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Budgeting and planning for travel in your gap year or career break

Taking a gap year or a career break is an exciting opportunity to explore the world, experience new cultures and make memories to last a lifetime. But there’s a lot to think about, and careful planning and budgeting are essential.

We can help with that. Our guide can help you manage your money and travel essentials. Like dealing with different currencies and making sure you have a valid passport and insurance. So you have more time to make the most of your adventure.

Last updated: 22/7/2025

A person wearing a backpack, cap and sunglasses, standing on a cliffside overlooking a bay

1. Set a realistic budget

Setting a realistic budget for your travels can help keep your spending on track and cover essentials, such as food and drink, getting around and finding places to stay. But it could also leave a little wiggle room for unexpected costs, from replacing a lost phone to splashing out on a spontaneous activity.

First, start by researching costs in the countries you plan to visit. Consider common items or services tourists could expect to pay for when visiting, as well as day-to-day living costs if you’ll be staying a while. Check travel blogs, forums and budget travel websites. And read our annual travel money reports to help understand costs in different destinations:

Make sure you factor in the cost of flights, trains, buses and other types of transport. It's also a good idea to budget a little extra for delayed flights, missed connections or last-minute changes. Then, look at the different kinds of accommodation available, work out the cost and see what you can afford.

Finally, tally up what you might need to spend on food and drink, activities and local transport in the places you want to visit. You'll soon get an idea of your daily expenses and be able to create a budget.

2. Check if your passport’s valid

The last thing you want is to plan your trip and then realise your passport is out of date. So, make sure yours is valid for the entire time you’re away.

This includes checking how long you’ll need left on your passport to meet the entry requirements for different destinations. These can vary by country. Find out more about passport validity requirements on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice page.

If you need to renew your passport, you can do it with confidence using the Check & Send service at your local Post Office branch. It will help you get your application right first time, reducing the time needed to process it.

If you need to renew your UK passport urgently, you can use faster services. But remember, these cost more than the standard fee. You’ll also need to book an appointment at a passport office, and spots can fill up fast depending on where you are and how busy it is.

3. Take out travel insurance

Taking out travel insurance can offer cover if you get sick, your flights get cancelled or your stuff gets lost or stolen – just check your policy for the terms and conditions. Explore different policy types and cover levels to find those that best suit your needs and budget for the extended trips you’re taking.

Options to consider include:

  • Backpacker policy: Designed for long-term travellers, a backpacker policy can cover you for over a year or several months. It could be ideal if you’re visiting multiple countries or living abroad for some time
  • Annual multi-trip cover: Planning to take lots of different trips? This type of policy provides cover for as many trips as you want to take in a year, but check for any individual trip limits
  • Single-trip travel insurance: If you're planning on taking one long trip during your gap year or career break, this type of policy might provide the cover you need, depending on how long you’re away

If you want to be covered in case your plans change, you might be able to extend your existing policy. This will depend on the type of policy you have, and you might have to arrange the extension before you travel, so always check with your insurer. You’ll have to pay a little extra and there are set limits for how long you can extend your trip.

It’s also important to consider any extra cover you’ll need for items you’ll be taking, activities you’ll be doing, destinations you’ll be visiting and other possibilities. For example, you may be able to add cover for gadgets and devices, skiing and other winter sports or natural catastrophes, terrorism and other trip disruptions.

4. Plan your accommodation in advance

Booking your accommodation ahead of time can help make your travels more affordable and stress-free. Early booking could also mean you can secure rates and have a wider selection of options to choose from. Platforms like Airbnb, Hostelworld, and Booking.com offer a range of choices, from unique home rentals to friendly hostels. Some might even come with early bird discounts. Not only can this help stretch your budget further, but you’ll also have a comfortable place to stay and have more time to enjoy your adventures.

a smiling couple paying with a smartphone at a cafe

5. Get a prepaid currency card

A prepaid currency card is a safe, secure and easy way to pay for items while on holiday. They can hold multiple foreign currencies, saving you the stress of having to carry cash when travelling. Many come with handy features like easy top-ups and contactless payments, and you can also lock in exchange rates to help avoid rate hikes and extra fees. With the Post Office Travel Money Card, for instance, you can top up using our free travel app or online. They’re also accepted at most ATMs and stores over the world, making it simple to get cash or pay for things while you’re away.

6. Take out foreign currency before you travel

Carrying some local foreign currency is essential when you’re travelling. It can help make your arrival much smoother, especially when card payments aren’t accepted. Some places, such as small shops, local markets or remote areas, also might not accept cards.

Having smaller notes can also be very handy in countries where it’s customary to leave tips, such as for taxi rides and in restaurants.

Getting foreign currency out beforehand could also help save you from bad exchange rates or extra fees when buying at the airport or once you arrive. For ease, you can order travel money online or pick it up in person, depending on where you get it from.

7. Get around for less

Transport can soon add up, especially if you’re planning on visiting lots of different countries. To get around for less, start by using budget airlines for longer trips, and look out for deals to save even more money. For shorter distances, think about travelling by train or bus instead. This can be much cheaper than flying and might even offer a more scenic route to your next destination.

You can also get discount passes for students or tourists. For example, if you’re travelling around Europe, it could be worth getting the Eurail Global Pass which offers unlimited train travel across 33 countries across the continent.

three travellers smiling for a selfie in the jungle

8. Make your own meals

Getting to sample dishes from different cultures is part of the fun of travelling. But eating out every day can get pricey. If you want to cut down on costs, look for accommodation with kitchen facilities. That way, you can prepare simple meals with fresh, local ingredients, instead of spending money at cafes and restaurants. Cooking can also be a fun and creative way to bond with fellow travellers.

9. Keep an eye on your spending

From eating out to stocking up on souvenirs, it can be easy to lose track of your budget when exploring new places. Thankfully, money management apps like TravelSpend, Emma and Snoop can help you avoid overspending. You can log your daily expenses, set budgets and get notifications if you’re spending too much. If you have our Travel Money Card, you can also download our free travel app to manage your money on the move.

10. Make money while you travel

Fancy funding your adventures along the way? There are lots of ways to top up your travel budget while you’re away. Become a digital nomad by freelancing in fields like writing, graphic design or web development. These types of jobs could allow you to work from anywhere. For those who love social media, documenting your travel adventures and building a following on platforms like Instagram or TikTok could be fun and lucrative, especially if you can secure brand collaborations.

You could also consider teaching English. Many countries, particularly in Asia and South America, have a high demand for English teachers. You can find opportunities through programs like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or search for local language schools. Or, you could find seasonal work such as fruit picking, hostel work or working in restaurants or bars.

Key takeaways

Planning and budgeting for a gap year or career break is essential for a stress-free and memorable experience. From booking your accommodation ahead of time to taking out insurance, careful planning lets you enjoy your adventure without having to worry about money or extra travel admin while you’re away.

  • To create a realistic budget, start by researching costs, transport and activities in the places you want to visit. You should also set aside money for unexpected expenses and emergencies
  • Before you set off, make sure your passport is valid for the entire time that you’re away. You’ll also need to take out travel insurance to protect yourself in case of emergencies or changes to your travel plans
  • Get a prepaid currency card to stay on top your spending and keep your money safe. You should always have local cash on you too, for things like food or transport
  • Book your accommodation in advance to get the best deals, use budget airlines or tourist passes for affordable travel, and save money by making your own meals. You could even fund your travels with part-time work while you’re away

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  • Start by estimating your total trip cost. You should include things like flights, travel insurance, accommodation, daily expenses, activities and local transport, and leave a buffer for unexpected costs. You can then create a budget spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track and manage your outgoings. It could also be helpful to break down your budget by month or by country, if you’re travelling to multiple destinations.

  • It's important to get travel insurance as it helps cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings and more. Without it, you could end up paying significantly more if something goes wrong while you’re away. Cover and prices vary, so it’s important to compare different policies and see what suits your needs and budget. From backpacker policies to single-trip insurance, Post Office has multiple types of cover for whatever you have planned.

  • Using a prepaid currency card can help you lock in good exchange rates, and help you avoid any extra fees. If you need to take out cash abroad, use ATMs affiliated with your bank or card provider to minimise fees. Always have some local currency on hand, but try not to exchange large amounts at airports as they usually have high rates. Read our travel money tips

  • Convenient and easy to use, our Travel Money Card is a prepaid, reloadable card that’s not linked to your bank account. It allows you to load and spend up to 22 currencies abroad and offers competitive exchange rates. You can reload it online, on our free travel app or at Post Office branches and use it like a normal debit card at ATMs, shops, restaurants and online. You can also track your spending and manage your travel funds through the app, so you’re always in control of your money. If your card gets lost or stolen, you can contact us to freeze the card and arrange a replacement.

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  • You can renew your UK adult passport with our Paper Check & Send service. Simply bring your current passport, a completed application form, new passport photos and any other supporting documents to your nearest Post Office branch. We’ll make sure that your application is complete and correct before sending it off.

    Some of our branches also offer Digital Check & Send. There’s no paper form-filling and we’ll take your digital photo to correct specifications. You'll need to check with your local branch if you need to book an appointment to complete your application there. You’ll then receive your passport from HM Passport Office in the post.

  • To find affordable flights, use comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for the best deals. Book your flights in advance and be flexible with your dates to take advantage of cheaper fares. You could also sign up for fare alerts and newsletters from airlines to stay updated about special promotions or discounts.

  • An eSIM is a digital SIM card which allows you to switch to local mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. You can use local plans in the country you’re visiting, meaning you can avoid expensive roaming charges. You can order an eSIM card for travel online, and easily activate it in your smartphone’s settings.

  • To help save money, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation, such as hostels. Shopping at local markets for fresh, affordable ingredients and making your own meals could also help cut down on costs. You could also use local public transport to get around and look into discount passes for travellers and tourists.

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About our Travel Money Card

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Botanica Ditton Park, Riding Ct Rd, Datchet, SL3 9LL (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.