Purposeful travel for the culturally curious

Journey deeper in 12 days

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India
Nepal
Sri Lanka
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WHO aRE OTW TRIPS FOR?

Curious, open-minded people aged 18–35 who want more from their time abroad: to challenge themselves, connect meaningfully with local communities, and experience a country beyond the tourist trail.

Our trips are designed for those who care about travelling responsibly. We prioritise locally owned accommodation and experiences, so your money goes straight to the people who make the country special, not big hotel chains. It also means deeper cultural connections and more authentic moments.

Perfect for:

  • Solo travellers looking for structure and support
  • Anyone craving adventure, intentional itineraries and good conversation
  • People who want to grow and give back 

My trip to Nepal with OTW in October was truly incredible. Everything was so well organized, and I always felt our group was well taken care of. The itinerary perfectly balanced adventure, culture, and leisure. I was genuinely amazed at how much we experienced in just 12 days. We went river rafting, trekking, explored fascinating cultural sites, and even stayed with a local family, which made the whole experience feel so authentic.
Fiona was fantastic and really helped us dive deeper into the culture, making it easy to connect with the local people and understand their way of life.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a mix of culture, adventure, and genuine connection.

Stefan K

I had an amazing time exploring Nepal with Fiona. Highlights included waking up by the riverside and hiking for three days through stunning mountains. What made it special was the effort that had been put in to ensure we stayed with kind local families and enjoyed activities with small businesses that went the extra mile. I’d recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience Nepal through local eyes and enjoy its incredible scenery.

Zoe E

We had an amazing time in Nepal. Fiona planned an amazing trip with so many fun experiences that immerse you in the culture of Nepal. Fiona made sure that everyone was listened to and if we wanted to do anything that wasn’t in the itinerary, she would try her best to add it. There was also enough free time on the trip for us to do our own thing snd we had some time to relax. Fiona also gave good suggestions for stuff to do in our own time. It felt like I was just on a trip with some friends it was nice being in a smaller group.

Jessica D

Had an amazing trip in Nepal! Fiona was an amazing guide who planned a wonderful itinerary for our trip. She listened to our requests and gave us recommendations for days we didn’t have planned group activities. I would highly recommend anyone to go on this trip, you get to see a mix of city and mountains throughout and travel to less well known places that don’t have any other tourists letting you immerse yourself in the bright culture and hospitality of the Nepalise people.

Abi W

Thank you so much Fiona honestly this trip has been amazing and so fun and I would have never done it by myself. Good luck with your trips in the future I’m sure they’ll be just as amazing as this one was and I hope to go on another one day!

Jess D

Fiona took me and 4 others through an amazing trip through Nepal. Giving us a different view of the country than the standard touristy routes and showed us some less known areas of the country. Fiona was incredibly accommodating in what we did and always asked our opinions and what we wanted to do. We also had some free time in the itinerary so we weren’t always bombarded with activities and an highly packed schedule. Highly recommend if you want to experience a country that isn’t the standard route and gives a true experience.

Marco T

A new way to travel affordably

Want to see more of the world but your budget is tight? Maybe you’re juggling student loans, saving for something big, or just looking for a way to travel without breaking the bank. We’ve come up with a solution.

If you’re up for the responsibility, you can become a trip leader alongside your work or studies – without being a professional guide. Join an initial trip with us, pass our assessment, and we’ll cover the costs of your next adventure to any of our destinations if you lead. We handle all the planning, you just take the group from A to B and bring good energy.

Learn about our values
Discover why you should choose OTW
Read a letter from our founder

designed to fit your schedule

Our trips are all-inclusive but not in the “never leave the resort” kind of way. No judgment if that’s what you’re looking for though – sometimes time to unwind in a beautiful place is just what you need to recharge.

For us, travel is about more than checking off landmarks or chilling on a sunbed. We love diving into local culture, exploring off the beaten track, and fully getting immersed in experiencing a place.  

We know not everyone can take months off to backpack around the world. That’s why our programs are designed to fit into 12 days – long enough to truly experience a place, short enough to work around uni, work, or whatever else life throws at you.

And if you do have more time (thinking a gap year, a break before postgrad, or even a sabbatical) we’re happy to share tips for extending your adventure beyond the 12 days with us.

Follow us on social media @otw.travels

Travel that goes deeper.

OTW trips are all about exploring new places, meeting great people, and doing something that actually sticks with you, not just ticking off sights.

Our small group trips are designed for curious, open-minded under 35s who want a mix of adventure, culture, and purpose. We believe travel should leave you with more than just photos on your camera roll – whether that’s learning to cook with your homestay family, helping clean up a coral reef, playing cricket with local students, or hiking to jungle temples most tourists never see.

At OTW, we focus on three things: meaningful cultural connection, supporting local communities, and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Join a trip and you’ll be part of a growing community of like-minded travellers. And if you’re really into it, there are chances to return as a trip leader and travel for free.

> What’s so special about OTW destinations? 

Travelling 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 travellers seeking unforgettable experiences beyond ‘luxury’ holidays or pure beach breaks.

 > What safety measures do you have in place?

  1. Destination Selection: We carefully choose destinations with some 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 prioritise safety by selecting destinations that strike a balance between adventure and infrastructure. Our aim is to provide enriching experiences while minimising 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 have to pass an assessment and are set up with tested routes and trusted local contacts.

  4. Insurance Coverage: Before travelling with us we ask you to take out insurance coverage to offer 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. Ask about our referral offer.

> What age do I have to be to come on a trip?

Between 18-35.

> 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, to keep pre-trip admin down.

> 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.