News
Gap year students prepare exodus abroad
16 August 2007
Thousands of teenagers from all over Europe will be preparing themselves for a year of travel before embarking upon the adventure of university and the British Foreign Office has urged travellers to fully research their trips to avoid trauma.
According to a recent survey, Australia, the US, New Zealand and Thailand are among the top gap year destinations, however the Foreign Office's statistics reveal that 2,000 British travellers alone lost their passport in Australia between April 2005 and May 2006, while 203 were hospitalised and 108 arrested in Thailand.
Steve Jewitt-Fleet, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said: "The very nature of a gap year means you are away for a longer duration and visit several destinations – this in itself means you are likely to encounter more challenges on your journey. Hence it's vital you prepare properly for your trip."
According to global insurance provider American Express, one in four gap year students have had a bad experience while travelling abroad. The insurer recommended that students take out a dedicated gap insurance policy to protect against medical, lost luggage, cancellation and curtailment risks.
Opodo searches thousands of flights from over 500 airlines to find the best flight deals for travellers. Find flights.
© Adfero Ltd
According to a recent survey, Australia, the US, New Zealand and Thailand are among the top gap year destinations, however the Foreign Office's statistics reveal that 2,000 British travellers alone lost their passport in Australia between April 2005 and May 2006, while 203 were hospitalised and 108 arrested in Thailand.
Steve Jewitt-Fleet, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said: "The very nature of a gap year means you are away for a longer duration and visit several destinations – this in itself means you are likely to encounter more challenges on your journey. Hence it's vital you prepare properly for your trip."
According to global insurance provider American Express, one in four gap year students have had a bad experience while travelling abroad. The insurer recommended that students take out a dedicated gap insurance policy to protect against medical, lost luggage, cancellation and curtailment risks.
Opodo searches thousands of flights from over 500 airlines to find the best flight deals for travellers. Find flights.
© Adfero Ltd
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