FCO Warns: Swot up on your Gap year

Figures from UCAS confirm that this year alone, 30,943 university applicants have decided to defer their entry from 2007 to 2008, suggesting that many thousands of students will be opting to travel on their year out.

With A-level results out Thursday, The Foreign Office warns students set to embark on a gap year to turn their attention to revising for their trips. Without adequate preparation many gap year students fall foul of common travelling traumas.

A recent survey named Australia, US, New Zealand and Thailand as the top gap year destinations. However in the period of April 2005 – March 2006 several of these featured on the Foreign Office’s top ten destinations where consular services were required. In Australia alone, over 2,000 passports were lost; in Thailand, 233 Brits were hospitalised and 108 arrested in the same period.

Steve Jewitt-Fleet of The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said: "The very nature of a gap year means you are away for a longer duration and visit several destinations – this in itself means you are likely to encounter more challenges on your journey. Hence it’s vital you prepare properly for your trip, visit the Foreign Office dedicated website for gap year travellers – Gogapyear.com and leave nothing to chance.“

Lonely Planet’s Travel Editor, Tom Hall, said: “It’s not surprising that a high proportion of gap year students voted Australia as their favourite country, there are many opportunities to enjoy adventurous travel and gain valuable skills from working in a range of diverse industries.

“The US is a great place and the continuing strength of the pound makes it a great value destination. However the FCO stats show how many of us are getting into trouble in these destinations, so preparing before you go will make for a better trip and you can focus on what really matters – exploring your destination.”

Gogapyear.com is a treasure trove of information and advice on safer travel including working abroad, visas, health, insurance, adventure activities and what to do if things go awry. The FCO has also teamed up with Lonely Planet to offer site-users an exclusive free guidebook and there are also regular competition slots to win great travel gadgets.

Key FCO Gap Year Travel Advice:

- Get comprehensive travel insurance – make sure you’re covered for all activities you are planning or may try.
- Check for any medical requirements with your GP, such as vaccinations, at least six weeks before you travel.
- Take a record of key information (photocopy your passport, take your insurance details, and note your credit card number and cancellation details). Leave copies with friends and family.
- Get a good guide book or research your destination at Fco.gov.uk/travel - it is important to know about local laws and customs.
- If you are travelling within Europe ensure you take a free EHIC card with you.