Can I Afford a Gap Year?

Much has been written recently about the cost of university, and the increasing number of young people put off by higher education due to the thought of so much debt after graduation. However, as the new term kicks off this month, it is clear that the recession has made the application process even more competitive as more mature students enrol, at the same time as jobs are cut, pay is frozen and more people find themselves without work. So what are the other options after college or sixth form?

Of course, a gap year has long been an acceptable way to spend time after secondary school in order to build up your 'life experience' and to enjoy some well-deserved freedom. But with so much concern about debt, can you really afford one? The easy answer is probably yes, but you must plan and budget carefully.

Whether you decide to volunteer close to home, or want to fly to the east coast of Australia, it is likely that you will need to save up some money for the experience. Of course, earning is one thing, but saving is quite another and it is important that you are taking enough money from your monthly pay and putting it somewhere safe. The more research you can do on this at the moment the better as the best savings accounts available tend to be fixed term - meaning you are more likely to get good returns if you leave your savings alone for a certain amount of time.

Another positive boon to your funding could come from tax. If you are only working for a few months before leaving and not working for the rest of the year, you may be eligible for tax back. If you earn £6,475 or less over a year you do not need to pay tax.

Once your funds are in place you need to estimate how you want to access it, and the currency (or currencies) you are likely to use. Internet banking is a great way for travellers because it is free and is available 24 hours a day. After you know what currency you will need and where, it may also be worth considering a prepaid credit card - despite the bad reputation there are certain credit card options available that are free of debt risk and allow you to take out foreign currencies abroad for no charge.

The next plan is to budget the trip. If you are travelling abroad it is becoming increasingly important to take out travel insurance - and it is a good idea to research specialist gap year cover. If you are planning any special activities such as extreme sports, ensure that these are included on your policy also.

Paul Roberts writes about finance for travellers, savings accounts and fixed term savings

How to Save for a Gap Year You’ll Never Forget

A gap year spent working or travelling overseas offers school-leavers or graduates the perfect opportunity to enjoy sun, sea, sand and adventure, before going to university or settling down to the world of work. So whether you fancy an extended holiday or a job volunteering for community or environmental projects in developing countries, the experience will be both unforgettable and could enhance your employment prospects when you return.

Start saving early

Before you start packing your rucksack, you need to remember that globe-trotting does not come cheap; fail to budget and your gap year could soon end up running into thousands of pounds. The key to a successful extended trip is forward planning – working out how you're going to finance it is just as important as deciding where to go.

Draw up a budget

Think carefully about your finances, and draw up a list of all the big expenses you might encounter, such as transport, food and accommodation. Also take the time to research the local cost of living – a good starting point is Lonely Planet.

Build up a cash reserve

While you may like the idea of working your way around the world, it may also be worth spending some time working here in the UK before you go. This will enable you to build up a cash reserve which could be held in a low-risk savings account paying a high rate of interest.

Where should I stash my cash?

A good starting point is a mini cash individual savings account (ISA) into which you can currently save up to £3,600 a year with no tax on interest (rising to £5,100 in April 2010).

Manchester building society is offering one of the “best buys” at the moment – paying 2.75% with no bonus on its Premier Instant Isa - although this does require a minimum balance of £1,000. For smaller balances, Standard Life is paying 2.65% on its Direct Access Isa on balances of just £1.