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Being Prepared
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > Life > Gap Years and Travel > Being Prepared
Paid OrganisationsSafety and supportWhen you pay for the services of an organisation, you can be sure that whatever happens, there will be somebody nearby to help you out. This means that you can travel to places that you might not otherwise consider. Save timeFinding a suitable project where you can assist takes time and is often impossible to do from home. This can be frustrating, especially if you only have several weeks or months in the country. Volunteer travel organisations have a constant relationship with projects, so they can ensure you hit the ground running and make full use of your time abroad. Quality and safety of your projectGap year organisations are there to ensure that the work done at projects is genuinely worthwhile and does make a positive difference. They also invest time to check that the project is legitimate and provides a safe working environment for you. AccommodationGap year organisations will generally find you suitable accommodation as part and parcel of your trip. This is usually run by local people - which means a portion of your fee will go direct into the local economy. Your travel provider's involvement with distant communities also means that in many countries you can stay in the home of a local family, rather than a hotel or guesthouse. This has innumerable benefits for those who want to integrate into the local culture. It is the best way to understand first-hand the way of life in that country and make genuine friends.
Insurance and medical informationSafety and insuranceOne important thing to remember whilst on a gap-year is that you're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Whilst it may sound exciting making an excursion to Basra, do think about the practicalities.
We live in an age of advanced and global communication: it's hard to find a place of earth which has not been penetrated by telephone masts and Starbucks – so make the most of it. If you are travelling alone ensure somebody knows where you are. E-mail family, phone friends – but tell them where you are without ambiguity – (i.e. not "America somewhere" but "West side youth hostel, NY"). It may seem annoying and unnecessary, but you'll regret it if you fall down a crevasse and nobody knows where you are. If you want a broad but thorough introduction to gapper safety, check out schemes such as Ultimate Gapper. There are loads more similar courses, and if you feel you're too seasoned at least watch some survival TV. Now, I know that statistics are unwieldy at best, but one which set which I saw suggested that 25% of gappers will experience SOME FORM OF DRAMA whilst on their gap year. And yes, it may just be a South American dress rehearsal for Macbeth, but it may also be a mugging or injury. Check out the following links.
British consulatesDo you know how British consulates can help you in an emergency? This is a vital question to your gap year safety. For some answers check out this link Conduct abroadYour behaviour and conduct abroad could determine your level of safety whilst on a gap year. Valuing and respecting local customs is something which barely even needs to be mentioned because it should be a natural reaction to a new environment. Some things which seem trivial can in fact be very serious, so do your research beforehand to ensure a better experience. Also, make sure you are not carrying contraband items across borders, as this may carry a large penalty (fruit and vegetables, meat and seeds, for example). Dangerous situationsThere is no plan for every dangerous situation that you could land in. But it should be obvious when your safety is threatened, and therefore, if at all possible, stay away. Safeguarding your propertyLosing your passport in a rainforest in Cambodia is not an ideal situation. Make sure your important documents are kept safe and secure (that includes dry). Keep them in a safe compartment of a bag for example where the bag is either with you at all times or in a safe place (a safe at your hostel, for example). Be preparedAre you properly equipped for where you are travelling? For example, whilst shorts may seem sensible in a desert during the day, temperatures can plummet at night. Gloves are important in the cold, mosquito spray in the heat. This includes making sure you are properly vaccinated; contact your GP before you travel anywhere. Also, bring enough medicine to last you, as who knows where the nearest chemist will be (TravelDoctor.co.uk is a good website). Also, the following list should contain the basics that you might need.
List of Items Before You Leave
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