5 REASONS TO JOIN AN OTW TRIP

Whether it’s gaining confidence to travel alone for the first time, becoming more independent, improving a language or even learning how to cook a new cuisine, our programme participants will all come away feeling like they’ve grown. All our programmes include 1-2 days of volunteering with a trusted NGO or charity. We’re all too aware of the unethical aspects of some ‘voluntourism’ providers and only forge partnerships with ethical organisations that have proven impactful in their field.

OTW trips are adventures designed to make productive use of your time, while also enjoying new experiences. Be prepared to be active, do something different and see something new every single day. 

OTW firmly believes in sustainable, responsible tourism. 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.

There will always be a volunteering element to OTW trips, with 1-2 days dedicated to volunteering for a local charitable organisation. To ensure responsibility while volunteering, these opportunities are currently limited to environmental, conservation and some animal-related rescue projects. Unlike some ‘voluntourism’ providers, we do not work with orphanages or medical clinics because these are notoriously difficult to vet and often can be unethical.

We believe travel should be an in-depth exploration of a destination’s culture. Yes, our trips are all-inclusive, but they’re not the type of all-inclusive holiday where you stay in a resort for a week and then go home. This isn’t enough to really get to know a culture.

We also understand that the numbers of days that students and young professionals have is limited. With this in mind, all trips 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.

Whether it’s marvelling at majestic wild elephants in their natural habitat, catching your first wave on a surfboard, hiking through breathtaking scenery, learning a traditional dance or playing the national sport with local villagers, expect an action-packed and diverse itinerary that will leave you with core memories for life.

If you’re keen on the idea of backpacking but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. Come with a curious mind.

Our team leads are either balancing a career or a degree alongside their love of travel. Whether you are yet to go to university, already at university or early on in your professional journey, our guides are your mentors, so feel free to ask any question – no topic is off-limits. To our knowledge, there is no other travel company out there with this unique mentoring opportunity.

The networking perks don’t end there. All trip participants join an exclusive community of open-minded, high-achieving and diverse individuals from past and future trips, enriching your personal and professional life. For those who want a chance to lead and access exclusive subsidised travel opportunities, after your first trip with OTW you can apply to be a team lead on future trips.