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A guide to gap-years for grown-ups

As gap-year vacations become increasingly popular amongst students taking time off to see the world between high school and college, an equally large number of parents and grown-ups are feeling like they might like to take off as well. A number of them are discovering that although they never had a gap-year opportunity themselves, it's not too late to take a grown-up gap year and take off for a new adventure on an international scale.

Although it may not be quite as easy for middle-aged people to leave everything behind and take off for a year as it is for students, it is still far from impossible. Those considering a long break abroad should carefully consider managing their mortgage, pension and insurance policies before hitting the open road.

Several items are fairly easier to take care of than many expect. Its very simple to continue investing into a personal pension even while abroad, for example. Mortgage payments can either be made through internet banking or by arranging a payment holiday with the bank. Property owners may also want to consider renting in order to help make mortgage payments though arrangements need to be made with the bank and with your home insurance provider if rental does occur.

With all the big things taken care of, it's worth spending some extra time to make sure you have a good travel insurance policy. Since you will need coverage for the entire length of your journey, youll probably need more than the usual annual coverage you may have had for business trips in the past. Many policies only allow a maximum of 30 days abroad. Get coverage from the day you buy your plane ticket to the day you set foot back in Britain.

A good travel policy will cover you for any damage to or loss of your personal possessions including your luggage and bags. This coverage should extend to the airline misplacing your suitcase as well as outright theft. In addition, medical coverage should be included to an adequate level, which will depend on where you plan on travelling. Check to make sure the policy includes repatriation expenses in the case of serious illness or death.

Since flights these days often suffer from delays or even cancellations, travel insurance is the only thing that will cover you and provide compensation if necessary. In addition, it should cover trip cancellation and interruption if, for example, someone in your immediate family becomes ill while you are abroad.

Finally, your travel insurance policy should cover legal expenses and provide a personal liability cover. Its always a good idea to read the fine print of your policy, particularly if you plan on participating in any sports while abroad, particularly things like scuba diving, bungee jumping or jet skiing. Some policies provide coverage for these activities while others do not.

There are many things to consider for adults planning on taking a long trip abroad. Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is how you and your possessions will be protected while travelling. Finding good travel insurance before you take off is the key to travelling safe and secure anywhere in the world, even for a year at a time.


Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.



Jennifer Jones Editorial


22/08/2007


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