Volunteer Projects - Ethical, sustainable and the valued currency of manpower.
 
David Stitt, managing director of Real Travel Ltd, the UK's leading gap travel provider talks through the necessity for programmes to accurately fulfil the requirements of “responsible tourism”.

Real currency
"When Real Travel Ltd sets up a partnership with a new volunteer project, or partner organisation, one of our primary considerations is the motivation for sending volunteers on the programme. Our company is not a charity, nor a fundraising organisation and we are keen to ensure that it is the valued currency of manpower - the time, energy, enthusiasm or skills that the volunteers contribute that are needed and not primarily financial aid.
 
The projects that we support and our in-country partners are in the large majority of cases local organisations or set up and run by local staff.  This effectively means that if you book a programme with us, the proportion of your money (which we pay to our partners to cover your expenses and living costs while you are on the programme) is also supporting local initiatives, staff and small businesses.  The part of your fee that is paid to our partners covers your meet and greet, all project transfers and transport provided to you, orientation, accommodation and meals as specified, and in-country support for the duration of your programme.
 
In addition, for the majority of our volunteer programmes, we do see value in incorporating a small financial donation in the volunteer fee, which is to be used to buy vital materials, or supplies needed by the project and we encourage this.  This financial aid does vary project to project and is determined and agreed with the project directors.
 
The UK role
It is the generally high standard of the service that we provide and the quality of our programmes that has resulted in us becoming the leading Gap travel company in the UK and we pride ourselves on this. Volunteer projects usually approach and partner with us because of our proven ability to provide reliable and consistent numbers of volunteers to their projects. We achieve this through extensive and varied marketing activities, which is one of our main overheads.  One of the reasons that you will have booked a programme through Real is that you will have found a programme that we offer that appeals to you, which is testament to the success of these activities and makes this investment worthwhile.
 
Another reason that many volunteers book with us is our reputation and the reassurance that we provide you with financial protection, are fully insured, are members of a number of relevant industry organisations and groups and comply with the standards that they have set. We take the time and expense to visit and assess each of our programmes, carrying out risk assessments and taking all measures that we can to ensure that you will be safe while you are away.  Most people choose to pay a little extra for this peace of mind than take the risk of making a payment overseas to an unknown organisation, with no recourse should something go wrong, or should they experience any issues, or worse turn up to find that the project does not exist.

It is very important to us that you are prepared as well as possible for your trip and programme and that your expectations are accurate and realistic prior to your departure. We have over 40 staff in the UK, who are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about the destinations that they specialise in and you are travelling to. It is their role to ensure that you are prepared for your travels and programme and to the best of their ability advise you which programme is right for you. We also provide extensive pre-departure information to further prepare you for your programme, which may well be an entirely new and different experience for you.  This comprehensive support and preparation before you travel is invaluable to your enjoyment of the programme and we feel it is also well worth the fee that you pay.
 
In addition to our in-country representatives, who offer the primary point of contact while you are away, we provide a 24-hour emergency support service and contact number in the UK, which offers further peace of mind not just for you, but also your relatives and friends. “

If you would like further information on Real Gap programmes please visit www.realgap.co.uk or call 01892 516164