A gap year can be one of the most transformational decisions of your life. It’s not just time off—it’s time well spent. We know this firsthand.
At empowered.travel, our passion for travel was born not just from one trip, but from years of exploring the world through our own series of gapyears and sabbaticals. These experiences took us far beyond tourist hotspots and into the heart of cultures, communities, and natural beauty that shaped who we are.
We’ve wandered through the authentic villages of Echizen and Yamagata in Japan, bike-toured across Sardinia and explored the volcanic trails of Madeira hitch-hiking, discovered the quiet spiritual corners of Bali most travelers miss, and hiked through the moody wilds of Patagonia. We’ve wild camped in the Bolivian outback staying with local Quechua people, marveled at lesser-known corners of U.S. national parks, sampled homemade preserves in Armenia, and trekked among yaks and snowy peaks in Langtang, Nepal.
These journeys didn’t just change how we see the world—they changed how we live in it.
Now, we’re here to help you do the same. Whether it’s your first gapyear or your next sabbatical, we believe you deserve to travel with purpose, depth, and confidence. That’s why we’ve launched our GapYear Planning services and our all-in-one Empowered Package—to make meaningful travel more accessible, intentional, and supportive.
1. Design It with Intention—Not Just Wanderlust
Sure, spontaneous travel has its appeal, but a gapyear is different. It’s a life-shaping period of exploration, growth, and reflection. That’s why we guide you through personalized planning sessions to help define your goals, whether that’s gaining work experience, exploring new cultures, or rediscovering yourself.
At empowered.travel, we don’t hand you a template—we help you design a roadmap that reflects your values and dreams.
2. Get Support Choosing the Right Destination
With so many incredible places to explore, decision paralysis is real. Our Empowered Package includes tailored destination guidance. We’ll help you pick places that match your vibe, safety needs, travel experience, and timing—whether you’re drawn to sustainable travel in Slovenia, community-based tourism in Southeast Asia, hospitality of the Middle East, or the artistic energy of small European cities.
3. Plan Smart with the Empowered Package
Our Empowered Package is your go-to toolkit for a smooth, purposeful journey. It includes:
- ✅ Destination guidance
- ✅ Accommodation recommendations
- ✅ Transportation logistics support
- ✅ Gear + packing tips
- ✅ Cultural intros + safety info
- ✅ Local experience suggestions
- ✅ Optional WhatsApp support during travel (+$175)
No more endless Google rabbit holes or wondering if you’re “doing it right.” We’re your behind-the-scenes travel support team—so you can focus on what matters: the journey.
👉 Learn more here: empowered.travel/for-traveler
4. Explore Ethically and Deeply
One of the biggest trends in 2025 gap year travel is responsible and regenerative tourism. According to a recent report by the Gap Year Association, students and professionals alike are prioritizing cultural immersion, sustainable travel, and community engagement over superficial sightseeing.
We specialize in helping you find experiences that go beyond the surface—like learning from Indigenous leaders, volunteering with vetted nonprofits, or supporting women-owned businesses abroad.
5. Stay Safe and Grounded during your GapYear
A gap year doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. We support travelers with pre-trip briefings on cultural norms, safety tips, and health essentials. And if you want real-time support, our WhatsApp add-on means you can message us anytime during your travels for advice, help, or reassurance.
Peace of mind = deeper presence while you’re on the road.
6. Be Inspired by Other Trailblazers
Need ideas? Our blog is full of curated travel wisdom. Check out our post on Hidden Gems for Solo Female Travelers for underrated, empowering destinations around the world.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a friend, or joining a program, we help you uncover destinations that are off the beaten path but rich in connection and meaning.
7. Join the Movement: The Data Doesn’t Lie
ap years are more popular—and accepted—than ever.
According to the Gap Year Association’s 2024 annual report, interest in gap years increased 27% year-over-year, with students citing burnout, curiosity, and a desire for real-world experience as top reasons for taking time off.
Plus:
- 89% of gap year students reported increased clarity on career/academic goals
- 93% said their gap year helped them grow as a person
- 75% gained cross-cultural experience or language skills
The best part? Many colleges and employers now encourage gap years, viewing them as a sign of initiative, independence, and emotional intelligence.
Ready to Make Your GapYear Transformational?
Your gap year doesn’t need to be chaotic, confusing, or cookie-cutter. With empowered.travel, it can be transformational, intentional, and deeply rewarding.
We’re here to help you:
✨ Get clear on what you want
🌍 Design a path that aligns with your values
✈️ Plan smart with pro-level logistics support
🧭 Travel with confidence—and purpose
Let’s make your gapyear the chapter that changes everything.
