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 trip attendees all have a target they want to achieve over the course of the trip. 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. Where possible (dependent on visa regulations), there will always be a volunteering element to OTW trips, with at least 2-3 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 are not the type of all-inclusive holidays where you stay in the same 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 get off between academic terms is not unlimited. With this in mind, all trips are at least 16 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 or learning a traditional dance, 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 guides are either graduates of, or current students at, top universities around the world. Whether you are yet to go to university or are already at university, please do consider our guides as mentors. No question is off-limits. As far as we know, there is no other travel company out there with this offering. In addition, the like-minded people you travel with will not only be friends for life, but will also enrich your network after university.