You are here: Home > Planning a gap yearPlanning your gap yearPre gap year planning is important for the accomplishment of a satisfying and relatively hassle free gap year. Planning your gap year take a little effort as there are many different factor to consider: Your gap year planning should take into account how you intend to finance the gap year. gap year planning should also cover what time of year to travel, purchasing flights, accommodation, visas, deciding what to do to make it meaningful and many other considerations. Failure in gap year planning may mean you don’t get the maximum amount of fun and adventure out of your gap year, or worse not end up enjoying it at all. Some of the benefits of gap year planning include being able to set a more realistic budget and also making the most of your time, money and opportunities while travelling. Some of the areas to cover when planning your gap year travel include: Gap year planning: The Destination Decide on which country or countries you would like to visit but give yourself options. Your choice of country will affect your gap year budget drastically and your experiences along the way. When choosing your country there are various factors to consider with your gap year planning. Culture, nature, adventure, adrenaline, weather, safety are just some of these factors. Gap year planning: Flights If your route takes in two or more continents, consider a round the world ticket as these can be quite economical compared to individual flights. Usually over landing is cheaper, especially in south East Asia. Your gap year plans should take this into account. You may fly into Bangkok, then over land to Singapore to head to Australia. A reputable travel agent such as STA or The Flight Centre will be able to work out the costs and options for you. Gap year planning: Visas A fundamental part of gap year planning but sometimes over looked. Check that your passport is valid and covers the dates of your trip for the countries you will be going to. Some countries need at least 6 months left before your passport expires before you can get a one month visa. Some countries charge for visas, sometimes in cash at the border. Proper gap year planning will ensure you don’t get caught short. Your Xtreme Gap advisors or an up to date copy of the lonely planet can advise you. Gap year planning: Accommodation Although extreme gap programs generally come with accommodation (excluding the adrenaline tour) It is advisable to pre-book the first night or two of your trip in a hostel or hotel if travelling onwards after your gap year program. We have a facility to book online. Pre-booking a hostel can save an enormous amount of time and energy - especially after a long journey or when arriving at a popular resort where hostel places may be in short supply.
Gap year planning: Travel Insurance We can stress this enough! Get travel insurance (this in mandatory for all xtreme gappers. Good gap year planning allows enough time to shop around for travel insurance, not necessarily the cheapest cover either. If you will be doing diving for example, ensure that it covers dives down to 30 meters. Read the small print and check that you are really covered for an eventuality. Gap year planning: Health Check with your local doctor about which immunisations you will need for the countries that you will be going to. Some immunisations may be free under the NHS but there will be charges for some others. In addition, you will have to take precautions when travelling to countries with malaria, rabies, hepatitis and other diseases including HIV / Aids and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gap year planning: Money Gap year planning needs to cover the budget. As a general rule it will never be enough! There will always be things that tempt you along the way, especially as it is all so cheap compared to home. Plan how much you will need as a general budget. Food, accommodation (when travelling) and Travel costs are unavoidable expenses, drinking and tourist activities are not. Be realistic about how much you want to party and budget accordingly, also it would be advisable to have a back up fund as well in case of emergency. Then the Gap year planning needs to cover the logistics of money. There are many options available today including debit and credit cards, travelers cheques, local currency and money transfers. If using your debit cards be sure to tell your bank before you leave that you will be using the card abroad (so they don’t put a block on it). Gap year planning Documentation Make scans and photocopies of all important documents such as passports, visas, insurance policies, inoculations, accommodation bookings, travelers cheques, contact numbers etc. and email these to yourself as well as keeping copies in your rucksack. |
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Adrenaline Gap Year Programmes |