It’s essential to plan well before any big trip abroad - especially one that could entail months away from home. Arriving in a foreign far-flung country is always exciting but it can be daunting too! So when it’s all so unfamiliar it’s important to do a little preparation before you go.

Here are a few handy top tips to get you started…

Get adequate insurance

It can happen to you so make sure you get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before setting-off. Shop around and make sure that your insurance is the right one for you. Think about any activities you may be doing, even spur of moment ones, and make sure you’re covered for these. Your policy also needs to cover all your medical and repatriation costs. If you do not take out proper insurance, you will normally have to pay the costs of any emergency yourself, including expensive medical bills.

Obtain local knowledge

Get a good guidebook and carry out a bit of research into your destination before you go, including its laws, customs and language. This will help you avoid offending people or breaking local laws however unwittingly. Check FCO Travel Advice before you go at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Stay up-to-date

Keep updated while you’re away by subscribing to the FCO’s free e-mail notification service which will alert you to any Travel Advice updates for the countries you are visiting. For more information visit www.fco.gov.uk. Check whether you will need to register with the local British Consulate. You will find the information on www.gogapyear.com



Staying healthy

Make a visit to your GP at least six weeks before you depart and find out what jabs you may need. Take any prescribed medicine with you and keep it to hand.

Check visas and passports

Make sure your passport is in good condition and valid for at least six months after your return date. Fill in the next-of-kin details in your passport. Leave photocopies of your passport with a reliable friend or relative in the UK. You should also check that you have all the correct visas.

Take enough money

Work out how much money you’ll need on a daily basis and work to a realistic budget. Be sure to take enough money as the FCO can’t send you home for free if you run out!

Set up an email account

It’s a good idea to set up a secure internet email account. Email yourself and trusted friends or family details of your insurance policy, passport, itinerary and emergency contact numbers (insurance company, credit card company and British Consulate) - just in case. Also sign up for regular FCO Travel Advice updates so you can find out about any potential hot-spots.

Keep in touch

Tell friends and family your plans before you go and keep in regular contact, especially if you change your plans. Consider taking a roam-enabled mobile and use text or email to keep in contact. Don’t promise too much - promising to call home every day is unrealistic and will only cause your family and friends to worry when you don’t!

Look into gap providers

If you decide to organise your trip with a gap year company, research it thoroughly before committing. Find out how long they have been operating and how many people they have taken abroad in the past. It’s a good idea to speak to past gap travellers who have used the company to find out about their experiences.



Book a flexible ticket

A flexible air ticket will ensure that you can come home or leave a country whenever you want without being restricted.

Book your first night's accommodation

At the very least, make sure you have booked your first night’s accommodation in advance. You are at your most vulnerable when you first arrive in a foreign country. You are likely to be tired and unsure of your surroundings - so it’s worth planning ahead.

Be alert

Be aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Avoid potentially dangerous ‘no-go’ areas, in particular after dark. Use your common sense and make sure you are constantly assessing and reassessing your personal safety. Be aware of drugs - these have been used in incidents of rape, so keep your wits about you.

Keep an eye on your belongings

Keep an eagle eye on your possessions. Never leave your luggage unattended or with someone you don’t completely trust. Be aware of pickpockets who tend to operate in crowded areas and lock up your luggage with padlocks. Make sure you have copies of all important documents such as your passport, tickets, insurance policy, itinerary and contact details. Keep these separate from the originals and leave copies with your family and friends.

Working abroad

Working while you travel is a great way to help finance your trip, allowing you to stay away for longer. If you are planning to earn a bit of extra cash abroad, make sure you have the correct work permit and visas. Also ensure you properly check out any potential employer before your interview and let friends or family know where you are going and who you are meeting.

Volunteering

Many gap year travellers want to make a contribution to a community abroad and volunteer for some or all of their time overseas. For more information please visit www.need2know.co.uk.

Full details and lots more advice can be found on www.gogapyear.com the Foreign and Commonwealth website for gap year information.

Here are some top tips on what to take with you when you head off on your gap travel:



THE ESSENTIALS:

• Your passport - valid for at least six months beyond return date.
• Insurance - comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover.
• Immunisation booklet - with details of all the jabs you’ve had.
• Passport photos - take about six of these to be used as identification
• Student cards - as identification and to get those handy student discounts!
• List of emergency telephone numbers - to cancel/call- insurers, credit/debit cards
• Tickets and itinerary
• Photocopies of important documents
• Different forms of currency - take a mixture of cash, travellers’ cheques, credit and debit cards.
• Head torch - LED are best
• Whistle and/or rape alarm
• Daysack - packed with everything you need for the day
• Money belt - to conceal your money with crocodile type clip to secure it.
• Medical pack / first aid kit.
• Sun cream- with a high UVA protection.
• Condoms - with the UK Kitemark
• Mosquito net
• Malaria tablets if going to a country where you need protection
• Water bottle - perhaps with a built-in filter
• Water purification tablets
• Insect repellent
• Long sleeve shirts and long trousers/skirts - to protect against sun/mosquitoes and to visit religious sights
• Sun hat
• Small padlock with security code
• List of useful contact numbers - such as British Consulate, insurance company and credit card 24 hour emergency telephone number
• A good guide book - to give you a good understanding of local culture & religion.
• Driving licence and break-down kit

IT’S ALSO USEFUL TO PACK:

• Mobile phone
• Sun glasses
• Sleeping liner
• Sleeping bag
• Water proof
• Large plastic bag - to line inside of rucksack (waterproofing)
• Rucksack - but no more than 65L in volume
• Universal adaptor
• Travel plug
• Travel towel
• Travel pillow
• Wet wipes for hygiene
• Lighter
• Compass - especially if exploring
• Duct tape - for fixing tears, hanging mosquito nets etc.
• Travel sewing kit
• Flip flops
• Walking boots
• Fleece
• Camera What to consider leaving behind:
• Half the clothes you intended to take!
• Attractive items such as iPods or disc-mans - if you take them don’t be sentimental about losing them