Is living in Australia for a year so lots of travel reviews coming your way! Trying to read and rate...
Is living in Australia for a year so lots of travel reviews coming your way! Trying to read and rate as much as i can xx
Member since:11.09.2003
Reviews:266
Members who trust:144
I have been looking into buying a round the world ticket and I have come across this brilliant website called www.gapyear.com. It is amazing and has absolutely every thing you possibly need to know!
It is easy to use and laid out very clearly into different sections so you can find out the information your require. They also have a great message board where you can talk to other gappers about their experiences and ideas. I have been looking for a travel buddy and have found this a great place to meet people.
If you want to chat to others you need to set up a profile, this is free and easy to do. You will need to fill in your details name, address etc, you can add a photo if you wish and also put information about your travels on here. Once you have done this you can post messages on the boards and contact other gappers through the site. You can add people to your friends list so that you can message each other.
Once you are away you can also post your own travel blogs on the website to help others with their preparation.
Sections
Volunteer and Echo Travel
This section gives you ideas and information about volunteering abroad, it has a handy search system so you can either search by the type of work you want to do or by country you want to visit. It covers everything from Teaching to Conservation work, you can also visit the message board and chat to others who are planning to do similar things to you, this is great because you can pick up hints or tips and even plan to meet up with people while you are away.
Around the world
This is the section I have been using the most, you can download for a free Round the World Planner
which I will be doing nearer the time. It also gives advice on routes and prices for round the world tickets with links to flight providers such as STA Travel who can help you plan and book your trip. I have also been using the travel forums to chat to others who have done similar trips where I have gained a fountain of knowledge about what backpack to take, where to stay, how much money to save etc.
Travel & Flights
This section is very useful indeed covering a wide variety of aspects including Country Travel Guides, Backpacker Bus Information, Recommended Kit and so much more.
Countries
Here you will find a list of countries simply click on the country you require and you will find a large amount of information. I have been looking at New Zealand and Australia and have found this section very helpful indeed. It provides a map of the country complete with route suggestions, Hostel and accommodation ideas, Information on getting around, price ideas to help you budget for your trip and information about visas etc.
Transport and Passes
This section gives information and prices on getting around when you arrive in your selected country, this is great because you can really get an idea of how long you need in each place and how much money you need to save. It gives ideas for all budgets from flights , buses, coaches to buying or hiring a car. I have been looking into the Kiwi and Oz Experience for my trip but I am still undecided. I think I will be doing the Kiwi Experience in New Zealand for a month and a half from Auckland to Christchurch but I am not convinced it is the best thing for me to do in Oz.
Travel Insurance
This is one of the most important things to remember when booking any holiday especially when you are going to be travelling all over the place and perhaps taking part in activities that aren't the norm. This section gives you an idea of the different types of cover that is available and links to companies you can contact for a quotation. I am planning on doing white water rafting in New Zealand so will need to get an insurance that covers be for that! I won't however be partaking in the Bungee Jump as most travellers do when away. Jobs
If you are taking a gap year then you will need the money to keep going while you are away so getting a job is a great idea. I am thinking about getting a working visa for Australia and have found this section really helpful. You can search by Country or by the type of work you are looking for. I searched by Australia and found out that if I want to do bar work I will need to complete a day course when I arrive in Oz, also if you want to work in food you will require a certificate. It also gave me valuable information about getting a working visa.
Backpacks and kits
This section directs you to the www.gapyearshop.com and has everything you could possibly need from backpacks to sleeping bag covers. The site gives you recommendations and is a nice place to start getting quotes on the equipment you need! I have decided to go for a ladies fit Karrimor backpack 65L, it is about £150 new but keeping my eye out on e-bay.
Hostel Accommodation
This section is great, again you search by country, you are then given information on hostels recommended by the site. I am surprised at how nice the look, I am planning on spending a few nights in LA and think I will book the hostel that the website recommends it sounds great. Just off the main strip, the hostel is £12 a night, this includes an all you can eat pancake breakfast and free shuttle bus to the beach, there is also a link to an enquiry form so that you can contact and book direct with the hostel though the site which is fabulous.
ID & Discount Cards
This section gives you information on discountcards you can apply and pay before you leave, for example a Nomads Card which £16.50 but will get you discounts in many hostels in New Zealand and Australia. #
Visas and Embassies
This section gives you information on Holiday and Working visas, it is important that you check before you go to avoid disappointment.
Arrival and Work Packs
This is a great section if you are planning to travel alone and are nervous about when you first arrive, for example for £55 you can have a Auckland arrival pack this will include airport pick up, two nights accommodation, Explore Bus Pass & Nomads Adventure Card, or if you are planning on working you can pay for a more comprehensive pack for example Sydney Work Start Pack, Met from airport, 2 nights accommodation, your own recruitment consultant, 'Working and Living in Sydney' workshop, 12 months mail holding/forwarding service Unlimited Internet access at TCP Sydney for £67.
Get Your Tax Back
This section gives you advice on claiming your tax back, this is very useful and something that many would not think of.
Travel Books
Still need more information then is area gives you suggestions on books you can buy to help you with your trip, I have got 'Rough Guide to Australia' and The Lonely Planet Gap Year Book.
Phone, Text and Email
Keeping in touch when you are away is very important and I know my mum will say it is the most important thing to do! I have just taught my ,um how to email and set her up with a hotmail account so that will save on my phone bill but if not then this section gives you advice on sim cards and tariffs while you are away.
Travel Health
Getting ill or having an accident is everyone's worst nightmare when you are away, this section gives you information on jabs you may need before you go, how to stay safe and healthy when away and what to pack in your first aid kit.
Money
I have found this very helpful, with ideas on fundraising to budgeting to how to access your money when you are way this is a very valuable section indeed. If you need help with your budget you can download a free Money Planner to help you with your saving. I have worked out that after I have booked my flights etc I will need about £5000 spending money! I am currently working 9 - 5, working in my local pub, babysitting, selling on e-bay and having car boot sales! Any other ideas are more than welcome.
Carer Gappers
Gap Years aren't just for the young sometimes people just decided they have had enough of working all the time and that I break is long over due. Here you can find information about paid jobs overseas, and ideas of things to do.
In conclusion this site is excellent for anyone planning a gap year I highly recommend it!
Pictures of GapYear. Com
Gap Year
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Splendia, a unique selection of luxury and design hotels with character in the most beautiful locations: Marrakesh, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Dubai.... Book directly online or contact our customer service available any day of the week.
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Feb 4th, 2007
exceptional by (18%):
very helpful by (82%):
