Backpackers Travel Advice
Discover the World
A young person’s guide to travel…
The range of activities to pursue on your gap year is limited only by your own mind and imagination! You no doubt get bored with listening to older relatives telling you how lucky you are to have the world at your fingertips. The world that the parents and especially grandparents grew up in was so much different. It’s hard to comprehend that your grandparents may remember the arrival of the black and white television! Hard to believe, but that was not so long ago.
The world has speeded up, and shrunk, and is now easily accessible by all forms of transportation. Keeping in touch with loved ones is as easy as the press of a button with cyber cafes popping up everywhere in the world and mobile phones. You no longer have to rely on dodgy phone connections, snail mail, telegrams or pigeons. So, before embarking on your serious working career why not take that year out to start building memories and have some amazing character-building experiences.
The common belief is that a gap year is only for students, but many older folks also get the urge for a career break. They may find themselves made redundant after many years of loyal service, decide to change career in mid-life, or are simply in a position where, financially, they are able to do it… the kids are grown and gone… so why not?
The Times started its event The Gap Year Show in 2005 and in 2006 there are two events, at the G-MEX Centre in Manchester on November 10 and 11 and at the ExCel Centre in London on November 17 and 18, 2006. There will be lots of fun exhibitions, experienced advice on hand, and opportunities to win free tickets.
Having said all that, I can’t think of any excuse for you to sit at home wishing for excitement, adventure and interesting experiences and people to come your way. Whether your dream is to backpack your way around the world, volunteer for charity work, learn a foreign language, or pursue your favorite sport in a foreign location, just about anything is possible… so… GO FOR IT! Take that year out and live your dream!
