A passion for
exploration

Experts in transformative travel experiences

Our team of travel experts and school trip leaders have experienced, first-hand, the power of travel to spark discovery and open up a whole new world of possibilities. And nothing brings us more joy than igniting a lifelong passion for exploration in young people. So we create unforgettable travel experiences that inspire the next generation of travellers.

Our trips take students deeper, immersing them in authentic local life to give them a genuine feel for a country, and building connections with the people and communities they encounter along the way. Because to learn about the world, you really have to experience it for yourself…

MEET YOUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

Hello, we're here to give you the world

We’re a family of travel experts (and travel-fanatics!) based in the UK and around the globe. We work together closely, combining our skills, knowledge and experience to create the most extraordinary trips for schools and groups. 

Over 30 years we’ve facilitated thousands of successful school expeditions. So you can be sure we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure safe, smooth and supported trips that blend travel and education to spark discovery.

James

Managing Director

James brings over 20 years of travel industry experience and has been with Gapforce since 2009, holding roles from Schools Manager to General Manager before becoming Managing Director in 2018. His passion for travel began with a school trip to India, and he has travelled extensively since. James believes in the power of travel to build confidence, life skills, and unlock personal potential.

Nicola

General manager

After a decade in HR, Nicola joined Gapforce seeking a new challenge and global perspective. Since completing the Expedition Leader Training Program in 2017, she has led expeditions worldwide and became General Manager in 2019. Passionate about the personal growth that comes from adventure travel, Nicola is driven to help others experience its transformative impact.

Krista

Program advisor

With experience in the fields of international education and cultural exchange, Krista is a passionate advocate for youth travel. She is dedicated to guiding individuals in selecting the perfect experience for their gap year journey. When not in the office, you’ll find Krista traveling herself or keeping up her Duolingo streak in Italian.

Josh

Travel advisor

Josh brings a wealth of first-hand travel experience to his role, having visited a quarter of the world’s countries and completed three major backpacking trips. With a love for food, culture, and adventure sports, he helps travellers plan immersive, authentic journeys packed with insight and excitement.

Expedition leaders

Every school group is accompanied by an experienced and enthusiastic Expedition Leader, fully trained to ensure the most safe, supported and inspiring trip. We’ve also built up a network of reliable and trusted local support staff to provide invaluable local knowledge along the way.

Our values

Trust

As travel experts with over 30 years’ in the business, customers can trust us to curate extraordinary trips that combine adventure and learning. With our knowledge, experience, and support at every stage, we give travellers the confidence they need to step into the unknown and experience the incredible.

Authenticity

Forget same-old or surface level. Our trips offers unique, localised experiences and learning support opportunities that foster deep exploration and discovery — empowering travellers to live and breathe the culture, and even make a difference to the places they visit.

Connection

From our team, to our guides, to our groups, we’re all united by our passion for travel and a drive to make a positive impact in communities around the world. We embrace new friends, new stories and new perspectives, because travel is best when it’s shared.

Fun

While we believe that travel should be purposeful, we never forget that it should be also be enjoyable. Our trips are created with joy in mind, with time for play as well as ‘work’. And we bring energy and enthusiasm to everything we do — ensuring a smooth yet fun-filled journey from booking the trip to the boarding the plane home.

postcards

from previous trips

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from many happy teachers and students. This is what some of them had to say about their Gapforce experiences.

Nepal Trip

"It can be seen that this trip has held firsts for everyone, as it has enabled us to achieve things we thought we never would. Though each individual’s achievements have been appreciated and recognised, our achievements as a group have truly made this trip special — with new friendships made, trust built and memories to last a lifetime"

SW, Student Lead | Marymount International School | INDIA SCHOOL TRIP

Discover our destinations

go further

With a wide choice of global destinations to choose from, our school trips empower students to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities.

From Berber community immersion in Morocco, to jungle expeditions in Borneo, and wildlife conservation in The Galapagos — students will discover the world like never before.

Explore destinations

follow our

adventures

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