Introduction

Hi there!

Thank you for choosing our Round the World (RTW) Trip Planner.

This exists because when I was planning my RTW trip there was nothing like this around. I didn't have a clue how RTW tickets worked, I had never bought travel insurance before, backpacks were a mystery (as was the stuff I was meant to take with me - sleeping sheets, travel towels, sterile kits...what!?!), I didn't know how to sort my money out, I didn't know what 'jabs' I would need.

On top of this I was working long hours in a crap job to fund it all...and the excitement of my dream trip was slowly turning into a massive headache!

So we've produced something that we hope you're going to love. It is going to save you time and a lot of money before, during and after your trip.

Save you time

Everything you need to plan your trip is in here or on gapyear.com - no need to read hundreds of books, trawl loads of random websites or waste time faffing around if you don't need to.

Save you money

The company selling the RTW tickets will find you the cheapest rate (all travel agents use similar flight engines) and if you use the offers, discounts and tips in the advice provided, then you can save quite a lot of money. Loads more offers are coming, we'll let you know.

This planner will help you:

Sort out your dream trip (we'll give you advice where required), buy the right insurance (a necessary evil that you have to do!), buy the right travel kit & gadgets (we'll stop you taking the wrong stuff), help you sort your money out (we show you how much stuff costs) and survive your First 48 hours in-country (our 'Round the World' team, STA Travel, have a network of safe, recommended hostels available - just ask!).

So print this off, hole punch it if needs be and stick it in a folder. More importantly, use all the charts and 'quote assistants' we have supplied and write notes everywhere. As for the folder, use it as a base for all those bits and pieces that you might lose. Anything relevant to your trip - stick it in here!

Don't forget gapyear.com - everything is online!

gapyear.com has over 100,000 pages of 'stuff' - it's massive! Peter and I created it in 1998 as the ultimate resource to give you everything you could ever need. For every question you have, there will be an answer. Throughout the pack there are links to further info online when relevant. Have a wicked trip and remember to send us a postcard! (details below)

We like to know that you got there safely and that you're having a wicked time. Yeah - we worry about you!

So send us a postcard to: gapyear.com, 2 Chalfont Square, Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK IP4 2AJ

or email a 'Wish you were here...?' to community@gapyear.com

Planner Contents

Getting Started

Introduction ................................................................................................... 1

Planner Contents .......................................................................................... 1

Booking Your Around the World Route ................................................ 2

A Few Pointers & Tips To Help Get You Started... ............................... 2

Your Around the World Route Builder ................................................... 3-5

Popular Destinations & Places to Stay

Countries ......................................................................................................... 6

gapyear.com/australia ................................................................................ 7

gapyear.com/new_zealand ...................................................................... 7

gapyear.com/usa .......................................................................................... 8

gapyear.com/fiji ............................................................................................ 8

gapyear.com/thailand ................................................................................. 9

gapyear.com/singapore ............................................................................. 9

gapyear.com/indonesia .............................................................................. 10

gapyear.com/malaysia ................................................................................ 10

Hostels .............................................................................................................. 11

Recommended Hostels .............................................................................. 11

Money Saving Vouchers ............................................................................. 12-14

What to Buy Before You Fly

Gap Year Books .............................................................................................. 15

Books & Guidebooks We Recommend ................................................. 15

Travel Insurance ............................................................................................ 16-20

Packing Check List ........................................................................................ 21

Travel Kit List ................................................................................................... 22

Country Starter / Arrival Packs ................................................................. 23

Get an Arrival Pack for... .............................................................................. 23

Work Starter Packs ........................................................................................ 24

Visas & Embassies ......................................................................................... 24

Money, Health & Final Travel Tips

The Money Section ...................................................................................... 25

Planning Your Pre-Trip Finances .............................................................. 25

The Gap Year Card ........................................................................................ 26

Travel Health .................................................................................................. 27-28

Final Travel Tips .............................................................................................. 29

Plan Your Gap Year Online... ...................................................................... 29

"Build Your Own" Around the World Trip! ............................................. 30

Booking Your Around the World Route

Around the world tickets are a flexible and affordable way to see the World, which is why they're so popular with gappers and backpackers.

If you've never bought one before, you'll want to talk to someone who knows their stuff before you book. That's why gapyear.com has set up a small, expert team of round the world advisers. They'll give you the sort of expert advice that general travel agents or call centre staff can't offer.

How to use this section

1. Find out how RTW tickets work below or 'RTW tickets explained' on gapyear.com/rtw_flights

2. Head onto gapyear.com/rtw_flights to read up on the different route options

3. Use the RTW route builder sheets on Page 4 to map your favourite routes out

4. Call our team on 0845 3 447 667 t o discuss / book your route or fill in the forms online.

All you need to do is work out where you want to go and when you want to go there.

• Most tickets are valid for 12 months
• Most tickets are fully flexible

i.e. depending on how much money you have saved for your trip, how much time you have free to travel and how much you have to spend on your ticket... you can go where you want, when you want, for as long as the ticket lasts (usually under 12 months, but we have some that last for 18 months). Tickets are generally based on distance covered, so if you can avoid backtracking, they become a lot cheaper.

A Few Pointers & Tips To Help Get You Started...

The most popular round the world route

London - Los Angeles - Fiji - Cook Islands - New Zealand (into Auckland [North Island], out of Christchurch [South Island]) - Australia (into Sydney, tour around Australia) - Singapore and make your own way overland through Malaysia and Thailand - flying out of Bangkok (Thailand) back home.

Average prices

• A basic route (e.g. above) = £1000ish pre tax, or £1,300 with taxes
• If you add detours to Africa, S.America etc. then add on another £300+

TOP TIP!

All travel agents have access to roughly the same fares so you need to find out what they are showing you. Pricing an around the world ticket is quite complicated as it varies by date and destination; we quote the lowest price, pre-taxes, so expect the final total to be at least £150 more.

Most popular departure months are November or January & February (prices low, fits with the seasons). The most popular length of trip is either 6 months (for those who need to be back for summer) or 12 months (for those who don't have to be back or who want to spend Christmas overseas...usually Sydney).

TOTAL COST?

No answer to this! Depends on how much you spend. Most save between £4,000 and £5,000.

Thanks to our experts!

...for helping us put this pack together: Nancy Coppock from Itchy Feet (our travel kit expert), Dr Seb (our travel health expert) and Paul Dittmer from Columbus Travel Insurance (our insurance expert)

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/rtw_flights

CALL OUR SPECIALIST TEAM ON:

0845 3 447 667

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (calls charged at local rates)

gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

Countries

Our country travel guides are a great way for you to work out where you want to spend your gap year and what you want to do when you get there. We're not Rough Guide or Lonely Planet, but then we're not trying to be...

In our country section, you'll find the sort of information you need to decide where you're going, work out what sort of kit and clothing you'll need to take with you and how to survive those all-important first 48 hours. All the information is provided by other gappers who have lived in and loved the place they're writing about, so it's independent, impartial and written by people like you.

Alongside tips and tales from those who have boldly gone before, we have more practical content on things like planning your itinerary, local etiquette (so as not to offend folk), where and when festivals and other annual events take place, guidelines for budgeting for your trip and useful words and phrases in the local lingo. It's all kept up-to-date thanks to people like you; we rely on each wave of gappers helping out those who follow in their footsteps, so if you feel like writing about a country once you get back, just email editor@gapyear.com!

Country Editors

Our country editors are all keen volunteers who got in touch with us because they fell in love with their country whilst on a gap year of their own. They know exactly what you're going through, how you will feel when you arrive and where you ought to go and can suggest some things to do. We're always looking for more contributions to keep things up to date, so don't be shy!

Travellers' Tips

You might be aware of this, but no two countries are the same. This is why we have a section specifically for all those little random tips that might slip through the net. In Thailand - what colour number plate should your tuk tuk have if you want the cheapest fare? In Australia, what the hell is an alligator pear and should you eat it? Little things like that are always handy...

Ideas and Things to Do

We like to seek out a few unusual ideas for you, as well as pointing you in the right direction for all the jaw-droppingly exciting things to do and the eye-wateringly stunning things to see that you were going to do anyway. You might find anything from a guide to the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or details on a mud-wrestling fest in Korea. It's all about the inspirational ideas in here.

Recommended Routes

It's never easy to work out an accurate itinerary for a country you've never visited before. If you don't know what the transport is like, it's difficult to plan. Our editors have either provided their own itineraries as a suggestion, or created a 'this is what I would have done, if I'd known then what I know now' type of affair for you. Either way, it's invaluable stuff if you like to plan ahead.

Ideas of Cost

Similar to the itineraries, it's difficult to budget if you don't know what things cost. We've tracked down prices, as up-to-date as possible, for the key drains on the backpacker's wallet. How much should you budget for accommodation? Can I afford to eat out the whole time or will it be a diet of noodles and water for little ol' me? How far can I travel for a dollar? It's all in here...

Communicating

Top tip: whatever you might have heard, raising your voice and speaking slowly doesn't work. It just makes people think you're simple. If you don't already know the power of a few basic sentences in the local language, be prepared to be amazed. Even just something as simple as 'hello' will get people reacting to you in a different way. This is particularly the case in some of the trickier countries for backpackers, such as Vietnam. We're hoping you'll be ok in Oz!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/countries

gapyear.com/australia

Not a lot to say about Australia really as this is probably the main part of your trip. You know what you want to see and do there. If you need help there is loads and loads of info and advice online at gapyear.com/australia to help you plan - and loads of people on site who are either heading there or who have been - all of whom will chat to you about it until your eyes bleed! So get online and join in! Also, if you haven't found it yet, head to gapyear.com/downloads to get your FREE Australia Planner

Top tips

• 'West is best' - The West Coast of Australia, in our opinion, is the best. Head online to find out why. Make sure you see the East Coast and then leave... to see the rest. A beautiful country!
• See Sydney and then leave before the week ends as it will suck up all your money. You're probably coming ??back here to fly out right? Which means you'll probably get more out of it having learned more about the Australian way and with a bit of the lingo under your belt - tinnies, barbies, sheilas - that sort of thing!
• If you're planning to work in Australia then you need to sort out a Working Holiday Visa. There are more ??details about this and the ever popular 'Working Holiday Starter Packs' on Page 24.

gapyear.com/new_zealand

The worst mistake you could make, in our humble opinion, is to miss out New Zealand. Our Founder, Tom, missed it out of his first RTW trip and he's been going on about it ever since. So for God's sake help us shut him up and go! If you spend less than 2 weeks there you're never going to see the place properly. On the other hand, unless New Zealand is the main focus of your trip, 8 weeks is more than enough. So there you have it, 4-8 weeks is our recommended stop-over period.

New Zealand has some awesome stuff to see. Not only does it house the adventure capital of the world (Queenstown) where you can bungy, raft, jet boat, skydive etc. (The Awesome Foursome is a package where you can do all these in a morning!), but it also has glacier walks, the chance to see whales, swim with dolphins and of course see the Lord of the Rings set and the place where the Hobbits came from.

Top tip

We'd suggest that you fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch so that you see both the North and the South Island. The best way to get around the country is with one of the hop-on-hop-off backpacker buses. These enable you to choose your own route based on your timescales and allow you to see what you want to see. They are great value and most have great reputations.

gapyear.com/usa

The most common stop-over destination is Los Angeles, as it is the gateway to the Pacific Islands for the Round the World flights i.e. planes have to stop here to refuel. Other US stops on RTW routes include New York, Boston, Miami and San Francisco. More popular, especially for those wanting to 'do America another time' are stop-overs in Toronto and Vancouver and then down to 'San Fran' and LA before moving on to the Pacific Islands.

Useful tips

• You will probably arrive here out of season (between November and February if going anti-clockwise RTW), so don't expect honeys / hunks on the beaches of LA with little thongs. Likewise, Canada will be cold - perfect for skiing/boarding in Whistler though!
• LA is great for the tourist stuff like Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard etc., but it is also great for sucking cash out of you - be warned!
• USA & Canada - you will probably come back to. Cook Islands, New Zealand, Malaysia you probably won't, so make sure you spend your trip seeing stuff that you might never see again i.e. get your ass out of McDonalds on Sunset and on the plane to Sydney sooner rather than later!

gapyear.com/fiji

You will be offered the choice of most of the Pacific Islands to stop-over on your way to or from Australia - these RTW tickets are wicked aren't they?! Your RTW ticket will usually give you 2 to 3 free stop-over choices on the way out to Australia in the 'Pacific'. Be warned, New Zealand may be thrown in with the Pacific Islands, which we would advise you not to miss (1 week on your second Pacific Island vs. 4-8 weeks in New Zealand is incomparable - choose New Zealand every time).

Most people tend to choose 2 from:

• Hawaii
• Fiji
• The Cook Islands

From experience we would recommend Fiji or the Cook Islands.

Choose Hawaii only if you're going to take time to get off the Island you fly into (Oahu), which is more concrete America than the Pacific loveliness that you're probably searching for. Pearl Harbour and 'Magnum PI' happened there, the sole reason people visit.

gapyear.com/thailand

If you've never really left Swindon, then Bangkok, where you're going to land in Thailand...is going to give you a bit of a shock. This is why we would recommend that first time travellers head round the world anti-clockwise - do the easier destinations like the Pacific islands and Australia first - so by the time you reach South-East Asia you will be travel hardened and get more out of the place.

Every backpacker who arrives in Bangkok heads for the Khao San Road. This is a very famous road where all the hostels and the backpackers are. We would recommend that you head there too for your first 48 hours to chill, see how it all works and get used to being in Bangkok. Yes, there are some nasty, pokey, minging places here and there are loads of people available to take your money from you...however, if you stick to the popular backpacker places you'll have a nice experience in Bangkok. gapyear.com/thailand for our recommended hostels.

Top tips for first 48 hours in Bangkok

• Head to somewhere clean, safe and near all the action
• Don't get pissed and lost in this massive city with an unfamiliar language
• Take time to hang-out, chill and to plan your time in Bangkok / Thailand - chat to other backpackers and the ??guys at the hostel to find out what's going on
• If you have the balls - take a tuk-tuk somewhere
• Eat somewhere 'safe' which won't turn your Cumberland into a slurry-fest!

gapyear.com/singapore

Singapore is a nice, relatively small, city state. One of the more expensive destinations on the overland route from Bali to Bangkok with limited stuff that you may find interesting. Definitely worth a few days to have a look-see.

You're probably going to use Singapore as a pass-through i.e. a flight either to or from Jakarta in Indonesia on your way up to Bangkok or down to Bali on the overland route. If you're going to miss out on Indonesia then you are likely to be flying in and out of Singapore en route to Australia.

Top tips

• Head online and find out exactly what you want to do in Singapore, what it costs etc. and plan your time there carefully
• Some of the accommodation is a bit random (pile 'em high, stack 'em in) - this is what our recommended hostels are for, so check them out!
• If you're worried about South East Asia being a bit tricky for you, then many use Singapore as a nice first stop. It is clean, modern, safe and small - so an easy start to South East Asia before you head up to Bangkok or down to Bali

gapyear.com/indonesia

Indonesia is a popular first stop-off point in South East Asia if you're coming home from Australia this way. Flights go into Bali (Denpasar), which you're going to struggle to find at first on the map (we've pointed it out on the map above).

Indonesia is now famous for the bombs which happened in the popular backpacker area of Kuta, on Bali. Should this deter you from heading there? No! You'll love Indonesia, so don't miss it!

Kuta, where you'll probably head first, is a bit of a dive. The best bit of Bali is the central bit and the North - places like Ubud with its 'Monkey Forest' - yup, monkeys in a forest! Bali will give you a nice 'welcome to South East Asia' if you've not done it before - loads of temples, tasty cuisine, a few language barrier issues (important to learn a few basic words - head to gapyear.com/Indonesia for our crash course!). A nice introduction to a different way of life.

Your culture shock may begin at the airport as you are touted to death - which will be no issue if you've got your accommodation sorted out before you get there.

Top tips

• See Kuta and then leave - other bits of Bali are nicer
• Indonesia is one big country with some nice / not nice bits - plan your trip well
• If you're overlanding up to Bangkok from here note the water you have to cross. You'll need to buy a short flight to Singapore NB the trip up through Sumatra to catch the ferry is a nasty one - not for the faint hearted and so therefore not recommended for first-timers or those who don't like to travel on buses with chickens

gapyear.com/malaysia

Malaysia is a great destination and well worth adding to your RTW trip. Amazing beaches, jungle and rainforests, fantastic (and cheap) food, a Muslim culture, English speaking, clean, safe, affordable, easy to get around - certainly worth more than the usual 5 days that most give it as they pass through...

To see all of Malaysia (which includes Borneo) we found the Discover Malaysia Air Pass from Malaysian Airlines [$199 - around £150] which gives you 5 flights around Malaysia within 1 month - so you can get over to Borneo and onto the islands. You can only access this pass through various tickets, so ask your travel agent if of interest.

If you're overlanding from Singapore to Thailand then you're going to find it difficult to miss this country, which means that you're probably going to pass through. So head online and find out what you are passing through so you don't miss stuff that you might like to see.

Top tips for Malaysia:

• Kuala Lumpur is a big city like any other city and so doesn't represent what Malaysia really is... a few days here is ample to see the sites and leave
• Malaysia has stuff that you may never experience again - Cameron Highlands, Perhentian islands, Batu caves, Lankawi and the amazing Tioman and Redang Islands which has fantastic beaches and snorkelling. Plan well to make the most out of it.

The countries featured in this section are the most popular round the world destinations. On our site we have information on over 100 worldwide destinations. Visit gapyear.com/countries for more info.

Hostels

A bit from Tom...

Secretly I was a bit nervous about my trip, heading off into the big unknown. I was cacking it for the first few days, worried about finding my way around, not getting ripped off and managing to cope with my backpack that was stuffed full of everything I needed for my entire trip... what if someone nicked it!?!

In hindsight, I was right to be a bit nervous. First stop, Los Angeles, one of the largest cities in the world! We hadn't booked our first nights accommodation, we didn't really know where we were going - in the excitement of packing and leaving, we hadn't really thought about that!

The thing is when you arrive in a new country you are likely to be jet lagged, short of local money, disorientated and rushed at by touts selling you everything from stuffed camels to tours to the local nun-wrestling championships. All you want is a beer, a chat with someone you won't want to kill and a clean, central, safe place to kip where you can wake up with all the contents of your backpack where you left them.

After 48 hours in a good clean backpacker hostel you'll have an idea about what is going on, where you are (so you don't get lost), picked up a few useful words in the local lingo ('I have enough stuffed camels, sod off')...and be ready to get on with the rest of your trip.

Important point

If ever there is a time when you're going to be ripped off, put yourself in danger or not enjoy your trip, it's usually in the first 48 hours in every country you come to, even the easy ones and especially the ones where the cheap accommodation isn't in the 'nicest' part of town..! It's not 'soft' to pre-book hostels, it's sensible - especially if you're arriving during busy periods.

gapyear.com recommended hostels

So we thought, what could we stick in this pack that would be really useful to you - something that we would all have loved on our first big RTW trip?

1. A list of recommended hostels for your first few nights in-country. All big, clean, central and with lots going on. They're over there

2. A couple of FREE cold beers waiting for you at each one for when you arrive, courtesy of gapyear.com (yup, we're legends!). Two beers because you can use one to give to someone else to break the ice...or because one is just never enough! The beer vouchers are over the page.

Booking hostels in advance

Most people now book their first 48 hours in each country in advance - it saves a lot of hassle and many hostels do airport pick up, so why make life difficult?

Top tip:

Got a worried mum or dad or a family member or friend who is looking for something 'really useful' to buy you for your trip. Why not get them to buy you your first night's accommodation + airport pick-up in Bangkok or some of your other destinations?

Recommended Hostels

gapyear.com recommended hostels

There are thousands of hostels around the world. Some of these are good, but others are not. For tips on finding good hostels and advice on staying in them (there are some serious points you should be aware of here guys...)
head to gapyear.com.

We have recommended hostels for each major destination on the most popular RTW Route. Every hostel mentioned below has more information about their hostel and a page of offers and discounts for you at the back (this also includes your FREE beer vouchers!)

Top tip!

Why not add 'first 2 nights accommodation' to your present list? Ideal pressie from a worried mum & another thing that you don't need to worry about on your trip! Hostels can be booked on gapyear.com.

Thai Cozy House, Bangkok, Thailand

Thai Cozy House is one of the newest hostels in the Khao San Road area. Family-run but with everything you'd expect from a mega hotel chain, this place makes it easy to sink into the Thai way of life. Their staff are the friendliest around and the location is ideal - close enough to enjoy the Khao San Road, but far enough away so that you can sleep! We also love the fact that they have an on-site spa, salon, tailor and authentic Thai restaurant.

Wake Up! Sydney Central, Sydney, Australia

Wake Up! Sydney Central is backpacker heaven - wicked location, clean comfortable dorms and chill-out areas, loads of promotions and a massive downstairs bar crammed with other travellers night after night. Plus they take personal safety seriously and are dedicated to ensuring you see the best that Sydney has to offer. Add on the free linen, 24 hour internet, multiple TVs and cheap backpacker deals and you're onto a winner!

Auckland Central Backpackers, Auckland, New Zealand

We only give the best of the best our gapyear.com gold award and Auckland Central Backpackers really is the best. Enjoy the Globe Bar, 24 hour access, nightly barbeques - with free punch! - and assistance in getting a job. Then there's the ACB on-site travel centre with exclusive discounts and deals on everything from bus tours to snowboarding. Clean, with friendly staff, and a variety of room types,- ACB know what backpackers want and aren't afraid to give it to them!.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: www.gapyear.com

CALL OUR SPECIALIST TEAM ON:

0845 3 447 667

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (calls charged at local rates)

gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

CLAIM YOUR FREEBIES AT OUR RECOMMENDED HOSTELS

Hands up who likes free beer? Hands up who likes free food? Anyone here keen on free internet access? Thought so. Here at gapyear.com, we know what makes your hearts beat faster than the prospect of flinging yourself off a bridge with a little bit of elastic tied to your ankles and that's free stuff! Which is why a number of our recommended hostels offer you an assortment of freebies just for bedding down at their place! Free beers, free food and free internet can all be yours with these vouchers.

Just print this page off and present the relevant voucher at the reception of the hostel. Then hotfoot it to the bar/restaurant/internet cafe bidding a silent thanks to your good mates at gapyear.com...

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Hot Rock, Rotorua

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Pipi Patch, Paihia

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Auckland Central Backpackers, Auckland, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com">cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart of Beyond Backpackers Lodge.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Discovery Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Nomads Capital, Wellington, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Shannon Smith at Nomads World Hostels.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Kiwi House, Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Noriko T. Stoutjesdijk of The Kiwi House.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

15 MINUTES FREE INTERNET ACCESS

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Nomads Capital, Wellington, New Zealand

Enjoy free internet access courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com.

As you're browsing and emailing away, why not drop us a line and and say hi?

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Shannon Smith at Nomads World Hostels.

TWO FREE BEERS AND

A FREE NIGHTLY MEAL!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Nomads Industry, Melbourne, Australia

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer and one free meal per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Penny Brand at Nomads World Hostels

TWO FREE BEERS!

or one free cocktail

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Backpackers International, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Tisa of The Backpackers International Hostel.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Wake Up! Sydney Central, Sydney, Australia

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Victor Pastuszak of The Wake Up! Sydney Central Hostel.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

SameSun Backpackers Lodge, Vancouver, Canada

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Riaz Virani at Beyond Backpackers.

Gap Year Books

 

gapyearbooks.com is the bookshop of gapyear.com. It is an area of our site where we have picked a range of books and travel guides which are relevant to you as a backpacker. The back end of it is Amazon, so you can buy the stuff you like online through them, usually at a good discount. If you have books that you think are a must-read for backpackers either before they head off, on the plane or whilst chilling in a hammock under a palm on an idyllic beach, then let us know - community@gapyear.com

 

Books & Useful Travel Guides

The two biggest travel guidebook publishers are Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. They both do books on every country you're likely to go to and they're both pretty similar, covering:

• History
• Accommodation
• How to get around
• Where to eat
• Where to go out
• Useful hints and tips in-country
• And much, much more!

Sam says:

"For the first time backpacker, guidebooks can be confusing (a lot of information about a lot of stuff that you don't need to know), they are normally quite bulky and usually cost over £10...which eats into your travel funds if you buy a few. What's more, most of the stuff you need to know such as where to go, what to do and how much it costs can be found from websites and online sources like gapyear.com. The moral of the story is not to go overboard when buying guidebooks. If you're planning to visit six countries on your round the world trip don't, whatever you do, lug six brand-new guidebooks with you. Having said that, guidebooks can really enhance your experience of a country, so don't do without them altogether..."

Rough Guide or Lonely Planet?

It's a preference thing. We'd suggest you head into a bookshop and pick up their versions for Australia, New Zealand and the USA and see which stands out for you.

Top tips

• They make ideal Christmas, birthday and 'leaving' presents - something you might take with you if you have the space if it is given to you. Important though that you specify exactly which ones you want to save your granny a tenner and it sitting on your shelf gathering dust!
• Given that there are roughly 1 million backpackers out there, with around 1 million books in circulation (a random guess) - you'll understand why these books are easy to find second hand on 'Book swap' shelves in the hostels i.e. a month before you head to South East Asia you will probably find the Lonely Planet 'South East Asia on a Shoestring' for next to nothing in a hostel / second hand bookshop in Sydney.

Buy a guide for your first destination and pick up others as you go; it saves money and pack weight

Books & Guidebooks We Recommend

Australia and New Zealand

Lonely Planet: Australia

Lonely Planet: New Zealand Rough

Guide: Australia

Rough Guide: New Zealand

Travel Advice

First Time Around the World

Passport to Safer Travel

The Travel Book

The Backpacker's Bible

Inspiring Stuff

The Beach

A Sarong in my Backpack

Long Way Round

Backpack

Travel Insurance

In this section we will show you step by step how to understand and buy travel insurance. People buy insurance like they buy bread..."It looks right, nab the cheapest, off I go". However, you'd never go into a supermarket and choose the cheapest ready-filled trolley of shopping available would you? That's because you want to choose the stuff you need for the right price and quality, right? Insurance is the same.

DO NOT choose a package that LOOKS right. Work out what you need and choose a package that IS right. You can save money by understanding what it is you are buying e.g. you buy £5 million cover when you probably only need £1 million and you take baggage and travel delay which you may never claim from (instant saving of over £50 there!) This section will help you understand insurance, find out what you need, what you don't and where you can get it from.

The Section Has 4 Easy Steps...

Step 1 - Work out & fill in your insurance requirements

Read our Insurance Assistant on the following pages where we explain in plain English what everything means. It's easy. Read the stuff about 'Medical', 'Curtailment' etc. on the right and fill in the boxes on the left with what you'd ideally like from your policy. You'll suddenly see how easy it is to save yourself money by not buying bits you don't need.

Step 2 - Head online to the Travel Insurance area

(gapyear.com/travel_insurance)

• Important to note that there are different types of travel insurance products - you need to find ones who specialise in backpacking [long haul, more than 3 weeks away, multi country, covers adventure sports etc. etc.] as opposed to holidays [1-2 weeks, short haul, covers flood damage to your house and dog kennelling fees]
• The companies we recommend who offer good backpacking policies are on that link

Step 3 - Compare what you want...with what is on offer

Print out our 'Quote Assistant', give the companies a call / go online and compare the different levels of cover and price

Step 4 - Find the right policy for you!

Don't just pick the cheapest price! After you have finished your calls, you should have the precise details of the best gap year insurance laid out in front of you. You should also understand what each part of it means and how much cover you actually need. Choose the policy that offers the best balance between price and cover. Make sure you're covered for any activities you're planning. It is easy and it works, so there's no excuse to travel uninsured. None whatsoever!

Purchasing Travel Insurance (A Visual Example)

Step 1 - Work out your requirements

Step 2 - Check out your options on gapyear.com/travel_insurance

Getting quotes on gapyear.com is easy. Head to the travel insurance section of gapyear.com and use the quote engines or phone numbers provided. To get yourself the best possible deal we suggest calling them all...

Steps 3 & 4 - Compare the polices and buy the best one for you...

Travel Insurance

Quote Assistant - Page 1 of 3

YOUR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

We'd suggest you use a pencil to fill these pages in just in case you get it wrong first time!

Tick the boxes of stuff you don't think you need for your own reference - it helps the matching process go quicker. We hope you find the right policy for you. Enjoy!

Medical expenses...

Cover needed:£______NB. If you are going to the US for an extended period of time think about higher cover to cover higher medical costs. If you are heading somewhere remote, think about higher cover for air-lifting you out of remote jungles or off high mountains.

Personal Accident

Cover needed:£______________

Travel delay

Cover needed:£______________

Don't think I need this

Curtailment

Value of your ticket:£______________

Rough value of insurance:£______________

Any other value:£______________

Total value: £______________

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Cancellation

Value of your ticket:£______________

Rough value of insurance:£______________

Any other value:£______________

Total value: £______________

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Confused?

Explanations of all of the terns here can be found on the right hand pages of this 3 page quote assistant.

What the Terms Mean (in English!)

Medical expenses

In most countries outside the UK you will have to pay for ALL medical treatment, from in-grown toenail removal (less than £100) to emergency life-saving surgery (probably over £50,000)... and your hospital stay (sometimes over £1,000 per week to be in the bed). With the right cover, your insurance company will pick up the bills. In the US, the costs will be higher, so bear this in mind. The largest ever medical bill was around £900,000, however, you would be hard pushed to go over £500,000. Gapyear.com therefore recommends a minimum of £1 million cover. The Government says minimum £5 million. 'Unlimited' is just a marketing gimmick - watch out for this!

Emergency repatriation will usually be included in your medical expenses (check!). This is all about getting you home. If your leg is in plaster a nurse may accompany you on a scheduled flight (lucky you!). If you are confined to a wheelchair or a bed/trolley, your insurance company will pay for an air ambulance with a medical team. The good news is that this also covers the cost of flying you home in a box if you look left instead of right when crossing the road and fail to see that bus. Reminder, largest ever claim was £900,000, so don't go overboard!

Personal Accident

Unfortunately this is the nasty side of insurance as it refers to 'personal accident to you'. Being totally honest, this is just a token compensation amount. So if you lose an eye, arm, leg etc. then you could receive up to the amount quoted. Some choose to opt out of this, others go for the full monty of £30,000+. What you choose is up to you. Remember, the medical bills to sort out this stuff are covered in 'Medical Expenses', so this is purely a token payout to compensate you for your loss. £15,000 seems to be about the average if you choose to take it.

"Cancellation" and "Curtailment"

These both cover you if you have to cancel or cut short (curtail) your trip. Cancellation is usually before you have left e.g. trip booked and you break your leg 'doing an Elvis' on the dance floor at your leaving party. Curtailment is having to cut your trip short e.g. you slip on the dance floor first night in Sydney whilst 'doing an Elvis'. Damn that Elvis! The money quoted is what you will receive to pay back what you have spent on the trip i.e. if your RTW ticket cost you £900 and you don't leave, then you get £900 back. If you cut your trip short e.g. six months into your 12 month trip, then you get £450 back (half the £900). Your cover purely depends on the price of your ticket and any expenses. £1,000 is generally plenty. If your ticket is more expensive, go up accordingly.

Travel delay

This pays you back for tea, coffee, sarnies etc. that you pay for if your flight is delayed. The compensation figure is usually around £20 for every 12 hours delayed to a maximum of just over £100. Overnight accommodation is not covered - generally the airlines pick this up anyway. Most backpackers don't worry about 'Travel Delay'. If you want it, you would find yourself hard pushed to go over £100. If you get delayed, read a book and chill!

Travel Insurance

Quote Assistant - Page 2 of 3

Baggage

Value of baggage:£______________

Value of clothes you'd want to replace: £______________

Value of expensive items you're taking with you: £______________

Value of items you might buy overseas: £______________

Cover needed:£______________

I am going to ignore baggage and get an individual quote for:

Items: Value: £______________

Don't think I need this

Travel Documents

My important travel documents are: (e.g. Passport, Drivers License)

My non-refundable travel documents are: (e.g. pre-paid tickets / tour pass)

Cover needed:£______________

Don't think I need this

Cash Limit

Will you be carrying wads of cash around in your pocket?

If so, how much?: £______________

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Personal Liability

If you are going to the US for a long period of time think about taking out a higher cover. If you are doing a bog standard trip, the recommended basic amount should be fine.

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Confused?

Explanations of all of the terns here can be found on the right hand pages of this 3 page quote assistant.

What the Terms Mean (in English!)

Baggage & personal belongings

This covers your backpack and the stuff inside. You need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. What's in the backpack of any value / that can't be replaced cheaply overseas? Nothing? Then don't bother

2. Are you likely to buy stuff overseas that will cost over £100 e.g. iPod in Singapore? If yes, consider...

3. If you only have one item of value e.g. £150 digital camera - it may be cheaper to forget 'baggage' (£20 to include) and insure it independently (probably less than £15). Call the insurance company for advice on this if required. Check also as these items may be covered under your parents household insurance anyway!

So, add up the value for your kit and decide if you want to be compensated if they all go missing. Then choose a cover that is enough, but not over the top (they will ask for receipts, so you can't blag it!)

Travel documents

This is compensation for non-refundable items such as your inter-rail ticket, pre-paid passes to tourist attractions etc. You lose your inter-rail pass in Munich, you'll have to fork out another £200 before you can go anywhere. If you're covered, the insurance company will pay. This does also include documents like passports, driving licenses etc. Generally the money covered is the stuff you would have to pay to make the phone calls, courier the passport to where you are etc. The limit for a lost passport will be set (read the small print), probably around £100 - £200. So, how much do you need? If you don't have any pre-paid tickets, are a really careful person or are staying in one place for most of your trip, then you may choose not to bother getting cover. If you have pre-paid tickets etc. add up the value and then work out how much you need to be covered for. After some basic cover? £50 - £150 is usually sufficient to pay for a few phone calls, a courier etc. If you're going somewhere remote then maybe stack this up a bit more.

Cash limit

This is cover for physical cash that you have in your pocket that you may lose, have stolen etc. The amount you get covered for should equate to what you carry around.

If you're not going to carry around over £100 in cash (which is sometimes the limit for cash payout), then you may not want this. You will need to prove what you had in your pocket, so remember to keep all receipts when you take cash out of machines etc. - your only proof, without you may get nothing. Most backpackers choose not to take this.

Personal Liability

So you're messing around, jump into the pool and land on top of some random bloke. He is carted off to hospital to have your footprint removed from his back. He then can't work for 10 years but has to support a wife and three kids. So, he sues you for compensation. He wins. Let's say he was earning £40,000 per year and his medical treatment came to £50,000. 10 years x £40,000 is a minimum of £400,000. Add the £50,000, to make £450,000. As long as your personal liability is more than that, you are fine. If you only have cover for £200,000, you will have to find the other £250,000. Stuff that backpackers tend to do include riding into people on mopeds, surfing over people, 'landing on people' when arsing around, etc. Sod's law also states that you will damage someone who earns a lot in a country where medical treatment costs a lot of money. So, how much do you need here? Well, £1 million is your absolute basic. The case above of the bloke with kids is quite extreme, so in most cases going over £1 million would be quite difficult... you'd probably read about the payout in the papers! If you're going to America (huge 'sue culture') and you're going to be doing stuff that puts others at risk, consider £2 million.

Travel Insurance

Quote Assistant - Page 3 of 3

Legal Expenses

If you are going to the US we would advise you to go for slightly higher cover.

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Winter Sports

What winter sports will you do and for how many days:

Cover needed: £______________

Don't think I need this

Extra Cover

Listed below are activities for which you may need extra cover. Just mark the ones you think you'll do, and compare them against each quote. It is worth noting that some companies will offer many of these services as standard, whereas others will charge you an additional cost for them.

Abseiling	Banana BoatingBlack Water RaftingBody	Black Water Rafting
Body Boarding	Boxing Training (Non-Contact)	Camel Riding
Canoeing	Cliff Walking/Jumping	Catamaran Sailing
Climbing (On Climbing Wall)	Cycling	Dinghy Racing
Dinghy Sailing	Dog Sleighing	Elephant Ride
Fell Walking	Gliding	Go Karting
Gorge Walking	Helicopter Rides	(Passenger)High Diving
Hiking	Horse Trekking	Hot-Dogging
Hot Air Ballooning	(Passenger)Inline Skating	Jet Skiing
Kite Surfing	Light Aircraft Rides	Martial Arts Training
Mechanical Equipment	Micro Lighting	Mopeds
Motorcycling	Motor Boating	Parachuting
Paragliding	ParasaIling	Parascending
Paint Balling	Pony Trekking	Rifle Range
Rock Climbing	Rock Scrambling	Sand Yachting
Sailing (In Shore)	Sailing (Off Shore)	Scuba Diving (down to 30m)
Scuba Diving (over 30m)	Sledging	Snorkelling
Snow Shoeing	Surfing	Sydney Bridge Climb
Trekking	Wake Boarding	Water Polo
Water Skiing	White Water Rafting	Windsurfing
Yachting	Zorbing

most policies will cover you up to 50cc or 125cc as standard

for example quad bikes, diggers, chainsaws, industrial equipment for work, etc.

Confused?

Explanations of all of the terns here can be found on the right hand pages of this 3 page quote assistant.

What the Terms Mean (in English!)

Legal expenses

This is generally to do with you having to take someone to court, the cover pays for the legal fees. You probably haven't ever done this, so probably have no idea how it works? Ok... you're crossing the road and some guy jumps the light in his car and runs you over. You are injured, taken to hospital and have to undergo treatment that costs you money. You also could do with a bit of compensation for the fact that you are now six inches shorter with only one arm. Then you find out that he's not insured. Bummer. You will then need to take him to court. Lawyers cost anything from £10/hour in some developing nations to over £1,000/hour if you have a top QC in the UK or the US. So how much cover do you need? £5,000 will go a long way in Poland, but will be chewed very quickly in the US. £10-15,000 will get you further in the UK and the US, so certainly go higher if you are going to the US for more than a few days. You can elect not to be covered, but it's one of those things that is very useful if something does go wrong.

Adventure / Adventurous activities

This covers you for accidents that happen when you are doing 'adventurous / dangerous activities' e.g. bungy jumping, crocodile wrestling and calling your mum's cooking 'bad'. All insurance companies have a list of activities you can/cannot do without this extra cover. If you're injured whilst doing one e.g. rafting and don't have this cover, they won't pay. Many of these things you may decide to do on a 'whim', peer pressure from your new mates / beer goggles in action! And if there is one injury that is going to hurt more and cost loads... If you THINK that you might do ANYTHING on your trip that might be seen as adventurous e.g. rafting, skydiving, bungy etc. make sure you're covered as most budget policies won't cover you for any of these activities, so you'll need to add them in. Can I decide when I get out there? Yes, although we wouldn't advise it as it may be more expensive, local cover may not be favourable to non locals and you'll probably get a better deal before you head off i.e. free extra days skiing, extra sports included etc. Beware: there are various definitions for 'adventurous', 'hazardous' or even 'down right dangerous' activities, so read the lists. Any questions - call before you buy.

Other terms not mentioned above...

Excess

This is the amount you might have to pay if you make a claim e.g. if the policy has £75 excess on medical expenses, this means that you have to pay the first £75 of your medical bills, before the insurer pays the rest. Read the small print as some insurers can be a bit sneaky here. Many aspects of your policy will include an excess, so find out (a) if there is one and (b) how much it is.

Territorial limits

The cost of the policy varies depending on where you travel, as the cost of medical care is more expensive in some countries, e.g. the US. However, most policies allow you to travel outside the policy area for up to 25% of the trip without paying more e.g. if you backpack in Australia and S.E Asia for 9 months you can spend up to 3 months in the US without paying the additional premium.

Winter sports

Winter sports cover usually costs more because (a) You have lots of expensive clothes and equipment (b) When you get it wrong you tend to end up in a hospital (c) Sometimes, following (b), you are taken to hospital with the 'slow family of four' you mowed into the slope and off the cliff. It also usually covers things such as piste closure and avalanches (if you survive).

You might find this page useful to stick in the policy details that match exactly / closely so that you can compare them against each other...

POLICY ONE

Insurance Company:

Telephone Number:

Policy Name:

Duration:

Total Cost:£___________________

Medical Expenses:£___________________

Personal Accident:£___________________

Cancellation:£___________________

Curtailment:£___________________

Travel Delay:£___________________

Baggage & Belongings:£___________________

Travel Documents:£___________________

Cash Limit:£___________________

Personal Liability:£___________________

Legal Expenses:£___________________

Adventure sports not covered by policy as standard:

Winter Sports:£___________________

Mopeds (extra if over 50cc) £___________________

Scuba Diving (extra if over 30m) £___________________

Mechanical (if extra cover needed) £___________________

Notes:

POLICY TWO

Insurance Company:

Telephone Number:

Policy Name:

Duration:

Total Cost:£___________________

Medical Expenses:£___________________

Personal Accident:£___________________

Cancellation:£___________________

Curtailment:£___________________

Travel Delay:£___________________

Baggage & Belongings:£___________________

Travel Documents:£___________________

Cash Limit:£___________________

Personal Liability:£___________________

Legal Expenses:£___________________

Adventure sports not covered by policy as standard:

Winter Sports:£___________________

Mopeds (extra if over 50cc) £___________________

Scuba Diving (extra if over 30m) £___________________

Mechanical (if extra cover needed) £___________________

Notes:

POLICY THREE

Insurance Company:

Telephone Number:

Policy Name:

Duration:

Total Cost:£___________________

Medical Expenses:£___________________

Personal Accident:£___________________

Cancellation:£___________________

Curtailment:£___________________

Travel Delay:£___________________

Baggage & Belongings:£___________________

Travel Documents:£___________________

Cash Limit:£___________________

Personal Liability:£___________________

Legal Expenses:£___________________

Adventure sports not covered by policy as standard:

Winter Sports:£___________________

 

Mopeds (extra if over 50cc) £___________________

Scuba Diving (extra if over 30m) £___________________

Mechanical (if extra cover needed) £___________________

Notes:

POLICY FOUR

Insurance Company:

Telephone Number:

Policy Name:

Duration:

Total Cost:£___________________

Medical Expenses:£___________________

Personal Accident:£___________________

Cancellation:£___________________

Curtailment:£___________________

Travel Delay:£___________________

Baggage & Belongings:£___________________

Travel Documents:£___________________

Cash Limit:£___________________

Personal Liability:£___________________

Legal Expenses:£___________________

Adventure sports not covered by policy as standard:

Winter Sports:£___________________

Mopeds (extra if over 50cc) £___________________

Scuba Diving (extra if over 30m) £___________________

Mechanical (if extra cover needed) £___________________

Notes:

Packing Check List

This is a full list covering the entire world - please delete as applicable - eg. If you're not going anywhere cold, you wont need any thermals.

Day

Backpack

Day pack

First Aid

Medical kit

Sterile kit

Dental kit

Suggested additions to medical kit:

Sachets of re-hydrate

Wound closure strips

Paracetemol

Antibiotic cream

Anti-diarrhoea medicine

Anti-fungal foot powder

Motion sickness medication

Throat lozenges

Vitamins

Sharp ended tweezers

Medic Alert identification

Pointed scissors

Water purification tablets

Thermometer

Night

Sleeping bag

Sleeping sheet

Equipment

iPod / MP3 / CD Player

Camera (digital)

Film (if non digital)

Mobile phone

Charging units

Travel adapter

Security

Personal alarm

Money belt

Combination padlocks

Wrapsafe

Money / Finances

Pre-paid card (BackpackerMoney)

Travellers Cheques

Washbag

Washbag (with hook)

Travel towel

Tooth brush guard

Universal sink plug

Peg free clothes line

Travel wash (for clothes)

Travel toothbrush

Toothpaste

Suncream (once a day)

Shampoo

(Conditioner)

Shaving stuff

Sewing Kit

Ear plugs

Contraception

Tissues (big box)

Lip balm

Safety pins

Flannel

Female sanitary

Brush or comb

Deodorant

Condoms

Toilet paper

Wet wipes

Dental floss

Moisturiser

Nail clippers

Bite avoidance

Mosquito net

Bite clicker

DEET repellent

Electronic repellent

Useful Gadgets

Penknife

Small Maglite torch

LED

Head torch

Spare batteries

Knife/fork/spoon set

Eye shade

Inflatable neck pillow

Compass

Packing Check List

Clothes

Lightweight long sleeved shirt (hemp?)

Travel trousers

Moisture management shirt

Sun hat / cap

Travel sandals

Trekking shoes

Mac-in-a-sac

Poncho

Underwear

Shorts

Belt

T Shirts

Swimming 'things'

Cotton shirts

Jeans

Long sleeved T Shirts

Sweater

Sarong

Female...

Going out stuff

Smart work clothes

Smart shoes / sandals

Sarong / wrap

Male...

Smart work clothes

Smart going out stuff

Girlfriend? / Mum?

Cold...

Woolly hat

Scarf and gloves

Thermal underwear (+ long johns - superb!)

Paperwork

Books

Phrasebook

Address book

Telephone card

Job reference letter

Family / home life photos

Diary (fill in birthdays / and important dates)

Other useful items

Re-sealable bags

Large black bin bag

A ball of string

Balloons + pens (for kids you meet)

General

Make a list of the following and photocopies of each to your parents and a trusted mate. Ask them to put them in a safe place in case you need to contact them. Also take a set with you.

Drivers licence

Embassy Addresses

Serial number of tickets

International Drivers Licence

Glasses/contact lens prescription

Passport number and date issued

Serial numbers of travellers cheques

Serial numbers on valuables e.g. cameras

Youth Hostel card / other membership

All insurance details & emergency contacts

Credit card numbers

Do not take copies with you!

Emergency numbers to contact

Do take copies with you!

Emergency Numbers

'Car Breakdown Club' card

 

Essentials

Passport

Flight tickets

Bus / coach tickets / passes

Visas

Immunisation record

Travel Insurance

Diary

Address Book

All emergency numbers

Passport photos (min of six)

Pens

Glasses/contact lenses (+ spares?)

Prescriptions

Medications

Photocopies of documents

Sunglasses

Identity cards (student + other)

Discount cards (WorldTravelCard.com)

Travel Kit List

Stuff I need to buy
Product	Price	Notes
E.g Sleeping sheet	£9.99	There is a more expensive silk version
Need more space? Print this page again...

Tip: Fill in the chart below and leave it with your folks at least 3 weeks before you leave so your friends & family will know what you need...

Birthday / Christmas / Leaving Party List
Product	From?	Price	Notes
E.g Leatherman	Dad	£9.99	Time to wash his car!!
Need more space? Print this page again...

Country Starter / Arrival Packs

What is an arrival pack?

Arrival packs make your first few days in a new country easy. Book one and you'll get picked up from the airport, transferred to a cool hostel and taken around the city's top sights. If you want to settle into a new place the easy way, then buy an arrival pack.

What does an arrival pack include?

They're like work starter packs, but less boring! You don't have to worry about finding a job, so you can concentrate on seeing sights and having fun. For each of the destination cities you see on the opposite page there, we have a range of different tour options.

For instance, in Bangkok you can choose to be met at the airport, taken to your hostel, have a nice sleepy, then go on a tour of the city and temples. Or, you can be met, sleep and then go see the famous floating market. Or you can do both. The choice is yours!

• Meet & greet at the airport
• Transfer to your hostel
• One or more nights accommodation
• One or more tours of the city and its attractions

Why do I need an arrival pack?

You need an arrival pack because secretly, deep down, you're a little bit apprehensive about setting off on your around the world trip. Either that or you're outright, on the surface, obviously s***ing yourself. If you're not now, you will be for a week before you go; even experienced travellers still get butterflies.

If you know you're going to be met at the airport and taken to your hostel by someone who knows the way, then the nerves instantly disappear. By the time you finish your tour you'll be settled in and raring to get on with the rest of your trip. Arrival packs are also a great way to reassure parents who don't think you can find your backside with both hands, let alone get on the right bus to the Khao San Road.

Get an Arrival Pack for...

Arrival packs: Auckland

If you're planning to arriv in Auckland, New Zealand and haven't got a clue what to expect, then this arrival pack is for you. It takes the hassle out of those first few days. No need to worry about a bed for the night and where to find the bus to your hostel, just worry about where the nearest bar full of backpackers is!

Arrival packs: Bangkok

Flying into Bangkok? Be warned, the culture shock will hit you hard. Arrival packs are designed to make your introduction to Thailand that little bit easier. Get picked up from the airport, transported to your hostel and booked onto a top tour of Bangkok. The best way to send culture shock packing...

Arrival packs: Fiji

Laid back, relaxed, super-chilled and hassle-free... just some of the ways to sum up Fiji. If you want to sink into the carefree Fijian way of life from the offset, book an arrival pack and get all of those niggly details (like accommodation etc.) sorted before you leave home.

Arrival packs: Singapore

A language you can't speak, road signs you can't read and a load of busy people rushing about their daily business too busy to direct you on your way. Singapore is a place where you really need to buy an arrival pack - it'll cover your airport pick up, hostel accommodation, tours of the cit y and more...

Arrival packs: Sydney

Australia is not all about kangaroos, koalas and Kylie, you know. If you're planning on arriving in Sydney, you've got to get yourself sorted. With an arrival pack, you can get everything booked and ready in one fell swoop - we're talking accommodation, airport collection and a tour of Sydney's hottest spots...

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/country_packs

Work Starter Packs

What is a work starter pack?

Work starter packs have been designed specifically for backpackers wishing to work whilst they are in Australia or New Zealand. Purchasing one means that you'll receive personalised assistance with your job hunt and help with the reams of paperwork. You'll also get your airport transfer and your accommodation sorted too. These packs allow you to find a job the easy way.

What does a work starter pack include?

All kinds of magic! They vary from pack to pack and according to price, but generally include a selection of the following:

• Airport pick up and transfer
• Hostel accommodation
• SIM card and contact number
• Job search assistance
• Guaranteed job offer
• Bank account
• Tax assistance
• Visa assistance
• City tour / orientation
• Mail forwarding / holding
• Email and internet access
• Social 'mixers' where you can meet others in your situation

Do I have to have a work starter pack?

No, don't be silly. You don't need to buy one at all. They just enable you to sort out all the little fiddly tasks involved with working legally in Australia or New Zealand in one easy go.Apart from working holiday visa, which is generally sorted out separately anyway, none of this is required by law. However, you will find it very difficult to get a job without a local bank account and an address where people can send your mail. You will also pay most of your wages in tax if you don't register yourself properly before you start work.

The expert local job assis tance is also very useful, particularly in Australia where all sorts of regulations apply to the sorts of jobs you might be looking for. You have to take an exam just to get a bar job. Basically, you can do everything yourself, sort it all out directly, but it's a lot of hassle and moving to the other side of the world and trying to find a job can be stressful enough as it is.

Visas & Embassies

Most countries operate a 90 day visitor visa which you can get upon entry i.e. fill in a form on the plane or at the border, queue up and hope you're not listed on Interpol. You need to check to see whether this is correct for the countries you are travelling to (gapyear.com. countries for a full list)

Working holiday visas and / or student visas are available in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan. To work in the US you will need 'J1 Visa' which are issued to companies here in the UK. To find out more about any of these and to apply for jobs overseas or the J1 Visa head to gapyear.com/jobs

Important points about Working Holiday Visas

• You can only ever have one Working Holiday Visa in your life. Loads of people take them and then don't end up working for more than a month or so, which is a complete waste. You may go back again and for longer – to work - so don't waste it if you're not going to use it properly!
• If you work without a working holiday visa you are breaking the law. Worth mentioning it as you will be in big trouble (arrested, massive fine etc.), you'll probably be kicked out (deported at your cost) and worst of all, never allowed back in. You'll probably want to come back later - so think about it...

NEW ZEALAND

The good news is that the Kiwis open their arms big, wide and welcoming to those who want to work in New Zealand. Their Working Holiday Scheme allows under-30s to stay in the country for up to 23 months, and work for up to 12 months during that time. The even better news is that there are unlimited places available annually under this scheme if you are a UK citizen. Visas are around £50 online or you can pay a company to do it all for you.

AUSTRALIA

The Australian Working Holiday Visa is available to all UK & Ireland residents under the age of 31. Important that you read up on the eligibility before you apply, which can be found at gapyear.com/jobs/australia, from where you can apply for one yourself for around £75...or you can pay a company to do it all for you.

THAILAND & USA

The visa regulations for both of these countries can be quite complicated and have recently changed. For short visits, you may be allowed to enter for free, but certain conditions apply.

We need plenty of room to simplify the information on these so please head online and have a read if you're thinking about making stops in either country.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/country_packs

CALL OUR SPECIALIST TEAM ON:

0845 3 447 667

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (calls charged at local rates)

gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

The Money Section

Without money, you're not going anywhere right?

Top tip right away...

People talk about earning money for their travels. Earning money is the easy bit. Saving money is the difficult bit. It's very easy to buy a CD here (£15), a T Shirt there (£10), a few beers (£10), a club night (£30+), a magazine (£3.50), take-away (£5), pair of shoes (£30) and that's £100 gone!

£100 will buy you the following:

• 2 weeks in Thailand
• A bungy jump and a raft trip
• Your backpack and sleeping bag

Too many people run out of cash and have to cut their trip short. Too many people on their travels also spend their money on beer, clothes, clubbing and take-away (the stuff they do at home) and forget to spend their money doing things that they may never have the chance to do again (Blue Mountains Tour, seeing 'the rest' of New Zealand, elephant trekking etc.).

Money - your call how you earn it, save it and spend it, but worth bearing in mind what you'll be missing out on if you get it wrong! Some ideas of what things cost to help you plan and budget below... they might be useful.

Rough cost in pounds (£) [This is very rough cost only please, stuck here to give you an idea...]

	Bed / Night	Beer	Main Course
USA	20	1.80	5
Hawaii	15	1.60	5
Fiji	8	1.20	3
Cook Islands	7	1.20	3
New Zealand	10	1.20	4
Australia	10	1.50	5
Indonesia	4	1	2
Singapore	8	1.20	4
Malaysia	6	1	3
Thailand	4	1	2

Other (useful) rough costs

Transport costs

Oz Experience £220 - £1000

Kiwi Experience £250 - £700

Feejee Experience £135 - £195

Greyhound (Oz) Pass £80 - £800

Thailand, 10 hour train trip £20

Adventure Sports

Bungy jump (Oz) £50 - £100

Bungy Jump (NZ) £50 - £100

Raft Australia £40 - £70

Raft NZ £30 - £60

3 day PADI Open Water Scuba course

- Thailand £120

- Australia * £120

recommend the West Coast of Australia on the

Ningaloo Reef - quieter / better than Barrier Reef

YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

1. Get online banking. It will make your life on the road soooo much easier. Make sure you learn how to use it before you go!

2. Make sure you give your parents or a trusted friend 'Power of attorney' for your bank account. This will enable them to sort out any problems for you, which they can't do without this happening. Your bank will give you the forms. Essential you do this...

For loads of other advice, tips and hints on travel and money head to gapyear.com/travel_money

Planning Your Pre-Trip Finances

There's no two ways around it, going around the world is expensive, but most people don't actually realise how much they spend at home. Simply reducing your expenditure at home can help your financial situation drastically; couple these savings with some fundraising and you could be part of the way to funding your trip.

Whether it's giving up smoking, washing the neighbour's cars regularly or just doing some extra hours at your job for the next few months, every little helps. Keeping track of all the little things can be difficult though, that's why we at gapyear.com have created the money planner to help you plan and manages your pre-trip finances.

Fundraising Chart

Money Saving Targets

My Earning Potential

Money for Birthdays and Christmas

Things to Do Before I Go

What I Need to Spend Before I Go

What Things Are Likely to Cost on My Trip

Calendar / Notes / Diary: Two Weeks To Go

As you can see, if you want to save as much as possible there are quite a few things to juggle and quite a bit to think about, so printing off and using the money planner should be of help.

All of these charts are available on gapyear.com, either individually or together as a money planner. Head to gapyear.com/money/money_planner now to print them off...

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/travel_money

The Gap Year Card

A pre-paid MasterCard® with global travel discounts. Join the growing number of travellers around the world who have discovered this great new travel tool. Brought to you by gapyear.com, it is a card designed by backpackers for backpackers.

Take it instead of a debit card, because it's an internationally accepted MasterCard and your money is fraud protected. Take it instead of a credit card, because you don't need a credit check and you can't overspend.

Without money, you're not going anywhere right?

Why buy this?

Not only is it one of the safest ways to carry your money around the world, but you'll save a shed load more than it costs to run, so it pays for itself. Get your folks to buy it for you as a useful leaving present and you're quids in!

• Save 10% on point-to-point tickets and hop on-hop off passes from Greyhound Australia
• Get 15% extra free on Greyhound Australia's Km passes (eg 2300 Km for the price of 2000 Km)
• Save 10% on all Oz Experience passes in Australia
• Save 10% on your trips to Ayers Rock, Kakadu, Fraser Island...
• Save 15% on Magic Bus passes in New Zealand
• Save 10% a night on your hostel accommodation
• Save up to £120 on Imaginative Traveller
• Save up to £100 on Contiki
• The list goes on - visit Europe's best festivals and save 10% every time - Oktoberfest, La Tomatina, Venice, Carnival and the Running of the Bulls etc.

Other benefits

• Get your wages paid onto it
• Top it up online and use it as a travel float (birthday money in... beers out!)
• Can be used at over 24 million locations and over 1 million ATMs worldwide
• If your card is lost or stolen the money on the card is insured and will be replaced

Eligibility

Similar to pre-pay mobiles there are very few people who can't get one of these. There are no credit checks. You simply need an address and photographic identification (i.e. to prove you exist).

Any hidden costs or other fees?

• Card issue fee includes Gap Year cashplus prepaid MasterCard + membership service + discount network for only £9.95
• It costs £4.95 per month to run this card when active (with money on it). That's about 16p per day (you can save this on hostels alone!)
• The first month's charge is included in the start up price, so it will cost you an initial £24.90 to get your card approved and activated

The usual charges apply for using credit / debit cards overseas

• The usual ATM charges apply overseas, except ours is capped at £1.50
• The usual foreign exchange charge of 2.75% of the amount you withdraw

The rest is all FREE:

For all purchase transactions, topping up by cash, topping up by debit card in all UK post office branches, topping up via online banking, checking your balance and recent transactions. You also get FREE downloadable travel planners - we're great!

Savings available with the Gap Year Card

The table below identifies the top 5 products that most backpackers would buy in Australia and New Zealand ALONE during a standard 'round the world trip' and the savings they would make.

Top 5 purchases in Australia & N.Zealand		Price	With card	£ saved
All-Australia bus pass	Greyhound	£1,145	£1,031	£144
New Zealand bus pass	Magic Bus	£388	£330	£58
Alice / Ayers Rock	Contiki	£355	£319	£35
Kakadu/Lichfield Tour	Adventure Tours	£225	£203	£22
Rafting New Zealand	Kaitiaki Adventures	£35	£31.50	£3.50

Other Key Purchases		Price	With card	£ saved
Travel insurance	AMEX (12 months)	£299	£269	£30
Hostels	60 nights	~£650	£585	£65
TOTAL SAVED	(on just 7 items)			£357.50

• Discounts are available on over 1,000 other products worldwide (3,000+ by Jan 08)
• "Top 5 purchases" by example, not company i.e. other companies sell similar products
• Hostels: 60 days only - assume backpackers often stay in hostels not offering discount

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: www.gapyearcard.com

Travel Health

 

Dr Seb is our resident travel health expert on gapyear.com.

 

Our Doc is a travelling and 'travel health' legend. He's been a Doc on the Trans-Siberian, countless cruise ships and in his spare time travels the Globe.

So concerned about the sexual and travel health issues of backpackers he is setting up a website on safe sex (with his own money) and on a voluntary basis works as our Travel Health expert to make sure we give out the right advice.

His advice is always honest, up-to-date and given in simplistic terms. No big words, just what you need to do and why...and which bits might fall off if you don't!

Stuff you need to know

• Plan ahead! Start thinking four months ahead about vaccinations, immunisations and malaria protection. Go to your own doctor or a specialised travel clinic first
• Get a dental check-up in good time in case you need a course of treatment before you go
• Some countries won't let you in without a Yellow Fever vaccination
• You MUST be up-to-date with immunisations for tetanus and polio. If you're going further afield you might also need cholera, hepatitis (A and B), meningitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid.
• Malaria protection is vital in many parts of the tropical world
• Take a medical kit and sterile kit (packed with the extras that you'll need)
• There are reciprocal health arrangements in most of Europe (get an E111 from the Post Office), Australia and New Zealand and some other countries
• Pick up the Department of Health's T5 leaflet, Health Advice for Travellers from doctors' surgeries, libraries, post offices or travel agents. The leaflet includes advice on vaccinations, rabies, malaria, AIDS, types of food and water supplies that may cause problems. Also includes Form E111 for reciprocal health arrangements. Easy to spot -
• You MUST take out travel insurance, even in countries with reciprocal agreements. A minimum £1million cover for is required for 'Medical'. £3m-£5m cover will also be offered.

Health Checks overseas

Most big cities (head for the capital if you can) will be able to provide good medical and dental services. Be prepared to check that all the equipment they use is sterile to ensure that the risk of contracting Hepatitis B or even HIV through a minor procedure are zero. This is why you should have a sterile set and a medical kit in your backpack.

Existing Conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions that require regular medication, ensure that you have sufficient for your entire trip. When travelling it's always a good idea to divide you medication between hand luggage and backpack/suitcase just in case either gets lost or stolen. Some GPs may be a little reticent to prescribe an entire year's worth of medication on the NHS, so be prepared to pay for some of it on a private prescription. It's also a good idea, if you know where you will be for an extended period, to investigate availability of your medication in the area of travel. Always make sure you know both the brand name and the generic name (chemical name) of the drugs you are using - should you need to obtain a supply whilst abroad a local alternative can be more easily traced. Finally try to get your GP to write you a covering letter explaining the nature of your illness and the medications/dosage being used, this may prevent difficulties when travelling through customs and will help in emergencies.

Known Allergies

Be aware of any allergies to drugs that you have encountered in the past and if the allergy is severe such as anaphylaxis due to penicillin - you should consider wearing a necklace or bracelet explaining this fact. Your local pharmacy will be able to put you in contact with one of the many companies that provide these items.

Blood Group

 

Not essential that you know this prior to departure, but may come in handy in an emergency. Your GP should know this, or you could always become a blood donor well in advance of you your first vaccinations, since this option may well be ruled out for some time following the administration of certain vaccines or tropical travel.

Medical kit

A fairly comprehensive medical kit can make life a lot easier when in some of the more remote areas of the globe since it gives you a degree of self-sufficiency as well as peace of mind. It's always advisable to carry your own set of sterile equipment when outside of Western Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand just in case you find yourself in a situation that requires medical intervention. The most common ailments that travellers encounter are caused by accident. Serious accident is covered by insurance but general first aid is essential as well as medications to treat insect bites and travellers diarrhoea - the next two most common problems reported by travellers.

YOUR MEDICAL KIT

The medical kit recommended on Page 19 is a good quality, comprehensive kit. However, there are a few other bits and pieces that you should include in your medical kit that are either useful for essential:

Sachets of re-hydrate, wound closure strips, paracetemol, antibiotic cream, anti-diarrhoea medicine, anti-fungal foot powder, anti-itch/sting cream, motion sickness medication, throat lozenges, vitamins, sharp ended tweezers, pointed scissors, thermometer

* The cheapest way to get all this stuff is to take this list to your local Tesco, Boots or chemist and get all the own-brand stuff e.g. Nurofen = £2+, own brand same stuff = less than 50p

If required:

Medic Alert identification (for allergies to Penicillin, Diabetics etc.) & water purification tablets

Dr. Seb

"Don't do that..It'll drop off!"

By getting your jabs on the NHS we reckon you can save over £100

Jabs, vaccinations and precautions

Your local GP and/or travel clinics will give you more precise, tailor-made advice. What I have outlined below are the rough basics for a bulk standard Round the World trip that most of you are likely to do.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU VISIT YOUR GP FOR A CHECK-UP AND BOOK A VISIT TO YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL CLINIC. Your GP will probably run a travel clinic or will be able to advise you where your nearest one is. As for private travel clinics, there are a few good ones in London and dotted around the country. Look online and you should find one near you.

Jabs, vaccinations etc. - in a nutshell

A lot depends on the activity, length of stay and location e.g. a stop over in Bangkok for 1 night en route to New Zealand carries a very low malaria risk; backpacking in the remote areas near the Burma border for 3 weeks and working as a volunteer in a refugee camp is a different matter. But then if a group of young lads en route to a Mango-picking job in Australia have a one night stop over in Bangkok, visit some local strip joints and fall for the charms of a pretty girl / man then HepB vaccination would be highly recommended!

In general I say 'yes' to Hep B for all destinations as nobody knows what can happen. The same for malaria for all countries that have it. Dengue Fever (from mosquito bites) and Hepatitis C (usually from unprotected sex, infected blood etc.) have no vaccine yet, so take other precautions like using mossie nets and repellents and always have sex using a condom...which can also prevent Chlamydia (which can stop you having children in future). Injections, blood transfusions - ensure you use your Sterile Set and are in the best quality hospital you can get to.

Rabies is in general low risk but recommended for those travelling to remote areas and those who are planning to work with animals, e.g. a stint as a volunteer in an animal sanctuary or game park.

	Malaria	Hep A	Hep B	Rabies	Jap Enceph	Polio	Typhoid	Diphtheria	Tetanus
Fiji	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cook Islands	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
New Zealand	No	Yes	Yes	Depends	No	No	No	No	Yes
Australia	No	Yes	Yes	Depends	No	No	No	No	Yes
Indonesia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Depends	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Singapore	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
Malaysia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Depends	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Thailand	Yes	Yes	Yes	Depends	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes

Rough cost of vaccinations

The main problem I find amongst backpackers is that they get a cheap ticket to Thailand...and then have to pay half of that amount in travel jabs! Many often take the risk leaving them out. Please do not take this risk. The value of your life and health far outweighs the cost of these things. Accept that it is all part of the package and get them done. Below we have laid out roughly what it all costs. The difference you're going to find is whether you go through your local GP or whether you go to a private travel health clinic...

The GP: Some run travel health clinics, some don't. Some nurses are very enthusiastic and good, some are less so and are pressed for time (a few may also envy your travel plans - escaping the cold and the rat-race!). Some GP's can prescribe malaria tablets and Hep A & B on the NHS, so this can be a massive saving. However, the issue of waiting times, the quality of advice you might get etc. does result inmany people considering specialist, private travel health clinics. The private firm will be slightly more expensive, but the advice will be up to date, the waiting times less, the premises smarter and they'll probably be open on a Saturday.

Rough costs (just so you know what to expect)
Malaria tablets	1 month, probably Doxycycline @ £50-£65
Hepatitis A	Dose 1 @ £40+, dose 2 : 1 year later @ £40+ = £80+
Hepatitis B	£25+
Rabies	3 doses @ £35+ = £100+
Japanese Encephalitis	3 doses @ £35+ = £100+
Typhoid	£20+
Polio solo	£20+
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio	£25+
Yellow fever	£35+

Bulk standard RTW trip you are likely to need: Malaria tablets, Hep A and B, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. Rough cost = £175 - £240

How are they given to you?

All are injections into the arm, apart from the malaria tablets which you will need to take daily before, during and after your trip. Important point: loads of people get back from their trip, think they don't have Malaria and so stop taking the tablets. These are the people who tend to become seriously ill from it or even die from it. Vital that you obey the rules...

Does it hurt?

It is similar to a bee sting and your arm may feel a bit numb for a bit afterwards as well. If you don't like needles / jabs / a bit of discomfort then I'd suggest you take someone with you to hold your hand. Make sure you eat plenty of food and drink before you arrive.

Final Travel Tips

These are just a few final thoughts you might like to think about from us 'hippy-types' at gapyear.com. There are shed loads of general travel tips on gapyear.com, written by those who have been there done that. These, however, are what we view as the important ones:

1. The difference between a tourist and an independent traveller is that more of your money, as an independent traveller, goes into the local economy. Tourists stay in International Hotels and do tours organised by International chains where most of the money leaves the country. Where possible then, do your bit and support the local businesses where you visit. Your travel should be good for the places you visit.

2. People diss backpackers and give them a bad reputation as the scum of the earth, drifting from place to place under a drug fuelled haze of drunken behaviour and sexual disease. You are about to find out that this is not the case. Yes, there is a bit around, but try not to do your bit to help this reputation grow. You are an ambassador for your country and those backpackers following you. This may sound like a load of old b*****ks, but by leaving the locals with a high opinion of you and your country they'll welcome more of us back. Screw them over and leave a bad reputation and you blow it for others. Be respectful and respect will come back to you. Enough said.

3. Your trip is going to go faster than you think it is...and so is your money. Most people come back and wish they'd spent more of their money on doing stuff that they will never do again in places that they will never visit again...than on beer, clubbing and buying stuff they don't need (all of which you can do anytime back home). Remember why you are travelling - to see the world. So make sure you plan your trip properly and see the friggin place before you come home!

Yes, we realise that we now sound like our parents and / or travel bores.

All that is left to say is... enjoy your trip (and send us a postcard / email to make us jealous!)

The Team @ gapyear.com

Copyright

The entire Round the World Planner is Copyright © The Gapyear Company Ltd 2005. All rights reserved.

Except for the sole purpose of planning a round the world trip, no part of this planner may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission from The Gapyear Company Ltd. For copyright queries contact us on 0845 344 7666 - Note: This number is not for general enquiries, any advice and information that The Gapyear Company has is held within the website http://www.gapyear.com, if you have a specific question please post them on the messageboards.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to obtain and give accurate and reliable information, The Gapyear Company Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for any error; readers relying on information found in this Round the World Planner do so at their own risk. The views of contributors are not necessarily those of The Gapyear Company Ltd or employees.

Plan Your Gap Year Online...

We've been helping people to plan gap years, around the world trips and backpacking adventures for a decade now, so we know what we're talking about!

We have recently set up a team of specialist advisers who can provide you with a better informed and more personal service than a normal, travel agent would be able to offer. Just give them a call on 0845 3 447 667 to discuss anything from saving money to booking hostels.

Gapyear.com is your ultimate one-stop-shop for all the information, advice, passes, products and placements you need to arrange your trip from the comfort of your own home. Become a site member! It's free!

If you're not already a member, why not sign up up now. As a site member you will have access to

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• Monthly newsletter with great gap year ideas.
• ...and much, much more!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: www.gapyear.com

"Build Your Own" Around the World Trip!

Plan your travels in 3 easy steps...

1. Head onto gapyear.com

• Click on 'Around the world flights"
• Read the advice
• See what others say
• Start to plan

2. Find out more about the region / countries you are planning to visit

gapyear.com 'First Time' Series

We know how difficult it can be to work out how you can get around the countries you're going to, where to stay etc. - so our 'First Time' series covers exactly that.

• How to get around
• Where to stay
• Cool stuff to do

Not reams and reams of endless drivel.

Just the stuff you need!

3. Call or email our team to get it sorted!

Gapyear.com Travel Team at STA Travel

Our team is on hand waiting for you. If you know what you want to do, where you want to go and when they'll help you find the best prices and get it booked.

If you're unsure, nervous, completely stumped and have no idea and desperately need some help - you're similar to thousands of others we have spoken to before - so get in contact.

The gapyear.com team can:

• Find the perfect Round the World ticket that works for you
• Sort our transport like Oz, Kiwi & Feejee Experience and Greyhound
• Even help with travel insurance quotes

Most of them have been backpackers like you, so they know a thing or two about travel!

SAVE MONEY!

1. "MATE'S RATES"

If you are travelling with a partner, friend or a group then you qualify for 'gapyear.com MATE'S RATES' - which is essentially a 'bulk buy discount. It's worth having, as every penny counts right?

Remember to inform the team when you get in contact.

2. "BUY MORE...PAY LESS"

Our Travel Team can sell you most of the things you'll need for your full Around the World package. So if you buy everything in one hit - RTW Ticket, insurance, transport e.g. Oz Experience, visas etc. etc. they can give you a discount.

Simply ask about our multi-buy options.

FOR EXCLUSIVE GAPYEAR.COM TEAM OFFERS & ADVICE CALL 0845 3 447 667

0845 3 447 667

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9AM - 6PM | SATURDAY: 10AM - 4PM

gapyear.com TEAM AT STA TRAVELGAPYEAR.COM@STATRAVEL.CO.UK

CALL OUR SPECIALIST TEAM ON:

0845 3 447 667

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (calls charged at local rates)

gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk