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Planning for a Gap Year | Passports and visas
Planning for a Gap Year
Preparing properly for your gap year trip is extremely important; not only when and where to go, but also what you take with you and also perhaps who you take with you.
Start by getting a world map and decide which countries interest you. A good guidebook like a Lonely Planet or a Rough Guide will help in your planning.
When finalising your itinerary build in flexibility. Make sure you can alter tickets if necessary. Many tickets are flexible and dates/routes can often be changed for little cost.
When you've decided where you want to travel make sure you check the weather and climate as it's no good arriving for trekking in the Himalayas when it's too wet or cold and remember - that beach getaway might be less appealing during the monsoon.
Make sure you travel light or you will regret it! This enables you to keep sight of your luggage, as it's always better to bring half of what you need and twice as much money. Check out how much you can carry on board and aircraft by contacting your carrier.
Travel packs are great, they have a frame inside with handles all over them to make them easier to carry. Wheeled bags may seem a good idea but they hold less and add extra weight.
When packing your clothes choose items that you can mix and match. A bright pink jumper and green trousers may seem like a good idea now but maybe not later! Pack travel wash with you and aim to wash your clothes while you're away. Wrinkle free fabrics are also a good idea, as are quick drying ones. Check out the local culture. Many countries will require women to cover their shoulders and wear skirts below the knee. Whereas males may be expected to cover their heads.
Take advantage of layering light to medium thickness clothing. You may well find yourself wearing all your clothes at once. Remember your hat to protect you from the sun with a wide brim.
Monitor the amount of toiletries you use in a week, it will be less than you think, carry the travel items as opposed to the full sizes. In many countries toilet paper is not very common, so take your own and always make sure you carry some on you.
You may be surprised to hear that some budget hotels do not change the bed sheets on a daily basis or even from the last person that stayed there. Night wear is therefore advisable, silk ones especially as they can fold up small and feel nice to wear.
