Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“
Australia
and
New Zealand
remain popular despite higher cost of living. Both countries
are ideal staging post to stop off for a few weeks or months, get a job and then move north
to Indochina. The higher living costs are somewhat offset by higher earnings but many
people will work in return for accommodation and food, on farms for instance and they
can also get assistance through operators to find work whilst they are there. Needless to
say the natural environment of these countries is a draw and if you are looking to train in
something technical like sailing then they are hard to beat.
“
Nepal
and
India
- both are gaining in popularity as discerning British and international
students and graduates seek to learn more about the culture and customs of an important
and rapidly developing country like India which offers a wide range of voluntary work
placements and an increasing number of internship opportunities. Nepal remains both mys-
tic and friendly
“
Costa Rica's
popularity again stems from the wide variety of activities available, compar-
ative ease of access and its geographic position that enables gap year travellers to go on to
South America or the States. Costa Rica has a vibrant culture, good infrastructure (helped
by the fact that it has no army and so spends more on public services) and fantastic wildlife
accessible through National Parks.”
That gives you an idea of where others have gone. So where do you fancy?
If you want to visit several places you can let a cheap round-the-world ticket decide the
framework for you. Otherwise you need to get your route clear in your mind.
Do you feel attracted to a particular area or to a particular climate? Unexplored territory or
the popular backpacker places you've heard about? If you're unsure, try connecting with
people who've been, through the many gap-year internet messageboards.
Heading for unknown territory off the backpacker routes in search of something more un-
usual will usually mean higher costs, perhaps a longer wait for visas and less efficient trans-
port systems - therefore more preparation and travelling time. A bit of netsurfing, a check
with any contacts who know a country and a chat with a travel agent will help you get a
better idea of what this might mean.
Then there's the risk factor. Obviously family and friends will want you to avoid danger
zones. The political situation in some places around the world is serious, unstable and can't
be ignored.
You want your gap travels to be stimulating, fun, to let you experience different cultures
and meet new people, but do you really want to end up in the middle of a war zone with
your life in danger? Foreign news correspondents and war reporters with large back-up or-
ganisations prepare properly, with proper insurance and safety and survival courses - and
it makes sense for gappers too!
