Travel Group for Gap Year Adventures

I'm planning a gap year and would love to join a travel group. Does anyone know of any good travel groups for gap year students? I think traveling with others could make the year more fun and safer.

There are several organized travel groups that are designed specifically for gap year students, and they can truly enhance your gap year experience by providing planned itineraries, safety, and a community of like-minded explorers.

One option is Rustic Pathways, known for its emphasis on service, education, and adventure. They offer programs worldwide, focusing particularly on the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and Latin America. You'll get the chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, volunteer in community service projects, and explore stunning natural habitats.

Gapforce is another group worth considering. They offer an array of global adventures including marine conservation in the Bahamas, wildlife volunteering in South Africa, and an Everest base camp trek in Nepal, to name a few. This group has an emphasis on adventure and outdoor education programs, which are ideal if you are interested in exploring the great outdoors.

If you're more inclined towards learning a language and embedded cultural immersion, you might want to consider EF Gap Year. They offer language courses in several countries along with internship opportunities, community service projects, and leadership development.

Finally, Global Citizen Year is a fellowship program that places students in Africa, Latin America, or Asia for a year to promote cultural exchange and global awareness. It's quite unique as it focuses on experiential education and developing future global leaders.

Before you select a program, try to define what you really want from your gap year. Each of these travel groups has a unique focus, and might be more beneficial depending on your goals for the year. An adventure-focused program might be best if you're just looking for exploration and fun, while a program with an educational or service bent could better position you for future academic and career opportunities. Regardless, always ensure any organization you consider is reputable and prioritizes participant safety. Happy travels!