Book Review: the gap-year guidebook
The gap year has become something of a rite of passage before the onset of adulthood and, in recent years, even a break from the mundane for older travellers. In light of all the information available on the web concerning travel in general, and gap years in particular, one would expect the demise of guidebooks like this; but quite the opposite is the case - books like the gap-year guidebook should be an essential part of every prospective gap year traveller's reading list. Read on to find out why.
EssentialTravel Rating: 10/10
About the Book
The gap-year guidebook is compiled annually by John Catt Educational and is in its twentieth edition in 2012. Information is collected throughout the year from the reputable sources and conveniently packaged in twelve chapters.
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How does it help me plan a gap year?
A quick glance at the table of contents will show you the breadth of the guidebooks guidance - from sections helping you decide where you want to go right up to applying to university on your return. But the treasure trove of information is in the well curated directories at the end of each chapter. Here you will find reliable sources and services for further investigation; so that you venture into the internet confident of the information you gather.
What about older travellers?
Where the book excels is in the chapter for older travellers that covers vexing questions about taking a sabbatical like:
- How do I arrange a sabbatical?
- How do I pay long-term bills like the mortgage?
- How do I travel with or without my kids?
- How do I store my belongings while I'm away?
- How do I handle sometimes complex tax issues? (You may still be required to pay UK taxes whilst abroad).
- What safety precautions do I need to take, to protect my family, before leaving?
Additionally, there are useful anecdotes from people who have it done it all before to motivate you.
What about financing my gap year?
In light of the economic situation it's understandable that travellers are more and more concerned about the financial (and opportunity cost) of a gap year. The guidebook does not shy away from such issues and you'll find an entire chapter dedicated to finance and a sprinkling of sections within chapters dealing with imaginative fundraising, earning a pension whilst on your career break, finding a job and seasonal work. The guidebook also caters to those who prefer to take a local gap year instead. The section on taking a local gap year should be required reading for any young person entering the labour market for the first-time - not just for travellers. The advice about working and volunteering in the UK is particularly relevant now in this highly competitive labour market.
To buy the book visit John Catt's online store.