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
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!
Part 1: In Seville Spain you'll learn
Monday-Thursday we will have morning workshops and afternoon activities that teach:
- Planning routes and navigating
- Using Eurail, buses, and local transport
- Navigating hostels, Couchsurfing, and Workaway
- Eating affordably while enjoying local cuisine
- Staying safe while traveling solo or with others
- Managing money, visas, documents, and gear
- Handling homesickness, culture shock, and loneliness
- Making friends and staying connected on the road
- And most importantly: Becoming your own best guide!
Part 2: Hop a train & explore Europe
A Eurail pass is included in the program cost and after three weeks you are prepared to use it!
Whether with your new friends, solo, or some other scenario, you will begin part 2 of your adventure as you travel Europe and use the skills you have learned in Seville.
Paris, Berlin, the Italian Riviera, the Swiss Alps, the back roads of Slovenia, London, the Camino, Norway...go anywhere you like for as long as you like.
As you travel, we will be available via phone for any questions or concerns that may arise!
Travel training starts the day you are admitted!
Once you’re officially in, we’ll kick off your
pre-trip travel training through a series of short, informative emails. These will arrive in steps, covering everything you need to
know, pack, and prepare before arriving in Seville—so by the time you get here, you’ll already feel confident and ready to go.
WHEN?
JAN 12-FEB 2, 2026
SEVILLE, SPAIN
WHO?
20 participants
(18-23 YRS OLD)
COST?
$3280
INCLUDES EURAIL PASS
TRIP LEADERS
IVEY PATTON
MAX PATTON
AND GUESTS!
Our Weekly Structure
Weekday Rhythm: Structure + Fun
Our weekdays are full of hands-on learning, group bonding, and travel skill-building. Monday through Thursday brings a mix of:
- Training workshops on everything from budgeting and safety to train travel and cultural tips
- Collaborative planning sessions where you learn to navigate real-world travel scenarios
- Fun, team-building games and activities designed to create a tight-knit, supportive group and become familiar and comfortable in Seville
- Making plans for the weekend and your next travels with a solid itinerary, tickets, reservations and confidence!
- Afternoons will include outings and opportunities to see all that Seville offers. It's truly one of Europe's most beautiful and festive small cities. It's also home of the siesta and you are welcome to give it a try after a busy day on the town.
This balance of learning, practice, and play will help you gain confidence while making real connections with your fellow travelers.
Fridays + Weekends: Freedom to Explore
Fridays are free, giving you time to rest, wander Seville, or join in optional activities. Weekends are wide open for bigger adventures. You can stay in Seville—because there’s always more to see—or hop on a train or bus to experience the magic of southern Spain. Here are just a few possibilities:
- Granada: Explore the Alhambra, one of the most breathtaking Moorish palaces in the world.
- Córdoba: Stroll the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter and marvel at the Mezquita, a stunning mosque-cathedral.
- Cádiz: Relax on golden beaches and wander one of Europe’s oldest cities.
- Ronda: A mountaintop city famous for its dramatic cliffs and iconic bridge.
- Even Portugal: A bus will take you to the Algarve, a gorgeous stretch of beaches with villages and a whole new culture!
We' ll collaborate on where to go, how to get there, and how to make the most of your weekends—so you have the freedom to explore with the support of experienced travelers behind you. This is a great first foray out on your own.
Lodging and Meals in Seville
For three weeks, Seville will be our home—and where we stay is an important part of the experience. We’ll be living in two different youth hostels, both located in the heart of the city. Each offers cozy, dorm-style lodging and breakfast every morning, along with the energy and connection that make hostels such a perfect fit for young travelers. It's likely you'll be in a 4 dorm room and you will only be with people from our program.
Why hostels? Because they’re more than just a place to sleep. Hostels bring people together. They’re full of life, with rooftop hangouts, shared kitchens, and common spaces where conversations spark between travelers from around the world. They’re affordable, central, and social—making it easy to step outside and find yourself in the middle of Seville’s winding streets, open-air plazas, and lively cafes. Breakfast is included at our hostels and lunch will be provided Mon-Thurs. Lunches will vary but will offer local fare as well as plenty of fruits, veggies, proteins and sandwich options. Dinners are later in Spain and offer a chance for you to cook with friends, take part in the hostel communal meal or go out for tapas. A communal kitchen allows for easy and affordable meal prep. We will provide a welcome dinner and Sunday night dinners. (4 total)
By staying in two different hostels, you’ll get a broader feel for the city and learn how to navigate new environments confidently—a key skill for any independent traveler. Plus, you’ll experience the rhythm of real travel life: shared rooms, late-night laughs, new friendships, and the sense of community that makes the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
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?
Do I need to know Spanish?
No, you don’t need to speak Spanish to join the program. However, learning a few basic greetings and travel phrases is highly encouraged—not only out of respect for the local culture but also because it’s incredibly useful in real travel situations like ordering food, buying tickets, or asking for directions. A little goes a long way when navigating a new country.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and an application is considered complete when the form has been filled out and the application fee has been paid. After this, we will reach out for a brief interview. It it feels like a good fit and there is space, you will complete additional forms and pay trip deposit of $1500. The balance will be due on Nov. 30. If you apply after October 30th, the full amount will be due upon acceptance.
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.