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