Posted 29 Jul 2009

As British teenager Jamie Neale counts his lucky stars after being rescued from the Australian wilderness after 12 days, one travel firm has issued some advice on how gap year travellers can avoid ‘doing a Jamie’ during their adventures.

According to EssentialTravel.co.uk, two major things to remember before setting out for a stroll during gap year travels is to take the basics along – including water and a mobile phone.

Other things to tick off the checklist before heading out are making sure you have the right insurance policy for your personal plans and have scanned any important documents – such as visas and passports.

Planning and sticking to a budget, packing light, following your instincts when you get a bad feeling and opting for bars near to your hostel when going for a drink are all other points the website recommends during a gap year abroad.

Another handy hint the site offers is to keep a reserve fund of US$50 (£30) hidden under the insole of you shoe in case of emergencies.

Fortunately, 19-year-old Jamie Neale lived to tell his tale, but the search operation launched to find him reportedly cost around AU$100,000 (£50,000).

Category: General Travel