“Your Year Away exists to educate and inspire United States citizens on the absolute life-changing benefits of taking a gap year and international travel, and to equip them with the information and tools necessary to take their own gap year.”  

I think it’s important to state the purpose of this website and why I created this page. When I took my gap year in 2017, it was the absolute best year of my life. I took a year for myself to visit 24 different countries. During that amazing time, I jumped out of my comfort zone, leaving my 9-5 day job and regular life. I am so glad I did! I saw new places, tried new foods, learned new languages and met some of the most amazing people who became my friends. I can never put into words, what an experience this was for me.

I came up with the idea to create this website during my 3rd month on my world trip while I was standing at the top a cliff overlooking Mount Cook in New Zealand. I thought to myself, if I can do this, why can’t other US Citizens? 3 years later, this dream of mine to create this website came to fruition. I hope this inspires you and encourages you to take that step to travel more and to enjoy life more.

Yours,
Justin
Author of Your Year Away