Make copies of vital travel documents before going away

While most people go through their gap year abroad without any major hiccups, incidents can unfortunately occur from time to time.

It is vital that travellers take precautions before going away, meaning that if they lose their bag or important documents, they are not left high and dry.

Gappers need to have a passport to leave their country of origin, but also to come home - so it is vital they keep this in as safe a place as possible.

If they are residing in a camp, hostel or shared accommodation for an extended period of time, there may be a safe or other designated area in which to keep vital documents.

Taking advantage of such facilities can ultimately save a lot of time and money, and avoid significant inconvenience.

Losing your passport is likely to result in stress, cost and difficulties arranging a replacement, and this is the last thing people want on their gap year adventure.

Another precaution travellers can take as part of their gap year planning to make copies of all their travel documents, such as visas, insurance policies and bank card details, before they go away.

It may be prudent to keep these in a separate place to the original documents, while they should certainly leave a copy with a family member or friend back home.

Should documents be lost or stolen, they are far easier to report if all the details are available to hand.

Another trick is to store the documents online, meaning that wherever there is an internet connection, the traveller is able to bring up a copy in their email.

And with an increasing number of countries having comprehensive internet access, this can usually help limit the damage.

Obviously the best way to avoid disruption to your gap year is to look after all important documents, but accidents and incidents do happen, often through nobody's fault.

A bag could be stolen, go missing at the airport or drop into a crocodile-infested lagoon.

Being prepared for every eventuality is crucial for people travelling overseas, enabling them to focus on maximising enjoyment rather than worrying about the little things.

For more information on gap year planning.