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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.

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