Top Tips when taking a Gap Year

1. Research

Many countries that are now part of the well trodden Backpacker path are culturally, economically and environmentally very different to home.

• Did you know that in Barbados you can be arrested for wearing combat trousers, or that you can’t chew gum in Singapore?

This is the first action point, everything else stems from there. So read travel books, use the FCO and other relevant websites.

2. Preparation

It is a good idea to go on a Safety Training Course, this teaches you:-

• How to make yourself less conspicuous,
• How to spot possible signs of trouble,
• How to handle yourself in the correct manner etc.
• Did you know that by opening your rucksack by a wall, you have just reduced your risk by 50%.

3. Booking

This is the fun part, deciding where to go, what to do, what to see:-

• Go to a Tour Operator or Travel Agent for advice
• Go to a Gap Fair where you can speak to many companies who will give you plenty of ideas.
• You may wish to try volunteering, which is always a popular choice
• Or learn how to instruct a specific sport such as skiing.

4. Planning

Get organised:-

• When are jabs required?
• Do you need a visa for the country you are visiting?
• What equipment do you need?
• How long before your passport expires as some countries require you to have at least 6 months to run on arrival?

5. Health

If you have a medical condition:-

• Make sure that you have the means to obtain the correct medication in the countries you are visiting.
• Make sure your travel Insurance covers that condition.
• Take advice from your local doctor or nurse on what vaccinations and medications are required for the countries you are visiting, some must be applied months before departure.
• Malaria is one of the biggest killers – to hear a ‘Gappers’ story, click here
• Make sure you arrange a check up with your dentist before travelling.

6. Insurance

Make sure you obtain a good quality specialist travel insurance

• Your family Annual Multi Trip policy does not cover these types of trips.
• Check the Insurance you choose has cover for the following:-

working

volunteering

high risk activities you may wish to do

airline failure

bereavement etc.

• If you are in doubt, it is always best to contact the Insurance company before you do certain activities.

7. Documents

Your passport, visas, flight tickets, travel documents, drivers licence, and Insurance documents are all vital to make your trip run smoothly.

What were to happen if you lost any or all of these, it would be a nightmare!

• Make copies
• Leave a copy of all at home
• Scan and store electronically somewhere.

At least then you have some proof of who you are.

8. Support whilst abroad

In the unlikely event that something unfortunate were to happen when you are away, it is a good idea to have the best support at hand.

(the Foreign Commonwealth Office, can’t help in most cases).

• Investigate Specialist Assistance Companies
• Look at what your Travel Insurance provide by way of cover

9. Money

• Inform your bank of your travels to make sure your credit and debit cards work overseas.
• Set up an internet bank account which you can view from online computer.
• Do you need to set up a bank account in the country you will be residing in if you are working, which can be done before you leave.
• Check other products/credit cards and accounts that will save you money on currency conversion.
• It’s also a good idea to leave someone with a Power of Attorney who would then be able to handle any financial matters while you are away.

10. Communication

• Keep friends and relatives updated as often as you can.
• Set up an e-mail account
• Obtain an International roaming Sim card it will save you money and you won’t need to buy one when you get there
• Start up a blog which diarises your experiences.

And finally do ring or text home on arrival – they just want to know you got there safely!

We hope you have found the above useful. Enjoy your planning; it’s all part of the fun of taking a Gap Year.