Costs. One of the highlights of taking a gap year in Laos is the cost. Unlike other travel abroad programs, the affordability of Laotian programs makes it easy to plan. When planning your gap year, think about the assistance you need. Some programs are free to join, while others will charge a fee to organize accommodation, food, airport pick-up, and orientation. It is quite easy to live on just $20 per day for food and shelter. Budget accommodation can be found for under $10 for a double room, delicious street food for only $2, and beer for less than $1. If you’re concerned with the costs of getting there, consider fundraising to cover your flights.

Accommodations. No matter your budget, you’ll have plenty of places to rest your head while traveling through Laos. Some of the most popular options for foreigners are shared dorms or guest houses, as you’ll have the luxury of running water and electricity—but homestays are the ideal if you want to learn about the culture. You may have to sacrifice an indoor toilet, but in return you’ll have home-cooked meals every night and a Laotian family to show you home. Even better, it helps boost the economy to improve the conditions for locals.

Visas. While a visa is required to travel to Laos, the process is simple. You can either apply for a tourist visa by mail to the Laotian embassy or purchase a visa upon arrival. If you apply in advance, keep in mind that you only have two months after the grant date to arrive in Laos. Once you’re on land, you’ll have 30 days to spend in Laos, but it’s easy to extend. Extend your visa up to 60 days for only $2 per day, or hop the border renew your visa and experience a bit more of Southeast Asia. Check GoAbroad’s embassy directory for more information.

Safety. With welcoming locals and a tranquility that radiates throughout the country, it’s rare to feel unsafe in Laos. While it’s important to keep your wits about you, the key to safety in Laos is the seasons. If you visit from May to October during monsoon season, you may experience torrential storms. While these are not always life threatening, they will most definitely bring mosquitoes. Pack your super strength bug spray and watch out for symptoms of malaria or dengue fever!