How to stay safe on a gap year

What are the dangers facing gap year travellers and what can you do to keep safe?

Peter Slowe, founder of Projects Abroad

“If you’re taking a trip on your own for the first time, it’s important to be aware. People are in danger of being mugged at tourist venues or being conned out of their money.

"My advice: always travel in a group (especially if you’re a younger gapper), always check your insurance (expensive insurance does not necessarily mean better insurance), and always make sure you do some research before you go – such as whether you need a mosquito net, what medicines you might need or the appropriate dress code for the country you’re visiting.”

Ian French, father of Georgia French who died in Peru, and founder of GapAid

“The most common dangers facing gap year travellers are usually quite minor – losing your passport, money, airline tickets, mobile phone or iPod. Then there are the more dangerous risks – of robbery, rape, or even kidnapping. You hear of people being marched to cash machines to empty their bank accounts.

"A gapper in a developing country is like a walking advert for ‘get rich quick’. You’ve got a watch, a mobile phone, a credit card and some money, and that is often more than some of the people in that country earn in a year. Secondly, it’s all about preparation.

"If you simply turn up somewhere you are going to have a problem. Do you know what language they speak? Do you know what the weather is going to be like? Have you sorted out accommodation? Checking these really basic things will make your trip a much better experience.”

Marcus Watts, founder of Gapforce

“As a gap year organisation we find some of the biggest problems are medical (for instance, going to a doctor where they are possibly using dodgy needles) but it’s also important that people are prepared for what they’re actually going to be doing. It’s amazing some of the complaints we get – we have actually had people complaining that the sun is too hot or the sand is too sandy!

"It’s all about getting people emotionally prepared for their trip. My main advice would be to treat wherever you are overseas as you would the UK. You wouldn’t get in a car with someone in the UK, so don’t do it there just because it’s a smiley chap from Fiji who lives on a desert island.

"And don’t leave your wallet on the bar just because it’s a nice little African place and everyone’s being friendly.”

Madeleine Wright, a student who recently spent three months in Ghana on a volunteer project

“My personal experience of getting ill while I was volunteering in Ghana made me realise how important caring for your health is when you’re living somewhere with a completely different climate and eating food you’re not used to.

"Always drink enough water (but never tap water unless you’re sure it is safe to do so) and don’t drink too much alcohol – you’re in unfamiliar territory and you need to be extra vigilant.

"From a safety perspective, always go out in groups and make sure you tell at least one person where you are headed.”