Time Off

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Not really ready to tackle university, some other form of tertiary training or work ?
Not really sure what you want to do ?
Just want to take a break ?
None of these are bad in themselves and you should consider each carefully if any apply.
However, if you are considering taking time off before beginning tertiary study, even additional study, or work, you might consider the following before a final decision.

Don’t just spend time ‘lying on a beach’ somewhere, desirable as this might seem. If you do decide some time out would be beneficial, then …
Consider your future, the area you want to work in and, where possible, take some employment in that area or one related to it, even if not at the level you desire. All experience counts.
If the work you can get is not linked to your field of interest - barman, waitress, … , it may not help you become a great vet for example [even though there is nothing wrong with any of them]. Consider part-time study related to your area of interest or develop additional skills. It doesn’t have to be onerous while still maintaining a link.
It doesn’t matter whether experience is at home or overseas, it’s the experience that is valuable - though there are obvious pluses to working overseas.
Keep a record of what you have done, even if not directly related to your planned future, and get references from employers [for inclusion as part of a later résumé !].
Use such activity to start networking and making contacts, especially in your chosen field. This is essential nowadays and could pay dividends in the future.
Keep up with news about the area you are interested in - use newspapers, news outlets, journals, the internet, people you know, university information & requirements, fairs, etc.. Ongoing knowledge of events and changes will always be of value.
Make use of the time to be sure that what you originally wanted to do remains the same.
A surprising number of people find these experiences reveal something else to be more desirable and rewarding for them. It can change the direction of your studies and future life.
When you are ready to return you should feel you have :

enjoyed your time off - after all this was one of the major reasons wasn’t it ?
gained benefits through experiences, contacts and increased maturity;
developed skills that will help maximise results you gain in future study or employment;
reached a point where you are ready to go and successfully ‘attack’ any course or work you encounter !

a warning though - you must control the length and experiences of the time you take. Don’t let the time off take control of you.
review where you are at during the time off period and see whether you want to change anything. This can be done simply and easily without ruining, or overwhelming, the good times.
This way, you get experience, pleasure, benefits and a new found readiness rather than going from Date A to Date B, and finding yourself at Date B no wiser, no better off and behind everyone else.
Don’t let the gap between Date A and Date B get too big. Giving up too much time can be as bad as not taking the time necessary to be ready. Your knowledge of what you want should indicate what time scale is required. Don’t let it get too long though. See the warning above and then work out how [and if !] you are going to be able to catch up to others if you take that amount of time.
finally, if this is what you decide to do - take every step to ensure you enjoy the time and make sure it is stress free in relation to future plans.