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Gap years are 'great'

(13 Aug 2008)

Going back-packing? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Gap year holidays provide young people with an opportunity to learn new skills and experience other cultures, it has been suggested.

Ben Clifton, a spokesperson for volunteering charity Latitude, said that gap years are a great way for students to "do something a bit different" before entering the world of work.

"If you go into work you are going to be there for the best part of 40 years on average so it's a perfect opportunity, once you have finished at school and you've done all your exams, to actually take a bit of time out and do something worthwhile," he explained.

For those concerned about the cost of backpacking and taking a gap year break, Mr Clifton suggested contacting a volunteering charity and looking at some of the trips they provide.

"They really don't have to cost the earth," he added.

According to backpacker specialists STA Travel, young people generally spend between £3,000 and £5,000 on their gap year adventures.

Latitude's top tips for a stress-free gap year include setting a tight budget, travelling with a reputable organisation and planning ahead.

This article is brought to you by Go Travel Insurance – Specialist in backpacker travel insurance and backpacker insurance

Going back-packing? - Get a great deal on backpacker insurance