Offering travel, work and volunteer projects in over 30 countries, Real Gap has something to suit almost everyone and it's not too late to book for this year. Whether their offspring are interested in wildlife, conservation, social issues or just want to cut loose and have some fun travelling with like-minded people they will find hundreds of suggestions in the colourful 76 page Real Gap brochure, or on the informative website (www.realgap.co.uk). The website is full of practical advice on matters such as preparation, health, money and staying in contact, and it offers information and reassurance to both parents and potential gappers.

With so many choices, the options can be overwhelming, but help is at hand.   All the Travel Advisors at Real Gap have taken a gap year, and are able to help prospective gappers and their parents choose the right option for them. Full of practical tips and advice they are all specialists in their particular country/countries, and have the latest information on the areas, the programmes, the culture and customs.  

Safety is, of course, a primary concern. All the programmes have been thoroughly researched by the team. “We insist on a policy of stringent safety precautions, ensuring our clients are never too far out of touch with the western world,” says David Stitt, Real Gap MD. “As a parent myself, I understand the concerns. We take the safety of everyone that travels with us extremely seriously.  All of our gap year packages provide a 24/7 emergency service. A gap year programme booked with us has fewer un-known factors than if your son or daughter went off and did it all by themselves.”

The real beauty of gap years and career breaks is that universities and employers alike genuinely appreciate candidates who have stepped out of their comfort zone and worked and travelled abroad.  Indeed, universities positively encourage taking a year out these days, offering deferrals to gap year candidates.

Anyone embarking on a gap year or career break abroad with Real Gap Experience is also strongly advised to take part in one of the company's recommended gap year safety courses. With a little basic tuition, many incidents can be avoided. Participants in the course (the same one that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman took before their epic round the world motorbike journey) receive the same level of training given out to journalists and travelling professionals.

Another reassuring factor is that Real Gap is one of the few Gap Year Providers who include financial failure protection for all their customers. Real Gap holds ATOL license number 6527 and they issue a personalised insurance certificate which guarantees money back in the event of financial failure.

For more information:
call 01892 516164 or visit www.realgap.co.uk

For media enquiries:
call Jennette Baxter 01342 316337 / 0794 0174 303