Gap year travel advice for solo travellers

Woman with their head outside a train window, posing for a picture with a scenic mountain range in the background

Getting started with your gap year

Packing your bags and globetrotting on your own is both exhilarating and daunting. Still, there’s a lot to be gained from such an unforgettable experience. And what better time to do it than during a gap year? Solo travel means independence, freedom, and no need to compromise on things you want to experience.

As exciting as the idea of your own grand adventure might be, there's a lot to learn on your journey.

As part of our Post Office Travel Insurance Safe, Sound and Solo campaign, we’re aiming to present the top destinations and tips for your dream gap year. We’ve combined our Travel Safety Index with advice from travel blogger Monica Stott on how to backpack safely.

Prepare for adventure with this handy look at must-consider criteria before you jet set on your dream adventure.

The rise in gap year travel

Taking a gap year is sometimes seen as a rite of passage among students. That trend seems to continue, with UCAS data pointing to 47,740 course deferrals amongst the 563,175 accepted applicants from the 2022 undergraduate statistics report. In fact, there’s a 25.09% increase in course deferrals when comparing the 2022 UCAS course acceptance and deferral data against 2021’s results.

For students, gap years can be a time in their lives to gain independence. Often, when we think about gap years, travel and employment are some of the more popular avenues students take.

It’s not all about students either. 'Grey’ gap years are becoming increasingly popular, with an estimated 37% of over 60s in the UK planning on taking an extended travel.

With statistics pointing to the everlasting appeal of gap year travel, you’re not alone in feeling the urge to do it. And solo travelling doesn’t always mean travelling alone. With organised tours and group travel companies, you can keep your independence and still make new connections.

Whatever journey you have planned, make sure you’ve protection in place – such as single-trip travel insurance to multi-trip cover or a backpacker policy.

Man wearing sunglasses in a European city holding a map

Putting safety first

Travelling solo can be liberating, but it also requires some extra attention to safety. It’s natural to feel nervous or apprehensive when you’re alone in a foreign country, even if it may appear safer than others. So, whether you’re a rookie traveller or a seasoned backpacker, you can benefit from prioritising your safety.

When travelling alone, you’re in charge of:

Preventing issues from occurring
Recognising when problems could or do arise
Deciding how to overcome said obstacles

Prevention is always better than cure and researching the safety of your chosen destination is a great place to start. With enough knowledge, you can avoid the danger of misinformation, unpleasant individuals or wandering into an unsafe area.

As a starting point, why not read our Travel Safety Index article? We looked at the safest counties and cities for solo travellers, based on various criteria.

Travel in confidence. We've got your back

Multi-trip insurance

Must-see destinations for gap year travellers

To give you the scoop on travelling safe and smart, we spoke with influencer and travel blogger Monica Stott. She launched her blog, The Travel Hack, in 2009 while backpacking around Asia.

After an 11-year stint of non-stop travelling, Monica now blogs as a full-time career. The British voyager is based in Wales where she lives with her family, and mostly documents her weekend trips and budget breaks.

With experience in backpacking, solo travel and taking a gap year herself, she’s provided Post Office with her favourite eight travel destinations for gap year travel in her own words. Chosen for their popularity, and affordability, here are Monica’s top suggestions in her own words.

Thailand

Thailand has been a popular destination for backpackers for years thanks to those incredible beaches. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they know how to cook and throw a great party. Thailand is also affordable, and you’ll make friends with backpackers from all over.

Thailand’s famous full-moon parties are a huge draw for backpackers, but you do need to be careful. Thai whiskey buckets might sound like a good idea at the time but they should always be drunk with caution (and with a reliable group of friends).

Iceland

Iceland is regularly listed as the safest country in the world thanks to the low crime rates and the small-town, community feel of the nation. If you’re looking to explore beautiful landscapes and magical scenery, without worrying about pickpockets and thieves, then Iceland could be the place to go.

Australia

Australia is a great option for UK backpackers looking to earn some extra money while they travel. If you’re under 30 you could apply for a Working Holiday visa, which could allow you to work for one year in Australia if you meet the criteria.

Try something new and work as a fruit picker on a rural farm, be a city slicker in Sydney or join the cool kids in Melbourne. I worked as a waitress on an island off the west coast of Australia. I was scuba diving by day and waiting tables by night and island life was a great way to save money.

Bali

Lots of backpackers will tag on a trip to Bali while they’re in Australia. Work your way around Australia and then spend those hard-earned dollars in Bali where you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck.

Bali is an Instagram dream with infinity pools looking out over tropical jungles, waterfalls, white beaches, and romantic little huts tucked away in lush gardens. What’s not to love!?

New Zealand

If you’re looking for adventure during your gap year then New Zealand is the place to go. From exciting sports to awe-inspiring activities, you name it, New Zealand has it.

British backpackers under 30 can also apply for a 23 month Working Holiday Visa so you can fund your travels as you travel.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the most affordable destinations I’ve visited as a backpacker. It’s also one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Explore beautiful cities like Llubljana and natural attractions like Lake Bled for a fraction of the cost of other European countries.

Ireland

If you’re new to backpacking and want to have an adventure without straying too far from home, then Ireland is the place for you. Ireland might be small, but it offers beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, lots of history and a great night life.

Portugal

Have you ever been tempted by the freedom of van life? If you have then Portugal is the place to do it. Backpacking in a campervan is the ultimate adventure and you can easily travel with other backpackers for safety.

Whatever your destination, planning carefully, taking precautions, and buying travel insurance that covers your plans can help ensure a dream visit. , For more information about your chosen destination, check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.

Woman enjoying the view whilst preparing to take a camera phone image of the coastline

Top 10 tips for gap year solo travelling

It’s worth considering that just because countries you want to visit haven’t been mentioned, it doesn’t mean you need to give up on your dream destinations. In fact, you don’t need to drop any destinations.

Experience is a great teacher, and Monica is on-hand to deliver expert advice on how to stay safe while gap year solo travelling. Here are her top ten tips to travel safe, wherever your adventure takes you.

1. Pack light

Packing light means you can get around easily, save time and money on checking-in luggage and you’re also less likely to lose or forget things. Packing light should also extend to your gadgets, so leave your flashy camera and shiny tablet at home. When you carry fewer items, you’re less of a target for thieves. Monica also recommends popping a Bluetooth luggage tracker into your backpack in case it goes missing.

2. Use the right travel insurance policy

When you’re backpacking, or travelling in general, taking out backpacking or gap year travel insurance will cover you for your extended trip. This includes if you have an accident abroad or lose your valuables. You’re also protected for some sports and activities as standard. It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of a policy to see what is covered or excluded or any limitations.

3. Send a daily message to loved ones

It’s particularly important to stay in touch with someone you trust while travelling solo. Whether it’s a family member or a close friend, check in daily with a quick message or a voice note to let them know your plans for the day. According to Monica, it’s also worth using a GPS tracker app and allowing that person see your live location.

4. Stay connected with mobile data

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn’t always easily accessible. Using a travel sim will give you peace of mind that you have affordable data in each country you visit. Having access to Google Maps or Uber can get you out of a tricky situation, so don’t risk being without it.

5. Research your destination, accommodation and activities

Part of the fun of a solo backpacking trip is planning and researching your chosen destination(s). But you’ll need to do this thoroughly so you’re aware of the basics. Is there a certain area you should avoid after dark? Are you visiting a city with lots of pickpockets? Is there a particular hostel that’s known for ripping backpackers off? Monica says reading a mixture of blogs, online forums, travel guides and newspaper articles can give you a well-rounded view of the area you’re visiting. It helps to learn a few useful phrases in local languages too.

6. Spend extra for the safer/easier option

If you’re taking a full gap year, then you might be doing things on a budget. However, the cheapest option isn’t always the safest. When travelling and trying to keep costs low, Monica recommends paying for a taxi rather than walking alone in the dark. She also advises booking a hotel near the airport if you’re arriving late, and booking accommodation in safe, central areas. If something doesn’t feel right, jump in an Uber to reach your destination.

7. Keep note of your accommodation address

Wherever you’re staying, it’s good practice to write down the name and address of your accommodation and put it somewhere safe. Rather than store this information on your phone, Monica suggests writing it in both the local language and in English. This is particularly helpful if you lose your phone, your battery dies, or you get lost. You’ll always have the address on hand to show someone and reach your accommodation safely.

8. Keep your essentials close

When you’re travelling solo, it’s important to keep your phone, credit/debit cards, passport and other valuables close. Monica recommends storing these in a small, crossbody bag and keeping it beneath your jumper or coat to avoid theft. Overloading a bigger bag might mean you won’t notice someone slipping their hand in and taking your wallet.

9. Dress appropriately

It’s vital to dress suitably for both the weather conditions and for cultural expectations. In many countries it’s disrespectful to wear short sleeves, tank tops or short skirts, short dresses and little shorts. This applies to both men and women, but it’s particularly important for women because it may attract unwanted attention. Similarly, you’ll need to dress for the weather conditions. The last thing you want is to get sunburn, heatstroke or catch a chill while you’re travelling solo.

10. Trust your gut

Monica's final tip for solo travelling is to trust your gut. We all have instincts, and you’ll want to always err on the side of caution. Maybe someone is walking too closely to you, or a particular tour seems way too cheap. If something feels weird, then trust your gut and avoid it at all costs.

Woman in a city centre location sitting on some steps reading a map

Key takeaways

As exciting as solo travelling is, it’s worth researching the country or city you’re visiting so you can remain safe. Luckily, there are some great destinations to choose from, as evidenced in our index. If you set off during your gap year, you’re likely to be abroad for longer, so make sure you get the right travel insurance first.

Protect what matters when you go away

Get a travel insurance quote

Frequently asked questions

The length of your travel insurance policy depends on your cover. For example, if you’re planning a short one-off trip, then our single-trip policy will cover you for up to 365 days. But if you’re taking multiple trips in the space of a year, our multi-trip policy could last for up to 12 months. Our backpacker policy can cover you for one trip of up to 18 months.
There is no upper age limit for our single-trip policies. For annual multi-trip cover, you need to be 75 or under. Meanwhile, our backpacker policy requires you to be between 18-60 years old when your policy starts. Backpacker policies are only available on our Economy-level cover.
Yes, mobile and smartphones are covered under the personal possessions of our travel insurance policies up to £400. We also offer a gadget cover add-on if you need more cover for other smart devices, such as:
- Tablets
- Computers
- Laptops
- Smart watches
- Games consoles
With our gadget cover, we’ll increase the cover up to £2,000 per person for theft, damage or loss during your trip.

Remember, if you’re taking gadgets on your travels keep them close and never leave devices unattended.
Make sure those closest to you know where you’ll be travelling to and when and check in with them regularly on your travels, so they know it’s all going smoothly. It’s a good idea not to share your plans more widely, though, either before you go or while you’re away – such as on social media. For one thing, if criminals see you won’t be at home for a certain period and break in to steal something from your home while you’re away, your home insurance might not cover the loss.

How the safety index was compiled

Our safety index is compiled using data from a range of highly respected sources, such as:

Other travel products

Travel Money

Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.
Travel Money Card

One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.
Passport Check & Send

Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.

This might interest you

Travel insurance

Single trip

Multi-trip

Backpacker

Traveling alone

Help and support

Tourists taking in the sights of Times Square in New York

Worldwide travel insurance

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter? Or maybe taking in the sights of Athens or Rome?

Schengen travel insurance

The status of Schengen visas for international students resident in the UK is currently uncertain. This page will be updated when more detail is available.

Woman wearing backpack walking at the airport pulling wheeled luggage behind her

What can I take on a plane?

Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but worrying about what you can take with you on the flight?

Teenagers going on holiday without their parents

Having your son or daughter go on holiday without you for the first time can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a parent, but one of the most exciting for a ...

Do I need travel insurance for a UK break or staycation?

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it might be something you want to have.

Young boy sitting in airplane looking out of airplane window

Travel tips for babies, toddlers and young kids

It’s your holiday too, and good preparation can take some of the worry out of travelling with your littleuns.

Compare our travel insurance

Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, compare these and find out what’s covered by each.

Travel insurance for the Balearic Islands

It’s one of the most popular holiday hotspots for UK holidaymakers. But what can you expect from a trip to the Balearics?

Travel insurance for cancer patients

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance for your trip?

Canadian kayaks in water surrounded by Canadian mountains and trees

Travel insurance for Canada

Canada is a vast country of diverse delights – everything from bustling cities to snow-capped mountains, deep forests and crystal clear lakes. If you're thinking of ...

Elevated view of small coastal town in Canary Islands surrounded by blue waters

Travel insurance for the Canary Islands

People flock to the Canary Islands from all over Europe. No wonder, with such appealing beaches, landscapes and temperatures to enjoy.

Person pushing wheelchair along passage in airport

How to get assisted travel at airports

Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply because they don’t know how to go about asking for it.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, at night

Travel insurance for Australia

Heading down under for a trip to or around Australia? Make sure you’ve got the right level of travel insurance cover for where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing.

Three young women, left and right both wearing sunglasses, all laughing in the sunshine

10 best holidays to take teenagers on

Holidays for teenagers can take some imagination to make sure they’ve got the right mixture of destination, activity and social life – and make sure you have a great ...

Two backpacks, one with boots attached, sat against a dark wooden door

A complete list of backpacking essential items

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off you’ll need some packing tips so you're not weighed down on the way.

young lady checking the flight times on the board whilst holding her passport

What to do if your airline or holiday company goes bust

Finding out that your airline or holiday company has gone bust is a shock – especially if you’re on holiday at the time. But there are plenty of laws and regulations in ...

man sitting on the beach with his laptop

Travelling while you work or vice versa

The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You could be planning some ‘bleisure’ time, taking a ‘workation’ or diving into becoming a ...

Travel insurance for diabetics

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.

Classic red car parked in Havana street, Cuba

Travel insurance for Cuba

Today, Cuba is more accessible than it has been for many decades, and those who decide to holiday there can expect a mixture of colourful city life and luxurious ...

A group of friends on the top deck of a tourist bus

Kids’ travel insurance

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry ...

Red suitcase on airport conveyor belt at luggage reclaim

What you should do about delayed, lost or damaged luggage

The last thing you want to happen on holiday is standing the luggage carousel at the airport waiting for bags that don't appear. It's a huge inconvenience that can cost ...

Clothed male baby wearing a flat cap sat on a beach with sand in his hands

Tips for travelling with grandchildren

Enjoy that precious time away with your grandchildren, and take some of the pressure off by getting good travel insurance – just in case something goes wrong.

Getting travel insurance for an adventure holiday

Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in unusual places to taking part in the odd activity during a more traditional break.

Doctor taking blood pressure of a patient

Travel insurance for people with high blood pressure

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right cover in case something goes wrong abroad.

Woman in red dress and hat looking up at Greek ruins

Travel insurance for Greece

Greece and the Greek islands have long been a popular travel destination for us Brits. But are there any travel risks or other factors to keep in mind before and when ...

Woman set on floor taking notes with open suitcase on bed behind her

How to pack a suitcase

Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat for a cruise somewhere breath-taking, it’s important to know what to pack in advance so ...

Travel insurance for Ireland

Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is available for Brits if they’re visiting the country?

Taj Mahal in distance with people in the foreground

Travel insurance for India

For many UK holidaymakers, India is an intriguing and diverse culture with colourful traditions and engrossing history. For many others, it’s a home from home.

Is Airbnb safe? Tips on staying safe

The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent years. On any one night, over two million people stay in homes advertised through Airbnb in ...

Don't make these holiday mistakes

Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill of adventure, but it also makes it easier to overlook things.

Travel insurance for Italy

Find out about the safety of travelling to Italy as well as the medical care available to Brits and how to get around.

Woman holding up mobile phone, showing a doctor on the screen

Don’t let illness spoil your perfect holiday – book an online doctor

There’s nothing worse than falling ill while away from home. Along with the worry of the cost of visiting a doctor and getting treatment, being poorly can put a real ...

Travel insurance for Morocco

Perched on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco’s long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. If you’re heading there soon, make sure you’ve got good travel ...

Travelling during your pregnancy

Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you may be considering taking a holiday. But is it safe? And what precautions should you consider before making a booking?

Travel insurance for Japan

If you’re jetting off to Japan soon make sure you have good travel insurance to cover your trip. The right policy may offer more protection than the standard medical ...

New Zealand road with snow-capped mountains either side and ahead

Travel insurance for New Zealand

Find out what medical care Brits can access in New Zealand and travel risks to be aware of like natural catastrophes, however rare.

Travel insurance for Mexico

Find out about medical care available to Brits in Mexico, as well as travel risks, transport options and the importance of taking travel insurance.

Young family on the beach laughing and playing

10 tips for keeping kids safe on holiday

We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes over you. Did you remember your passport? What time's the flight? And where on earth did you ...

Sandy beach with rocks and palm trees in front of blue sea with person riding a jet ski

10 ways to look after your valuables at the beach

The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the sunshine. But the reality is that opportunistic thieves are on the lookout for unattended ...

Person snowboarding through snow surrounded with snow spray

8 tips on staying safe while you enjoy your winter sports

The white stuff is alluring, so make sure you can enjoy it safely, are ready for the unexpected and pack travel insurance for extra reassurance.

Travel insurance for Egypt

Make sure you’re travelling safely in Egypt with the latest advice and risks, and learn about getting around and local culture.

Everything you need to know about embassies

Learn the difference between embassies and consulates, and why you might need them when travelling.

Travel insurance for France

It may be a short hop away, but a trip to France is not without its travel risks. Make sure you’re clued up on what they are and have travel insurance in place to help ...

Man on plane in upgraded seating working on his laptop

How to get a free flight upgrade

There are several ways to get to the top of the class on your flight – whether that's business or even first.

Woman wearing hat and backpack at airport looking a departure board at the airport

Flight delays and compensation

Most of the time, getting a flight is a hassle-free event. If you only take hand luggage, have your boarding pass saved to your phone and everything’s running to plan ...

Rocky and green coastline with people on sandy beach surrounded with blue waters and boats

European and Global Health Insurance Cards

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you or existing European health Insurance Card (Ehic), ...

Family relaxing sitting near beach and sea on their summer holiday

Family travel insurance

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance that covers you all. Especially if you have little ones.

Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Woman wearing sunglasses and smiling with mountains in distance

What is ABTA?

Over 60 million people travel from the UK most years for holidays or business. The vast majority enjoy smooth, trouble-free journeys. Sometimes, though, things go wrong.

Doctor stethoscope resting on top of a world map

Do I need travel vaccinations?

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic destination. Make staying safe with travel vaccinations top of your to-do list.

Dog running with owner through sea waves and spray along a sandy beach on a sunny day

How to travel with your dog

Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but travelling with a dog can be a complicated process. Make sure you know how.

Travel insurance for USA

The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time zones are examples of virtually every type of geography on earth, from the baked deserts of ...

What is ATOL protected?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, a scheme that helps make sure consumers are covered if travel firms fall into financial difficulties.

Cappadocia with hot air balloons flying around the sky

Travel insurance for Turkey

A trip to Turkey offers toasty beaches and tourist treats aplenty. No wonder it’s so popular with holidaymakers from the UK and elsewhere.

Male wearing winter jacket and backpack looking up at departures board

Travelling without insurance

In an average year, millions of Britons go abroad without the right travel insurance – or even without any cover at all. Are you one of them?

Travel insurance for Dubai

Planning on living the high life with a trip to the UAE’s iconic mega-city, Dubai? Make sure you’re aware of the local culture, travel risks and have travel insurance to ...

Female doctor smiling and talking to an elderly female patient

Vaccinations needed for Thailand

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in certain circumstances. It’s important to know which vaccinations or injections for Thailand you ...

Woman taking picture of landscape featuring a mountain range and lake.

The Travel Safety Index for Solo Travellers

Travelling solo means freedom and independence, making new connections and never having to compromise.

Travel insurance for South Africa

How safe is South Africa to visit and why is having travel insurance important when you go? Our guide looks at the potential travel risks and the cover you may want to ...

Travel insurance for Spain

Every year, millions of holidaymakers from the UK head to Spain for its combination of glistening beaches, unique culture and Mediterranean cuisine.

Need a holiday? These travel hacks could save you money

Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further. We’ve gathered tips to help you cut out costs and hassle – and enjoy a well-earned break.

Lagoon with boats surrounded by rocky green hillside in Thailand

Travel insurance for Thailand

Thailand’s idyllic beaches, azure-blue sea, buzzing cities and exciting alternative scene are a draw for Brits. A trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Senior citizens travelling and holding hands

Travel insurance for seniors and pensioners

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to ...

Drummer and band playing music to a crowd with sun in background

Top tips for going to festivals overseas

With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit more planning than for a UK festival.

Great tips for people travelling alone

Whether you’re travelling solo because of business, you’re hoping to meet someone, or simply because you enjoy it, being by yourself can sometimes be a daunting prospect ...

UK passport with compact camera on top, watch and a retro camera

How to protect your travel documents

While it’s useful to take hard copies of travel documents away, you can minimise your worry and risk. Here are some handy tips on keeping your travel documents safe.

a couple relaxing by the sea with a picnic

Winter sun holiday destinations to escape to

Dark mornings, cold hands, heating bills and chapped lips are among the most disliked things about the British winter, according to our new study. Half of the nation ...

Beach with sea waves lapping on to beach and a beautiful sunset in the distance

Find hot holiday destinations any time of year

If you're the type of sunchaser who looks forward to that sizzling summer break, can’t wait to escape to warmer climes in the UK’s winter months or can't be away from ...

When to buy travel insurance

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, if yes, when is the right time to buy cover?

Safe travels: where can I go on holiday?

Travel’s a great way to unwind, see the world, open the mind and expand horizons. But rapidly changing situations around the world can soon impact such plans.

young men and women friends with skiing equipment take selfie

Post Office Travel Insurance Winter Sports Survey

With the winter sports season upon us, we conducted a Winter Sports Survey for the second year running. It found as many as four in 10 UK travellers (39%) planned to ...

Christmas

Christmas services

Posting

Online services

Branch services

Banking and bills

Banking and personal finance

Bills and payments

Travel

Insurance

Identity