Gap year travel tips
Before You Go...
Destination Information
Do your research, read books, surf the web and find out what the Foreign & Commonwealth Office says about the country or countries you want to visit. They offer plenty of sound advice. Check their web site at:
:: www.fco.gov.uk
:: Telephone: 0845 850 2829
Inoculations
Find out from your GP what inoculations you will need. Don't leave it until the last minute as they may need to order your vaccines which can take time, and don't forget to cover yourself for all the countries you are likely to visit. We will send you our 'recommended' list anyway.
Packing for Your Gap
Ensure you only take what you need. Packing can be a problem - it's not easy to travel light and very easy to travel too heavily. Before buying lots of stuff, wait for our new packing list and even then think carefully!
Malaria
You should seek medical advice on the best malarial medicines to take for the places you will be visiting. Most types require you to begin taking them before you leave home (and to continue taking them for a time on return). Again, you will need to know all the countries you are likely to visit before your GP can recommend the best anti-malarials.
Dental
Have a check-up before you depart on your trip and any treatment needed. It might also be worth checking if you insurance will cover you for any emergency dental work abroad.
When You Get There...
Personal Safety
These are some useful tips that will help you stay safe abroad:
:: Be especially careful when drinking. Most losses, thefts, assaults, accidents, arguments and one-night-stands are the result of too much alcohol.
:: Be alert to your surroundings at all times.
:: Don't travel alone unless absolutely necessary.
:: Try not to travel at night.
:: Find out where the ‘dubious’ areas are - and avoid them.
:: Be aware of the threat from wildlife, including insects.
:: Plan your trips thoroughly and make sure someone else knows: Where you are going, When you are due back and How to contact you.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a website dedicated to UK citizens travelling abroad. This site is full of information about the latest travelling conditions for every country in the world. It includes advice to travellers as well as warnings about current dangers and it is updated several times a day.
Visit their web site here
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