Is my gap year destination safe?

You should always check out what the FCO advice is on your chosen destination. You can register on their website for email updates. It’s important not to travel against their advice as this may invalidate your travel insurance policy. Some countries are obviously safer to travel to than others. Which country you choose will depend on how you feel about exposing yourself to adventure. If we only ever travelled to where our Mum’s were happy with us going, we wouldn’t venture very far! You will be surprised at how relaxed you can find it travelling in counties that may be considered as scary places to visit while ensconced on a cosy sofa at home. Trekking in Nepal in the Himalaya you will most likely meet armed rebels who will ‘tax’ you for being in their country. But this is all very organised and controlled, and you will be handed a receipt to prove your payment in case you come across another gang. Don’t let this put you off getting your first sighting of Everest. However, this situation could easily worsen, so make sure you get up to date advice from the FCO right before you travel.

Wherever you go, make sure you have a good travel insurance policy that covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake. We can't stress the importance of having travel insurance enough - you'd be crazy not to take it out.

By following a few sensible and streetwise rules you can greatly increase your chances of an incident free trip. When you’re out of your familiar home environment, you become an easier target for fraudsters. You’re forced to approach people for help/information, and it’s often difficult to tell if you’re being “had” or not. But don’t let this dampen your travel spirit. Be brave, whilst being watchful, and you could meet some amazing people and have some amazing experiences that you would never come across if you stick to the well beaten track due to fear of the unknown.

Don’t forget, the penalties for drugs and crimes may be much more severe than in your home country. You wouldn’t want to ruin your fabulous trip of a lifetime and end up in the ‘Bangkok Hilton’ for the sake of a joint – so be careful! Be extremely aware when you are travelling across borders – don’t let your backpack out of your sight if you can, and consider investing in a Pacsafe (lockable wire mesh covering) for your rucksack to stop people planting drugs on you.

Don’t be overcome by the urge to be too wild and carefree to make the most of your freedom during your travels. If you wouldn’t do it in your home country, then you shouldn’t do it while you’re away.