Those heading off on
gap year travel trips should be check the credentials of operators and tour providers before booking, one industry expert has claimed.
While many head off for year-long trips to enrich their worldly knowledge and experience different cultures, many neglect to take the appropriate precautions when booking.
The warning from law firm Irwin Mitchell comes after a bus crash in Ecuador involving a group of British backpackers.
But according to Clive Garner of Irwin Mitchell, although the benefits of many trips largely outweigh the dangers, gapers should still do their research and exercise due caution while abroad.
He said: "Even when using reputable providers of
gap year travel, things can go wrong, particularly when travel or other services are subcontracted to local agents.
"In turn, sometimes the agents employ staff without the necessary skills or experience and this is often when things go wrong."
More than 230,000 Britons embark on
gap year travel every year.
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