Seville, Spain BASECAMP

Confident. Connected. Ready to Roam.

your crash course in independent travel,

with all of europe just a train ride away


JANUARY 2026


APPLY NOW

SEVILLE BASECAMP -

HOW DOES THIS WORK?


Travel can be one of the most thrilling and life-changing experiences out there—but it can also feel like stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re planning a full gap year or dipping your toes into international adventure for the first time, you deserve a launch that sets you up for success.


At Gap Year Basecamp in Seville, you won’t just learn about travel—you’ll live it. For three weeks, Seville and the surrounding region of Andalucía will become your classroom. You’ll stay in a lively, youth-friendly hostel in one of Europe’s most stunning cities, where Moorish architecture meets orange-tree-lined streets and tapas bars hum late into the night.


Our days blend hands-on workshops, guided exploration, and real-world problem-solving—all designed to give you the skills, confidence, and independence to travel anywhere. We’ll quickly adopt the Spanish rhythm: later mornings, later lunches, siesta breaks, and bustling late evenings of tapas, music, and flamenco on cobblestone streets. Fridays are free, and weekends bring the chance to hop a train or bus to breathtaking places across southern Spain—think whitewashed hill towns, Mediterranean beaches or lively villages. You’ll have the freedom to explore with new friends, or optional planned excursions if you want a little guidance.


By the time we wrap, you’ll head out with a Eurail pass in your pocket, a solid plan for what’s next, and a crew of new travel companions who get it.


This isn’t a tour—it’s real travel training in one of Europe’s most vibrant regions, giving you the tools and confidence to launch into your own journey.



SEVILLE BASECAMP

takes place in two parts

3 WEEKS OF TRAINING & FUN IN SEVILLE AND THEN YOU LAUNCH INTO EUROPE ON YOUR ADVENTURE!

WHEN?

JAN 12-FEB 2, 2026

SEVILLE, SPAIN

WHO?

20 participants

(18-23 YRS OLD)



COST?

$3100

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 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.

APPLY NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED

  • Who This Trip Is For

    This trip is for First-time 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 Seville?

    If Europe had a best-kept secret, it’s Seville—and you get to live it. This is the city of endless sunshine, late-night tapas crawls, and streets that ooze with charm, color and beauty. Here, history isn’t behind glass—it’s the cathedral towering over your café table, the palace gardens you stroll through after class, the flamenco dancers who light up the night.


    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.

  • What kind of accommodations will we have?

    We’ll stay in a clean, friendly youth hostel in the heart of Seville, close to public transport and all the action. Rooms are shared and are dorm style, with Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a rooftop bar and common spaces for socializing.

  • How do I get to Spain?

    You’ll book your own flights to Spain. You can fly to Seville or to Madrid and take a train to Seville. We’ll share instructions for getting from the airport to the hostel.

  • What Happens After Basecamp?

    After your 3 weeks in Seville, 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?

  • 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.