Holiday Safe: How To Plan A Gap Year

The Gap Year - an incredible journey around the globe, exploring other cultures, tory burch
experiencing things that you can't put into words, making friends for life, creating memories that will never be forgotten. Or running out of money, ill advised foods making you sick, getting lost, hating your room mates and flying home early. A gap year can go one of two ways: good or bad. If you are planning a trip, don't assume you can turn up and everything will fall into place, oh no; a little preparation is required. However, it needn't be arduous. Check out the pointers below. Budget - first things first, how much have you got to spend? What can you realistically live on? Given a round the world ticket can cost from 700, you will undoubtedly need to save up before you make any concrete decisions. Bear in mind that when applying for some work and holiday visas, you are required to submit evidence to demonstrate that you have enough money to fund yourself. Duration - how much time have you got? Six weeks? One year? Seems like a stupid question, but work out how exactly when you can leave and when you need to be back in the country.... Location - there are numerous well-trodden backpacking routes encircling the globe, check the internet for inspiration. Alternatively, travel agents can build a trip based on your specifications, incorporating as many countries as you like can afford. Just remember that you need to check entry requirements for each new country you visit. Visas - As above. Your travel agent will be able to advise you on basic entry requirements or you can research it yourself via official governmental and immigration websites. Many will simply stamp your passport, disclosing the number of days you can remain in the country. Others, like India and Australia, require a visa for visitors. If you wish to work in a foreign country, you will need to apply for a working holiday visa, which can take some weeks to process. Don't ever overstay, this serious offence carries not only financial penalties but also may result in an outright ban. Flights - The easiest option is to book a round the world ticket, where you can dictate dates. Doing this through an international tory burch boots sale
travel operator means that should there be any problems, you can call or pop in to a branch overseas for help. While it's not flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants travelling, for the virgin gapper, it is the most reliable way forward. Wait until you've backpacked a few times before booking your own separate flights. Accommodation - this is where you can play it by ear, so long as you can get to your departure point by the right date, you're free to book accommodation as you go along, should you wish. Your plans will change, so it's a good idea to be fluid. People you meet will recommend hostels and you'll probably only need to email or call a week in advance to book your spot. That said, it's recommended you arrange somewhere to sleep for your first few of nights, while you get over the jet lag, find your way and adjust to the backpacking way of life. Backpacker's travel insurance - this is essential, as with the best will in the world, something might just go wrong. You need protection in case your luggage gets lost on the flight out or your cash gets stolen by a pick-pocket in SuratThani or you crack a rib trying to surf at Palm Beach, etc, etc. Invest in dedicated backpacker travel insurance to ensure all the weird and wonderful activities you will do are covered. Inoculations - make an appointment to see your GP to find out what, if any, inoculations you will need. These depend on the countries you are visiting. Do this no less than two months before your trip. Equipment - you'll definitely need a backpack, comfy walking shoes and a towel. The trekking stores will try to sell you a host of specialised equipment, but you can always get items abroad and swap Reva Metallic Black Snake Ballet Flats
with or buy items from fellow travellers. It's a good idea to bring a pillow case and a sleeping bag liner, to ensure you sleep in clean bedclothes. Earplugs come in handy when sharing a hostel dorm as are flip flops for use in the shower. Money - Travellers cheques are still deemed the safest way to carry money overseas. Most countries can easily change sterling cheques for local currency. If you are taking a card, check where you can withdraw money around the world and what the charges are. Smaller islands may not have cash points but you should be able to withdraw in the bank on a credit card. If you work, you may be required to open a bank account, for which you will need a tax file number. Check the internet for details. It looks like a lot of information, but by simply considering the points above, you can make sure your gap year is one to remember - for all the right reasons.