SRI LANKA SUMMER 2024

Personal Growth: Independent traveling offers young adults a chance for personal development. It’s an opportunity to learn about oneself, gain confidence, and develop practical skills outside the classroom.

Cultural Exploration: Immersing yourself in different cultures allows you to experience new languages, customs, and ways of life firsthand, fostering cultural awareness and understanding.

Problem-Solving Skills: Facing challenges like navigating unfamiliar cities or dealing with unexpected situations can help develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, valuable traits in any situation.

Self-Discovery: Traveling independently provides school leavers with the freedom to explore their interests and values without outside influence. It’s a time to reflect, try new things, and discover what matters most to them.

Independence: Planning and managing a trip solo teaches valuable life skills like budgeting, time management, and decision-making. It’s an opportunity for young adults to become more self-reliant and confident in their abilities.

Cultural Understanding: Experiencing different ways of life firsthand promotes open-mindedness and empathy. It’s an eye-opening experience that can challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives.

Networking: Travelling solo offers opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds and build connections around the world. These connections can lead to new friendships, career opportunities, and cultural exchange.

Resume Building: A gap year spent traveling independently can be a valuable addition to a resume or college application. It demonstrates initiative, independence, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.

Memorable Experiences: Above all, independent travel is about creating lasting memories and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, trying new foods, or making friends from around the world, it’s these moments that make the journey truly special.

> Why should I go to an OTW destination instead of more economically developed countries or beach resorts?

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 domestic or European destinations.

 > What safety measures do you have in place?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 18-25.

> 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 ‘Upcoming Trips’ 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.