Overview
Gapforce are an experienced tour operator specialising in student and youth travel programs to some of the world’s most incredible locations. Through their range of school group trips, gap year programs, training courses and internships, they aim to provide a unique collection of experiences designed for different stages of life.
The Gapforce family provides the perfect solution for any prospective gap year traveller. Find the best gap year experience with a pool to choose from featuring leading and trusted adventure travel brands.
Spanning across a range of adventure or job training experiences, Gapforce provides an array of opportunities. Participate in a volunteer project, undergo vocational training, or develop cultural immersion are a few examples on what gap year participants can get out of Gapforce.
The Gapforce family has been vetting the very best programs for over 30 years saving travelers from the endless research and headache of doing it alone.
Based out of the United Kingdom, Gapforce also maintains a highly trained expeditions staff with ample experience in the industry so that participants feel comfortable throughout their whole journey.
Trips run all year round so participants can join in at any time.
Mission and approach
Gapforce are passionate about travel and the positive impact it has on young people’s outlook and future prospects. Their mission is to help people become global citizens through authentic, socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences which aid self-discovery and personal development.
They are a small team, committed to providing a highly personalised service from initial contact right through to the chosen adventure. This is achieved through a dedicated team of program leaders and support staff, all of whom are passionate travellers united by a common purpose to help young people explore the world.
In addition, they are committed to exert a positive impact on the regions, countries and communities which they visit. Gapforce consider it paramount that the local organisations and communities benefit from the cooperation by working with trusted local businesses and project partners who align with their sustainability objectives.
Safety is also a priority, and whilst they cannot remove risk from overseas travel altogether, they aim to reduce the level of risk compared to independent travel in the same location by following a clear set of processes and management systems.
What they do
Through their range of school group trips, gap year programs, volunteering and professional development courses, they aim to provide a unique collection of travel styles designed for different stages of life.
Community: nurturing a community of life-minded individuals and expert guides who share an enthusiasm for exploration and making a positive impact.
Meaningful Travel: transformative experiences which blend cultural immersion, meaningful service projects, and thrilling expeditions for those seeking more from their journey.
Beyond the Ordinary: thoughtfully designed journeys to inspire personal growth, cultural understanding, and a deep connection to the global community.
Expedition and participation opportunities
If you are looking for inspiration on where to spend your gap year, you can rely on Gapforce to have something that will excite you.
Gapforce has carefully selected gap year programs around the world since 1989, providing a variety of gap year abroad and gap year volunteer programs for experiences in wildlife conservation, outdoor training courses and once in a lifetime adventures across the far corners of the world.
From the snowy heights of Everest Base Camp to the heat of the African plain, turquoise waters of Thailand and humid jungles of Costa Rica and India, there is truly a diverse range of thrilling locations.
To name just a few of the opportunities Gapforce offer:
- For those looking for experience in marine conservation take a look at our gap year in Thailand.
- If you want to combine travel with adventure on your gap year abroad — snorkel, sail, ride off-road and surf through your gap year in Australia.
- Perhaps you are conscious that you want to spend time helping a worthy cause, in which case our summer volunteer programs will inspire you.
Last updated: January 2026.