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Life Without Lottie

How I Coped (or didn't) During My Daughter's Gap Year

England - Hong Kong - Australia - Bali - Singapore

'Definitely a strong contender as debut book of the year'
'Uncompromisingly unputdownable!'

*** Summer 2008 Release ***

Tips for Travellers - from Lottie

• SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! A backpacker we met whilst travelling said 'Pack your bag before going travelling and then unpack it and fill it with money!' This is so true; you really do need as much as you can get hold of. So, before you leave, get a job for as long as possible and be prepared to work hard – it's worth it.

• Don't take anything with you that you would be distraught about if it went missing. In my case, I left Snoopy at home which was hard but very sensible! Things do get stolen and misplaced so always use lockers in youth hostels (the majority provide these) and carry your valuables (passport, camera, wallet, jewellery etc) with you at all times. Do take a small photo album with you to remind you of family, friends and pets. It's really good to look through when times get tough.

• Don't take any 'fashion forward' clothing; items which may be in season in the UK can potentially look very out of place in another country or culture (think waistcoats and ruffle tops!). Instead, take only a few basic items that can be dressed up or down - you can always add to your collection as you travel around. Its fun buying local t-shirts etc which are usually cheap in markets but don't expect them to survive for long!

In addition, don't take any white or delicate clothes – hostel washing machines are temperamental beasts and often broken. Consequently your clothes are usually boiled. The same goes for the tumble dryers! And don't even think of ironing!

• Take a small pen knife (not in your hand luggage). It will provide one hundred and one essential uses – opening boxed wine, opening beer, prying open broken lockers, cutting bandages and plasters, cutting out drinks coupons!

Carry a really good first aid kit and add the following: lots of Paracetamol, lots of Imodium, strong insect repellent, bite relief cream and antibiotic cream. If in doubt, particularly with bites, see a doctor asap! The ones I saw were always kind and helpful. Keep receipts for medical claim purposes. Most Youth hostels provide internet facilities but they can be expensive, temperamental and slow. Check out local internet cafes as these are cheaper, more reliable and faster.

• Before booking any trips or excursions, do speak to other backpackers to find out which are the best ones and the best value for money. Beware - travel and tour providers are driven by cash rather than by conscience and the most expensive tours aren't always the best. By far the best trip we did was a helicopter flight over the 12 apostles. Pure magic and not expensive.

• And if you're near Australia Zoo (East coast), that is well worth a visit. The keepers are really helpful and let you stroke loads of animals and the big animal displays (crocs, tigers etc) are superb.

• Unless you are very short of time or enjoy having no control over your travels then don't do a pre-planned expedition like 'Oz Bus' – they offer an absolute 'no brainer' approach to backpacking where everything is organised from your meals to your destinations and tours with no compromise.

• If you are planning to work whilst you travel avoid commission based jobs like the plague. Aimed at backpackers, they advertise 'excellent on target earnings' which are generally unachievable and more often than not involve long retention periods (up to three months) before you are actually paid. Be prepared to only get menial jobs in bars, cafes, telesales, building sites etc.

• When you are seriously short of money, and hungry, you can survive on pasta! It is cheap and fills you up. And don't stay in the first pub/club you come across. There are loads offering cheap drinks, 'happy hours' and live music so go dig them out! Mum put me on her Barclaycard which I had to make use of very occasionally when I really was starving. This was a life saver and I do recommend for emergencies.

• Youth hostel prices vary considerably and most of them double their prices over Christmas and the New Year so you do need to budget. Move into a dorm. to save money. Also, don't be taken in by their internet adverts. One of the best internet sites turned out to be the worst hostel imaginable. That was where I witnessed a heroin addict injecting himself as I passed him in the entrance porch... avoid Kings Cross area in Sydney!!! In Manly, our kitchen became rat infested for a while. Watch out for bed bugs too as they are rife in Oz. and their bites can go septic!

• Keep in touch with your family and friends back home. It's up to you how much. I used texts and emails and it was great to hear any news, even routine daily stuff.

• It's very tempting to get a tan quickly but do take care as your skin will burn. Use a high factor sun cream and apply frequently. And drink loads of water as you can easily get dehydrated.

• I bought a scrapbook and kept mementos/cards/notes etc of all the places I visited and the people I met. I can highly recommend this – it's great to look back on when you get home and a great memory jogger.

Message From Lottie

Your Gap year may be the only chance you get to travel and explore the world for a decent length of time. Make the most of it. You'll see some amazing things and meet some amazing people so keep that camera clicking! It's cheap to get photos transferred onto disc – then post them home so they are safe.

Life Without Lottie