New online gap-year guide launched

Gap-year travellers have been offered a new online guide designed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Lonely Planet.

The travel guide, which is powered by Google and hosted at GoGapYear.com, allows users to select destinations around the world and view text, photographs and destination-specific travel advice.

With the end of the academic year rapidly approaching, thousands of people are expected to set off on gap-year trips over the coming weeks.

According to the FCO, many of these will embark on their trips unprepared and could benefit greatly from planning their journeys online.

Office spokeswoman Alice Draper said: "The very nature of a gap year means that it is likely to be a prolonged trip, taking in a number of destinations.

"This can increase travellers' risk of encountering difficulties on their journey, so it is vital to prepare properly before setting off."

As well as giving practical advice, the guide offers tips to unusual activities that travellers may be interested in, such as surfing in landlocked Munich or sandboarding in Namibia.