Nowadays gap years are very different to what they used to be, a gap year can now be more that just a year long holiday: whether you want to see the world, spend time volunteering, learn a new skill or just crash out on a beach. It is simply an extended period spent abroad, doing something - or maybe nothing. It’s no longer a one-off event and gap years are typically taken between life stages; after education, between jobs, before having a baby or after retiring. The style of trips is also changing. People are more knowledgeable about the options and are willing to forfeit spontaneity to get more out of their time. Most people now organise their gap year, creating some kind of structure, which is likely to involve independent travel interspersed with periods of work. Gap years are typically 7 to 12 months, but gaps of two to three years are increasingly popular, as are shorter trips of a couple of months, particularly with career breakers and students.

Researching gap years that interest you, and reconciling them with gap years you can actually afford, is an important step in planning a successful trip. Work out a budget including costs such as travel, clothes, equipment, food, accommodation, placement fees and travel and medical insurance.
Research countries and regions you would like to visit and then investigate gap year placements in which you might be interested. Always look up current travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Speak to other people about their experiences and ask for recommendations on placements and travel itineraries. Guidebooks covering your chosen destinations will give you a feel for must see attractions and places to visit and it is worth investing in a few of these to take with you on your travels.
Holiday or work visas for the countries you hope to visit should be arranged well in advance. Contact travel agencies to inquire about and book flights. Travellers need a special gap year insurance policy that will cover activities they might try, so compare prices online to get the best deal.
Safety is the number one concern for parents of younger travellers. A travel itinerary left with family or friends gives a rough idea of where you are likely to be going. It can be fun to start an online travel blog, which updated a few times a week, will not only serve as written record of all your experiences, but will allow friends and family back home to keep track of your whereabouts. Also, a student ISIC card gives travellers access to a roaming voicemail so others can contact you.
Enquire about travel vaccinations and certificates from your GP or local travel clinic well before you plan to travel. But be aware that jabs and immunisations are not the only way to avoid illnesses while abroad. Many diseases picked up when travelling originate from unsanitary conditions. When choosing food, look for the freshest ingredients, rinse them in bottled water before preparation, and remember to boil any tap water before use. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet will also ensure you stay healthy during your gap year. Remember to get all of your medical certificates, prescriptions and insurance papers in order before you travel and fill all of your prescriptions for the length of time you will be away. Take some hand sanitiser and wipes in your luggage and make up a small medical kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, plasters and anti-septic ointments.
Practical preparations include notifying your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans and contacting colleges or universities about deferring degree places if necessary. Put a hold on memberships to gyms, libraries or video shops. Purchase traveller’s cheques and obtain foreign currency and finally, pack your backpack!
With all your research done and preparations complete, there’s nothing left to separate you from the gap year of your dreams but one quick flight, so be prepared for the experience of a lifetime!

Resource: For more information regarding year out, volunteer holiday, gap year projects, volunteer abroad & gap years africa please visit: www.campsinternational.com