Managing Director David Stitt is confident that Real Gap has put together an outstanding programme for 2007. “We have an experienced and committed team who really understand what young people want, and then go out and organise it.” He adds, “this year we have gone to as many direct suppliers as possible, cutting out the middle-man, and offering interesting new voluntary projects, genuine paid-work opportunities and an excellent new sports programme which will encourage more young men to become involved in overseas projects.”

Real Gap's new sports programme (p 84 - 101) features adrenalin-packed holidays as well as volunteer coaching placements. Programme Manager Rick Lyne, who has set up volunteer projects in Africa, India and South America, says “Football, especially, unites people from all walks of life. It can have a huge positive impact on disadvantaged lives.  Combining a couple of weeks of sports adventure with a few weeks voluntary coaching is a great way to make a contribution to the places you visit.” (5 weeks Zimbabwe and Zambia from £1695).

And for those who are really serious about their sport, the company has set up links to some of the most respected Sporting Academies in the world including rugby in New Zealand, football in Brazil, golf in Australia and Kung Fu in China. 

Last year Africa was the number one destination for Real Gap. This year over 15 new African volunteer programmes have been introduced, including projects in Cape Town, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (pages 20 - 39). Senior Programme Manager Marc Crouch has been out to Africa overseeing the projects and has chosen those that will genuinely benefit from short-term voluntary help. It is not all hard work however. “The breathtaking beauty and sheer diversity of the continent is something that often gets overlooked,” comments Marc. “It is important to take some time off at weekends to explore the local area whilst you are there.”

South America is a big growth area (pages 60 - 73). Programme Manager Matt Fenton was there earlier this year. “I have been out setting up relationships directly with project leaders in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. We have some great opportunities to help disadvantaged communities, like our Guatemala houses to homes building project (2 weeks from £399). There are also amazing wildlife opportunities in the Galapagos, and a new Whale, Dolphin and Albatross Research Project in Peru.”

Other exciting new projects include 4 weeks of culture and adventure in Vietnam (p42/43), paid teaching posts in South Korea (P54/55), helping orphaned children in Romania and Moldova (p76/77) and an exhilarating Trans-Siberian rail trip (52/53). Real Gap have also introduced Real Gap Expeditions this year (p102 - 106). Incorporating a mix of adventure travel, cultural experiences, volunteering projects and learning, Real Gap Expeditions organise small group travel with young people from UK and Europe to Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Tanzania and India.

Safety is, of course, of 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. “As a parent myself, I understand the concerns. 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.”
 
For more information:
call 01892 516164 or visit www.realgap.co.uk

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