A Gap Year is a must for anyone that wants to see the world, experience a new culture and get great life and work skills along the way. Independent information is difficult to find at the best of times, so Downunder Travel Insurance has put together the definitive guide to all
you need to do in the run-up to your year out.
Before you Go
A year out is all about you; where you want to go, what you want to see and who you want to experience it with. However, before you step aboard the big bus in the sky, make sure you have these few essential things sorted out:
Not only do you want to give your Mum and Dad peace of mind, but you want to make sure that should the unexpected happen, you are
covered. Downunder Travel Insurance offer specialist Gap Travel Insurance in the form of our Backpacker policy. The Backpacker Travel
Insurance policy provides you with 24 hour emergency medical assistance, baggage cover, legal expenses, personal liability, cancellation or curtailment of your trip, personal money, personal accident and more.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website
The 'Know Before You Go' campaign has been set up by the UK Government to assist travellers with information on all countries worldwide.
The FCO provide information on 'threats to personal safety arising from political unrest, terrorist activities, lawlessness, violence, natural
disasters, epidemics, anti-British demonstrations and aircraft/shipping safety.'
Passports and other Important Documentation
Take a copy of your passport, travel insurance document, your airline ticket, credit cards/travellers cheques and any other 'irreplacable'
documents and give one copy to your parents and emaiol another to your hotmail account. It will make replacing them that much easier.
Packing
For your year out you need to pack your bag with the bare essentials. Once packed, unpack it, throw out half of your stuff and repack again. Think carefully what you take as you will have to carry it all on your back and you will be buying things along the way. Be considerate of climate, take a few first aid items and take a pair of flip-flops for the beach and the hostel showers!
A 'Year Out' Job
If you plan on getting a gap job while you area way, the UK has a reciprocal working arracngement with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan, aswell as you being able to work throughout Europe as a UK citizen. Make sure you sort out a job or at the very least some leads before you take off overseas. Look at http://www.gapyearjobs.co.uk/ for inspiration.
On your Year Out travelling
Valuables
Always ensure your passport, cash and valuables are with you at all times. Never pack these items in your rucksack or you are checking in. It's a good idea to wear a money belt if doing alot of sightseeing in major tourist areas as you will always know where your valua
bles are.
Local laws and Customs
Get a good guidebook and make sure you know what is expected of you whilst abroad. As an example, if visiting the Vatican, women must cover their legs and shoulders and in Japan it shows appreciation for food if you 'slurp' whilst eating.
A Year Out will be the most exciting thing you have ever done, whether you choose to do it before, during or after university or your first job. Make sure you make the most of it, and follow the advice given for a stress-free and amazing year out.