Top 5 Projects for Grown Up Gappers

Now into its third month of operation, Gap Year for Grown Ups, (www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk) is delighted by the level of interest and rate of bookings so far. "More and more people are looking for something more than a conventional holiday, especially those with some time on their hands, "says David Stitt, Managing Director.

Voluntary projects involving children have proved to be the most popular so far, followed by exploring in South East Asia, and learning to be a cowboy/cowgirl in Australia. Interestingly, 80% of the bookings have been female, and 20% male. With a wide range of voluntary projects, opportunities to learn new skills, and destinations to explore, interested parties have plenty to choose from.

The Kenya Orphan Outreach Programme* is the single most popular project to date. The programme aims to help those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and is run under the guidance of one amazing woman who has a special place in her heart for children. Volunteers get the opportunity to help on the various AIDS education, building and agricultural projects, changing the lives of the young orphans in the surrounding areas. The programme runs for 12 weeks and costs £840.

Coming a close second, the Indian Himachal Pradesh Programme in the Himalayas offers volunteers a choice of three main areas: education, childcare or healthcare. Educational volunteers assist teachers in local primary schools; child-care volunteers work in local day-care facilities; health care volunteers work in local hospitals. The 8 week programme costs £1229.

More hedonistic choices follow, with independent travelers wising to explore Thailand on the 4 week Thai Explorer, or Thai Experience, or have some fun on the ranch in Oz. "Gap Year options don't always need to be unstinting acts of generosity, "says Stitt, "a lot of our bookers missed out on the traveling thing in their twenties, and want to enjoy the opportunity now."

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For more information, individual case studies, photos etc please contact:

Jennette Baxter pr@baxter1.clara.net

Rachael Wood, 01892 701881, rachael@gapyearforgrownups.co.uk