Get ready for your grown-up gap year…

Activate your must-visit list and join the midlifers making up for lost time by ticking off multiple destinations at once, says Eleanor Doughty

You’ll have heard of the traditional gap year, the much-mocked “gap yah”, and all the associated talk of “finding yourself ” in the countries you visit along the way. Perhaps you even took a gap year yourself, back in the day, intent on exploring the world before heading off to university, or diving into the workplace. But what if you could do it again – take the opportunity to do the travelling you have always dreamt of, finally making a dent in that must-visit list that’s been gathering dust for the past two years?

Well, you can – subject to Covid restrictions easing as time goes on. It’s called the “grey gap year” – or, if you like, the “grown-up gap year”. Despite the connotations of grey, you needn’t be retired to enjoy some time out – all you need is a yearning to discover new places.

There are as many different grey gaps out there as there are beach holidays, ski trips and all-inclusive packages. But whether you do yours independently – by car, train, boat or even in a campervan – or led by a tour guide, there is guaranteed to be a grey gap out there for you. Here’s how to plan yours now.

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER

If you are going for a long period, “rent your house out”, suggests Tim Riley, managing director of insurance company True Traveller. “If you are near the M25 and you have a four-bedroom house, then you might be looking at £5,000£6,000 a month in rent.” Planned well, the rent could cover the cost of your trip. As an added bonus, you will know that your house and garden are being cared for while you are away.

ADMIN, ADMIN, ADMIN

If you’re going to let your house out, it is imperative to let your mortgage lender and insurance company know. If you are going away for a year or more, adds Riley, “tell the taxman”. Download a P58 form from HMRC. If you have overpaid your tax, you may get a refund – more money for the pot.

GET A CHECK-UP – AND JABS

It is worth getting a “full medical”, including a trip to the dentist before you go away, says Riley. “Travel insurance will pay if you get sick, and they will also pay for dental work – but only emergency dental work.” Go to see your GP and, while you are there, make sure you get any jabs required for the destinations you are planning to visit.

INSURE IT

Look at your particular insurance package. Riley’s True Traveller is “known for gap year, adventure travel insurance”, and allows you to return home mid-trip – which you may well need to do – without voiding your insurance. As well as this, check that your insurance provider will allow you to extend your policy if necessary.

GO WITH YOUR GUT

Plan your route the old-fashioned way, advises Riley. “Get a map, work out how much time you have and how much money you have to spend, and then ask, ‘Where shall we go?’” When one thinks “gap year”, stints of do-gooding might spring to mind. But, adds Riley, “It’s not compulsory to work on a kibbutz!” If you want to have an extended holiday – which might include trekking, cycling, skiing, or anything else – you needn’t include all the gap-year elements sold to the under-25s if you don’t want to. Nor is it compulsory to “find yourself ” (though many grey gappers do experience a voyage of self-discovery), or to go backpacking. A van will do nicely, as will a luxury hotel – if that’s your style.

ASK AN EXPERT

If you’re taking a road or rail trip around Europe, you might want to plan your trip yourself, day by day. For wider adventures, using the services, expertise and support of a tour operator really helps. The peace of mind that if something goes wrong there is a number to call and a point-person to liaise with, is priceless.