Taking the gap

For a generation of students, taking a gap year has sometimes been seen as a rite of passage – almost as much a staple of the further education experience as actually going to university itself.

But while some still dream of those precious few months spent finding themselves on the other side of the world, many more have been forced to make a cold, hard decision in the light of tuition fees rising from 2012. In fact this year has seen a record number of applications to UCAS for places on degree courses for September 2011, with a major factor believed to be the fact that universities will be able to charge up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees from the beginning of the following academic year. According to some estimates, this will result in students who begin studies in 2012 leaving university with an average of £56,000 of debt - compared to £27,000 for those starting in 2011.

However, once the increase has taken effect, putting off the inevitable hit of the tuition hike with a year abroad may become a tempting proposition once again. So, if you are thinking of venturing far from home on a gap year, what are the things you need to consider?

Where to go

Travelling without doing your research could mean that you end up in towns and cities of little interest and paying way more for accommodation than you should.  With review sites like Trip Advisor you can get advice and recommendations from other travellers, such as cafes where you can get a real taste of the local delicacies without paying tourist prices. Investing in guide books like the Lonely Planet can also be invaluable, especially when travelling to countries where there are big cultural differences. Remember to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website advice for each country to see if you need visas or inoculations, or if there is any advice against travelling to certain areas. Ignoring this could invalidate any insurance you have.

Buying tickets

As you're thinking about your wanderlust wish-list, see how it could fit in with the nuts and bolts of international travel. You can get a round-the-world ticket valid for a year with several pre-arranged stops for less than £1,000 – though the more complicated your itinerary, the more it is likely to cost. Travel agents such as STA Travel can help you to plan out your route, though once you've decided on what countries and cities you'd like to visit, it could also be a good idea to research your options for travelling overland by bus or train, or by domestic flight. It can sometimes be more economical to book in local tourist offices along the way, or through flight comparison websites online. However, always make sure you book through a reputable agency; your travel insurance could be invalidated if you don't.

How to find work

There are many websites which offer help in setting you up with jobs abroad. This can be seasonal work, jobs which require existing experience, internships, or posts which will bring out your adventurous spirit. For those that feel more comfortable having more of an organised trip, organisations like Bunac offer help arranging your visa, accommodation and with finding a job. If you're perhaps looking to gain more vocational working experience, teaching English is often an option, though you may need a degree or a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) qualification.

Where to stay

As with virtually any part of the gap experience, comparison engines and budget booking websites make setting things up both easier and cheaper. In addition to finding deals on accommodation both before you leave and on-the-fly, you can also try the various sites – such as CouchSurfing – which connect those looking for a cheap bed for the night, with those who have them.

Keep your money safe

Even with the best-laid plans, your travel money is going to be vulnerable at some point on your travels. Consider a pre-paid money card, which you use like a debit or credit card, but which has the safety features of travellers' cheques in case of theft. Like a pay-as-you-go phone, you can't spend more than you've loaded it up with, meaning you will have to stick to your budget, though watch out for high charges for using certain services.

Issued by Sainsbury’s Finance

Sainsbury’s Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury’s Bank plc. All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury’s Group of companies.