And according to one travel industry commentator, backpackers such as this seem to be becoming increasingly discerning in their choice of destinations and activities. While this might improve the overall quality of their experience, it is perhaps inevitable that it additionally increases the cost of the wield. However, those intent on making the most of their gap year could consider a personal loan as a way of boosting cash to make the trip a truly memorable one

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, remarked: "People are recognising the value of saving up a little bit more before they go and one of the old adages of going on a big trip is: 'The more money that you have, the better time that you'll have'"

He also said that while in the past travellers have had the luxury of a trip going on for more than a year, allowing for finance reserves to be rebuilt by working in Australia or elsewhere, there is now increased pressure for them finish with their travels to get on with university or start working.

The increased pressure on finances is driven by the urge to get the best out of the experience, Mr Hall stated. "On the whole people are much more interested in the actual experiences while they're away and are prepared to pay for them," he observed. " If you go all the way to New Zealand you are going to want to do that bungee jump or skydive and you're not going to want to come home and say: 'I didn't do that.' I think that in the past people have been more willing to say: 'That's a little bit out of my price range'."

Those who are heading off to distant places but unsure of their financial situation might like to consider taking out a personal loan as a means of providing a safety net should they find funds is running low.

Mr Hall remarked that while gap year travelling was undoubtedly tied up with exploring a destination, a successful trip increasingly depended upon experiences as well, some of which could be more costly than others. His comments follow a recent study carried out by travel insurance company which established that the average gap year trip could cost almost 4,000 pounds.

Those who do choose to take out a cheap loan to fund such a trip may also be pleased to hear Mr Hall's comments on where the cash is directed. He claims that while such backpackers have a reputation for scrimping and saving, they appear to be actually instrumental in putting funds 'directly into the hands of local operators', meaning that the savings or loans they spend during their trips support international tourism at a grass roots level.

It is not only young people who can make the most of the flexibility being offered by a personal loan, however. While older people may not all be jetting off across the planet, many are exploring the information superhighway using the latest gadgets. A report published last month by Rias established that just less than a third of all internet users are aged 50 or more.