Volunteer overseas; surf the seas of South Africa and hang with the gibbons in Thailand

In recent years the popularity of ‘travel with a difference’ has been on the rise. Gap year students, graduates and career breakers have been more attracted to the idea of combining adventurous travel with doing something a little more worthwhile. With the economy still on thin ice, taking a trip abroad and getting away from it all has become even more popular, especially with graduates and career breakers wanting a breather from job searching.


Getting away to exotic destinations and giving something back may sound tricky but it needn’t be an impossibility; i-to-i have just launched brand new projects in two of the most stunning travel destinations; South Africa and Thailand. Firm favourites on the gap year trail, these trips give travellers the chance to see a different side to these fascinating countries as well as leaving a positive reminder of their time there.


During the two week South Africa trip travellers can hit the waves with four days of surfing on the Western Cape, try out extreme sports with a difference with sandboarding down the Atlantis Dunes and help improve the lives of local children. The trip is a perfect mix of relaxing on the beach and making an impact on the local community. Travellers will also have the option to explore Cape Town with their free time and get involved with extra activities such as diving with sharks, hiking through the beautiful terrain of the Cape region and sky diving.


Travellers in search of a more wildlife focused experience may find what they are looking for in Thailand; working at a gibbon sanctuary for four weeks. Travellers will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of Asia’s most interesting primates and stay on the edge of a forest in one of Thailand’s most scenic provinces; Ranong. As well as getting a taste of the traditional lifestyle of the west coast, travellers will also have the opportunity to see a busier side to Thailand with inclusive trips to Bangkok for a more rounded experience.


These projects will appeal to the growing number of ‘volun-tourists’, hoping to see the world and get involved in community and conservation work. i-to-i choose to work only with projects set up by the local community ensuring that any volunteer work involved will directly benefit the country. By choosing to work amongst the local people travellers can gain a deeper insight into different cultures and see more the hidden sights usually hidden from the tourist path.