1. Ask yourself: “What do I want to get out of my year?”
2. List everything that you think you need to do to achieve this, print it out and stick it above your bed. Read it every morning.
3. If you think you are going to need money to pay for things and you do not have a job, get one immediately. Failing to achieve because of a lack of money is a lame excuse.
4. There are more than 10,000 gap-year options, so open your mind to ideas you have not considered.
5. Spend an entire weekend online looking at all the gap-year options that appeal to you and note down everything that you like the look of.
6. You are choosing options for a full year, so fill the time completely, not partially.
7. Find a folder and put everything related to your gap year in it. Collect brochures and further details on anything that stands out and file them in the folder.
8. Try to call any companies that sell anything of serious interest to you and ask the questions on your mind (unanswered questions hinder firm decisions).
9. Understand all the costs involved and look for any hidden costs that you will need to meet, such as airport taxes. Check if food is included.
10. There is no rush. No matter what pressure tactics may be thrown at you, take your time and do not hand over your money until you are ready and happy to do so. If you have any concernsabout your gap-year options, e-mail timeshelp@gapyear.com.
TOM GRIFFITHS