‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ Mark Twain

The year after leaving full-time education can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give more time to personal development, to gain some independence, develop extra skills and experience, or get a breathing space before tackling life-shaping decisions. Great, but the last thing you want prospective universities or employers to see is a ‘gap’ in your cv.

Make your year out work for you with our guide to where to go, what to do and how to do it safely.