Tips on staying safe on your gap year

· Being as well prepared as possible is the best way to stay safe on your gap year.  Take out travel insurance which covers all the countries you plan to visit and all the activities you are going to participate in.   Also remember to check any visas and vaccinations you need are up to date. 

 · Plan a rough route, using a reputable guidebook and check the foreign office website to ensure you are aware of trouble spots.

  · Keep a copy of your passport, travellers’ cheques and insurance details at home.  From this August, STA Travel will be launching a secure online vault.  For just £25 you can scan and store all the important documents and itineraries for your trip and keep an inventory of your belongings and valuables in case of theft.  There’s no need to carry photocopies as you can access these at any time via http://www.statravel.co.uk 

· Often after a long flight, arriving in a foreign country can be daunting and a bit disorienting.  To make sure you’re not overwhelmed, book a few nights accommodation before you leave home and make sure you have some local currency on you.

  · Unfortunately, you can become a victim of crime where ever you are, but there are ways you can try and avoid it.  Be extra vigilant in busy streets or crowded bar areas where you could be pick pocketed or have your bag snatched.  Make sure you keep an eye on your bags on buses or trains and keep valuables on your person.

· Avoid unfolding a map at night this can make you look lost and vulnerable.  Phone home regularly or set up a blog on www.statravel.co.uk/blogs  so family and friends know that you’re OK. 

· Carry your money in a variety of ways – cash, travellers’ cheques and a credit card so that you can access your money worldwide and won’t be caught short if you run out of cash.  Get a STA Travel cashcard which allows you to hold up to £5,000 in a secure on-line ‘eccount’.  You can then move your money safely onto your card by text, via the internet or by telephone.  For carrying money, take a wallet for loose change and day to day spending and a secure money belt to be worn under clothing for your valuable documents and money. 

 · Wear clothes that blend in with the locals and be aware of and abide by any standards of religious dress that are expected.   · Learn some key phrases of the local language and appear as confident as you can.

More Information

STA Travel has over 25 years experience in student, budget and independent travel.  They offer a unique range of flights, accommodation, adventures and expeditions in 90 countries.  They send over 6 million passengers away each year and now have over 400 branches worldwide.  They have just been voted a UK CoolBrand 2006 for innovation, style and desirability.

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