International accommodation and transport during your gap year
Getting to your destination, how you'll move around and where you'll find a place to rest your head are central to planning your gap year. For some gappers, travelling using different modes of transport and staying in different types of accomodation is about more than logistics. A night in a yurt, or sharing a crowded bus with chickens and people adds to the whole experience. However, sanitised options are available too.
What is it like staying in hostels while you travel abroad?
Hostels are cheap and friendly – ideal for the budget traveller. They do vary, however, and some are cleaner, more comfortable and better equipped than others. Hostelling International guarantees good quality accommodation, and members pay reduced rates. Bedrooms are usually shared, but you may be able to get a single or double room for a premium. Bedding may be provided, sometimes for a supplementary fee, but you might prefer to use your own sleeping bag. Cooking equipment may be available, but don’t count on it.
Hostels in Australia and South Africa often have barbecue areas. Some hostels provide pool tables and TVs and some even have a bar. Good hostels should have information about local attractions and travel connections.Hotels and bed and breakfasts are a more expensive option, but you may be able to treat yourself and costs will vary depending on the season and location.
Consider camping during your gap year
If you want to save money, don’t mind carrying extra equipment and are heading to a temperate climate, consider camping. If you stay at campsites you’ll often have access to facilities such as showers. There are some limitations to where you can pitch your tent – for example, in many national parks, camping is restricted to designated sites. Wherever you stay, make sure you have an appropriate permit.
Stay with international friends during your year out
It’s a great idea to stay with friends who live overseas if you can. Catch up, enjoy some home comforts and make the most of their knowledge of the place you are visiting.
Stay warm, clean and well-fed while you travel
Prepare yourself for travel. For overnight journeys, take a blanket and something to use as a pillow. Even in hot countries, it can get cold at night – or there may be excessive air-conditioning. Be prepared for rudimentary or unhygienic toilet facilities: carry your own toilet paper and hand cleanser. Have a look through a travel supplies catalogue such as Magellan, and you might find some other useful things to help you manage local facilities.
When you’re taking a long trip, either take food with you or find out whether it will be available. Many trains have buffet cars, but these may be expensive. Food vendors may surround stopped trains and buses – make sure anything you try is thoroughly cooked.
Tips for flying during your gap year travels
Time your trip to take advantage of the cheapest airfares – try to avoid the summer holidays and Christmas. Shop around for flights online, or talk to a travel agent. For a multi-stop trip, it may work out cheaper to book through an agent. Budget airlines provide cheap travel for short journeys, but may land far from the city centre, so take the cost of bus travel into account. Last-minute deals can save you money, but it’s a gamble – some airlines raise their prices. If you need to be somewhere on a certain date, booking early may be the wisest move.
With heightened security risks these days, airlines are being very cautious. Leave extra time for check-in – as a bonus, you’ll get the pick of the seats. Make sure you aren’t carrying any forbidden items in your carry-on luggage.
Tips for travelling by train, bus and boat
Train services are more comfortable in some countries than in others. There may be different classes of travel available on the same train and it can be worth paying extra for better conditions, especially for long journeys. InterRail and EuRail are popular European train passes that enable you to travel on any trains within selected zones for a set time, giving you the flexibility to make your plans as you go.
Buses are often the cheapest form of public transport, which means they can be very crowded. For some journeys you may need to be there well in advance for a chance of a window seat. Ferries also tend to be cheap, easy to find and frequent, but may be slow. You may be able to work your passage on a fishing boat, but make sure it's sea-worthy!
Tips for travelling by car, motorbike and bike
If you want to take a relatively short road trip, hiring a car is the best option – but you’ll pay a premium if you’re under 25. For long trips, or if you’ll be in the country for a while, it may save money to buy a car and sell it on before you leave. Hostels may have notices of cars for sale, and it’s always worth checking the local newspaper. Find out whether the country requires an international driving licence and make sure you’ll be happy driving on the wrong side of the road. Check the insurance for hire cars carefully so that you understand your liabilities, any excesses and any particular rules relating to accidents.
You can hire motorcycles, mopeds and scooters easily in many places, for the day or for longer, but you may need to get an international driving permit before you go. Find out if use of a motorbike is covered by your insurance, and if there are limits to the size of the bike.
Cycling provides an opportunity to explore at your own pace and meet local people. It may be possible to take a bike with you on some train services.
