in balancing that structure with some spontaneity. Grand Designs Australia host Anthony Burke told The Guardian, "Travel mishaps are often the best part of the journey."
Try to remain curious and open to unexpected opportunities. If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, you have the freedom to follow your whims, while group tours can provide built-in companionship and local expertise. Consider mixing both approaches to get the best of both worlds.
Eco-tourism projects, creative workshops abroad or volunteering can also add purpose to your travels. Think about what would be a good time for you, and you’ll most likely be able to find it somewhere.
A golden gap year is so much more than a holiday; it's an investment in yourself. This time may come at the end of one of the biggest phases of your life, but it also represents a beginning – a chance to write an exciting new chapter in your life story.
What kind of adventure, learning, and growth would make you happy?
Feature image: iStock/AleksandarNakic
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