The Gap Year: A New Adventure for Every Age
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you had traveled the world before choosing where to settle down in life and now retirement? That’s a question we’ve asked ourselves, especially now that we’ve been living comfortably in Portugal for the past three years. Don’t get us wrong—we love Portugal! But we can’t help but think: “What if we’d given ourselves more time to explore other countries before planting roots?” Imagine the experiences we might have had and the broader perspective we could have gained.
So, why not turn that “what if” into an exciting new concept: The Retiree’s Gap Year?
What is a Gap Year, Anyway?
Traditionally, a gap year is a break young adults take between high school and college to travel, experience new cultures, and find themselves before jumping into the working world. But who says this concept should be exclusive to teenagers or 20-somethings? In fact, a gap year (or even two) could be even more rewarding for those of us with more life experience and the freedom that comes with retirement.
Just imagine: instead of heading straight to one country and settling in, you give yourself a year (or two) to explore the world. You’ll not only get to enjoy the thrill of travel but also open your eyes to potential new homes that fit your lifestyle, budget, and dreams even better than you’d imagined.
A Gap Year for Retirees: How Would It Work?
Here’s the idea: sell the house, downsize your belongings, and set off on a grand adventure. The difference between the retiree's gap year and the young person’s version? You’ll be exploring with a focus on finding the perfect place to eventually call home.
Let’s break it down:
Sell and Simplify: Just like we did when we moved to Portugal, you’ll want to downsize. Let go of the things that tie you down—extra belongings, a house that requires constant upkeep—and free yourself for this new chapter.
Plan Your Travel Visas: One of the more daunting tasks of long-term international travel is managing travel visas, but there are services now that make this much easier. You can hand over your details, and they’ll manage the paperwork to keep you within the legal limits of each country’s tourist stay rules. For example, as a U.S. citizen, you can typically stay in Schengen-area countries (like Italy, France, and Spain) for up to 90 days without needing a special visa.
Stay Affordably: Apps like Airbnb and VRBO have made it incredibly easy to find short-term rentals. If you stay for 30 days or more, you can often save as much as 30% on the rental cost. And with access to a kitchen, you’re not eating out all the time—which not only saves money but also allows you to immerse yourself in local markets and food cultures. Plus, it's a more sustainable and homey way to travel.
Budgeting for Adventure: Let’s talk money—because we get it. When we first moved to Portugal, we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to afford life in Europe. But we quickly learned that it’s entirely possible to live better for less. In fact, we’re now planning a month-long trip through France, living like the “rich folks” we once envied, all within our budget. And with careful planning, this kind of gap year can be far more affordable than you might expect.
Gap Year for the Young and Digital Nomads
But a retiree’s gap year isn’t the only way to explore this idea. Young people, like our son Wolf, can also benefit from taking time to explore the world before settling down. At 24, Wolf can work remotely, meaning he’s not tied to any one place. He doesn’t need to qualify for nomad visas or meet specific income thresholds as long as he sticks to tourist visas and stays within the legal limits.
For young professionals with flexible jobs, a gap year can be a trial run for nomadic living or finding that perfect spot to call home. It’s an incredible opportunity to try out a new way of living before committing to long-term visas or permanent moves.
Our Plan: Semi-Gap Year Travelers
For us, living in Portugal comes with some residency requirements, which means we can only be away for about four months of the year. That’s why we’re branding ourselves as semi-Gap year travelers—a more flexible approach to gap year adventuring. It allows us to see the world, soak up different cultures, and explore new places without completely giving up our base in Portugal.
Where Should We Go First?
We’ve already decided on a few key destinations for our first semi-Gap year: Greece, Italy, and we’re looking for two more countries to round out our list. Here’s why:
Greece: With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and affordable cost of living, Greece has always been a country that intrigues us. It’s not just a tourist hotspot, but also a potential place to settle in for a longer stay.
Italy: Who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in Italian culture? From Tuscany’s rolling hills to the historic streets of Rome, Italy is high on our list for its food, culture, and lifestyle. Plus, the idea of hopping between cities like Florence, Venice, and Naples is too tempting to pass up.
As for the next two countries? We’re open to suggestions! Spain, Croatia, or even the Czech Republic—there are so many places that offer an affordable, enriching lifestyle. What do you think? Where should we head next?
The Value of Moving Abroad
Through our experiences, we’ve learned that living abroad is not only possible but also deeply enriching. Moving abroad opens up new opportunities to live life more fully, often with a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life. The key takeaway? It’s more affordable than you think.
By embracing the gap year mindset—whether you’re 24, 64, or anywhere in between—you open yourself to a world of possibilities. Travel can help you redefine what “home” means and give you the opportunity to live a life you never thought possible.
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