MEDIA RELEASE: 17th August 2009
How to be a ‘good’ gapper - as more people seek greener year out experiences
responsibletravel.com, the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays has seen an 8% increase in enquiries during the last three months (May - August 2009) compared to the same period last year from travellers looking for gap year breaks.
As more and more people consider taking a gap year, Justin Francis, managing director, responsibletravel.com (which offers over 200 gap year trips, all screened for their responsible tourism credentials) warns travellers of the importance of booking with a company that holds responsible tourism at the core of its business:
"Gap years are a great opportunity to take some time out and explore the world, picking up new skills and friends along the way. However, we strongly encourage travellers to choose companies that run trips and programmes that maximise the benefits to local communities and environments. Particularly with volunteer holidays, it's important that you choose a project that is based on a real local need - so we recommend doing plenty of research and asking lots of questions of the companies you are considering."
The most popular type of trip for gappers continues to be volunteer holidays and potential globetrotters have shown an increased interest in marine conservation projects in particular this year as enquiries for such projects jump by a quarter.
Gap years are no longer just for students either. 'Career breaks' are also en vogue for responsible travellers looking to escape the doom and gloom of the recession, making up a fifth of all gap year trip enquiries on the site in the past three months.
Here’s responsibletravel.com's eight-point checklist of questions to ask volunteering organisations:
1. Is the project based on a real local need and run jointly with local people? (this transfers skills and ensures longevity)
2. Was the project suggested by local people rather than invented by a marketing department?
3. Can you see an independent report on the benefits (both short-term and long-term) of the project to local people/environment?
4. Can you speak to a previous volunteer?
5. What pre-trip briefing and training is needed or available?
6. Can you see their policy for responsible tourism?
7. Is there transparent information around cost and where the money goes?
8. Does the organisation take steps to match your skills to the needs of the project?
For over 200 gap year ideas see
www.responsibletravel.com/gapyear - here's ten to get you started...
Elephant conservation in Thailand - from £399 (1 week) - £799 (3 weeks) excluding flights
Volunteer at this refuge centre for domesticated elephants that have been used for begging on the streets of Bangkok and other cities. It is based on temple grounds near Thayang in the South of Thailand just 100 miles from Bangkok and close to the beaches of the South.
Journalist internship in India - from £995 - £1795 (2 - 12 weeks) excluding flights
This opportunity working on the monthly Sivakasi Times is open to anyone, from gap year students to highly experienced journalists. Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in the entire process from writing, researching, editing, photography and layouts to the final printing stage.
Game ranger course in South Africa - from R28382 (28 days) excluding flights
Gain an insight into African wildlife, the environment and survival skills. You will have the opportunity to experience the African "bush" first-hand in the Kruger Park area, on foot or in open 4x4 safari vehicles, learning all you need to know - from animal tracking and identification right through to how to deal with guests.
Volunteer at an orphanage in the Himalayas - from £595 (3 weeks) - £1045 (12 weeks) excluding flights
Volunteer with Nepali and Tibetan children in the beautiful mountain city of Pokhara either helping with the day to day running of the home or working in local primary schools teaching English, sports, music, art and other subjects.
Conservation expedition to Patagonia - from £1495 (5 weeks) - £2495 (10 weeks) excluding flights
Learn leadership skills, how to hike and camp in the valleys, explore the mountains and assist important environmental projects. Be prepared for a challenge!
Lemur conservation expedition Madagascar - from £1600 (4 weeks) fundraised - £2200 (8 weeks) fundraised
Lemur Venture is a unique volunteer research programme that offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution towards helping some of the world's most threatened and remarkable creatures.
Philippines community based marine conservation - from £1350 (4 weeks) excluding flights
Many of the world’s reefs are threatened by over-fishing, tourism, shrimp farming and of course climate change. It’s never too late to contribute to the conservation of these beautiful and hugely important ecosystems, which in Asia alone supports 1 billion people.
Volunteer at a polo school in Argentina - from £2620 - £4120 (6-10 weeks) excluding flights
Spend your mornings working alongside the gauchos taking care of mares, foals and yearlings, exercising the horses and helping with general stable work. After a long siesta you will learn to play polo.
Turtle conservation in Thailand - from £700 (2 weeks) - £1100 (8 weeks) excluding flights
Volunteers will work with the Thai staff, helping with all aspects of the project’s work, from taking part in the monitoring and releasing of the turtles to helping keep the beach litter free and explaining the centre’s work to tourists.
Football coaching and sports projects in Uganda - from £695 (2 weeks) - £1495 (10 weeks) excluding flights
Spend your time working with the Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) football team, Masesco School and Jinja secondary school.
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