The STA Travel website has an interactive round-the-world planner, which should be useful if you are a student of under 26, possess an ISIC card and want to create your own gap-year trip.

The travel agency should also be able to advise on different ways you can spend your time out, Lesley Davidson told the Gap Year Show in London.

Working in Australia or New Zealand is one option. STA Travel offers a 'Sydney Starter Park' for £99 to set you on your way.

For details of the ISIC card see www.istc.org