First Time Backpackers |

A Check List for BEFORE you set off

Check list for preparing for a gap year backpacking

Safety|

Check out local embassy websites for any updates for travellers before you set off. Some even allow you to go on a mailing list for any latest updates.

Research local emergency phone numbers and keep them on a little card you keep on you.

Also keep your travel insurance details very handy. Perhaps put the essential info on a card if they haven’t given you one.

Check out International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT).

www.iamat.org Truly epic website for getting to grips with staying safe in the countries you’re going to. They provide general health risks info as well local clinic guidance for where ever you may be.

Note you can register with them too.

 Check list for preparing for a gap year backpacking

Travel Insurance |

Don’t scrimp too much, make sure it covers repatriation and emergency rescue. You may also want to double check the backpacker policy covers ALL the countries you’re thinking of going to and the ALL the activities you want to do. If you’re doing something reeeeally extreme, often the local company will have special insurance, but you need to look into this.

 Check list for preparing for a gap year backpacking

Jabs and Pills|

You must see a doctor to get specific advice on the areas you intend to go to. If you have the luxury of time, check with doctors about 2 months before to plan a plan. Some shots come in a series and take a while to get through. But DON’T panic IF you are leaving soon, just book an appoint asap and see what their protocol is. If you’re in the UK and in a rush, check out Master Clinic. You should travel with the record and in some cases proof that you have been vaccinated.

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk Will start to give you an idea

Money|

We find using a VISA debit in ATM’s (from Natwest) always give us surprisingly good rates, low fees and a lot of flexibility. We tend to take out around the equivalent of £200 each time in the local currency. Then SPLIT it. For more on keeping you and your money safe, check this out >>>

You may want to consider having a credit card for backup. But be careful. Some have horrid hidden charges.

You will want to organise some local currency for the place you arrive in. Again, £200 should be plenty to get you started. Often we have taken less as local ATM’s generally are better for taking out. (Note, some of the big, well known banks tend to have the smallest charges)

It can be handy to travel with some USD; they come in handy for boarders and poorer countries that operate using dual currency. BUT you don’t want to carry too much with you, so tucking away around 50 USD could be a good idea.

Let your bank know what countries you intend to visit to best avoid them putting your card on hold. Also make sure you have a note of your local branches numbers as well as the international bank number. They can be a lot more human if you find yourself in bother.

Plan your Budget|

We are working on how on earth to give you an idea for this. It comes down to character, country and comfort levels. Every country and person is different, so think about how you picture yourself traveling, what you may want to do and perhaps do some wider spread research.

Add up you initial big costs (Insurance, flights, visas ect) and work out how many days you want to be away. You can use www.hostelbookers.com to gage accommodation prices; then research local food and transport prices, even research the price of some activities you hope to do. From here work out a daily budget and times it by how long you plan to be away. Then add around 20% for the unexpected …like laundry and souvenirs you can’t go home without!

Visas|

Some countries do the Visa on arrival, some you have to go to an embassy, some you can only apply whilst in YOUR home country. Do you research! (We hope to build a section on this is the future!)

ID and Licence|

Check Your Passport has adequate time remaining on it. Note many countries will not let you in if it expires within 6 months.

Photo copy your passport so you can always have a copy on you. It becomes very handy if the original gets pinched. Also, some countries want them for transport or even police spot checking.   Note you should avoid showing your original on a spot check, unless you are in an actual station or embassy.

If you have a student /OAP/ Veteran card, take them, these can be VERY useful.

You may want to apply for an international driving licence. This can often be done at the post office.

Take your actually licence too, they can come in handy for all sorts.

Leave a copy of your ID and travel insurance info with a reliable family member or friend. You may want to leave a loose itinerary with them too.

Keep a digital copy of all your documents too. Store it somewhere safe on the internet so you can always access it. (www.dropbox.com Can be a great place)

Make sure you know your National Identification number.

Transport |

Often these things start with a flight (not always!) www.skyscanner.net Sky scanner price alerts are fab for getting the best deal! In most cases (excluding major festivals in places like China and Japan) you can just get ALL transport on arrival and as you go.

Communication |

Make sure your phone is unlocked as you may wish to get local SIMs on the go. Surprisingly, some countries can’t unlock your phones once you are there.

Consider taking a cheaper phone.

It is nice to get a few postal address so you can cheer family and friends up with exotic post cards along the way.

For staying safe on the road, check out these top tips >>>

 For The Ultimate Packing list with top tips check this out >>>