.:

Overview

Your gap year will be one of the best years of your life. However its important that you keep safe whilst away so it doesnt end in disaster

Travel Documents

These are a very important part of your trip because if you lose them it can be a real pain to get replacements. Get yourself a travel wallet or document holder to store them all in. There's nothing worse than pulling out your undies as you search for your documents in a hostel or airport! Make photocopies of all documents and keep them in a separate place in your luggage. If possible also email yourself scanned in versions then you can obtain them in an internet cafe in an emergency. Keep details of the UK embassies in the destinations you are visiting. Its worth getting a notebook together with useful contacts in then you can add new friend's details as you travel!

Insurance Documents

Take a copy of your insurance policy with you when travelling as each company has a set procedure you need to take in case something goes wrong. Make a note of the emergency medical support number they supply. Photocopy the policy and leave a copy with parents and email youself as above.

Luggage Security

Get yourself some small padlocks to hold your zips together. It wont keep hardened criminals out but will deter a lot of would be thieves. Depending on your luggage and when you are heading think about purchasing a cable lock to secure your luggage to a bed or lampost if you need to leave it. Have a look in our safety and security section for a range of security accessories.

Money

Always carry a small amount of local currency with you in case they dont take cards or travellers cheques. Store the money in separate places around your person and luggage. Don't keep it all in one place! For larger amounts get travellers cheques or have an international cash card. A credit card is good for emergencies.

Taking Valuables

The best thing to do is don't take anything you wouldn't mind losing. Insurance will cover you for most items but the pain of filling in police reports and claiming will take away from your holiday. Keep them away for view and if possible keep them on you at all times. It is also now possible to get a portable travel safe for keeping cameras and ipods safe. See our keeping safe section in the shop.