Dear Parents of a Student Going Overseas on a GAP year

I would like to introduce myself and my agency to you.    If your child is going overseas independently, for whatever length of time, a warm welcome to you.  If your child is going on a GAP year with Tutors Worldwide Robin Finney would have sent you my discounted insurance offer.

·         My great love is adventure travel and this is what your child is embarking on.  If there is anyway that I could assist to make the experience overseas a memorable one I would be delighted to be able to help.

• Two of my own children spent a GAP year in the UK and it is an experience that I would recommend that all families give to their children. 

• In addition, I have been working with Tutors Worldwide (Mr. Robin Finney is a personal friend), and other student exchange organisations, for many years now.  I have a special relationship with Topdeck and Contiki. I know how the system works.   My agency was recognised as the leading Travellers Choice Agency in Australia by Contiki holidays in 2007.
• As a result, ‘Viv’s Travel Bug’ specialises in providing the best service to all young folk heading overseas – whether they are going as a GAP tutor or just going to link up with friends (all friends are welcome to participate in the discount deals).

 In planning your child’s overseas experience, you would be aware that you will need the following:

Ø  Airfare

Ø  Travel Insurance (discount group travel insurance offered by me)

Ø  A reliable ATM card that can be used all round Europe

Ø  Additional travel planned during the summer holidays.  British schools have long summer holidays and the alternatives for GAP students are:

To travel                      To work                                   To visit relatives

Accommodation in the UK is expensive since most schools close down (although some will allow GAP students access to their accommodation).  Food is not cheap.  The summer holidays can be a very expensive time unless careful forward planning is made.

One opportunity to combine travel and board and lodge is to take a Topdeck or Contiki Tour around Europe.  Special GAP Tours of up to 5 weeks allow young people to experience the diverse cultures of Europe and to make many new friends.  In a group, with experienced tour guides, you know that they are safe and being looked after (and that their accommodation, food and travel have been paid for)

European Summer Travel can be the highlight of their GAP year!!

On my books at present I have well over 200 names of students going overseas. My clients come from all over Australia and some of my clients contact me from New Zealand and South Africa.  This number, from past experiences, will increase significantly.  GAP students are welcome to pass on these deals to their friends who are also thinking of traveling next year.  What it does mean is that I can add any student’s name to my GAP Tour lists and they will receive group discount rates, as well as my own discounts.  This applies to travel insurance as well.  There is a significant saving for families.

With my experience as a GAP specialist, and also as a parent of two GAPPIES, I have the experience and knowledge to assist you to get the best deals for:

• Airfares (for those travelling independently of Tutors Worldwide/GAP)
• Travel Insurance (at discount rates)
• Travelex Cash Passports (debit cards that parents can recharge by B-Pay from Australia – which can be used anywhere)
• Additional travel such as TOPDECK or CONTIKI at discount rates.

 My offers also apply to those parents who are thinking of travelling to the UK/Europe next year to visit their children.  I would love to assist you plan a special trip, using all of the above possibilities as well as bus tours, car hire and accommodation!!  I have helped many parents in the past.

I hope that your daughter/son has a great experience - I know they will!!- and if I can help in any way to reduce the cost to the family I would be delighted to assist. 

From my experience, as a parent, a possible timeline is as follows:

1. Air ticket
2. Travel Insurance (this should be taken out on purchase of airfare, as it covers your child from any mishaps that might occur prior to departure and therefore possible loss of expenses that can occur before departure such as ill-health/accident preventing flying)
3. Topdeck and Contiki Tours (early-bird discounts and my discounts are substantial)
4. Travelex Cash Card (organised prior to departure with minimum funds, and then additional can be added later at your convenience)

Please contact me at any time – by e-mail, phone, letter or fax – if you require my assistance.  Early-bird Topdeck and Contiki GAP Tour brochures come out early in the  new year.  I would love to help you and any other families with young folk heading overseas.

Kind regards

Viv Craig (Mrs)

Owner/Manager