Gap Year for Grown Ups introduces over 50 new projects

Gap Year for Grown Ups is pleased to announce the launch of their new brochure. The 48 pages are packed with inspiring ideas for grown up 'gappers' to travel, volunteer, work and have fun in over 25 countries around the world.

For the first time, Gap Year for Grown Ups features volunteer placements in the Galapagos Islands. Spend 2 or 4 weeks learning Spanish in Quito, Ecuador and 4 weeks living on the islands either teaching or working on the Giant Tortoise Project. Prices are low, just £1299 per person. Considering many Galapagos tourist packages cost around £2,000 for 10 days, this represents great value for money, as well offering volunteers the chance to really get involved and help the local community.

Few westerners ever get to visit Mongolia, but this year Gap year for Grown Ups is one of the few companies offering the opportunity to volunteer in this amazing country. One of the poorest areas in the world, Mongolia welcomes the help that volunteers can offer. 4 week placements cost £749. Travellers can, if they choose, arrive into Mongolia by Trans-Siberia train from St Petersburg. One of the great train journeys of the world, it is a unique way to see Russia, China and Mongolia.

Other exciting new projects this year include a Wildlife Art Course in South Africa (p.9), Desert Elephant project in Namibia (p.11), Maasai Lion Conservation in Kenya (p.12), house building projects in Sri Lanka (p.22) and volunteering in Bolivia (p.35). Complete Gap itineraries (p.42) are appealing to people who have more time to spare, and want to experience as much as they can in their year off. All of the Gap Year for Grown Ups projects are also featured on their informative website www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk

Founded last year, the interest in Gap year for Grown Ups has been phenomenal with adults of all ages booking trips from 4 weeks up to 12 months long.

Lisa (31) went on a volunteer wildlife project in South Africa. “You get to meet like-minded people and the chance to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, which leads to a much richer experience.” David (50) worked with street children in Ecuador. “…..rewarding, enjoyable and I really felt I had made a difference.” Susan (52) taught English and explored the countryside in India. “I felt brilliant on this trip. I learnt so much about myself, and I loved meeting people from different cultures and countries”.

In 2005, 75% of all booking were made by women, however the GYFGU consultants - all well-travelled gappers themselves - have recently noticed an increase in enquiries from men. Manager Rachael Wood has also noticed the growing popularity of volunteering and travelling in Latin America. “Interest in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina has been especially strong” says Rachael. “It's because South America is appealing, but difficult to arrange, and we have it all set up.”

For more information call 01892 701881

Or visit www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk

Ends.

March 2006.

For media enquiries contact:

Jennette Baxter 01342 316337 / 0794 0174303 pr@baxter1.clara.net