Hit the road with your mates or alone and meet diverse cultures and local customs which will definitely open your mind, strengthen your knowledge and change the way you face people and life. 

During the big trip, there will be heaps of things to do and see, but for sure there are more things to be planned before you get started. If you don’t want to find yourself cancelling destinations or looking for the first plane back home because homesickness struck your mind, there are lots to consider beforehand. Having experienced the gap year I strongly recommend that If timing, packing, destinations, and budget are well organised, your plan will most probably stay on track till the end of the journey. Read on and see how I personally organise my trips and how I manage to get the most out of them at the lowest price.

Timing

When it comes to timing there are two things to be considered.
First, what is the right time to take a gap year? In my point of view, gap year is the best way to finish off A levels or University. However, I have a mate who took a year off to travel around the world in order to recover a strong burn out after working for three years as an investment banker for Deutsche Bank.

Second, what is the right time for each of your destinations? I personally make sure that the time I visit a destination matches with the local events and festivals I fancy.
Are you planning a trip in the Greek islands mid winter? Pointless! However, I have seen backpackers in Greece complaining about the bad weather in mid winter. What did they expect?  Check seasonal weather first and then load your backpack with sunscreen and goggles.

Packing

And before you start thinking about your sunscreen and goggles make sure that all required paperwork such as passports, visa pages, ID, international driving license, tickets and maps are packed in. As I hate the situation of looking for forgotten things while been miles away from home, I always consult a packing list broken down as follows:

• Clothes: do not forget to get clothes that will get you in the clubs
  
  
• Documents: I have already mentioned passport, visa etc make sure a digital copy of them is saved in your email account. Believe it or not, last year I had lost all proof of identity and I managed to travel by plane from Lesbos Island to Athens by just showing my Facebook profile. Most of the times it doesn’t work like that, but at least a digital back up of your documentation is strongly recommended.
  
  
• Leisure: now is the right time to put your swimming wear in the backpack... don’t  forget your book and iPod
  
  
• Travel essentials: earplugs, alarm clock, eye mask, lighter, toiletries...

Destination

Do not waste your time and your money visiting places that do not suit your preferences and budget. Relying on touristic websites is good but it’s not the best idea as a lot of them are developed by locals and they only present the bright sight of each place.  I definitely recommend getting some advice from mates that have already travelled in your potential destination as backpackers.

It is true that there are heaps of choices for everyone... from hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, walking down the Great Wall of China, diving in Egypt, interrailing in Europe, trekking through the South American jungle, driving down the West Coast of the states plus another thousands ideas.

As you can see there is no doubt that there are many places worth seeing.
Before you get started make sure there is a clever and economical route to be followed, especially if you are planning to visit many countries. Best thing to do, visit www.thegreatescapade.com and get ‘round the world’ route ideas as well as tickets prices, otherwise head on to your nearest Student Travel Agency (STA). If you need a hand, you find the closest branch online at www.statravel.co.uk.

Budget

Gap year sounds like too much luxury but I personally believe that it can easily fit in to a regular student budget. If money is short, start saving a year before or try to find part-time jobs while travelling.
Follow the tips below to keep your expenses at a minimum: 

• Transport: Book your tickets in advance and preplan the whole route you want to follow. I am sure you already know that the closest you are to the departure day, the pricier the ticket will be. Here are listed few useful links where you can compare ticket prices: www.lastminute.com, www.ebookers.com, www.farecompare.com
  
  
• Plane is not the only mean of transport, travel by train, coach, ferry or even hitchhiking and cycling to save money
  
  
• Accommodation: youth hostels are a cheap but not very comfy solution; however, as long as you carry your ear plugs with you, you can easily stand your noise roommates. Visit Hostelling International network at www.hihostels.com and find more than 4,500 youth hostels worldwide
  
  
• Discounts: International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available to full-time students and it costs only £9. It lasts 16 months and offers you more than 40,000 discounts worldwide.
  If you are less than 26 and non-student yet or if you have just finished off university, International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is available to you for £9. For more info in how to get these cards, visit www.isiccard.com
  
  
• Jobs: You can find jobs posted on hostel noticeboards or local newspapers; if you want to be more organised, start your job hunting before you run out of money. Visit the following websites to find UK and international jobs: www.jobsabroad.com, www.hotrecruit.com, www.jobware.com, www.seek.com

By Emmanuel Linardatos