Apart from a few family trips here and there, my first true travel experience was when I studied abroad during my junior year of college in Sydney, Australia. It was amazing to explore an entirely different part of the world, gaining new experiences and this amazing newfound independence; I later went on a Semester at Sea and traveled around the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. Not only did I come out of these trips more tolerant and understanding of other people, places, and cultures, but I also realized that I wanted to spend my life traveling as much as possible.

I have seen and felt the impact that travel has on young adults, and whether you're traveling for a week or a year, that trip will be lifechanging. I was once told, “Having traveled and been places will always give you a seat at the table.” I really live by that and have seen it in myself from my time abroad: travel will always allow you to participate, contribute, and make connections—that's why my own daughter will be taking a gap year.

I know talking on the phone isn't anyone's favorite thing to do, but here's why calls are part of our process: taking a gap year is an incredible, life-changing decision—one that you'll feel way more confident about after talking it all over with an expert who can guide you through the process of building your perfect gap. Baby steps, though, so feel free to start by texting me!