Common Pitfalls to Avoid On Your Gap Year Break
It’s time to head off on your long awaited gap year – fresh faced, eager to take on, and conquer, the big bad world. But for most people heading
English: The Chalamain Gap. Looking NE into the Chalamain Gap on the path between the Lairig Ghru and Glenmore Forest park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
off on a gap year before or after university, this life-changing experience has a steep learning curve. Quite frankly there is a huge amount of things that can go wrong, but, with a bit of foresight, common sense and preparation, you can avoid most of the pitfalls that snare first time backpackers. Here is a look at some of the most common problems to avoid on your gap year break.
The Kindness of Strangers
While travelling the world you will meet many different people, who, just like those back home, come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You will have to depend on the knowledge and insight of locals, and, if you want to get anything out of your travels, it is best to engage with locals and learn from them. However you also have to use a bit of intuition and common sense to discern who is genuine and who is out to fleece you. Often young travellers a bit green around the gills are seen as easy targets by unscrupulous taxi drivers, foreign exchange clerks and even other travellers, so stay on guard. But remember, never be put off by the kindness of strangers.
Photocopies
It is a pretty simple precaution to take, but making duplicates of any important documents you have, such as check in codes, hotel reservations, travel dates and more can be very helpful. And of course the most important duplicate or photocopy you can have is that of your passport – which believe me, comes in very handy when your passport goes walk about.
Careful With Cash
One piece of advice most backpackers have to share when returning home is to budget carefully when travelling. Though you may be tempted to spend big on partying early on or finding a comfy bed for the night, your money has to stretch a long way, so be economical on nights out, and always plump for cheap, but safe, accommodation. Who knows, you may even have a little lump sum left over near the end, enabling you to shell out on a room at the Bangkok Four Seasons. Well, maybe not.
Act With Dignity and Courtesy
Though most people act perfectly polite when at home, for some reason when they find themselves thousands of miles away from their place of residence that turn into obnoxious monsters. Instead of letting your hair down and making a scene, respect local customs and traditions and try to minimise your impact on the environment. If taking part in volunteer work abroad, don’t act big headed but rather take on board advice from those you are working with. Also try to avoid attracting undue attention, which can often lead you into encountering unsavoury individuals.
Check Local Laws and Regulations
Far too many gap year travellers head out on adventure tours of a lifetime with little inside info about local laws and regulations, which can often lead them into trouble. If you want to avoid getting on the bad side of the local police, read up on what is acceptable and what isn’t before you travel. Likewise, if you are anticipating working on your year abroad, check out visa regulations to ensure any paid job you undertake is legit and above board.
Insurance
Okay, so shelling out on worldwide insurance for a number of months is a pretty big investment to make upfront – but it is one of the best investments you may ever make. Anyone know has ever found themselves in a remote corner of a foreign country with a ruptured spleen, a painful infection or a broken leg knows how valuable insurance can really be. Avoid paying out thousands on medical treatment, hastily arranging emergency travel or scrambling around after lost luggage by making the right choice before you leave, or you may find yourself paying the consequences.
John is a travel writer who has penned articles on adventure tours to destinations in each corner of the globe.
