The good news is that it isn't too late to book a gap year or career break for this summer. Real Gap Experience, the UK's most comprehensive gap year provider, are reporting a 75% increase on bookings so far this year, but there are still plenty of opportunities available. Offering travel, work and volunteer projects in over 30 countries, Real Gap has something to suit almost everyone.

For the opportunity to really make a difference, volunteers should look at the new ‘From Houses to Homes' programme in Guatemala.  This project aims to build houses for poor local families, making them strong, safe and culturally appropriate. Each brick built home takes approximately 6 days to complete, and has a door, window, toilet and concrete floor. Volunteers are welcomed with open arms, and work alongside the ‘master builders' and the family themselves. Once the house is completed the family are handed the ‘key', and a plaque is placed on the wall displaying the family's name, and the name of each volunteer that helped to build the house. Two weeks costs from £479.

Real Gap are now working directly with the Zimbabwe National Parks Board, and brand new projects include wildlife conservation work in the magnificent Hwange National Park, assisting the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management. Volunteers on this exciting programme are permitted special access to the Park, such as working off road and at night, which is prohibited for tourists. 4 weeks from £1295.

Also in Zimbabwe, off the beaten track, Matobo National Park is dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful. Home to mankind from the early Stone Age; the area features huge boulders and chiseled granite outcrops and an outstanding collection of rock paintings. The Matobo National Park Conservation Volunteer project is helping to map out this ancient rock art, and to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the people of this area. 4 weeks from £1295.

And for those who just want a bit of fun after all those exams the new ‘Aussie Fun down Under' is the perfect introduction to Australia. Specifically designed to provide a truly ‘Australian' experience during the first week, Real Gap organise for travellers to arrive in a group and spend the next 7 days together taking part in lots of fun activities.  It‘s a great programme to join, especially for those who are traveling alone. 7 days from £479. Opportunities to work, travel and volunteer can be added to this package.

There are 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.

Sister company Gap year for Grown ups (www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk) specialise in organising gap year trips for adults aged 30 plus who want to take a break, change their life, or give something back. Trips can last anything from 2 week ‘taster trips' to a year or more. One third of clients taking a gap year are over 50, figures which prove that it is attitude and not years that count.

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

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