If you intend to take a gap year abroad, either to work, learn, or just to travel, make sure to plan your journey and your stay down to the last detail.

Where to go and when

First, sit down and have a proper think about the top ten or so places you would like to go. Then narrow it down according to what your budget allows (see The cost of a gap year abroad). Once you have an idea of places, have a look at brochures, guide books and the Internet (Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are excellent sources of information), and then think about when the best time to go is.

You will find that flights vary enormously over the year, with September and January/February being the optimal times to fly out for six-month slots. Prices rocket before and after Christmas, so December and early January are inadvisable.

If you are already working and considering taking a year out, you have the advantage that you can plan a year or two ahead and save a chunk of money away each month. If you are not fortunate enough to have a salary yet, read more about funding your gap year.

Travel agents and travel shows

Once you’ve set a vague itinerary of where you want to go when, it’s time to get down to the travel agent and fine tune the details before you book. However, if you’re looking for more ideas, you could first go to a ’travel show’.

Travel shows are events that take place across the country (though mostly in London), and are there to give you more information about various destinations and opportunities overseas. Browse the stands and pick up the brochures and free promotional goodies, and maybe even win yourself a trip abroad in a competition! www.gapadvice.org keeps a calendar of travel shows.

Foreign Office advice

Before you go, you must also address the issue of safety and, if relevant, visas and work permits. To find out more about the region you are visiting, and to seek advice about where is best to go and where to avoid, contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Last-minute checklist

Hopefully, by the last month, most of the details of your trip will be planned. All you will need to do is chuck things into a bag, right? Not necessarily – check our list to be sure of no nasty surprises on your journey.

• Is your bank card/credit card valid for your trip duration plus six months?
• Have you made a list of useful contacts?
• Have you organised any medical prescriptions you may need to take with you?
• Have you taken care of all your regular responsibilities?
• Do you have a plain paper hardback book to keep a diary in?
• Have you confirmed your transport to the airport?
• Have you packed all clothing, equipment and important documents?
• Have you adjusted your backpack to fit comfortably?
• Do you have the correct items in your hand luggage?
• Will you be dressed correctly for your arrival?
• Do you know the time difference at your destination?
• Do you have your passport?
• Do you have your tickets?
• Do you know where your valuables are?
• Do you know where all your important documents are?
• Do you have enough foreign cash for when you land or take a stop over?

Finally, remember to check exactly when you need to be in the UK for job applications and interviews. It is important to be available at the relevant times for recruitment into your chosen career; it is not worth sacrificing your ideal job for the sake of a few more weeks abroad!

Find out more

• The cost of a gap year abroad
• Funding your gap year abroad