Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's also possible that you can get your child into a local school for some of the time they
are away, or you can organise some basic study for them with the help of their school while
you are travelling.
The official view from the Department for Education is that, ultimately, it is down to the
parents, but that they should talk it through with their child's school or local authority.
It is crucial that it's cleared with your child's school and headteacher, who has to authorise
it, if you don't want to face court action by the local authority and a possible hefty fine for
taking a child out of school during term time. But parents who have done it, even with very
small children, say that it has been a very worthwhile experience and brought them closer
to their kids. A few gap organisations are now providing family gap volunteer placements.
Safety precautions
You will find a great deal of advice on all aspects of planning your gap in
Chapter 1 - Tips
for travellers
, as well as in-country advice and what to expect when you get back. Tips for
travellers is relevant to all travellers, whatever their age. We also cover the importance of
getting the right kind of travel insurance and the questions you need answered in
Chapter
2 - Finance
.
But there are some other issues that perhaps might be more important for older travellers to
consider. You almost certainly have more in the way of assets than someone straight from
school or university - things like a house, insurance and pension schemes; valuable per-
sonal property.
In the unlikely event of something going wrong, it makes sense to ensure your affairs are
in order and to have someone you trust authorised to take care of your affairs until you can
do so for yourself. It will make things that much easier for those back home, who may be
coping with the trauma of a loved one in hospital overseas, if they have some idea of how
you want your affairs to be handled.
You should consider two things - making a will and possibly appointing someone with leg-
al power of attorney.
Making a will
Points to remember when making a will:
•
It doesn't have to be expensive.
•
It can be amended later if your circumstances change.
•
You can make it clear what you want to happen to your property.
•
It prevents family squabbles.
