Travelling the world can be a really exciting and exhilarating experience. But the prospect of taking a gap year can be a daunting experience, the world is big and there are so many different countries, with other languages, people and cultural norms. There are also so many things to consider pre-departure and when overseas.
Check out our top safety tips for gap years and backpacking the world.
Plan an Itinerary
Spend time researching where you want to go and find out as much information as possible. Check websites, travel guides and forums to get advice for travelling in specific countries. There are so many amazing gap year destinations and it is up to you to see which places appeal to you. Make sure you are comfortable with where you are going. Also before arriving, it does no harm to check Google Maps, or just familiarise yourself with where you will be.
Make Copies of Documents
Make online copies of your passport, visas, insurance and contact details. This will help if you lose your luggage or encounter any problems like having your passport stolen.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is often overlooked, but this can save you a lot of money. For example if you suffer a medical emergency in a country like the USA you can land a huge bill which could make you bankrupt. Having travel insurance gives you peace of mind to be covered incase of cancelled flights, lost items, theft and medical problems and more.
Medical
Depending on where you will be visiting you will need to see if any vaccinations are needed. Some countries have specific requirements and you can be denied entry to some destinations if you can’t provide proof. Some countries also have issues like Malaria, see if this will be the case for places you go and prepare. We recommend packing a small first-aid kit incase of any medical emergencies. Also be sure to check the weather of your destination before departing, for example you don’t want to arrive somewhere with all the wrong clothing.
Finances
Get a debit or credit card which you can use around the world. We don’t recommend carrying lots of cash at any one time.
Travel With Others
There are so many reasons to travel solo, this can be a really life changing experience but it really is safer to go with friends. This will make the whole experience easier, less stressful and also safer. Safety in numbers is always recommended.
Book a Tour
Taking a gap year tour is one of the most structured and safest ways to explore the world. You will get an itinerary, an experience guide, travel with other people and get guided to all the best places. There are lots of top rated tour companies for 18-30 year olds to destinations all around the world.
Arrive Early or Get a Pickup
Arriving in a new destination especially after a long trip can be scary, but it can be made better. We recommend aiming to arrive in your location early or in daylight, this is generally safer than arriving in the night. You could also pre-book a a transfer to your accommodation – sometimes just seeing a sign with your name on can be a big relief rather than risking local transport options.
Language
If you will be visiting a country where English isn’t the native language be sure to learn some basic words and phrases before departing. This will make the experience safer, easier and more enjoyable. You could also book a language course in your destination if you have a flexible schedule.
Choose an English Speaking Destination
If you don’t speak any foreign languages and are really worried about not understanding local people or getting around you could always travel in English speaking countries. This might not be the most challenging experience, but it can be the easiest and safest. Popular ideas include taking a gap year in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK.
Eat Healthy
Taking care of your own health is really important and this can start with eating well. We also recommend avoiding drugs and drinking excessively, especially when in new surroundings.
Work Abroad
Going overseas to a job offer can be a really unique way to live abroad and integrate into a new country. A lot of companies offering gap year jobs abroad include and prepared transport and accommodation meaning you have less things to worry about. You’ll also get training the the chance meet other people who will also be able to help you with integration.
Find Activities
There are so many sightseeing activities available to book all around the world, from leaning to scuba dive, going surfing or paddleboarding, gap year volunteering programs, language courses, TEFL teaching English courses, cooking classes, and more.
Respect Local Cultures
Read up about your destination before departing and make sure you stay on the right side of the law. If you have any concerns always check online in-advance for example laws, clothing and dress code, medicines and more. If you travel with medicines this might seem innocuous, but in some countries, medicines can be illegal and land you in jail. Always check before hand especially for countries in the Middle East.
Ask for Advice
When arriving at a hostel or hotel feel free to ask as many questions as you need, this could be about where to go, where to avoid and any scams to watch out for. Local people and other travellers offer a wealth of information which can be one of the best forms of advice when arriving somewhere new. Locals might inform you of crime hotspots, places to use caution or offer tips how to avoid getting pickpocketed.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
Sometimes just trusting your initial feeling can be a really good indicator. If someones seems too friendly, or something seems too good to be true, then always have hesitation.
Keep Friends & Family Updated
Make sure your family or friends know where you will be travelling, and keep in touch so they know you are okay. This will also help with homesickness and it is also good to speak to familiar people when in new surroundings.
Travelling the world on a gap year really can change your life. With these tips the experience can also be a lot safer.