In Belgium (and other countries in Europe) there is a gap-year remuneration. It's a bit like the mini-retirements Stefan Sagmeister is talking about. They are meant for this sort of stuff.
Next to that there are several ways to do what you want to do: like studying abroad, volunteering.
We're not saying what we did should be 'copied', we're saying 'figure out what you want, and find a way to do it' A way that fits you.
And that's not the other thing mentioned on the comments.
Or even better,come to Canada and claim refugee status when you arrive, you get social assistance payments and free dental and health care while you are processed through the queue to determine if you are legitimate, takes about a year. Apparently its quite a popular vacation option for people from Mexico, there is even a "how to" guide online.
No thanks. Abusing government resources that are intended for real refugees that have had to flee war zones and oppressive governments is not only unethical and rude, it could also land you in jail for welfare fraud.
Is the ultimate advice "be from a wealthy country that lets you travel on welfare"? :)