Jonathan Ross recently tweeted his intention to take a gap year after his spell at the BBC comes to an end — you can just imagine him backpacking with his pet pooch Mr Pickle under his arm, can't you?
He's not the only high-profile figure partial to a career break. Princes William and Harry took part in a variety of experiences across the world, including spells spent volunteering for charity, after their A-Levels.
With what seems like endless headlines bringing more bad news to graduate job hunters — including reports there are an average of around 70 applications for every graduate role — it appears more important than ever to gain gap year experiences which will make an employer sit up and take notice.
And those in the know point out that gappers can add skills to their CV which make them stand out from the crowd.
Entrepreneur Richard Reed, co-founder of smoothies firm Innocent, recently told the Telegraph that a year out spent doing really interesting things can be a big help to your career, as some of the skills and experience gained can be honed and applied in the workplace.
In the same article, Richard Oliver, chief executive of the Year Out Group, said it says a lot about a young person if they can raise a percentage of the gap year cost by working or applying for a grant.
This proves to a potential employer that the individual is capable of seeing a project through from start to finish, he said.
So, if the current economic climate has tempted you to jump on a plane and disappear to the other side of the world on a career break, or if a gap year has always been firmly on your agenda, we've assembled a panel of experts to tell you about making the most of the experience — join us from 1pm on July 23.
The discussion is open — post your advance questions now.
Charlie Hopkinson is managing director of Dragoman, a tour operator which specialises in overland trips offered on a fleet of purpose-built trucks. Dragoman has hosted hundreds of pre-university students on overland and volunteer trips throughout the world.
Giles Ursell is online community manager for yougofurther.co.uk, the UCAS student network. The website is available to students thinking of applying, who have already applied or who are currently in higher education and it offers them information and social networking opportunities.
Richard Oliver is chief executive of the Year Out Group, the umbrella gap-year travel body with 38 member companies. The organisation was formed in 1998 to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programmes, to promote models of good practice and to help young people seek suitable and worthwhile projects.
Alice Whittington is business development manager (migration) for the Government of South Australia. As part of her role, Alice works with both Australian and UK-based companies to promote the migration opportunities in South Australia.
Ruth Wilcock is a careers consultant at the Centre for Careers and Skills Development at City University London.
Jerrine Barnett is volunteering expert for responsibletravel.com, a travel agent which specialises in responsible holidays and gap years which aim to be better for both the destinations and local communities. Jerrine has herself travelled widely and taken part in three long-term volunteering projects.
Frederica Marques is responsible for the work abroad programme run by global youth exchange organisation AIESEC UK. AIESEC offers voluntary and paid work placements in professional organisations, schools and charities across a network of more than 100 countries.
Chris Dutton is development manager at BUNAC, a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in sending young people on working holidays and volunteer projects. Chris is responsible for managing the Australasia and developing world programmes, as well as identifying new destinations and projects.
Rosie Palliser is recruitment and marketing officer at Raleigh, a youth and education charity which runs overseas expeditions combining sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects. Rosie is responsible for recruiting school leavers and graduates and also for the promotion of the Raleigh Graduate Bursary Award, which assists recent graduates with their fundraising.
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