Planners

Malaysia Travel Guide

Endowed with a diversity of cultures, Malaysia offers a 'truly asian experience'. Discover a delightful fusion of three of Asia's oldest civilisations - Malay, Chinese and Indian. A potpourri enriched with the indigenous traditions of the KadazanDusuns, Ibans and other ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak.

Free round the world route builder

Fret no longer, we've got just the tool for you. Our handy round the world route builder helps make your dream trip a reality.

Packing checklist

A handy print-out-'n-keep checklist for all the stuff you'll need for a major trip overseas

Malaysian National Parks Guide

Here's a chance to see and do something different - something beyond the normal tourist sights and pursuits. Experience the tranquility of being one with nature in all its glory, in Malaysia's National Parks. Here, within the awesome splendour of virgin rainforests, beneath the cool canopy of trees hundreds of years old, one comes to realize that "conservation" is not a mere concept, but a way of life - that "bio-diversity" is here to stay!

Guide to Travel Health

Dr Sebastian Kalwij is gapyear.com's travel health expert. He's been involved with travel health projects all over the World, and is now a GP in London. In this guide he takes you through the major health issues that you need to be aware of before you go and whilst on the road. There's information on everything from vaccinations to sun safety, but we have to stress that this is not a substitute for a visit to your GP!

Backpacker Fire Safety Guide

Every year over 1,000 people are involved in hostel/hotel fires on their travels. 50-100 die, almost all from smoke inhalation. Most die trying to ‘beat the smoke’ i.e. they try to run through it, but get trapped in it. It can only take two deep inhalations and 10 seconds to die of smoke inhalation.

Guide to Vegetarian Travel

Quorn to be wild? Or, to put it more simply; like to travel but don't eat meat? You sound like the sort of person who could use this handy guide. Laura Chapman has covered all the major gap year destinations, rated them for veggie-friendliness and suggested some 'in case of emergency' dishes for each of them. Beats the hell out of eating Super Noodles for a year anyway.

Kuala Lumpur Guide

Kuala Lumpur is a city of delightful contrasts and one of the most vibrant cities in Asia. Visitors will be greeted by the stunning Petronas Twin Towers, a world-renowned icon of the country. The numerous pre-war heritage buildings reflect Kuala Lumpur's rich past and stand in charming juxtaposition to the modern ambience. Lush greenery and well-manicured parks lend a refreshing garden appeal to the city.

The Importance of Malaria Awareness

Travellers need to know the facts... With travel to long-haul destinations becoming more accessible and last minute bookings to exotic places on the rise, UK travellers are increasingly at risk of contracting diseases such as malaria.

Your Money Planner

There’s no two ways around it, going around the world is expensive, but most people don’t actually realise how much they spend at home.

Guide to Buying and Driving a Car in Oz

The best way to see Australia is with the freedom of your own vehicle. Go where you want, when you want and stop off at every single novelty out-size fibreglass fruit along the way if you damn well see fit. If you like the sound of this, but are put off by the red tape and expense involved, this is the guide for you!

First Timer's Guide to Hostels

Hostels are simple, fun, friendly, cheap and geared up for people like you. However, if this is your first time away on your own and you've never stayed in a backpacker hostel before, you've probably got a few questions that need answering. Rachel takes you through the etiquette, safety and security issues involved and, hopefully, reminds you that rustling plastic bags at 5am in a dorm is really quite irritating.

Guide to Solo Female Travel

Travelling by yourself can be the most rewarding way to see the world. You can go where you want, see what you want and meet a million amazing people into the bargain. For many though, it's an incredibly daunting prospect and the solo female traveller will have even more concerns. In this guide, Jodun covers everything from reassuring the parents, to what to take with you and meeting people on the road.

Guide to Travel Photography

Want to come back from your gap year with some awe-inspiring photos? Just want to avoid blurry snaps of randoms with red-eye? We talk you through what kit to take, pre-trip preparation, lighting, framing and how to get the best from the situations you're most likely to encounter. The updated version of this guide now also contains some great advice on how to digitally edit your photos upon your return.