| Your gap year can prove to be the trip of a lifetime | | | | might need to take certain medicines, such as |
| and presents the ideal opportunity to take some time | | | | anti-malaria tablets, and remember to stock up on |
| off from your usual routine, meet new people and | | | | any medications you take usually. |
| explore the world around you. There are various | | | | Depending on where you want to travel, you might |
| reasons why different people opt to set off on a | | | | need to obtain a visa before travelling. Check with |
| gap year, whether it's to simply take a break, learn | | | | the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to find |
| new skills or take part in volunteer work. From | | | | out about the requirements for your chosen |
| elephant conservation in Thailand, taking a game | | | | destination and give yourself enough time to get all |
| ranger course in South Africa or marine conservation | | | | your visas in place before jetting off. It might sound |
| in the Philippines, there are many different ways for | | | | obvious, but also check your passport is up-to-date |
| you to spend your time away. | | | | and as certain countries require you to have a |
| Any big trip abroad will require some planning, | | | | minimum period of time left on your passport when |
| especially one that entails spending several months | | | | you arrive, it pays to check this as well. |
| away from home. Gap years are exciting and arriving | | | | When it comes to packing, think about where you're |
| in a far-flung country can be all the easier if you have | | | | going, when you're going and what you are likely to |
| taken care of some of the essentials prior to | | | | be doing there. This will help you to plan what sorts |
| departure. First and foremost, make sure you buy | | | | of clothes and other bits and bobs to take with you. |
| some comprehensive travel insurance before setting | | | | Plan your budget realistically and work out how much |
| off. Consider what you might be doing whilst away | | | | money you will need on a daily basis, keeping a little |
| and make sure you are fully covered, especially for | | | | aside in case any emergencies or unexpected costs |
| activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping or | | | | crop up. |
| anything else considered as an "extreme" sport or | | | | When making your gap year plans you can go the |
| action. | | | | green way and seek out the most environmentally |
| Shop around for your insurance to find the best deal | | | | friendly ways of seeing the world. Choose excursions |
| and remember if you don't organise insurance you will | | | | and activities that help to benefit the local |
| have to pay the costs of any emergency yourself, | | | | communities whilst being kind to the environment at |
| including potentially expensive medical bills. A few | | | | the same time. If you are interested becoming |
| months before you travel, make sure you visit your | | | | involved in volunteer projects then choose a scheme |
| doctor to check if you need any inoculations. You | | | | based on a local need. |
