gap year guide final

8/2/2019 Gap Year Guide FINAL

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T h e E s s e n t i a l G a p

Y e a r G u i d e 2 0 1 2


2/18

Contents ThGap Y

1. Cont nt

2. int o ct on3. W t G Y ?4. how do i G t st t ?5. ro n -t -Wo F g t6. M t-s F t v fo 2012 G Y8. To F v ho t fo 2012 G Y10. To T n p c Yo Wont W nt

to M on Yo G Y !

13. M k ng t Co nt:Vo nt ng n C ty Wo k

15. an F n y:T u t m t p ck ng l t

17. Cont ct u

Wo k ng w t

W com toT e ntG Y G 2012


3/18

The world at your feet... ThGap Y

int o c ng T e nt G Y G 201This is your guide to having the best gap year possible, put together by travellerslike yourselves and using the best tips rom Gap Daemon members around theworld. You will nd:

Travel guides (written by backpackers) that answer the questions you needanswering (is the water sa e to drink in Laos? How ar can I push the law in Ghana?).

Travel advice that covers everything rom how to avoid Delhi Belly to getting over homesickness .

Volunteer, work and study abroad in ormation or the productive/brokeamong us...

Your Zone , the social network bit, which lets members share photos, track their tripon a map, message mates back home, keep a digital journal and more. To getaccess to it, youll need to create a Gap Daemon account .

A Travel Shop , to buy stu like backpacks, head-torches and plug adaptors. Get in.

Theres loads more in the pipeline and were really happy to have tons o traveller stories on the site already; proo that you lot love to share. Possibly a bit too much .Anyway, we hope youll nd this gap year guide use ul, and to each and every one oyou who go travelling in 2012: have a blast!

Nadia, Gap Daemons Editor.
http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguideshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/keeping-healthy/how-avoid-delhi-belly-curse-travellers-diarrhoeahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/how-deal-homesickness-your-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/how-deal-homesickness-your-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/how-deal-homesickness-your-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteerhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/where-i-amhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/gapper/my-profilehttp://my.gapdaemon.com/gapper/my-profilehttp://my.gapdaemon.com/shophttp://my.gapdaemon.com/shophttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journalshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journalshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/uncletravellingmatt/travelling-checklist-4-the-crapper/212http://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/uncletravellingmatt/travelling-checklist-4-the-crapper/212http://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/uncletravellingmatt/travelling-checklist-4-the-crapper/212http://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/uncletravellingmatt/travelling-checklist-4-the-crapper/212http://my.gapdaemon.com/journalshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journalshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/shophttp://my.gapdaemon.com/gapper/my-profilehttp://my.gapdaemon.com/where-i-amhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteerhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/how-deal-homesickness-your-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/how-deal-homesickness-your-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/keeping-healthy/how-avoid-delhi-belly-curse-travellers-diarrhoeahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides


4/18

Sun, sea, sand and...

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ThGap Y

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W t T h G Y , anyw y?A gap year is a break o (usually) three to twelve months when normal, everyday

olk decide to see a bit o the world be ore they settle down to study, have a amilyor concentrate on their career. Taking time to travel will let you chill out a ter years o cramming (or manning thephotocopier) and will open your eyes to places and people you hardly knew

existed. Gap years can be really productive; you can choose to volunteer , work abroad or even study in a oreign university .
http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/what-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-disabled-disadvantaged-childrens-charity-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/workhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/workhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/study/study-abroad-university-courseshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/study/study-abroad-university-courseshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/study/study-abroad-university-courseshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/workhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/workhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-disabled-disadvantaged-childrens-charity-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/what-gap-year


5/18

ThGap Y

Sound Great?Planning a gap year isnt rocket science, but it does take some organisational skills (or youcan take a lea out o our member Lornas book and get a mate to do it or you ).

Heres our step-by-step guide to planning a gap year :

1. MAKE A LIST:o all the places you want to visit. Then get a map and think about aroute you might want to take. Most people decide to book a RTW ight , whichallows you to visit a certain amount o places or a xed price.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH: January is a great time to visit Thailand, but not so good ornorthern Europe unless you like reezing rain and post-Christmas blues. Make sure youknow the best time o year to visit your destinations and choose your start date (and

pack your backpack ) accordingly.3. BUDGET:once youve decided on a route, youll need to work out how much

everything will cost . Include fights, ood, accommodation and extras like trekkingMachu Picchu . Then set yoursel a savings goal and start saving !

4. SERIOUS STUFF: travel insurance , visas and vaccinations : hardly the stu gapyear dreams are made o . Still, they are important, so make sure you have properinsurance, apply or the visas you need and book an appointment with your doctorto make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

5. TO GROUP OR NOT TO GROUP:some people love to travel with their mates (it makes

the planning stage A LOT easier), some want to travel solo. Its up to you, but its atthis point o planning your gap year that you should read our guide to choosing the right travel mate .

how to G t st t
http://my.gapdaemon.com/Lornawshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/Lornawshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/lornaws/planning-my-travels/256http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/ultimate-guide-planning-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/ultimate-guide-planning-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/travel-kit/how-pack-backpackhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/gap-year-budgethttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/gap-year-budgethttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/gap-year-budgethttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/how-save-money-gap-year-every-dayhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-travel-insurancehttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginners-guide-visa-applicationshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginners-guide-visa-applicationshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/keeping-healthy/before-you-go-vaccinations-and-first-aid-kithttp://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/chooing-the-right-travel-mate/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/chooing-the-right-travel-mate/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/chooing-the-right-travel-mate/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/chooing-the-right-travel-mate/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/chooing-the-right-travel-mate/http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/keeping-healthy/before-you-go-vaccinations-and-first-aid-kithttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginners-guide-visa-applicationshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-travel-insurancehttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/how-save-money-gap-year-every-dayhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/gap-year-budgethttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/money-and-finance/gap-year-budgethttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/travel-kit/how-pack-backpackhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/ultimate-guide-planning-gap-yearhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/lornaws/planning-my-travels/256http://my.gapdaemon.com/Lornaws


6/18

...Up, up and away! ThGap Ye

round-the-Wo ld FlightsThere are all kinds o gap year, but the most common is a trip that covers Asia,Australasia and the Americas. Most backpackers buy a round-the-world (RTW) fight , which allows or a certain number o stops or a set price and travels youguessed it around the world.

First o all, youll need to decide where you want to go. You can either travel

clockwise or anti-clockwise (stopping o in the USAand Paci c Islands rst, or jump in at the deep end and head to south east Asia rst).

The more stops you make, the more expensive the ticket. The cheapest startrom just under 1000, but you can very easily spend 2500, so keep an eye on

your budget.

Top Tip: Weve partnered with STA Travel, the worlds largest student travelcompany, so book a RTW fight rom them and get 50 o !
http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/north-america/usahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/stuff-you-should-know-backpacking-through-south-east-asiahttp://www.statravel.co.uk/http://www.statravel.co.uk/http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/stuff-you-should-know-backpacking-through-south-east-asiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/north-america/usahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flights


7/18

Dont miss! (part 1)

Best in January: Voodoo Festival ,

Benin (10th) Jaipur Kite Festival ,

India (14th) Storm Festival, Karnataka,

India (20th-21st) Buskers Festival ,

Christchurch, NewZealand (20th-30th)

Chinese New Year (23rd)

Best in April: Semana Santa , Seville,

Spain (Easter Sunday: 8th) Kanamara Matsuri (Iron

Penis Festival) , Japan (1st) Songkran , Thailand

(13th -15th) Coachella ,

USA (13th-15th) Queens Day ,

Amsterdam (30th)

Best in February: Khajuraho Dance Festival ,

India (1st-7th) Sapporo Snow Festival ,

Japan (6th-12th) Singapore Fringe Festival ,

Singapore (15th-26th) Rio Carnival , Brazil

(18th-21st) Goa Carnival ,

India (18th-21st)

Best in May: Buddhas Birthday

celebrations , HongKong (10th)

Singapore Arts Festival ,Singapore (18th)

Bay to Breakers , SanFrancisco USA (19th)

Movement Festival ,Detroit, USA (28th- 30th)

Aalborg Carnival ,Denmark, (28th)

Best in March: 1,000 Camel Festival,

Desert, Mongolia (2th- Holi Festival , through

India (8th) Las Fallas de Valencia

Spain (15th-19th) St Patricks Day ,

Ireland (17th) SXSW, Texas, USA

Best in June: Glastonbudget, U Amsterdam Roots Fes

Netherlands (5th 8th Sonar , Spain (16th Wimbledon , UK (2

June-8th July) Euro 2012 ( ootball)

Poland & Ukraine(8th June-1st July)

M t-s F t v fo 2012 G Y

I youre going travelling in 2012, there are some amazingestivals to check out around the world. Heres our pick o

the best


8/18

Dont miss! (part 2)

M t-s F t v fo 2012 G Y

Take a look at our ull list o estivals to check out in 2012 .All festival details are correct at the time of publication.

Best in July: Roskilde , Denmark

(5th-8th) Benicassim , Spain

(12-15th) Boryeong Mud Festival ,

South Korea (15th 21st) Exit, Serbia (12th - 15th) London Olympic Games ,

UK (27thJuly-12th August)

Best in October: Vegetarian estival, Phuket ,

Thailand (5th) Lake o Stars , Malawi Melbourne International

Arts Festival , Australia(6th-22nd)

Halloween at The WitchHouse , Salem, USA (31st)

Day o the Dead ,Mexico City, Mexico(31st Oct 2nd Nov)

Best in August: Kandy Esala Perahera ,

Sri Lanka Flow Festival , Finland

(12th-14th) Sziget Festival ,

Hungary (6th-13th) Stop Making Sense Festival ,

Croatia (12th 14th) La Tomatina , Spain (29th)

Best in November: Gay Pride , Buenos

Aires (4-10) Bonfre Night , UK (5th) Thanksgiving Parade ,

Manhattan, USA (26th) Monkey Bu et Festival ,

Lopburi, Thailand (25th) ClauWau , Samnaun,

Switzerland (25th-26th)

Best in September: Burning Man estival

Nevada, USA (1st) Highland Games ,

(various locations, 1s Aloha Festival ,

Hawaii (17th-22nd) Mooncake Festival

Singapore (30th) Oktober est , Germ

(22nd Sep -7th Oct)

Best in December: Hornbill Festival ,

Nagaland, India (1-5th Festival o Light ,

Lyon, France (8th) Fiesta de Santo Toma

Guatemala (13-21st) Christmas Day BBQ o

Bondi Beach , Austr Hogmanay , Scotla
http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/must-see-festivals-around-world-2012http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/must-see-festivals-around-world-2012


9/18

Where to stay!

ThGap Y

1) Casa Zaza, Itacare, BrazilIts got incredibly beauti ul beaches nearby (andothers that require a 45-minute jungle walk to reach),its surrounded by low-key Caparihna stalls and thelocals are riendly and laid-back. The quirky two-streettown is populated mainly by sur ers, and CasaZazas Dutch hosts are brilliant. Matt

Book a bunk at Casa Zaza ( rom 17 per night)or check out our travel guide to Brazil .

2) Poets Corner Hostel, Olomouc, Czech RepublicThis hostel made Olomouc the highlight o my easternEuropean trip. Amazing sta who are really interested inthe city and its history (they provided ree walking tours,which ended at a avourite ca e or a slice o chocolatepie, yum!), it elt just like home and it was small enoughthat we could all cook or each other. NadiaBook a bunk at Poets Corner Hostel ( rom 9.40 per night)or check out our travel guide to the Czech Republic.

To F v ho tfo 2012 G YA great hostel can make your trip, just like a bad one(think bed bugs, soiled mattresses and toilets that haventseen disin ectant since 1984) will give you nightmares oryears to come.

We asked the Gap Daemon community to recommend their avourite hostels and what a great bunch theypicked. i youre heading to any o these destinations, besure to book a bunk!
http://my.gapdaemon.com/uncletravellingmatthttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=17330http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/brazilhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/brazilhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/Nadiahttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=4449http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/czech-republichttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/czech-republichttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/?SubID=falsehttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/best-hostels-world-visit-2012http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/best-hostels-world-visit-2012http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/best-hostels-world-visit-2012http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/experience/best-hostels-world-visit-2012http://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/?SubID=falsehttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/czech-republichttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=4449http://my.gapdaemon.com/Nadiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/brazilhttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=17330http://my.gapdaemon.com/uncletravellingmatt


10/18

Where to stay!

ThGap Y

4) Varas, Muri Beach, Cook IslandsOne o the most idyllic places Ive ever visited. Fromthe hostel, you can ollow a small track to a clearlagoon. Swim across that and you get to a small,uninhabited island. Plus everyone is really riendlyand hangs out all the time. Absolute paradise. LiviBook a bunk in Varas (price rom 12.40 per night)or check out our travel guide to the Cook Islands .

5) NapPark, Bangkok, Thailand,This hostel is every fashpackers dream come true.There are com y cushions in the living room, stylish dcorand Thai artwork in the ca gallery. The per ect place torelax or a ew days without breaking the bank. SheathaBook a bunk in NapPark ( rom 8.20 per night) or checkout our travel guide to Thailand.

3) Cool Runnings, Senga Bay, MalawiThe laid back vibe is what makes Cool Runnings a greatplace to stay. I spent most o my time there eating reshsea ood and chilling by the lake. 45% o pro ts rom thehostel go towards helping the community, everything romhealthcare to supporting the local ootball teams. KatieBook a bunk in Cool Runnings ( rom 6.45 per night)or check out our travel guide to Malawi .
http://my.gapdaemon.com/jinlinghttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=13736http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/cook-islandshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/cook-islandshttp://my.gapdaemon.com/Sheathahttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=41153http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/thailandhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/katiehttp://www.explore-malawi.com/Cool_Runnings/accm_locationhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/africa/malawihttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/africa/malawihttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/africa/malawihttp://www.explore-malawi.com/Cool_Runnings/accm_locationhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/katiehttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/thailandhttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=41153http://my.gapdaemon.com/Sheathahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/cook-islandshttp://reservations.bookhostels.com/gapdaemon.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=13736http://my.gapdaemon.com/jinling


11/18

Where to go!

ThGap Y

1) Sydney,AustraliaTheres a reason whyloads o backpackersswing by Sydney at somepoint during their trip. Fromthe iconic Opera House toHarbour Bridge, Australiasuno cial capital has a lotto o er. Try your hand atsur ng, down a ew beerson the beach or chowdown on delicious sushi.

Check out ourtravel guide to Sydney .

2) Bangkok,ThailandFloating markets, beauti ultemples and amazingstreet ood have longdrawn budget travellersto Thailands capital, the

rst stop on many a gapyear. Chat with riendlylocals, wander downthe amous Khao SanRoad and i you ancya spot o pingpong head to Patpong. Justdont expect to play.

Check out our

travel guide to Bangkok .

To T n p cYo Wont W nt to Mon Yo G Y !Every gap year is di erent, but there are someplaces we reckon every traveller should try andvisit at least once. Heres our pick o the best gap

year destinations; most are easy to get to (i.e.they are included on typical RTW fight routes).
http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/australia/sydney-and-new-south-waleshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/australia/sydney-and-new-south-waleshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/thailand/bangkokhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/thailand/bangkokhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/personal-stuff/beginner-guide-round-world-flightshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/thailand/bangkokhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/oceania/australia/sydney-and-new-south-wales


12/18

Where to go!

ThGap Y

5) Buenos Aires,ArgentinaTango halls, steaksbigger than a daypackand brightly-colouredbuildings, Buenos Aires is abig hit with backpackers.The Paris o LatinAmerica has it all: art,culture, history and - mostimportantly its the 24-hour party capital o theSouthern Hemisphere.

Check out ourtravel guide toBuenos Aires.

3) Siem Reap,CambodiaCambodia is not short oimpressive temples butAngkor Wat, just outsideSiem Reap, is in a leagueo its own. Siem Reapitsel is a massive partydestination: stroll downthe (aptly named) PubStreet a ter the sun goesdown and youll seethe town come alive.

Check out ourtravel guide to SiemReap and Angkor Wat .

6) Kerala,IndiaWith tropical waters, longstretches o white-sandbeaches and a laid-backvibe, Kerala is a greatplace to chill out a terthe hustle and bustle oIndias cities. For the moreadventurous, go Bengaltiger-spotting, take a rideon an elephant or tuckinto some eye-wateringlyspicy street ood.

Check out ourtravel guide to South India.

4) Machu Picchu,PeruFor lots o backpackers,a visit to the lost Inca cityo Machu Picchu is at thetop o their bucket list. Toget a proper experience,book one o the 3-5 daytreks in advance; youllarrive at the ruins atsunrise and its well worththe e ort. The party towno Cuzco is right on thedoorstep, so youll beable to recharge yourbatteries and i youdare try cuy (guineapig), a local delicacy.

Check out our travel guideto travel guide to Cuzcoand Machu Picchu.
http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/argentina/buenos-aireshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/argentina/buenos-aireshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/cambodia/siem-reap-and-angkor-wathttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/cambodia/siem-reap-and-angkor-wathttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/cambodia/siem-reap-and-angkor-wathttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/india/south-indiahttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/will/my-travel-bucket-list/205http://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/will/my-travel-bucket-list/205http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/peru/cuzco-and-machu-picchuhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/journals/will/my-travel-bucket-list/205http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/india/south-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/cambodia/siem-reap-and-angkor-wathttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/cambodia/siem-reap-and-angkor-wathttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/argentina/buenos-aireshttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires


13/18

Where to go!

ThGap Y

9) Amsterdam,HollandRenowned or its co eeshops, red light districtand crazy nightli e,Amsterdam remains

rmly on the Europeanbackpacking circuit.But its not all vice; thereare plenty o galleries,museums and exhibitionsto entertain even the mostcultured o travellers and

or the style-consciousthe vintage shoppinghere is second to none.

Check out ourtravel guide toAmsterdam.

7) Marrakech,MoroccoWithin easy reach oEurope, Marrakech is not tobe missed. At the heart othe Old Town, the Djemaael-Fna square, youll ndsnake charmers, dancingmonkeys, a labyrinth osouks and open-air oodstalls, while the new cityboasts trendy clubs andsleek restaurants. Take ouradvice and book a riad(traditional guesthouse,they vary in price but manyare as cheap as a hostel)in the medina to really getunder the skin o the place.

Check out ourtravel guide to Marrakech .

10) Los Angeles,USALos Angeles, Cali orniasCity o Angels, needs nointroduction. From the bigHollywood sign (everyoneneeds a photo in ronto it, right?) to Malibubeaches, plus a wholelot o ancy shoppingstreets, the USAs largestcity is pretty unique. Toavoid the crowds, headto the Santa Monicamountains or wind yourway along the ruggedPaci c coastline.

Check out ourtravel guide to Cali ornia.

8) Yangshuo,ChinaThe small laid-back towno Yangshuo is a welcomebreak rom big-city China.Truly a backpackerhaven, you can foatdown the Li River, explorenight markets, wile awaythe day in a street-sideca e and explore thenearby Karst hills.

Check out ourtravel guide to China.
http://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/netherlands/amsterdamhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/netherlands/amsterdamhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/africa/morocco/marrakechhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/north-america/usa/californiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/chinahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/asia/chinahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/north-america/usa/californiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/africa/morocco/marrakechhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/netherlands/amsterdamhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/travelguides/europe/netherlands/amsterdam


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Making it count!

ThGap Y

Vo nt ng n C ty Wo kVolunteering is getting seriously popular with gap year travellers, or good reason.Done properly, itll give you memories that last a li etime (loads o volunteers saythat it was one o the best things they ever did), itll look great on your CV andyoull be a real help to poor communities around the world.

Most volunteer projects are booked through a company (or charity, like Lattitude )and cost money. This covers things like your fights, ood and accommodation butalways check, as these things can vary.

It is also important to check how much o your money goes back into thecommunity and how much o an impact youll actually have. There are lots onegative stories fying about, so be sure to get clued up on the stu you need to know be ore volunteering overseas.
http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteerhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/what-are-long-term-benefits-volunteering-gap-yearhttp://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/interview-with-lattitude-global-volunteering-real-volunteering/http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/things-you-should-know-volunteering-overseashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/things-you-should-know-volunteering-overseashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/things-you-should-know-volunteering-overseashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/things-you-should-know-volunteering-overseashttp://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/interview-with-lattitude-global-volunteering-real-volunteering/http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/what-are-long-term-benefits-volunteering-gap-yearhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer


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Making it count!

ThGap Y

W t Co Yo do o Yo G Y ?Here are some stories that weve collected rom other travellers whove volunteered on their gap years.

Working invillage schools inLadakh, IndiaAlex Ulyet went trekking inthe Himalayas during hisuni summer holiday, andstopped o at a remotevillage school or a ewweeks to volunteer.

Building housesin Peru with PiscoSin FronterasLorna Diggle spent amonth in Pisco, Peruhelping victims othe 2007 earthquakerebuild the houses thatwere destroyed.

Volunteeringwith Orangutansin BorneoWere jealous o thisone: Laura Gri th-Jonesvolunteered at the SepilokOrangutan RehabilitationCentre in Borneo.

Volunteeringat ChristinaNoble ChildrensFoundation,VietnamWorking in an orphanagis demanding (butrewarding work), as SarWarwick ound out durher time in HCMC.

Sports Coachingin South A ricaNeil Barnes coached

ootball, netball and aew made-up-on-the-

spot games at localsport centres in PortElizabeth, South A rica.
http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-day-life-volunteer-sports-coachhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-day-life-volunteer-sports-coachhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-day-life-volunteer-sports-coachhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-day-life-volunteer-sports-coachhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-christina-noble-childrens-foundation-hcmchttp://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://blog.gapdaemon.com/blogs/volunteering-with-orangutans-in-borneo/http://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-peru-pisco-sin-fronterashttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-indiahttp://www.gapdaemon.com/work-study-volunteer/volunteer/case-study-volunteering-village-school-ladakh-india


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And finally...

Essentials: Your passport (check its validity: most

countries will only allow you to enter witha minimum six months validity), visas andphotocopies o your important documents

I applicable youll need an international

driving license and student ID Pants and socks (at least our pairs o each) Sturdy walking sandals (boots i youre planning

on doing any hiking or jungle trekking) A frst aid kit (fnd out what to pack in a frst aid kit ) A wind-up torch and toilet roll I you wear glasses take a copy o your

prescription, plus spare contacts and contactsolution (the latter is one o those things thatsnot easy to purchase outside o big cities)

Contraceptives should be included too,as should tampons i applicable

The Ultimate Packing ListWere going to concentrate on the essentials here; iyoure anything like our member Punam , youre going todisregard the rules and pack an extra pair o straighteners anyway, so well leave the pack light, travel happylecture or another time.

A word on your backpackBigger is not always best; it just means youll packmore stu . Aim to choose a backpack that willallow you to carry an additional 20-30 poundso kit, plus a ew souvenirs along the way.

G E T

C O F FE E

I N C O S T A

R I C

A

D O

T H E M A I L I N

M A L

A S I

A

T E M P U

T E M P U

M A I L

C l e a n u p i n V e

P O S T

P I C T U R

E S

I N P E

R U

M A K E IN C H

Th

GaP Ye
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17/18

And finally...

Not-so-essentials(i.e. things that are easy to replace): T-shirts (three or our should be ne) A pair o shorts and a pair o long, loose trousers A scar or pashmina or the girls A lightweight jumper/microfeece

and a shirt to layer underneath A towel (quick-drying eel too weird, a normal,

lightweight towel is ne) and a lightweightrain jacket

Swimwear, a hat and sunglasses Flip-fops are as great or padding around

hostels as they are on the beach

Keep your clothes clean with travel soap and yourselclean with deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste (plus

a toothbrush), shaving cream and a razor or two Moisturising creams, decent sun-block, hand

sanitizer and water puri cation tablets A wash bag ( one o these ) is really handy to

put all your toiletries in when you go to takea shower, and they dry really quickly

Electronic knick-knacks (iPod, iPad, laptop, camera etc) Lastly, a good book and a pack o cards

work wonders or your sanity on the road

T u t m t p ck ng l t(continued)

Once youve got your hands on that lot , take a look at our guide to packing a backpack .Th

Gap Y

S E ND M E A M ES S AG E IN

. co m T he so ci a lne tw or k for g ap y ea r trav e l ler s
http://www.amazon.co.uk/MESH-WASH-WASHING-LAUNDRY-BAGS/dp/B0051EBDMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317113180&sr=8-1http://www.amazon.co.uk/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=gapdae-21&linkCode=sb1&camp=2378&creative=8438http://www.amazon.co.uk/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=gapdae-21&linkCode=sb1&camp=2378&creative=8438http://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/travel-kit/how-pack-backpackhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/travel-kit/how-pack-backpackhttp://www.gapdaemon.com/advice/travel-kit/how-pack-backpackhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=gapdae-21&linkCode=sb1&camp=2378&creative=8438http://www.amazon.co.uk/MESH-WASH-WASHING-LAUNDRY-BAGS/dp/B0051EBDMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317113180&sr=8-1


18/18

For more in ormatiocontact Gap DaemonE hello@gapdaemW: gapdaemon.com

Become a member of Gap Daemonand claim a 50 STA voucher to

kick start your gap year.And above all, have a great trip!

Contact u
mailto:hello%40gapdaemon.com?subject=Essential%20Gap%20Year%20Guide%202012%20enquiryhttp://gapdaemon.com/http://my.gapdaemon.com/index/registerhttp://my.gapdaemon.com/index/registerhttp://gapdaemon.com/mailto:hello%40gapdaemon.com?subject=Essential%20Gap%20Year%20Guide%202012%20enquiry

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