Brussels BASECAMP 

your crash course in independent travel, with the whole continent just a train ride away


JUNE 5-15,2026


APPLY NOW

BRUSSELS BASECAMP - HOW DOES THIS WORK?


Travel can be one of the most exciting and life-shaping experiences available. It can also feel like stepping off a cliff—thrilling, but seriously overwhelming. Whether you're gearing up for a full gap year or just testing the waters with a shorter adventure, you deserve a solid launch.


Sure, there are plenty of YouTube videos and blog posts with travel tips. But nothing compares to learning directly from real humans—seasoned travelers who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to guide you, step by step. We’re not just handing you a checklist—we’re showing you how to use it.


At Gap Year Basecamp in Brussels, you’ll do more than learn about travel. You’ll stay in a lively European hostel in an amazing European city, (we guarantee Brussels will WOW you!) explore nearby areas by train, and navigate real-life situations with real support. Through (fun) daily workshops, programs and real-life learning, you’ll gain safety skills, practical skills and street smarts, ask questions, reflect, try new things—and start to build the kind of confidence that only comes from experience.


By the time we wrap, you’ll walk away with a Eurail pass in your pocket, a plan for what’s next, and a crew of new friends who get it. This is where your adventure truly begins.


Not a tour—this is real travel training in the heart of Europe, where you’ll learn the ropes, build your crew, and then launch on your own journey.




BRUSSELS BASECAMP

takes place in two parts

10 DAYS OF TRAVEL TRAINING & FUN IN BRUSSELS AND THEN YOU LAUNCH INTO EUROPE ON YOUR ADVENTURE!

WHEN?

June 5-15, 2026

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

WHO?

20 participants

(18-23 YRS OLD)



COST?

$2400.00

INCLUDES EURAIL PASS

TRIP LEADER

IVEY PATTON

AND SPEAKERS

Testimonials

“Definitely the most fun I’ve ever had. The staff were amazing: very helpful, respectful, nice, and relayed information in a way that resonated with me. They  encouraged us to push ourselves and go out of our comfort zones often. The connections I made on this trip were like nothing I’ve ever experienced—everyone was super nice and easy to be friends with!”

Odin, California

“This program helped me gain so much confidence in myself, and my ability to navigate new and challenging situations. I feel confident and equipped for my travel journey ahead, and feel like I gained such a wonderful and positive community of people I can always come back to. After this experience I feel full of love, adventure, and friendship, and feel so seen and valued by each participant and facilitator.”

Addison, North Carolina

“Gap Year Launchpad was a wonderful program that mixed learning practical skills in a classroom with learning ‘real life’ skills out in the world. (Some of which include: getting strangers to take photos with our group in front of a statue, navigating the city without our phones, and going on a city-wide scavenger hunt.) I have made lifelong travel buddies and friends, expanded my comfort zone, and grown so much in just ten days. I now have a solid base for international travel, and will use these skills for the rest of my life.”

Hannah, Montana

Meet the trip Leaders

Our team

Our leaders are seasoned travelers and mentors who’ve turned global adventures into real-world wisdom. With experience, humor, and heart, they’ll guide you with confidence as we launch together.

Ivey Patton

Founder of Gap Year Basecamp, Ivey is a passionate advocate for transformative travel experiences. As a dedicated gap year counselor helping young adults plan and thrive on travel adventures around the world, she guides young people through the complexities of independent travel and helps them choose from the vast number of amazing gap programs and opportunities.


After college and a decade of world travel, Ivey settled with her family in Durango, Colorado, where she’s worn many hats: teacher, small business owner, summer camp founder, and ski instructor. Fueled on caffeine and enthusiasm, she’s happiest when exploring on foot, wild swimming, and eating breakfast at foreign cafes. She's excited to return to Brussels!

Max Patton

Co-Leader Max grew up in the mountains of southwest Colorado, where adventure was a way of life. His travels have since taken him around the world—from a study abroad in Madrid and a Semester at Sea to backpacking through Greece and the Balkans, paddling from Vermont to Montreal, and losing a tran-Atlantic tall ship race. He’s also shared his love of the outdoors as a camp counselor and sailing instructor in western NC.


A graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in journalism, Max has worked in travel and hospitality and loves exploring new cultures through food and connecting with people wherever he lands. He’s gathered more than a few unforgettable stories—including the Workaway gig he literally had to escape over the back balcony. He’s excited to co-lead the Brussels Basecamp and share his best lessons, laughs, and travel hacks with the next wave of adventurers.

Coming Soon

Interns and guest speakers will be announced in the next few months. Would you like to be an intern? Send us an email and share your unique qualifications and why you think you'd be good fit for this position. Interns are unpaid, but will receive free lodging and meals in Brussels. We will give first consideration to returning Brussels participants.  

APPLY NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED

  • Who This Trip Is For

    This trip is for first-time solo travelers who want a solid launch before flying solo, young adults planning a gap year in Europe or beyond, those who want to feel safe, confident and have a good plan in place, but need a little help and parents who want peace of mind knowing their kid is prepped, not just packed.

  • Why Brussels?

    Brussels is the perfect launchpad for a European adventure—an architecturally stunning, cosmopolitan-yet-cozy capital in the heart of Europe. This not-so-hidden gem is a major travel hub with trains and flights connecting you everywhere, yet it’s easily walkable, full of gorgeous parks, cobblestone streets, vibrant squares, and a legendary food and beer scene that will keep you exploring long after class is over.


    With multiple universities and study abroad programs, Seville is buzzing with students and travelers from all over the world, but it never loses its authentic, laid-back Spanish soul. It’s affordable, ridiculously beautiful, and perfectly placed for weekend trips across Spain and beyond. Most of all, it’s a city that makes you feel alive—you will never forget your time here.

  • How many people will be in the group

    We keep this group small (20 max) so you get personal support and the group can be cohesive. If your backpack is calling and your courage is growing, don’t wait. 

  • What about alcohol?

    Yes, drinking alcohol is allowed. Participants will be of legal drinking age in Europe, and we recognize that for many, this may be their first experience in bars or social settings without age restrictions. Part of our travel training includes a workshop on drinking responsibly, understanding cultural norms, and scaffolding safety practices for going out in unfamiliar places. You’ll have the chance to experience this in a guided, supportive environment before you’re on your own—because safety and smart decision-making are key parts of being a confident traveler.

  • What about drugs?

    Illegal drugs are a hard no—both for legal and safety reasons. Any use or possession of illegal substances during the program will result in immediate dismissal without refund. We take this seriously because international drug laws can be extremely strict, and our priority is keeping everyone safe and healthy.

  • How do I get to Brussels?

    You’ll book your own flights to Brussels. We’ll share more information about this as we get closer to time to book.

  • What Happens After Basecamp?

    After your time in Brussels, and with a Eurail Pass in hand, you'll leave with a plan, a crew, and the confidence to go off on your own. Europe awaits. Some of our previous travelers have gone to Cologne, Germany, Bern, Paris, San Sebastian, Switzerland, the south of France, Slovenia, Paris, the Amalfi coast, Anecy, France, Serbia, the British countryside, Amsterdam, Norway, Berlin….where will you go?

  • What if I have food allergies?

    We can likely accomodate you and there will be a place on the application to share more information about this. Please reach out with specific questions.

  • Still Have Questions?

    We’ve got answers. Just contact us here or book a quick call. We’re real humans, and we love helping future travelers get out the door.

Lock in your student’s spot today with a $250 Hold Fee—a simple way to secure their place for 30 days while the application is being finalized. This non-refundable fee is applied directly toward the total program cost and guarantees access to our limited spaces. It also gives families time for important conversations and flexibility for busy schedules, so you don’t lose your chance at this transformative opportunity.