With the school and university years drawing to a close, the season has arrived for the mass exodus of gap year travellers from the UK.
As leavers consider their next move on their career paths, many take the opportunity to get together with their friends and head off on expeditions around the world.
Cramming everything required for being away for such an extended period of time into a backpack is often a challenge, but a host of expensive items such as iPods and digital cameras normally make the cut.
With that in mind, a leading money website has explained the value of sound financial planning and securing travel insurance.
Steve Wiley, head of travel money at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "A gap year is a wonderful opportunity to experience different ways of life and see other parts of the world.
"But such a big adventure requires careful financial planning, especially as graduates and students get so little education on money matters."
Mr Wiley added that acquiring a reliable travel insurance plan is crucial before typical gap year activities such as water and extreme sports are undertaken.
