Gap year travellers have been urged to draw up a budget before departing overseas.
According to Joe Bindloss, co-author of Lonely Planet's Gap Year Book, a surprising number of gappers have to resort to begging their parents for funds on their travels after running into financial difficulties.
As such, he has called on them to assess their financial positions before embarking on their adventures to avoid being caught out - especially as prices abroad take many by surprise.
"It is easy to underestimate the cost of your trip," Mr Bindloss told the Times.
"In parts of Asia, such as Thailand, the price of one beer in a bar can be more than your room for the night, plus supper."
To avoid financial ruin, Mr Bindloss has advised that travellers contact Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forums for information on current prices, while Gapadvice.org offers a cost calculator to help with food and accommodation estimates.
The creation of an emergency fund of around £500 is also advocated.
Additionally, gap year travellers will need to consider
backpacker travel insurance to cover them in the event of a disaster.