How to stay safe on your gap year

It goes without saying, but safety while you’re off travelling doesn’t start and end with the in-flight safety demonstration on the plane out. And while wrapping yourself in cotton wool isn’t an option (it’d make you look mighty silly for starters), there are several wise moves you can make to reduce the risk of coming unstuck on your adventures.

Before you jet off

Believe it or not, staying safe starts before you set off! As well as cramming more clothes than you’ll ever wear into your near-to-bursting rucksack, here are a few essentials you should make sure are in there too…

Important documents

Take two photocopies of your passport, driving licence, insurance certificate and all other important documents. Keep a separate copy of each document in different bags and give a copy to a relative or friend, along with an itinerary of your trip and emergency contact number.

Insurance

It’s pretty much a no-brainer, but you should always travel with insurance that covers your possessions as well as safe-guarding you for any extreme sports and activities, lest you end up having more of an ‘adventure’ than you bargained for. Make sure you check any potential policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered for everything you’re planning, as many companies don’t insure against volunteering, bungee jumping and other such fun.

Medical

Bite-sized travellers’ first aid kits are readily available and a wise idea. If you’re on the contraceptive pill, take enough supplies and bring condoms if you’re planning to have sex abroad. Don’t forget to have any vaccinations you may need in plenty of time before your trip and, if you’re going to an area affected by malaria, you’ll need to take anti-malarial medicine with you.

Money

Carrying cards is safer than wads of cash and pre-paid cards are safer than debit cards. These are loaded up with currency before you go (and can be ‘topped up’ online while you’re abroad) and are used in just the same way as debit cards. Caxton FX and FairFX are the cheapest to use. It’s a good idea to spread your money across travellers’ cheques, cards and a little cash. Jot down the cheque numbers before you go.

Travel Guide

Invest in a decent guidebook, such as a Lonely Planet guide and then if you get stuck anywhere you’ll always have a reliable recommendation of places to stay/eat.

Embassy

If you’re planning to travel to one particular area, find out where the nearest embassy is and check what services they offer and their opening times before you go. Should the worst happen, this will be your lifeline.

While you’re there

So you’ve made it abroad, but being in new and unfamiliar surroundings means you need to be extra vigilant about looking after yourself and your belongings. Here are some top tips on how to stay safe abroad…

Personal possessions

Invest in a padlock for you suitcase/backpack, keep valuables in a secure storage area wherever possible or keep them out of sight and wear a money belt well-hidden under your clothing.

Eating and drinking

Even if you’ve never been to India, odds on you’ll have experienced the unpleasantness of Delhi belly… Despite popular belief, it is relatively avoidable: start off by checking whether or not it’s safe to drink the local tap water. If not, only drink bottled water and steer clear of drinks with ice in and salads/vegetables/fruit which may have been washed in tap water.

Foreign custom

You’re in a foreign country, so abide by their laws. Try not to stand out too much with outlandish clothes and behaviour. You’re a visitor so you should respect the local culture. Consult a reliable guidebook either while you’re there or before you go to check for big no-nos.

Safety in numbers

Travelling solo is can be an amazing, liberating experience, as long as you’re careful and sensible. Don’t walk out alone in the dark and make sure someone in-country or at home knows your whereabouts. It’s great to make new friends, but be careful not to be too trusting.

Driving abroad

If you fancy kicking up the dust on a trail bike in Cambodia or razzing around on a moped in Thailand, be prepared. Make sure you have a valid driving licence and insurance cover for driving abroad – check whether you need a Green Card for the country you’re travelling to, as this offers cheap insurance. You might need an International Driving Permit too so check before you strap in.

Cover up

The sun and creepy crawlies can be a pain in tropical climates. Wear a high SPF cream to avoid sunburn, and use an insect repellent containing DEET before covering up at dawn and dusk to keep the bugs at bay! If you’re heading to a conservative or Muslim country you’ll also want to cover up out of respect, as well as to avoid sunburn and bites.

Want some extra tips?

Find out more travel advice relevant to you from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Get more advice about health and safety while abroad.