With the economic downturn affecting graduate job opportunities, many students are heading off on gap years to see the world before settling down to work. However, research shows that 41% don’t always take out travel insurance before going abroad. The survey of students, conducted by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Student Ambassadors, also found that more than a third (36%) have run out of money while overseas and three quarters don’t learn the laws and customs of their…
With the economic downturn affecting graduate job opportunities, many students are heading off on gap years to see the world before settling down to work. However, research shows that 41% don’t always take out travel insurance before going abroad.
The survey of students, conducted by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Student Ambassadors, also found that more than a third (36%) have run out of money while overseas and three quarters don’t learn the laws and customs of their destination before they travel.
The FCO is seeing more visits than ever on its dedicated website www.gogapyear.com from students looking to plan exotic trips and with the spotlight on gappers following a number of recent high profile incidents involving young Brits, it is today encouraging young people to be as prepared as possible before they travel.
One of many destinations on the backpacker trail is Bolivia. Nigel Baker, HM Ambassador to Bolivia, said: “A large majority of the Britons that come to Bolivia are backpackers and while most have a brilliant time, students in particular can be vulnerable. For many it’s the first overseas trip they take without their parents and they are often actively looking for an exotic adventure that can lead to problems for a small minority. I would advise students – and their parents – to be as prepared as possible by getting travel insurance, budgeting properly and seeking advice from trusted sources such as the FCO website and GoGapYear.com.”
Alice Draper, Manager of GoGapYear.com, said: “We believe the economic climate is encouraging some graduates to defer their careers leading to a greater demand for information – we have seen a 75% increase in visits to GoGapYear.com over the past year. Recent focus group research shows that young independent travellers see this non-commercial site as a valuable resource and with more students travelling we will be ensuring that our activities in schools, colleges and universities are at the heart of our Know Before You Go campaign for the forthcoming year.”
Ian French from GapAid, a charity set up after his daughter was killed in a bus accident whilst travelling in Peru two years ago, said: “We believe that if people are better prepared and are aware of the potential dangers and how to deal with them their travelling experience will not only be a safer one, but if something does go wrong they will be more likely to know how to deal with it. A little planning and research before you go can make a huge difference to the overall experience and creates a generation of more responsible travellers. Websites like GoGapYear.com are a great place to start.”
Foreign Office Gap Year Travel Advice:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance and read the small print of your policy to make sure you’re covered for all activities you are planning or may try
- Ensure you have enough money for your trip – it’s not a good idea to rely solely on getting a job – and have access to emergency funds
- Visit your GP well in advance of your trip to ask about any vaccinations or medication you might need
- If travelling within Europe, take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card with you. This will entitle you to free or reduced cost emergency healthcare in most European countries. Remember though, this is not a replacement for travel insurance – you will need that as well
- Check your passport is valid and has next of kin details filled in – and that you have all necessary visas
- Make copies of important travel documents and keep them separately from the originals
- Keep your family and friends informed of your plans and leave emergency contact details with them
- Make sure your mobile phone will work abroad and that you pack the charger
- Research the countries you are visiting before you go.
- Visit GoGapYear.com, the one-stop website for information on safer travel including working abroad, visas, health, insurance, adventure activities and tips on some of the great things to do whilst you’re away.
- Register with the FCO’s LOCATE service. Registering details of your trip as well as emergency friend and family contact details will help the FCO to find you in the event of a crisis and inform next of kin of your whereabouts.
Research was conducted during October and November 2008 across 18 UK universities as part of a nationwide survey of 872 students.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
