News
FCO launches new tool for gap-year travellers
17 July 2008
Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a new online map tool designed specifically for gap-year travellers.
The government department teamed up with Lonely Planet to design the Google-powered service, which allows users to click on destinations around the world and access photographs, information and advice.
Thousands of young people are expected to set off on gap years over the coming weeks and, according to the FCO, many will leave unprepared.
Spokeswoman Alice Draper said the FCO's online gap-year guide is 'a good first step' for people planning long trips away.
'The very nature of a gap year means that it is likely to be a prolonged trip, taking in a number of destinations,' she added.
'This can increase travellers' risk of encountering difficulties on their journey, so it is vital to prepare properly before setting off.'
As well as offering practical advice, the online guide provides information on unusual holiday activities, such as surfing in land-locked Munich and sandboarding in Namibia.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
The government department teamed up with Lonely Planet to design the Google-powered service, which allows users to click on destinations around the world and access photographs, information and advice.
Thousands of young people are expected to set off on gap years over the coming weeks and, according to the FCO, many will leave unprepared.
Spokeswoman Alice Draper said the FCO's online gap-year guide is 'a good first step' for people planning long trips away.
'The very nature of a gap year means that it is likely to be a prolonged trip, taking in a number of destinations,' she added.
'This can increase travellers' risk of encountering difficulties on their journey, so it is vital to prepare properly before setting off.'
As well as offering practical advice, the online guide provides information on unusual holiday activities, such as surfing in land-locked Munich and sandboarding in Namibia.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

![]() | ![]() |
Related stories
04 September 2008
- Govt 'can do more to protect air passengers' >
02 September 2008
- New Orleans spared the worst of Gustav >
01 September 2008
- Airlines put measures in place as Gustav nears >
- Early bookings 'could save customers thousands' >
29 August 2008
- Sixty thousand on lookout for transatlantic flights >
20 August 2008
- Tourists 'can return to Florida Keys today' >
- Govt 'can do more to protect air passengers' >
02 September 2008
- New Orleans spared the worst of Gustav >
01 September 2008
- Airlines put measures in place as Gustav nears >
- Early bookings 'could save customers thousands' >
29 August 2008
- Sixty thousand on lookout for transatlantic flights >
20 August 2008
- Tourists 'can return to Florida Keys today' >

