Volunteering Items

Demand for volunteering trips set to soar this year

The number of gap year travellers taking part in volunteering and conservation projects is set to soar in 2013, according to youth travel specialists STA Travel.

Best African countries for a gap year

The BBC’s new wildlife series, Africa, presented by none other than David Attenborough has renewed all of our interests in the wild continent, making us yearn for dusty plains dotted with zebra and giraffe, underground souks filled with treasures and wide golden sand beaches. Africa is not the easiest, safest or even cheapest continent to travel in though, so where exactly is best to head for your gap year?

i-to-i announce top volunteering destinations

South Africa is the most popular destination for volunteering backpackers, according to recent research by i-to-i Volunteering.

2012 is set to be the year of travel

A recent search reveals that an estimated 2.5 million young people in the UK will be planning a gap year in 2012. The findings, by youth travel specialist, STA Travel predict a boom in student travel this year as unemployment soars and university fees rise.

Guide to low cost volunteering

These days it can cost a lot of money to volunteer and giving back during your gap year is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Some companies charge you in excess of £2000 in order to help out communities on the other side of the globe and somehow it seems unfair to be charged such prices when all you really want to do is help out. So, here are our tips on how to find low cost volunteering opportunities.

2012 gap year hot list

Heading off on your gap year in the New Year? Wondering where to go or need a little bit of inspiration? To help you decide and plan your adventures for next year, we’ve come up with a list of where we think are going to be hot gap year destinations in 2012.

Why China is a great destination for a career break

If you've always fancied heading overseas to explore a fascinating new land, why not choose China volunteering for a memorable career break? The nation's rich history and diverse culture makes it an ideal location in which to experience a different way of life, whether it be for two weeks or two months.

How to travel responsibly

When on your gap year it’s important to make sure that your travels impact positively on the community. In this current climate we all have to ensure that we travel responsibly and to think about how our travel has social, ethical and environmental implications. Even on volunteering gap years where our aim is to help, we still need to be aware of the impact we have. So, here are out top tips on how to travel responsibly.

Gap Year Company profiles – Gapforce

Each week at mapthegap.co.uk, we’ve been focusing on a different gap year company, to give you the low down on what they offer and places they go to. This week we’re focusing on Gapforce.

Top ten Christmas gifts for those on a gap year

With Christmas just around the corner you may be looking for some inspiration for the perfect travel gift for those heading on a gap year. Or indeed you may be headed on a gap year yourself and need some ideas to put on your Christmas list. Whether you’re looking for small stocking fillers or ultimate must have travel gadgets, this list will give you all the inspiration you need.

Gap Year Company profiles – Madventurer

We’re continuing our gap year company profile series this week with a focus on Madventurer, a non-profit volunteer organisation. These profiles are designed to help you make that decision of choosing a gap year company just that little bit easier, giving you all the information you need in one place.