5 Tips for Staying Well During a Gap Year Adventure

Besides the road trip, a gap year is a popular rite of passage for many young and eager adventurers who have just finished school and want to experience the rest of the world before they settle down into their careers. Each year, thousands of travelers embark on a trip of a lifetime that sees them visit countries on the other side of the world and gives them the chance to learn about themselves. Whether traveling with a group or going solo, you must know how to keep yourself safe and healthy, so here are five crucial tips to ensure your gap year adventure is a success.

Keep Up to Date With Travel Advice

Although the most popular travel destinations are generally safe, there are always a few neighborhoods or areas that you should steer clear of. Before you get on the plane, you should research the country you are visiting to see if it is safe to travel and if there are any social or political issues you should know about. The more you educate yourself, the easier it will be to make an informed decision about your next move. This may demand some flexibility as you might be forced into changing your plans if a destination is unsafe for foreigners.

Save Your Social Media Posts

Since the advent of social media, especially Instagram, it's tempting to post your every move, every site seen, and every wild night where you took advantage of the two-for-one cocktails at prices you would never find at home. But, while you might think you're sharing your excitement with friends and family, it can also put your home at risk. By posing these photos, you let people know you're not at home, so they might take advantage of an empty house and break-in. Another issue is anyone you've met along the way who may have nefarious intentions. If they know where you are, it will be easier to track you down and steal for you and the rest of your group.

Learn How to Ask for Medical Assistance

Although you hope that you don't suffer an accident, injury, or illness during your travels, you never know when food may disagree with you or you take a too-sharp turn on a rented motorcycle. You don't want these issues to dampen your spirits, so knowing how to ask for medical assistance will help you get back on your feet. You also shouldn't ignore the party aspect of gap years. Many people are so excited by their adventure that they get swept up in the atmosphere and they may exceed their limits with one too many shots. Make sure to drink plenty of water, keep your wits about you, and consider the morning-after treatments like a strong aspirin or even a hangover IV to help you get out of bed and carry on your adventure.

Connect With Like-Minded Travelers

Planning a solo adventure has plenty of benefits. You can do what you want when you want, but it also means that you don't have anyone to share the experience with. Luckily, hostels and activities are packed with like-minded travelers who will adopt you as part of their group. It can get lonely traveling by yourself, so getting to know other travelers saves you from feeling isolated and gives you the chance to make new friends that you may keep for the rest of your life. But, even these travel friends might not be enough, so if you ever feel homesick, don't be afraid to call your friends and family to catch up and let them know you're okay.

Be Wary Of Deals Too Good to Be True

Falling for common travel scams is as much of a rite of passage as the gap year itself. Everyone has fallen for one of these scams before, but you must make sure it only happens once. Tourists are an easy target for criminals who act like they are your friend and can get you the best deals on drinks or souvenirs. While they might seem nice, they are only looking to take your money. Wherever you go, it's important to keep your wits about you, and although most people have good intentions, there you shouldn't let your guard down, because one misstep could cause you to lose your phone or wallet.

See the World

Your gap year should be a time of self-discovery and a chance to learn more about the world around you. The last thing you want is to encounter dangerous situations that put your safety and your health at risk. While the chances of this happening to you are slim, it's always better to be aware of the potential risks to ensure you come back home with a thousand stories to tell.