How to Stay Safe on Your Gap Year Travels…

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by: Richard Palmer
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Knowing a second language sufficiently enough to be able to converse in the local tongue when travelling abroad on your gap year could prove to be an invaluable safety tool. Quite often however, the excitement of a holiday will take hold which usually means many back-packers forget to do the necessary research and this could result in the holiday maker running in to trouble on foreign shores.
Given the current climate of terrorism, war, and general unrest within certain parts of the world, the UK government is now working closely with the travel industry in helping tourists to take extra precautions. Anyone who has taken a flight recently would no doubt agree that airport security has been tightened notably, with baggage restrictions becoming much stricter and greater safety measures in place to refrain passengers taking things on board an aircraft which they shouldn’t. Today, warnings are being passed on via travel agencies advising travelers against visiting politically unstable locations and urging them to register all travel plans with the appropriate authoritative institutions.
According to Peggy Lohmann, the spokeswoman for language training specialists - Rosetta Stone, having the ability to speak a local language, if only basic phrases, instantly puts your head above the parapet. In addition to this, knowing how to converse with the locals will do wonders for your confidence - knowing that you will be able to understand and / or follow instructions should an emergency situation arise really will offer peace of mind which in turn should allow you to relax and enjoy the holiday. Being able to read directions and explain your situation to the local people or authorities will set you in good stead, ultimately helping you get the most out of your holiday..
A common mistake often made when British residents travel abroad is making the assumption that they will be able to get by only speaking English. Although sometimes possible, it is not always the case and in some places this arrogance is likely to cause offence. The authorities in many of the less developed nations are not educated in English, and locals in such areas know this. This can be very dangerous for foreign visitors because should they be unable to answer a basic question posed by an occupier of the land, this makes the tourist a perfect target for crime. To make matters worse, it is unlikely that local authorities would even bother to investigate a claim that they cannot understand.
There is a growing concern that young people in the UK are today being starved of the opportunity to learn a foreign language after the government ceased compulsory language education for students past the age of 14 in 2004. This simply means that upon finishing school or college, most graduates have little or no knowledge of any language other than English.
Here are some other top safety tips to bear in mind when travelling on your gap year abroad:
• Recognise and respect cultural and religious rules and customs
• Make yourself aware the terms for any medical conditions you or your friends have
• Carry identification and important medical details such as blood type and any allergies you may be affected by
• Know the procedures for contacting the emergency services
• If you plan to work while abroad, carry out some research on the organisation to ensure it is trustworthy
• Travel advice regarding unsafe areas is given for a reason – adhere to it!
• Know the exchange rate and ask about regional pricing / tax policies

About the Author

Richard Palmer believes that, even though many young people are being shorn out of the opportunity to learn a language at school, you can quite easily teach yourself Spanish through one of many foreign language courses available on the internet today.

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