Don't "do a Jamie", take out the right holiday insurance

A holiday firm this week warned the 430,000 British students preparing to jet off for a gap year to make sure they have the right level of holiday insurance before leaving home.

Essentialtravel warned that not all travel insurance policies included cover for voluntary or casual work abroad so it is vital gap year students check the small print before buying insurance.

Other tips for students who want to avoid making the same mistakes as dopey British backpacker Jamie Neale, who recently got lost hiking in Australia's Blue Mountains, include travelling with a mobile phone and keeping in touch with friends and family via the internet.

It is also a good idea to scan important documents, including passports, visas and holiday insurance documents and keep one copy with you and send another to a responsible friend or relative for safe keeping.

Also, keep credit cards, bank cards and cash in separate places in case you lose one of them or get robbed.

Finally, research each destination before you arrive so you're familiar with local laws and etiquette. That way, you'll run less risk of accidentally getting into trouble.

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