Gap years are becoming more and more popular. So whether you are taking a gap year before or after university - or perhaps a 'career break' - the key is to plan and to travel with a trusted company.

According to Year Out Group, the not-for-profit association of 37 gap year providers, almost 39,000 people took a structured gap year placement in 2006 and the number is continuing to increase. And with the wide choice of options - ranging from expeditions to volunteering, and courses to cultural exchanges overseas - making the most of your time is vital.

Richard Oliver, chief executive of Year Out Group, says: "It is essential to organise a gap year well in advance to get the most out of the experience. Choosing a trusted company to travel with is key. All of Year Out Group's members adhere to strict operating guidelines so you can be sure that you will enjoy an experience which is both positive and enlightening - and will enhance your career prospects."

To ensure everything goes according to plan, Year Out Group has come up with the definitive Top 10 tips for gap year planning.

Top 10 tips

1. Plan ahead - List everything you wish to achieve and experience in the time available. Set yourself some goals, but be realistic - don't try to cover too many countries if you don't have much time. Spending more time on a few activities or in fewer countries generally provides greater satisfaction.
2. Choose a structured placement - Whether you want to try teaching or work in conservation, choose activities that will enhance your education, boost your CV and provide valuable experience with a company that belongs to a reputable gap year organisation.
3. Research - Find out which organisations and companies offer activities that support your goals. When you have a short list, ask to be put in touch with returned 'gappers' so that you can ask them about their experiences.
4. Budget - Ensure that you have the finances to cover flights, clothing and equipment, insurance, vaccinations, visas and spending money. Set aside a contingency fund for emergencies. Your chosen gap year organisation will offer advice on fundraising and daily needs; some also offer bursaries. Give your parents power of attorney for your bank account in case you lose a credit card or need emergency funds.
5. Safety - Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s website, www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo, for advice on safety in the countries you wish to visit. Read guidebooks, travel books and magazines, use the internet and be vigilant at all times. Your chosen gap year organisation should brief you on any potential issues before you travel. When away, try and be aware of breaking news (see www.fco.gov.uk/travel for country information). If there is a major incident in the country you are visiting, even if you are miles away, call home to allay your family or friends' worries.
6. Health and insurance - Obtain full travel insurance before you go. Make sure it covers all the activities and countries you wish to experience or visit. Ensure you see your dentist and GP in good time: top up on routine vaccinations and allow time for other jabs you may need to take effect. Ensure you have any medication you might need. A useful source of information for travel health advice is www.masta.org.
7. Travel responsibly - Try to learn a few words of the language before you go - it will help you get by and the local people will appreciate it. Spend money in local communities carefully and positively. Consider offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions from your air travel through a company such as Climate Care (www.climatecare.co.uk).
8. Stay in touch - Take copies of your insurance policy, CV, passport, essential contact details and itinerary. Leave one set with your parents/guardian, keep two with you and email the details to yourself. Ensure your mobile phone will operate worldwide and buy local SIM cards where possible to save on call costs. Make sure your parents or guardian have email and keep in touch while you are away.
9. Keep a diary - Whether it's in the format of a blog or web page, email or hand-written journal, you will find a record of your thoughts and experiences invaluable in the years ahead.
10. Little black book - Make a note of these websites as useful points of reference before travelling:
www.fco.gov.uk/travel for country information
www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for travel advice
www.masta.org for travel health advice
www.climatecare.co.uk for Carbon offset schemes
www.yearoutgroup.org for regulated and structured gap year placements

For further information on Year Out Group, please contact 01380 816696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org.

The article Top tips for a great gap year originally appeared on 999 Today