The majority of rip-offs perpetrated on backpackers occur within 40 minutes of arrival in a new country. Mark Eveleigh has been a victim of more than a few of them over the years and outlines 10 key guidelines to avoiding the pitfalls and pungi-traps of your next destination.

David Whitley explains a trio of methods for keeping long drives interesting.

Chances are, if you’re old enough to be going on a big road trip across Australia, South Africa or the United States, you’re probably a bit old for I Spy. But there will come an inevitable point on big journeys where you need to create some entertainment as a respite from the over-familiar pile of CDs you burned before leaving. From experience, I can conclude that the following three games make for a thoroughly enjoyable (if weirdly competitive) time.

Travel health is a major priority when planning your Round the World flight. Researching your travel destination beforehand is essential to find out the vaccination requirements as well as health advice regarding safe drinking, food, STDs, insect borne diseases and other travel related health issues.  Before setting off on your gap year travels, it's worth spending some time getting fit by walking, running, swimming and any number of different sports. Although travelling will make you fit and walking for long distances will seem quite normal after some time, exercising and eating healthily before you go will help prepare you for the journey ahead.