Purposeful travel for the modern explorer
DEC 2024 / JAN 2025
OTW’s Global Travel Programmes empower individuals to explore the world and achieve personal growth through small group travel
Our programmes are tailored for adventurous, open-minded people aged 18-30 who are passionate about combining meaningful travel with transformative personal development.
At OTW we care about three core things when we travel: deepening cultural understanding, giving back to local communities and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re cleaning up marine sea beds, playing the country’s most popular sport with local students, hiking through dense jungle to reach hidden temples or sunset surfing in a beautiful beach town, we’re all about curating experiences that don’t feature on a typical tour itinerary.
Join one of our programmes and become a member of our exclusive community of like-minded individuals. Unlock the opportunity to lead trips and get paid to travel.
Upcoming Programmes
Sri Lanka SEPTEMBER 2024
Spend 12 or 16 days exploring the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Volunteer with our Sri Lankan marine conservation partner, marvel at majestic wild elephants, hike through lush tea plantations, learn to surf and much more. Don't miss the adventure of a lifetime.
Future destinations
Coming soon. Discover more about our future destinations and register interest early.
WHO aRE OTW programmes FOR?
Open-minded individuals aged 18-30 who enjoy challenging themselves and giving back to local communities. OTW firmly believes in responsible, respectful travel. This means where possible we make sure our tourism dollars go directly to local people (e.g. by staying in local guesthouses rather than international hotel chains). This also allows for a more culturally immersive experience.
Ideal for people travelling independently for the first time. Also ideal for individuals looking for interesting, like-minded people to travel and grow with.
Our programmes are designed around the academic year
We believe travel should be an in-depth exploration of a destination’s culture. Our programmes are all-inclusive, but they are not the type of all-inclusive holidays where you stay in the same resort for a week and then go home. There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re looking for, but we personally don’t think you can really get to know a country this way.
We also understand that the numbers of days that students and young professionals get off is limited. With this in mind, all programmes are at least 12 days long, so you can make the most of your holidays while having enough time to really immerse yourself in your destination.
If you want more time to develop yourself through travel, you could consider taking a productive year out before or after university (‘gap year‘), or a sabbatical, but we appreciate this might not be right for everyone. That’s why we’ve designed our programmes to suit everyone aged 18-30, regardless of what stage they are at.
About OTW
> What’s so special about OTW destinations?
Traveling to more adventurous destinations offers unique cultural immersion, authentic experiences, and opportunities for personal growth through activities like trekking and engaging with local communities. It provides a break from routine, fosters a sense of achievement, and supports conservation efforts, making it an enriching and transformative choice for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences beyond ‘luxury’ holidays or pure beach breaks.
> What safety measures do you have in place?
Destination Selection: We carefully choose destinations with existing tourist infrastructure. This ensures the presence of established facilities, routes, and experienced local guides. While we appreciate the allure of off-the-beaten-path locations, we prioritize safety by selecting destinations that strike a balance between adventure and infrastructure. Our aim is to provide enriching experiences while minimizing risks.
Risk Assessment: Prior to every trip, we conduct comprehensive risk assessments, identifying potential hazards and implementing effective mitigation strategies. Additionally, we have robust emergency plans in place to address unforeseen circumstances such as illness or other emergencies.
Knowledgeable Guides: Our guides are intimately familiar with the destination country, having traversed it solo themselves. Their expertise ensures your safety and enhances your overall experience.
Insurance Coverage: Your safety is our priority, which is why we provide extensive insurance coverage as part of our pricing. While we strive to minimize risks, this coverage offers added peace of mind for any unforeseen situations.
Adherence to Travel Advice: We closely follow travel advisories issued by the UK government and avoid areas marked by conflict, civil unrest, or other security concerns.
Your safety is paramount to us, and we are committed to providing you with a secure and enjoyable travel experience.
> Can I join the trip with a friend?
Absolutely. Take advantage of our referral offer and you can both enjoy £200 off the list price.
> Can my parents join?
While we understand the desire for parental involvement, our trips are specifically designed to encourage independent growth, self-discovery, and leadership skills in young adults. Having parents present may hinder this process by creating dependency or inhibiting open interaction among participants. Additionally, our programs often involve immersive experiences that may not be suitable for accompanying adults. We encourage parents to support their child’s journey from afar and remain involved through regular communication and updates provided by our team.
> How old do I need to be to attend?
Between 18-30.
> What visa will I need?
This depends on the destination country but we will always try to choose countries with favourable entry requirements for most nationalities (including China), to keep pre-trip admin down.
> What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is provided as part of the trip cost, providing you peace of mind and a hassle-free experience. However, if you would like to take out additional insurance you are welcome to. See ‘Travel insurance’ [link] for more information and coverage policy details.
> Can I choose what volunteering I do out there?
At this moment we cannot accommodate this. While we understand the desire for flexibility, we organise volunteering projects based on logistical considerations, including project availability, local community needs, and coordination with partner organisations.
> I’m interested, how can I apply?
Click on ‘Join a trip’ at the top of this page and sign up for the trip you are interested in. If you have any queries please feel free to get in touch with us, our details are in the ‘Contact’ page.