Gap year staying in touch

You're away from home, maybe for the first time, and haven't got a care in the world. This is 'your time' and it's the perfect opportunity to do your own thing. But don't forget it's worth keeping in touch with those back home.

Here are a few things to bear in mind before you go:

• Tell friends and family your plans before you go and keep in regular contact, especially if you change your plans. If there's an emergency, at least people will know where to start looking for you
• Make a copy of your itinerary and other important documents, such as your passport, your insurance policy, tickets etc. Leave these with a trusted friend or family member back home before you leave
  
• Consider taking a roaming mobile so that you can contact people at home and they can reach you
  
• Set up an email account such as Hotmail or Yahoo! that you can access from anywhere in the world to help you keep in contact. There are public internet cafes in most major cities around the world and it's a good way to inform those back home of where you are and what you're doing
• Don't promise too much. Telling your parents you'll call home every day is unrealistic and will only cause them to worry when you don't. If you are to be out of reach for a few days, let family and friends know where you're heading to and with whom. Also let them know when you plan to be back in touch
• Make sure that at least one person (in addition to yourself!) knows where you are and has all your essential details!