Travel is a wonderful educator; you learn about yourself, about other countries, cultures and that schooling is not limited to the places you are visiting. It is also the people you meet along the way who can teach you about the rest of the world.

As a result taking a gap year is a great adventure whatever age you do it. Before studying, after study, after working for years in a job, at retirement; there is no wrong time.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before you go and whilst you are overseas to make sure you have the best and safest possible experience.

The following pages are here to give you an idea of where to start with your preparations.