Gap Year for Grown Ups fulfil local business owner's dream … finally!

Steve Phillips, owner of Perfect Catering, the outside catering arm of Thackerays in Tunbridge Wells, has been waiting a long time to finally achieve his dream - to go travelling for a year, visiting all the destinations he has dreamt of and putting something back into the communities he will visit too.

Local firm Gap Year for Grown Ups, part of the UK's leading gap travel provider, has helped Steve to plan his trip and find programmes visiting the countries on his wish list.

Steve explains, “I have had it in my mind for the last six years that I would like to take a year out and travel the world. Since leaving the stresses of the city two years ago to enjoy a better quality of life, I have been focused full time on developing the outdoor catering business. The business is doing great - my brother Richard, (co-owner and chef at Thackeray's) has increased our profile owing to his regular appearances on BBC's Ready Steady Cook, the company has achieved a £200,000 per annum turnover from a standing start and the brands are strong in their respective marketplaces plus I have recently hit 40! It is a perfect time for me to take a career break and complete my dream.”

Steve adds, “Gap Year for Grown Ups have been fantastic - I had received their brochure but it was actually whilst at a seminar they held at the Spa Hotel last month that I made my decision to book. Lisa and her team listened to my requirements and came up with a number of suggestions. I knew that my budget would not stretch to volunteering on these amazing programmes for the full 12 months so I have combined some independent travel and tours with a few programmes. In terms of countries, I am looking forward to travelling in Vietnam, Cambodia and South America as these are areas that have always held great mystique to me and I will have a fantastic opportunity to help others. The programme I am most looking forward to is the second on my schedule and will be based in the Rajasthan desert, India. I will be working with children - to assist in their education is the best way of enhancing their options once they leave school. I believe that I can add real value to them and ‘broaden my horizons” in the process which are the two reasons for me embarking on this marvellous trip.”

Whilst gap travel has traditionally been perceived to be the domain of school leavers, market analyst Mintel has identified two distinct additions to the traditional “gapper” list. “Career gappers” who are young professionals taking an extended break and “denture venturers” who are in their 50's and taking a big trip before they retire.

This is backed up by Gap Year for Grown Ups, the UK's leading gap provider, who have seen a record growth in bookings - up 300% since 2005. The Gap Year for Grown Ups profile further endorses this trend - 61% are 30-50, 27% are over 50 and only 12% under 30.

Lauren Mackay, brand manager, Gap Year for Grown Ups says, “The perception of grown up gap travel has changed. People are being more responsible in their tourism choices and want to put something back into the communities they are visiting. With programmes covering volunteering, conservation, adventure travel, teaching, expeditions and sports you can travel for as little as two weeks up to 24 months.”

Still not convinced? Gap Year for Grown Ups research showed that the main concerns for grown ups were the practicalities of leaving home - all of which can be resolved. Mortgages can be managed in the short term through payment holidays or renting the property out in the longer term. Keeping in touch with family has never been easier thanks to web accounts, blogs and social networking sites such as Facebook. The world is within easy reach.

For more information about Gap Year for Grown Ups please call 01892 701881 or visit www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk