Around the world at 48

Drewe's Dad (pictured left), aside from being the Dad of Drewe, has got away from a bank job (note to Interpol - the legal kind of bank job) and is now taking a gap year around Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Cambodia.

1) What were you doing before starting your gap year?
I was in banking for 28 years and was made redundant at the age of 48.

2) What made you want to do your gap year?
I was uncertain of what I wanted to do in the future and this provided me with the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do. I have travelled quite extensively in the past but I really wanted to get to know cities and countries better without the usual tourist rush.

3) What made you choose your particular destination(s) and/or placement?
I had been to Sydney and around for a few days previously and I wanted to explore other areas. My second son has also recently emigrated to New Zealand and this was naturally another country to discover with the benefit of having a base; Singapore, because it deserves a stop over and Cambodia because I was offered promotional flights and I wanted to see the temples in Siam Reap.

4) What preparation did you need/do for your gap year?
As I was travelling for some time and believed that this was not going to be a short term experience but one which I will continue to do, I rented out my home for 12 months with a six month option to break if something went wrong with my plans. This is my second year now as I travelled around South Africa last year and I certainly don’t have any regrets so far, although my friends might have the opposite opinion as I stay with them when I am in the UK!

5) Any financial/life issues that needed to be sorted before going on your gap year (renting/selling house, etc.)
I felt certain that I could live quite happily on £300pm whilst travelling and when you rent you lose all your outgoings except, of course, any mortgage you may have. This is a huge release of funds and provided you work to a budget then you will survive quite comfortably. The one disadvantage is internal travel away from trains and buses as you are restricted then to tours which can be expensive. Car hire for one is a 'no go' unless you rent a wreck or there are more than one of you. If you want anyone to benefit from your estate then life assurance is a small price to pay to ensure mortgages and debts are paid, also EVERYONE should have a will made, certainly of my age or when kids are involved.

6 ) Any pre-travel nerves?
It was a big step to rent my home out and realise that 'this is it': I am officially a gypsy with no fixed abode. I certainly felt that I had opened a new chapter in my life.

7 ) Any advice you could give to potential career gappers thinking about taking a gap year and how they can get the ball rolling as far as planning a gap year?
Everyone male I have spoken to whether my age or younger all say how lucky I am. Interestingly men are far more willing to give up their nests; they are extremely envious as they feel their lives are monotonous. Their partners don’t understand how I can do it or would themselves; only do so for very short periods and never consider renting out their homes. I say to them all that if they really want to do the same as me then they can and you don’t have to be rich. I do understand the need to hold on to a base and if it was affordable I would keep my home but it isn’t and so I bought a small caravan on site and put what little personal belongings I have left there. I hardly use it and it costs me £100pm but that is my cave. I am considering losing that as well as I really don’t feel the need for it as much as I thought. I am lucky that I have so many good friends who are prepared to put up with me for short periods and that they all allow me to stay in their homes to house sit whilst they are on holiday. This is a very good idea for all those who are deemed responsible. People really do like the idea of their homes being lived in to deter burglars, and of course you can look after the garden and feed the fish. Summary: hold your breath and go for it. If I had thought about it any longer than I did I wouldn’t have done it? There is always a reason not to. You will get used to your own company. You will meet people on buses, certainly so if you are younger, good looking and FEMALE. They wonder why they meet so many nice people and I don’t!!!!

8) The 'Age issue': do you have any thoughts on this subject? For instance: did you receive any negative feedback from friends or family about going off travelling?
I think the above covers this. At my age kids are no longer an issue usually, but you have to either persuade your partner which will be a challenge, or get yourself divorced.