Gap year travellers looking forward to the trip of a lifetime have been advised not to risk ruining it through bad planning.
"A gap year may be great fun and a richly rewarding experience, but graduates and students will find it difficult to get the best financial deals as most won't have an employment history nor will many have built up a good credit history," said Stuart Glendinning, managing director of moneysupermarket.com.
He advised prospective gappers to approach their current bank.
A good savings account to keep the money throughout the journey was also recommended, with Mr Glendinning pointing to savings deals by Alliance & Leicester's DirectSaver account and ICICI Bank's HiSave Savings account.
Mr Glendinning also pointed out that although comprehensive
travel insurance was absolutely necessary, gappers should be aware that policies can vary widely.
Keeping an eye out for what it does and does not cover is important, particularly as gap years often include dangerous activities that are not always included.
The hidden costs of debit cards and using prepaid cards were other suggestions by Mr Glendinning.
Moneysupermarket.com's managing director concluded by saying that gap year travellers should leave their financial details and plans with a trusted relative or friend before setting off on such a long journey.
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