Whether you are taking your Gap Year at home or abroad
there are still vital things that you need to take with you, because that
handy corner shop you are so used to just won’t be there!! Space
is always a premium in your rucksack but we feel that if you can make
room for the essential items below you should have virtually everything
you need.
There are some items that you just can’t
go without especially if traveling abroad and these are:-
• Working visa
• Travellers Cheques
• Foreign currency
• Credit Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Immunisation jabs from your doctor's.
Remember before getting any of the following
that you want to travel as light as you can.
Essential equipment to take
• To start with you should invest in a hardwearing rucksack. A 60-litre
size is recommended for girls and 75-litre for guys.
• Black bin liners, what you say, well for starters they can shield
you backpack from the rain and dirt, and also you can use them for your
dirty washing to keep separate from any that might still be clean!
• You'll need a sleeping bag and mat: choose one that is warm, but
remember you are probably carrying it so as compact as possible.
• A sheet liner is also essential for easy washing and use in hot
weather.
• Try not to over pack on clothes. Remember you can always wash
what you have. Jeans are heavy so 1 pair should suffice and pack whatever
clothes you may need if working abroad. Take a good fleece, these are
light, easy to clean and very useful on those cooler evening. Good walking
boots but make sure you have worn them in before going, you don’t
want too many blisters and finally thick and thin socks, they don’t
take up much room so take plenty, these probably get the dirtiest/stinkiest!!
• Some toiletries are essential and we suggest loo roll, toothbrush
& toothpaste, small tube of liquid soap and/or moist cleaning tissues.
• A few first aid products including at least antiseptic cream,
plasters, headache pills and of course some insect repellant. You don’t
need large packs of anything, so they don’t take up too much room.
• A water bottle should be carried and filled up at all times.
• Sunglasses are crucial in sunny climates.
• Sun cream, ensure that it is a high factor and you use it daily,
your skin will not be used to excessive exposure to the sun.
• Don't go without your music. A Walkman and some compilation tapes
will become a favourite pastime.
• Take a camera and plenty of film.
• Take a good book. You may find you have a little more time on
your hands, it can make your journey time more interesting, especially
if on a train or plane and you will find that book swapping is common
place, so you should only ever end up carrying 1 book.
• A Swiss army knife with as many different accessories will be
really useful.
• Diary/notebook: always useful and essential if you want to log
the many experiences that you’ll encounter.
• A travel alarm clock will wake you when you need an early start.
Don't leave home without it!
• A torch and battery recharger will come in handy in places where
there is no artificial light.
On the clothes front, don't over pack; you can always wash what you take
with you. Depending on where you are going and what work you will be doing,
it's best to only take one pair of jeans to keep the weight of your pack
down. Also pack:
• good-quality fleece is lightweight, warm and dries almost as soon
as it comes out of the washing machine. It also makes a great substitute
pillow.
• Sturdy walking boots will save your feet when you're on the move.
• Socks, thick and thin, and enough underwear for at least two weeks.
Finally, don't take a hair dryer, iron or favourite/expensive
clothes!
