Meet Olivia Yost. She's nineteen-years-old and currently works as a waitress in New York City. As one of my good friends from high school, I was excited to hear that she decided to take a year off and travel the world. She was truly living my dream, and I was glued to her social media ever since she left last summer. This was her experience.
What made you want to take a year off after high school and go traveling?
Varanasi, India
Olivia Yost
I knew college would always be an option for me, and I just really needed a break to learn more about myself, and the world. I knew the only way I would learn more about myself would be by pushing myself out of my comfort zone, so I knew I wanted to travel before pursuing my education in Cultural Anthropology.
Where did you go? What made you want to go there? Did you travel through a program?
Annapurna Mountain Range
Olivia Yost
First, I started off in India because I've always loved the culture. From food to religion to their way of life, I have always been fascinated.
Next, I went to Nepal and fell in love with the beautiful scenery, generous people, and intriguing culture. I mainly wanted to get there to see the Himalayas so I went by bus and train for a day and a half from Varanasi, India to Pokhara, Nepal. Best decision I ever made.
Finally, for Christmas, I wanted to stay at the beach since it was my first Christmas alone, so I went to Thailand. Although I wanted to see the wilderness of Pai and Chang Mai, I decided to stick to the beach and went to Lonely Beach, Koh Chang. It was a truly amazing two weeks. However, I really missed my friends in Nepal, so I just packed up one day, scheduled a bus ticket, and went back to Pokhara for the New Year.
I did not travel through a program. But I did have a membership with Workaway.com to find places I could work to live for free. I only did this in New Delhi, then decided to just roam around parts of India considering that it's definitely not expensive.
Were you nervous?
Olivia's free room for bartending at a local open-air cinema
Olivia Yost
I was so nervous! Nothing is scarier than landing in a strange country at 2 am and your driver is nowhere to be seen.
Is there a moment for you while traveling where you thought to yourself that it was worth it?
Olivia (far back) and her hostel mates by the river in Pokhara, Nepal
Olivia Yost
I had a lot of moments when I thought it wasn't worth it. Traveling alone, especially as a woman, can put you through a lot of tough times. But no matter what, the whole time I knew it all was worth it in the long run; I was learning so much about the world and myself that I knew I was never going to learn in a classroom back home.
I remember one moment on the bus to Pokhara I was so uncomfortable being all the way in the back, squished between many sweaty men, on the worst roads you could imagine (one main road through Nepal was completely ruined from a major earthquake in 2015). But as I was looking out the window with my cucumber covered in spices, I was also very content. Nothing is more refreshing than wondering what the next destination will be like and how it will treat you.
Did you have any expectations before you started traveling, and if so, did they meet them?
Anti-littering organization in Pokhara, Nepal
Olivia Yost
I had so many expectations, but all of them were silly fantasy-like expectations. I wanted to learn Indian dances, volunteer in some monasteries, and hike the Annapurna trail in Nepal. I didn't get to do any of those things but I know I will in the future. If anything, my traveling exceeded my expectations. I don't regret a single thing.
Was it difficult transitioning from western culture to eastern culture?
Men in Varanasi, India
Olivia Yost
Yes and no. I'm an open-minded individual so it definitely helped. I had an easy time adapting because I was so curious and really into learning everything about each culture, good and bad. There are different kinds of travelers; those who want to learn and are excited about it and have an easy time adapting, while those who are not impressed and don't want to learn will always have a harder time adapting. Believe it or not, I met a number of people who were traveling who didn't appreciate the cultures and lifestyles of the countries they visited.
Do you have any advice for those who are thinking about taking a year off to travel?
Tibetan women selling jewelry on the street
Olivia Yost
If you're wondering whether or not to take a year off, DO IT. It's better to just try it instead of regretting never taking the chance. There is so much to learn if you break the routine and get out of your comfort zone. If you travel and hate everything about it, you will still get so much out of the experience that will be beneficial. If you travel alone, make sure you stay in youth hostels so you find some good mates to see the country with; you don't have to go solo all the time! And lastly, there are ways to get a start on traveling. Visit Workaway.com or WWOOF.net for ways to have living accommodations and meals for free only for a little bit of work. It doesn't sound ideal, I know, but it helps a lot financially and it's another way of getting to know the culture more thoroughly through a family or group of people.
Gap years are totally normal all around the globe. It's a shame to see kids think they have to go straight through college with no break, without really knowing what they want out of life yet. Traveling helped me become a more patient and open-minded individual and gain more perspective, character, and empathy for others around the world. I never once met someone on my trip who regretted taking time off to travel.
