8 Things We Learned About Travelling From E4's Gap Year

Ah, the infamous gap year. A time to see the world, make new buddies and learn about other cultures. Or is it...

This week E4 invited us along to watch their brand new comedy drama Gap Year, and we managed to pick up a few key lessons for travel survival.

DON'T go for the wrong reasons

E.g. to orchestrate an accidental meet-cute with your very, very recent ex. In Beijing. ‘OMG I’d totally forgotten you were here!’ is less convincing than you’d think.

It’ll be an emotional rollercoaster

There will be moments where you hate everything and everyone and can’t think of anything you’d rather do more than sprint 4000 miles home to your mum, and there’ll also be moments where you decide you’re never going back and you’re now a full-time beach-dweller. And you can experience both these emotions in the same hour.

You’ll make friends for life

Yes, you might spend the entire trip driving each other insane, but once you’ve been survived dodgy hostels, jungle-navigating and Dengue Fever (literally something the Gap Year crew experienced) together you’ll be bonded in a way you really did not expect. You’ll go through the best and the worst as a team and chances are you’ll come out stronger pals for it.

BUT not everyone you meet will be amazing

For every new bestie there’ll be an uber pretentious, vegan-obsessive, tambourine-wielding traveller who’s, like, totally enlightened and just can’t wait to tell you how gentrified Phuket is becoming. Pick your new companions wisely, or it might be six months of the same stories and renditions of Wonderwall on their ukelele.

Do your research

A lads holiday in… Beijing? It’s more famous for ancient Chinese architecture and stunning views than cheap tequila shots and skinny dipping. So maybe make sure you know the vibe of the city before your plane lands?

Hold on to your cash

Do not drop your wallet of cash on a toilet floor on your first afternoon abroad. Chances are some fellow friendly travellers will find it and take the opportunity to treat themselves to a new pair of Ray Bans.

Learn the lingo

At least enough to ask for directions and order your dinner. Gap Year is proof that it’s easier than you think to lose your bearings (and your mates) and end up in a tricky situation somewhere near the Great Wall, so it’s a wise idea to pick up a few key phrases…

You WILL get the shits.

Accept this now, and buy some Imodium before you even check in.

Gap Year starts on Thursday 23rd February at 9pm on E4.