Trek Epic Gap Year Adventures

Trek Epic

Why choose Trek Epic?

Trek Epic offers a transformational journey for young adults seeking to explore their unique gifts and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world. Our international walking treks and Gap Year program provide a structured yet personal experience of self-discovery, mentorship, and purposeful growth.

Through our 10-day facilitated treks, participants engage in guided reflection, small-group discussions, and immersive outdoor exploration, culminating in the development of a personal Core Gift statement—a foundation for making intentional life choices.

The Trek Epic Gap Year extends this journey beyond the trail, integrating self-selected experiences such as cultural exchange, internships, and personal projects, all supported by ongoing mentorship. The program concludes with a Capstone Trek, where participants reunite with their cohort to reflect, celebrate growth, and solidify their next steps.

With a balance of adventure, independence, and support, Trek Epic provides a life-chan

Reviews

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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Trek

A journey not just for your body but for your mind. The scenery was beautiful and the group/guides were knowledgeable, prompting, and insightful. I liked the challenge of the hiking trail and the reward of breathtaking views once you reached the top of the incline. The resources along the trail were sporadic so planning was essential. I appreciate that the luggage and accommodations were preplanned and reliable. Overall, great company, great trip, and a great time! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is interested in exploring the land by foot and exploring their mind.

Pros
  • Ease of planning
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Melody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Way better then I could’ve expected

The housing, the guides and the content of this trip was 10/10. I would go again in a heart beat. Such an amazing experience to go through, easy one of the best in my life. Everyone was helpful and kind. While the walking was a lot It left me feeling like I wanted to lead a healthier lifestyle. Everyone I met through this trip has touched my life and I’m so grateful.if you’re looking for a great way to get out while diving into yourself this is a great experience to try. I’m ready to go again! Xo

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Blackberries as we hiked through the Ireland country side.
Pros
  • Great housing
  • Intentional with helping people find their purpose for going
  • Friendly environment
Cons
  • Lots of walking
  • Not long enough
  • I miss the people I met
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Kennadie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Refreshing Trip

I had an amazing time walking the Wicklow way. There was space held for everyone to speak, and I appreciate how positive the journaling prompts were. This was a good experience physically, socially, and mentally. I recommend trek which to anyone looking to gain perspective on their life and behaviors. The leaders added a lot to our daily discussions, and I feel like I left the trip a less anxious person with a better understanding of what my strengths are. I cannot recommend this trek enough. Great for those at a crossroads or new beginning/ending.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Pickled herring and blood pudding, both were surprisingly delicious.
Pros
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Charming accommodations
  • Thoughtful prompts
Cons
  • Food was more expensive than anticipated
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Lina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Portugal 2024

It was such a great travel experience where everything was perfectly planned down to the last detail. The food and accommodations were absolutely incredible! It was such an eye opening experience speaking about gifts, gratitude and having that be our focus on top of our daily treks! Absolutely fantastic! Would highly recommend this program! I've been in my job for almost 4 years now and it helped ignite a moving forward mindset in me and find a way forward in the role that I'm in.
Thank you for this incredible opportunity! I learned so much about my self and gifts. I also am honored to bring this program to where I work- thank you!

Pros
  • Drinks and food
  • Travel
  • Conversations
Cons
  • Sand
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Ariana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trekking Adventure

I had a wonderful time for my first Trekking experience thanks to Andrew B he made everything feel so seamless going from one place to the next. From the moment we arrived we had Andrew F and a driver waiting to take us to our destination with the rest of the group. All the places we stayed in the host were amazing and out tour guides were wonderful and knowledgeable very helpful and didn’t make me feel bad even though i was always behind out group of women were amazing and I had the best time !

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I had a hard time missing my family and i was out of my comfort zone but i wouldn’t change a thing I learned so much about myself and overcame some fears
Pros
  • Trying new food
  • Meeting new people
  • No planning
Cons
  • Blisters
  • Sand walking
  • Light packing

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Josie Bryan

Job Title
Guide
Josie Bryan is a writer, creative, and guide for Trek Epic who feels strongly that every individual has a purpose. As a Core Gift Master Facilitator, Josie has completed and conducted the Core Gift Interview process both on and off the walking path. Her core gift is to help others feel seen authentically by leaning into vulnerability, trusting gut instincts, being confident in changing directions, and curating visually appealing outcomes.
Josie B. with sunglasses

What is your favorite travel memory?

Since I was fourteen I have traveled to many U.S. States and Europe, but my favorite travel memory is from the summer after my high school graduation when I visited Greece. Being able to explore the different islands and take in the beautiful landscape and Greek culture was an experience I will never forget. There is nothing like reading a book by the Mediterranean Sea or walking around the Parthenon taking in ancient Greek history.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working for Trek Epic and being a former participant on the company's walking adventures has not only given me the opportunity to experience the cities and countrysides of various European cities but a community of people who I would not have otherwise never met. The people I have met working for Trek Epic allowed me to gain more empathy for others and their unique life stories. Discovering my own purpose and helping others do the same propelled me to start my own company, EVOLVING Guide Co., where I guide individuals through the Core Gift Discovery process and establish intentional goals.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best story I've heard from a Trek Epic student was from a young woman who participated on a walking adventure in Wales prior to embarking on a gap year in Australia and New Zealand. During her trek, another student was enduring the pain of blisters from her shoes that had not been broken in, and this young woman lent her hiking shoes and proceeded to wear her Chaco sandals for the remainder of the trek. This act of generosity made me smile and reminded me of the beauty of the growth one experiences along the path.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

One of the coolest aspects of Trek Epic is that the walking adventures the company offers take place in different locations across Europe. The trek along the Pembrokeshire Coast trail is one of my favorites. Wales is a down-to-earth country that not only makes you feel right at home with its kind locals and eclectic charm, but the natural terrain along the coast is serene and breathtaking.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Trek Epic was born from the idea that everyone deserves the chance to go on an epic adventure and discover more about themselves regardless of where they are in their life or their means to do so. This is what makes Trek Epic unique; the opportunity it provides to students from all different backgrounds going through various life transitions. Trek Epic provides an experience to slow down, reflect, and figure out all while becoming a part of a community that lasts a lifetime.

On a trek in Italy, I was especially proud of my team when we made it through a blazing hot day in Tuscany. The mileage for the day ended up being longer than we had planned for and the weather was exceedingly hot for April. I am proud of how well we were all able to keep in good spirits despite our knees becoming weak and eventually running out of water with two miles left to our destination for the night.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

There are many ways to measure success, but I personally find measuring success based on the amount of joy something creates or brings you is the most satisfying. Thus, I believe a company can be deemed successful when they are able to bring joy to the work they are doing. The people behind Trek Epic not only bring their shared knowledge and skillsets, but they are passionate about helping others along their way of self-discovery.

Professional Associations

Gap Year Association Logo
USA Gap Year Fairs Logo