Planning your gap year well in advance means you can take advantage of the best deals on flights and accommodation. Booking in advance ensures you will get the best deals possible, they will be cheaper and usually better value than if you book something last minute. Researching travel agents such as STA Travel, who specialise in student tours can also save you a lot of money.

Visas are the biggest cause for distress amongst travelling students. To avoid ruining the trip of a lifetime, do your research before you travel. A variety of popular gap year destinations such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada have very strict visa rules. You don't want to pay for an expensive flight across the world only to be denied entry once you get there because you haven't applied for the right visa. A number of travel agents offer visa services where they will apply for and process the appropriate visa for your travels.

If you aren't planning to work during your gap year you will need to save up enough money to keep you going for your entire trip. However, everybody knows that accidents happen and having emergency money is essential for gap year travellers. It is a very good idea to apply for a basic credit card before you go away. This way you will have an instant flow of money if an emergency arises. It is also better to have credit stored on an international cash card than carrying cash, that way if you lose it, it is easily replaceable. However, if you take cash and lose that, there isn't much you can do about getting it back. Credit and debit cards also come with added security and lower the risk of theft (you are more vulnerable carrying large amounts of cash with you).

Most people don't bother with travel insurance on short journeys because it can be expensive and the likelihood is that nothing will go wrong. However, it is very wise to consider insurance on your gap year travels. Insurance will give you that cushion to fall back on if the unthinkable happens. There are a variety of different travel insurance packages for all kinds of journeys, including packages for adrenaline-seekers wishing to enjoy some extreme sporting or longer packages suitable for students going on a working gap year. Most insurers offer 24 hour helplines and don't require any heavy medical screenings.

You should never travel with just passport as identification, always have at least 2 other identification alternatives. If you are over 16 you can apply for a driver's licence which is generally an accepted form of identification in most places across the world. You should also invest in an International Student Identity Card which gives you hundreds of thousands of discounts on activities, restaurants and items around the world and is also a worldwide accepted form of identification for students and gap year travellers.

Wifi spots and free internet zones are popping up more and more around the world, however if you are in a remote area without internet and you just want to hear your mother's voice, a calling card comes in very handy. You can top up your international calling card with the local currency and use it at any payphone.

It is essential that you look into vaccinations before you go travelling. Different destinations require different vaccinations. You wouldn't want to end up with Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio or Hepatitis. The Department of Health offer free Health Advice for Travellers booklets which include vaccination advice, health kits and opportunities for consultation.

There is nothing worse than having to cart around a suitcase or a rucksack that is giving your back a hard time. Spending a lot of money on a travelling rucksack might sound like a waste of money but trust me, if you're walking for hours at a time you want something comfortable and something that is going to distribute the weight evenly across your back. Trespass and Mountain Warehouse have a good variety of travel rucksacks and day bags.

When you are a gap year traveller, especially if you are travelling alone, it is essential to be knowledgeable about your surroundings and know the rules of the place you are in. Ethical travel and staying safe come hand in hand. If you are a woman it particularly important to look up dress codes of the areas you are travelling to. Some areas might be considered sacred and full length shirts and trousers may be required, otherwise you risk disrespecting the area and the locals. It is also essential to be an ethical traveller, try and shop at local convenience stores, drink local beer and avoid imported brands.

Backpacking on your gap year isn’t the most glamorous way to travel, expect blisters, burnt skin and greasy hair at some stage on your journey. The most important thing is to take everything in your stride and experience the world around you with open arms, be respectful and most of all, be friendly and grateful for your ability to travel the world.