Photo SourceYou’ve finished university. What next? Do you slip into ennui, applying for jobs every day and doubting yourself more and more each time your application is rejected? Or do you travel the world? Find yourself, learn new languages, meet new people and return to the job market with experience and a more positive outlook. We know which option we’d go for. We’d recommend around a year out to fully experience world travel in true backpacking style. So here are a few things to consider before you take the ultimate gap yah.
Picture CreditWhere Do You Want To Go?
The world is your oyster, so pick wisely. You won’t be able to go everywhere as you’re realistically going to have time restrictions and financial limits. But this doesn’t mean you can only go down the road for a couple of weeks. Consider the places and sights you’d like to visit the most. Popular destinations include: Thailand, Peru, Australia, South America, Australia and South Africa. Wherever you choose, make sure you have a full plan of everything you want to see and do while you’re there. Make a checklist and form some sort of itinerary. Stick to this itinerary and you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on any potential experiences.
Where Are You Going To Stay?
Accommodation can make or break a trip. If you’re travelling far and wide, the cheapest option is hostels. However these can have notoriously bad reputations. Some rooms have multiple beds and both you and your belongings will be in reaching distance of strangers. If this doesn’t sound up your street, budget hotels for travellers might suit you better. Check out reviews of where you’re planning on staying before you book. Cleanliness and hygiene should be top priority. Try to get rooms with safes or safety boxes for your passport and travel documents.
Who Are You Going To Go With?
Truth stands in the statement that safety comes in numbers. It’s ideal to travel with a group of close friends who you can trust and rely on. If you do travel alone, be careful what areas you go to and when travelling alone in dark or secluded areas.
How Much Will It Cost?
This will vary from trip to trip. There’s no clear cut answer to this. It all depends on what you how far you’re travelling, how long you wish to be away for, how many excursions and day trips you want to take. There are so many factors involved. A good way to work out the cost of your trip is to note down every expense. Flights, accommodation, transport, excursion fees. Absolutely everything. Total it up and add extra money onto this amount for emergencies.
Things To Avoid
Voluntourism
Voluntourism is when you head abroad to help the underprivileged or vulnerable within society and endangered wildlife. Projects include animal conservation, school building and teaching. Some voluntourism programmes are great and all volunteers enter into schemes with good intentions. However, some organisations are merely out to exploit good natured individuals and don’t give as much as they should to the people that need aid and help.
.jpg)
Image SourceAnimal Cruelty
Many attractions in countries far and wide include animals that have been taken from the wild. For example, tigers in temples. Locals will make profit from taking pictures of you with these beautiful beasts. However, do you really think there are that many orphaned tigers roaming around these temples. These animals are often stolen from the wild. They are also drugged or sedated. Avoid endorsing and contributing to animal cruelty.
Jessica Lippe 