Gap years abroad: Travelling

Travel may be your main reason for taking a gap year, or it may fit in with one or more periods of work or volunteering. Lengthy periods of travel need consideration about where to go and how to finance travel costs and living expenses.

It is also important to consider what you will put on your CV to account for this time and what you intend to achieve during your travels. In addition, you need to think about whether you prefer and intend to travel alone or as part of a group.

Where to go

It is generally agreed that Australia and New Zealand are the most popular gap year destinations, while Sri Lanka, North India and Costa Rica are among the fastest growing in popularity.

When deciding where to go:

• think about your goals and whether a particular destination will help you achieve them. For example, if one of your goals is to gain an insight into a totally different culture, will this be better achieved by travelling around the USA or by heading for Africa?
• take into account whether you will need to know the local language and consider the implications of this for the preparations you need to make.

Visit country specific information for information about working and studying in over 50 countries across the world.

When to go

As you plan your travels abroad, you should also consider when is the best time of year to visit the countries of your choice.

• Consider the climate: for example, it is best to visit South East Asia between November and February when it is mostly drier and cooler, and you should avoid western India in late May and early June when the monsoons typically arrive.
• For some destinations, it may be important to consider periods of religious observance, such as Ramadan, or other national festivals, which may affect shop opening times and availability of services.

Booking tickets

A wide variety of travel tickets are available from a range of providers, including;

• adventure travel tickets covering an organised tour, including accommodation and travel;
• round the world flight tickets;
• single one way tickets to each destination.

Costs vary depending on the number and type of destinations you want to include and the flexibility you need. For specialist student travel advice, visit STA Travel.

Driving

If you plan to drive while you are abroad, you will need to check the validity of your UK driving licence in the country to which you are travelling. You can check driving rules and requirements by country through the Automobile Association (AA), in the European driving section.

Finance

Consider what your financial situation is likely to be while you are travelling. It may be difficult to get access to overdraft facilities abroad and you need to know whether you will be able to use your debit or credit card. Ask your bank what facilities you will have access to, and consider alternative providers if necessary.

For information about financing your gap year, see costs and funding.