Work Travel Volunteer

They say that 60 is the new 40 or something like that. Whatever. Adventurous travelling for the young at heart is growing. Whilst we've been away, we've meet numerous over 50 year old travellers. Some travelling in couples, some solo and they've been the most interesting, adventurous people we've met.

Gap years are pretty much the norm now and with the trail through Thailand, India and Australia worn out to the point of needing repair by the 18 to 25 year old age group, we're seeing the older generation seeking more extreme, more isolated, more adventurous destinations. Who said rock and roll was dead?

Although there will probably be more to organise before you go than when you were a nipper, the decision to take a year out may well be the best idea you've had. 

Can I take a year out if I've got children?

Travel can teach children far more than any geography lesson can. It helps them deal with new situations including eating new food, meeting children of the same age but from completely different backgrounds (and playing with different toys) and visiting different landscapes. Travel can also help bond families together as they will have shared an experience together and will have the opportunity to spend more time together. Children are generally very adaptable (possibly more so than adults!) so don't worry too much about how they will deal with the changes. You know your child well enough to gauge how they would cope with an extended break in a foreign country. 

Schools should be able to accommodate parents taking children out of school for up to a year. Speak to your child's school before booking the ticket though. You'll need the permission of the Local Education Authority to take them out of school for more than two weeks. Permission is usually granted if you can show that schooling will not be affected e.g don't go during important exam periods.

Other useful tips

Anti-bacterial gel is a great thing to carry!

Speak to your doctor in plenty of time to get advice on what vaccinations your child should have.

Don't take too many UK type toys. There will be mor ethan enough new stuff out there to keep your chid amused.

Do as you would do with food for your child. Peel fruit and veg, drink bottled water, make sure meat is cooked thoroughl. Again, you'll be surprised how resilient children can be to overseas germs compared to us! 

Children need their own passport now. Ensure all passports are up to date and passports have at least six months from entry into the last country valid on it.  

I'm retired. Am I too old to take a gap year?

Never. Whether you want to spend time travelling or help out with some voluntary work, there are hundreds of organisations that cater for the more mature age group rather than gung-ho teenagers. Our directory search will list all those that accept volunteers over a certain age (in fact most of them will) plus we list many ethical travel options that cater for the older age group too. If you decide to travel independently, you will probably meet more travellers of your age than you'd think!