If you’re preparing for a gap year, there are some important preparatory steps which need to be followed to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable time. Even if you’re just considering whether taking a gap year is right for you, it’s good to think about some of these practical steps which will need to be followed at some point.

Health and security information

Getting up-to-date health and security advice is an essential element of preparing for a gap year. This means informing yourself about necessary vaccinations and travel risks for the country you’re planning to visit. You can find this information from the Foreign Commonwealth Office website. Choose the country you want to visit and check what’s required of you. You’ll then need to make an appointment with your doctor to get the necessary vaccinations. Don’t leave this until the last minute, as some countries will require you to have these at least a month, if not more, before you travel. And while we’re on the subject of health and security, let’s also not forget that an essential thing to do when preparing for a gap year is to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers all the risks associated with travelling overseas.

Destination information

When you’re preparing for a gap year, you should also look into some good guide books about the places you’re going to visit. You don’t have to buy all of them, but having at least one will give you an idea of places to visit, places to stay and eat and information about how to navigate your way around. More and more guide books are now available in e-book format, making it easier to take a selection without needing to lug them around. If you decide not to go down this route, at least print out some maps, hostel reservation and travel information before you go. Phone and Internet service may not be reliable once you get on your way, so make sure you have this information in hardcopy.

The right equipment

While some people would debate whether the Duke of Edinburgh award really does turn you into a good leader, one thing is for certain: it makes you realise the importance of a good pair of shoes and rucksack! So invest in some good-quality travel equipment, such as a comfortable bag, a waterproof and most importantly comfortable, appropriate footwear. Remember that comfort is more important than style, as you’ll be wearing this stuff a lot. When you’re packing, think about items that can be layered, allowing you to be prepared for a whole range of weather conditions.

Visa requirements

Think about visa requirements well in advance when preparing for a gap year. To find out about requirements, go to website of the foreign country’s embassy or high commission in your country. Applying for visas can be confusing, and processing times vary, so think about this well in advance of your travels. There are also companies who will organise all of this for you, but it will cost you. Consider whether you’d rather pay extra to save yourself the headache or save that money for your travels.

While your travels will likely take some unexpected turns and it’s great to be flexible, these are a few things which really are necessary to do in preparing for a gap year.