Gap year : Travelling abroad

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More in this section

1. Is a gap year right fo…
2. Working abroad
3. Travelling abroad
4. Volunteering abroad
5. Studying abroad
6. Staying in the UK
7. Planning your gap year
8. Travel information
9. Costs and funding
10. Selling your experienc…
11. Contacts and resources

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Enrol on a TEFL course

You can live and work abroad. All it takes is a TEFL course. Learn more today!

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.

Where to go

It has been generally assumed that Australia and New Zealand are the most popular gap year destinations, but recent research carried out by the Year Out Group has uncovered that other places are more or equally popular: India, Peru, Tanzania, China, South Africa, Canada, Thailand ,Ghana, Costa Rica and … the UK! 

Each place has different things to offer, so it depends what you are looking for.

• 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?
• Visit country profiles to find out 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.

• 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.
• Periods of religious observance, such as Ramadan, or other national festivals may affect shop opening times and the availability of services.
• Find out about events you may be interested in attending - for example, the Venice Biennale, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Olympics 2012 London.

Alone or in group?

You need to think about whether you prefer and intend to travel alone or as part of a group.

• If you would prefer to travel with others, you can find suitable companions from resources such as Companions 2 Travel.
• If you plan to travel with one or more other people, it is very advisable to get to know each other before you make your decision and to establish whether your potential fellow traveller is someone you can rely on. If you are checking out someone you haven’t met before, arrange to meet up face to face, in a neutral venue with other people present.
• Travelling Alone has tips and expert advice for lone travellers.

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, your dates of travel 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.

• About Driving Abroad gives information about countries in which the UK driving licence is valid, and how to get an International Driving Permit.
• Check driving rules and requirements by country through the Automobile Association (AA).

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.