Posted 28 Aug 2009

In many ways, taking a gap year abroad is akin to being an ambassador for your home country, it has been suggested.

According to travel guide publisher Lonely Planet, the way in which gap year travellers and those volunteering abroad conduct themselves while in foreign countries can leave more of a mark then they believe.

"Your behaviour can have an enormous impact on the perception of your country," declared Tom Hall, travel editor at the publishing house.

He advised those heading off on a gap year abroad to glean information from the internet, other travellers and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to make sure they gain as much prior knowledge as possible.

"The more you find out about places, the more you will get out of it," he added.

According to statistics from the FCO this week, 202 Brits were arrested in Thailand over the last year.

Category: General Travel