| A gap year is defined as a 12 month period between | | | | simple safety rules; don't walk around on your own |
| school and higher education, which is usually spent | | | | after dark, be cautious at ATM machines, don't wear |
| working, travelling, or a combination of the two. A gap | | | | expensive jewellery - leave it at home if you can - and |
| year will provide an opportunity for developing valuable | | | | keep an eye on your drinks when visiting a bar. |
| skills, both socially and personally. | | | | It's good practice to carry copies of important |
| Deciding to take a gap year can be difficult. If you | | | | documents such as visas, passports and medical |
| decide to travel, you may need to save up for a time | | | | records in a different place to the originals. Give copies |
| first to finance the trip and arrange for money to be | | | | to family and friends before you leave, and even email |
| available while you're away. There are many ways to | | | | them to yourself. Carry contact numbers and |
| do this, but a credit card or international debit card are | | | | addresses for the British Embassies in each country |
| the most common. Also consider how you'll keep in | | | | you visit. Research local customs before you go, to |
| contact with family and friends back home; most | | | | make sure you won't run into any unnecessary trouble |
| countries have internet cafes and phonecards so you | | | | with the locals. |
| can se these, or you may decide to take a laptop and | | | | When packing for a gap year trip the key word is 'light'. |
| use wireless internet points which are usually available | | | | You'll be tempted to take along every little thing you |
| in hostels and guesthouses. | | | | think you may need, but in fact most things will be |
| One of the biggest considerations for any gap-year | | | | available for purchase along the way. A good rule of |
| student is insurance. Each country you visit will have its | | | | thumb is to take enough for the first month and stock |
| own hazards, so it's essential you plan your trip | | | | up during that time. The most important things to pack |
| carefully and know exactly which dangers you could | | | | are your passport and other documents, credit/debit |
| encounter. Be aware that some insurers may not | | | | cards or travellers cheques, change of clothes and |
| cover for certain countries so it's worth doing a quote | | | | suncream/insect repellent. Toiletries are available in |
| first, to get an idea of countries you will be covered | | | | handy travel-sized bottles so take a few of these with |
| for. A policy covering personal belongings and medical | | | | you, but refrain from taking razors and aerosols |
| expenses is the bare minimum you should take out; | | | | without checking with the airlines first. It may be easier |
| one which will reimburse you for cancelled flights or | | | | to just buy some disposable razors in each country |
| other modes of transport is also a good idea. If you | | | | than trying to argue with an airline. If you're taking any |
| plan on taking part in any sports on your trip, it's best to | | | | electrical equipment with you it's a good idea to buy a |
| get personal accident cover added on too. | | | | worldwide travel adapter plug, which is lightweight and |
| Most "gappers" travel alone, occasionally meeting up | | | | can be used in most countries. |
| with pre-arranged travelling companions for parts of | | | | Finally, before you go, see your doctor or pharmacist |
| the journey. There are many websites dedicated to | | | | about vaccinations. Take a list of all the countries you |
| helping you find a companion, and it's always best if | | | | plan to visit so they will be able to tell you if there are |
| you can meet them beforehand, for safety's sake. | | | | risks present, and how much treatment you'll need for |
| When you are alone on your trip, observe some | | | | the whole trip. |