Gap year: tips
Backpacking around Europe, or to remote parts of the world is a popular, no-frills way of seeing new places, different cultures and interesting people. It should be the trip of a lifetime, so to make sure it is, get all the paperwork sorted out so that’s it a safe one. Travel insurance, trustworthy travel guides and passport documents are a must, as well as some other pieces of advice that should help keep you on the straight and narrow when in the middle of nowhere.
Don’t Over-Pack
Try not to take too much before you go, because most of your essential bits and pieces will be available to you when you’re there. Sure, you may have to survive on next to nothing in the more obscure villages, but you will pass through enough towns and cities at some point to pick up your loo roll, toothpaste and insect repellent in their shops. So take what you’ll need for now, and think about later when you get there. You’ll only weight yourself down and it’s a better idea to save room in your bag for the exotic trinkets you’ll collect along the way.
Pre-Planning
Put lots of effort into planning your adventure, however appealing it is to just to pack a bag, pick a place and hit the road. When you’re out there, remember how unfamiliar everything will seem to you and that you are a complete stranger. It will be hot, you will be tired and you will want a safe-house to head to, so take a lot of time and care beforehand with a Lonely Planet Guide and pinpoint a safe route with plenty of places to stay along the way. Try and know the first few guesthouses or hostels you intend to stay at over the first week or so, and you won’t feel so lost. If you’re looking to get a bargain at the last minute, then take a look at Travelzoo for some cheap flights. This website pools together some of the best bargains from around the internet to make your search quicker and easier.
Travel Insurance
Before you do anything, it is crucial that you get a really good. It can’t be stressed enough that the better your insurance, the more you can relax on your trip to more remote landscapes. Remember that the further away you travel, the harder it is to get medical attention, so ideally you want one to get to you wherever you are in the world and be covered for accidents, loss, theft and damage. It’s worth checking out AA Travel for travel insurance. They have an extensive list of insurance packages that will suit your specific needs, including a medical service that runs 24 hours a day and can get to you in any part of the world, which is reassuring if you intend to throw yourself into action-packed adventures.
Personal Hygiene
Remember that you will be letting go of your routine life, which unfortunately includes personal hygiene amongst other things. It is unlikely that you’ll find hot water or even showers in the more derelict and back of beyond guesthouses; more likely it’ll be a yard with buckets and a tap. So it’s best to always bring a packs of antiseptic, or baby wipes with you, preferably both when roughing it. They are useful for opening grim-looking bathroom doors, taking care of cuts and washing after long train or bus rides. They are a quick and efficient compensation for a shower after travelling for days at a time and much valued in backpacking circles.