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A gap year is, doubtless, one of the most exhilarating experiences a young person could have. Leaving home, and familiar creature comforts, to hit the big wide world all alone is a scary but exciting prospect that can boost your confidence and self-esteem while leaving you with some amazing memories.
However, gap years can also be a complicated business, particularly in terms of the amount of preparation that is needed beforehand. There is a lot that you need to sort out to ensure that you get the most out of your trip, and contingency plans also need to be put in place in the event of an emergency.
First up, you need to ensure you have all the necessary documents, tickets and passes. It’s important to ensure you do this well ahead of time, because some of the application processes can take several weeks, so any delay can pose a risk to your entire trip.
Essential documents include visas, passports, travel insurance and, of course, your travel tickets. Make sure you have all of this sorted out at least eight weeks before you leave, and make sure that your passport will be in date for the entirety of your trip. TOP TIP: Take photocopies of all your documents with you and store them separately to the genuine ones. Also take passport photos with you in case you need to undergo an emergency application for something or other!
Secondly, you need to sort out your finances. Gap years cost money unfortunately, and you’ll need to make sure you have a combination of cash, traveller’s cheques and possibly a credit card to see you through. Invest in a wallet to carry each day’s cash with you, and it’s also important that you take a money belt in which to securely store all your important documents and the rest of your money.
Budget carefully for your trip; you don’t want to run out of money halfway through! Take into account where you’re going and how expensive that destination is, and also try and plan what you want to get up to while away. If you’re up for simple experiences and sunbathing, you won’t need as much as if you’re going to be skiing, surfing or engaged in other expensive pursuits.
Some gap year programmes may include working for a set period of time in your chosen destination, which will help to boost your budget. However, it’s still a good idea to take plenty of money anyway, and the best advice is to take more than you think you’ll need; it’s always better to cushion yourself in case of an emergency than to be left unprepared and out of pocket.
It’s a good idea to put together a mini first aid kit to take with you as well. Include all the essentials such as sun cream, mosquito repellent, condoms and malaria tablets, but think carefully about your own individual needs.
Hay fever sufferers should remember their anti-histamines and any other medication; nothing ruins a beautiful day like an itchy nose and streaming eyes! If you’re prone to headaches then painkillers will come in handy as well.
It’s also important to think about cleanliness. Like it or not, some of the hostels and other places you’ll be visiting may not be the last word in cleanliness, and preparation can help with this. Anti-bacterial hand gel, water sanitation tablets and tissues are all essentials, and make sure to take some travel wash to ensure your clothes stay relatively clean during your trip!
Organising a gap year can be a stressful experience, and there is a lot to think about; however, it’ll all be worthwhile when you’re finally there and can concentrate on having an exciting, memorable time without worrying about any of the boring stuff. Invest in a large notebook to make sure you get everything done, and lists will quickly become your new best friend. Have fun!
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
