travel

Websites:

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2392

For public transport in Gloucestershire.

www.traveline.org.uk

Log on here if you want information about making any UK journey.

www.thetrainline.com

For booking rail tickets on any UK rail network.

What work shall I do?

If you want to pay your way whilst you're away, there are loads of options, depending on where you are, how hard you want to work and how much cash you want to earn. But basically your options are:

• Casual and temporary work
• Voluntary work

Casual and temporary work

• Holiday companies are a good starting point for temporary work, but they tend to recruit months before the summer season.
• In Europe, there's a lot of agricultural work on offer in the summer. This is often casual, cash in hand stuff, so it can be a case of being somewhere at the right time. It can also be very hard work.

Voluntary Work

Most voluntary workers should be 18 and above, and most (but not all) schemes require at least a year's commitment.

Travelling by Train

• Have you considered travelling across Europe by train? Flying to different destinations has become the most common choice for travellers, but going by train gives you the opportunity to see the places you would otherwise miss. It's also a chance to experience different cultures, languages and to meet new people.
• Train travel to Europe has taken a giant leap forward since the opening of the Channel Tunnel. Trains from different parts of the UK connect with the Eurostar train from London Waterloo.

Services then go direct to Brussels and Paris and connections can be made from these cities on to other European cities and beyond, even to continents like Africa and Asia.

Things can get difficult if you're abroad and you lose your money, your tickets or your passport, so take precautions before you go - it's worth the effort.

• Make a note of the serial numbers of your travellers cheques, if you have them.
• Find out telephone numbers of the British Embassies in the countries you will be visiting.
• Carry travellers cheques and cash seperately.
• Never give your passport to anyone, including car hire agencies. If you do have problems whilst abroad, the Embassy can;

• It is a good idea to have some currency of the country you are visiting, in cash, before you set off. This can be bought at banks, travel agents or the Post Office before you go.
• But don't carry all your money with you in cash. Find out about travellers cheques from banks, travel agents or the Post Office. Traveller's cheques are the safest way to take money abroad because they can't be used without your signature. You actually sign twice - once in front of the cashier when you buy the cheques and once when you cash them at the bank or bureau de change when you will be asked for proof of identity.

• If you are planning to travel in Europe and you are under 26, you might find the Euro<26 card a useful investment. A year's subscription entitles you to discounts in over a quarter of a million places in 35 countries in Europe. Discounts are available in shops, restaurants, on flights and train journeys etc.
• Members of Euro<26 can call the National Youth Agency on 0116 242 7350 for more information on visa and passport regulations, vaccination requirements, local embassies and consulates, local banking hours and currency regulations, before you travel.

More information on joining is available from www.euro26.org, from the Youth Information Shop, 0191 490 1999 or visit www.youthinformation.com

• All UK citizens and their dependants have the right to health care and emergency treatment while travelling in another European member state. But to get this you need an E111 form from the Post Office or download it from the Department of health website, www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs.en. This website also contains lots of other information about health and travel, including how to get treatment in countries with no healthcare agreements with the UK.
• Ask for the leaflet -?Health advice for travellers anywhere in the world' (form T5) at the post office. It is worth reading before you set off and take it with you when you go - it contains useful phone numbers and addresses if you have health problems when you are away. At the back of the leaflet you will find an E111 form as well as a guide on how to fill it in. When you have finished filling it in hand it in to the post office. Once it is stamped it will become valid and you can keep it as long as you are resident in the UK.

• If you are a UK citizen travelling anywhere outside the United Kingdom or Eire you will need your passport. Even if you travel within the European Union you will still need your passport. If you are from one of the other member countries of the European Union you can travel to member countries using your identity card instead of your passport.
• If you are under 18 you may go abroad on your own or with company, but you must have your own passport for which parental consent is required. Once you are 18, you can get a passport and travel abroad without your parents consent.
• Applying for a passport can take a while, especially in high season - spring or early summer. So if you plan to travel abroad leave plenty of time to get your passport. You can telephone the passport office for up to date details of how long it will take to process your passport application.
• To apply for a passport, you will need to pick up an application form from the post office. Fill it in and send it to the passport office nearest to you. Post Offices will help you complete your applications for a small fee. Although this is an unofficial service, it may help to guarantee that your application is dealt with speedily.
• A normal passport is valid for ten years (or until all the pages are full with visa stamps) and costs £51. If you have queries about passports you will find a lot of information in the Notes for Guidance which you get with the passport application form.
• Two photos must accompany the passport application form. The back of the photographs must be signed by one of the following people to confirm that you are the person in the picture. The person must have known you for a minimum of 2 years:
• a professional person, eg; Doctor, teacher, lawyer
• an MP
• a magistrate
• a Minister of Religion
• a local councillor
• a bank officer
• a civil servant
• a police officer.

More specific information about travelling abroad is available on the net. For example, a new website www.suzylamplugh.org/worldwise has been developed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to help you enjoy travelling around the world without getting into trouble. Here you will find country by country, practical tips you need to get around safely, whether you are travelling on your own or with friends.Passport Office

Taking some time out to travel is becoming an increasingly popular option for young people. But before you even leave the comfort of your favourite armchair, there's lots to think about, like where to go, how to pay for your trip, and how to stay safe whilst you're abroad. If you're thinking of travelling we've set out loads of tips so you can make sure that wherever you go, you get the most out of it and come back in one piece.

Travelling Tips

If you can, make sure you do some travelling before you become an adult and you have lots of responsibilities to worry about. Do something special and see a little of the rest of the world. Here are some tips for things worth thinking about before you set off.

Travelling Tips

• Look after yourself - Plan ahead - make sure you can get back.
• Different operators will have different booking systems so check them in advance.
• Give yourself plenty of time if you need to change trains or buses (at least 15 minutes).
• Be -?streetwise' on your journey and choose busy places and well-lit streets; cross the road if someone appears to be following you and always ask for help from porters or conductors.
• Check you have all your belongings with you. Stations and operators will have a lost property section if the worst happens. Keep tickets handy but safe and keep a check on your purse or wallet at all times.
• Let someone know what time you are expecting to arrive. If possible travel together in a group or with a friend.
• Think about your journey before you set out: Why are you making this journey? Is it work, school, shopping or to meet friends? Do you need to plan ahead so you are not late for work or college? Will you be able to carry shopping home? Do your friends know where to meet you and could you get home alone if you lose them?
• Check websites, leaflets and booking offices for information.

Public Transport in Rural Areas

If you live in rural Gloucestershire you will know that the most frequent public transport services and majority of the network are in the urban areas. However, there are several bus companies who operate in rural areas: