A gap year is a fantastic opportunity for young travellers to experience other cultures and gain new experiences and independence. But for parents, it often brings a wave of worry alongside the excitement.
To help families prepare for this big step, Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, shares her top tips for supporting young adults as they head off on their travels.
- Sort out travel insurance as soon as possible
Before anything else, Sarah advises getting comprehensive travel insurance tailored to your child’s destination and length of stay: “Start with travel insurance: be sure to take out a comprehensive policy that caters for the countries they’re visiting and the length of the trip.”
“It should cover things like their belongings, emergency medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation, curtailment and any adventurous activities, such as hiking or scuba diving, that they might want to try. It’s also important to know what you need to declare on your travel insurance policy. If they have any pre-existing medical conditions, including food allergies, asthma, or diabetes, these must be declared. Plus, keep a copy of the policy yourself and ensure you both know how to access the emergency contact numbers, if needed.”
Travel insurance policies can only be purchased by individuals aged 18 or older. For travellers under 18, a parent or guardian must purchase the policy on their behalf. However, if the traveller is 18 or older, they will need the traveller’s consent to access any details related to the policy.
And don’t forget the health essentials. Make sure they’re up to date on the recommended vaccinations for their destination, and pack enough prescription medication to last the trip, along with a basic first-aid kit.
- Create copies of important documents
Losing a passport or other important documents can be distressing, especially when abroad. Sarah suggests: “It’s a good idea for both of you to have digital and printed copies of all your child’s important documents like their passport, visa, insurance, driving licence and emergency contact details. If something gets lost or stolen, having quick access to that information can make a big difference.”
Make sure they’ve saved these securely, and that you have copies too, in case of emergency.
- Discuss money management
Managing money abroad is another learning curve. Sarah suggests using prepaid travel cards for safety and ease. “Make sure to discuss how they’ll manage money abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be a safe and convenient option: not only do they help with budgeting, but they are also easier to replace than bank cards if they get lost.”
If they plan to use online banking, remind them to stick to secure networks and avoid logging in on public Wi-Fi.
- Have the tough conversations
Some topics can feel awkward to bring up, but they’re just as crucial as flights and packing lists. “Talking about safe sex may not be the most comfortable conversation to have, but it’s a necessary one,” says Sarah. “Not only do adolescents need to be fully aware of issues of consent, but they should also know where and how they can access items such as condoms on their travels, as well as how to get sexual health advice at a clinic, if necessary.”
Alcohol can also pose unexpected risks abroad, particularly with reports of counterfeit or unregulated drinks circulating in some regions.
“Given recent reports of home-brewed alcohol with dangerous substances, such as methanol-laced drinks, in hostels, this can pose a serious risk. Educating them about the dangers of accepting unbranded or unregulated drinks is important, and doing their research on the local area before they go is crucial.”
“While backpacking and drinking may go hand in hand for some, they should be aware that consuming too much alcohol could not only put them in dangerous situations but also lead to serious health issues. They should also know that accidents and injuries abroad that occur from excessive drinking may invalidate their travel insurance if they’re found to be intoxicated.”
If you claim an unexpected incident that happened while you were under the influence, your provider may not cover it. So, it’s important to remember that and urge them to stay safe. And while tattoos and piercings can feel like part of the gap-year adventure, they come with health warnings, too.
“Additionally, no matter what your personal feelings are about body art, tattoos and piercings are often gap year rites of passage. Talk to your children about hygiene and safety tips to reduce the risk of infection. Keeping a tattoo covered, clean and out of water and sunlight helps the healing process. It’s also worth mentioning that their travel insurance is unlikely to cover them if they need medical treatment, which has been caused by a tattoo or piercing, so it may be best to wait until they get home.”
- Research local customs and laws
Finally, Sarah recommends: “Research the countries they’re visiting. Understanding local customs, basic laws and safety tips can help them avoid issues, allowing them to get more out of their travels. A little preparation goes a long way and will help them feel more confident navigating new places.”
This includes respecting dress codes and religious practices, which can vary widely between countries.
Letting your child head off on a gap year is a significant milestone for both you and your child. By taking time to prepare together, you can help make their trip as safe and rewarding as possible.
