Britons set to head off on their gap years this summer have received a boost with the development of a unique new tool to make their trips easier.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has got together with travel guide favourites Lonely Planet to create the first-ever Google map "mash-up" to help backpackers plan their itinerary.
Hosted on the FCO's gap year website GoGapYear.com, the tool provides travellers with text, photographs and podcasts containing pointers from Lonely Planet and tailored travel advice for each country from the FCO - all at the click of a mouse.
Alice Draper from the FCO said: "The very nature of a gap year means that it is likely to be a prolonged trip, taking in a number of destinations.
"This can increase travellers' risk of encountering difficulties on their journey, so it is vital to prepare properly before setting off."
The areas covered by the facility are working abroad, visas, health, insurance, adventure activities and advice for gappers on what course of action to take if they find themselves in trouble.
