Hi, I'm a student (ex-gap year traveller too!!) doing my dissertation on media influences on backpacker travel so if any of you out there could answer a few quick questions it would be great! feel fee to reply to my private messages too.

(1) age?

(2) m/f?

(3) Why have you taken your gap year now? e.g. gap year before/after uni, career break etc?

(4) What media did you use to plan your trip?e.g. guidebooks, internet sites (if so any specific ones?), brochures??

(5) What media technology will you take or have you taken with you? e.g mobile phone, laptop, ipod??

(6) Do you use any specific forms of media whilst you have been travelling? e.g. local newspapers?maps? guidebooks? internet? advice boards in hostels etc etc??

Finally....what would be your worldly-wise advice to anyone thinking of planning a gap year travelling the world?

Thank you, and happy travels!!