Article: Look before you leap over the gap; Talking tactics: Prince Harry taught rugby to children in Walsall, West Midlands, during his gap year in 2004.

Byline: Sarah Harris

EXPLORING the world is tempting after slogging away at A-levels or degrees. So taking a gap year has always been popular, and the number of students opting for time out before and after university is rising.

Some sixth-formers use the break in studies to earn enough money to go to university, especially now that the ?3,000-a-year tuition fee has been introduced.

And many graduates want to take time out to have a last adventure, weigh up career moves, or try to put off future responsibilities for as long as they can.

However, deciding how to spend time off is crucial and needs careful thought and planning.

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