Travel with
peace of mind

Your safety is our priority

Taking students overseas is a big responsibility, so we’re here to give you the support you need to ensure your trip goes as safely and smoothly as possible. 

We follow the rules set by BS8848 ‘Specifications for visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK’. And we use the Young Explorer’s Trust (YET) as an expert, independent assessor to ensure we’re meeting these strict safety standards.

stage 1

Before you travel

  • PROGRAM INFORMATION

    Prior to signing up for a program, you will be able to access information via our website and brochure about the program locations and activities to enable you to understand what is involved. We would also encourage you to speak to one of our program advisors who can answer specific questions you may have to help you decide if the program is right for you.  

  • PRE-DEPARTURE SUPPORT

    Immediately after booking, you will have access to your online personal portal where you will find further information to start planning for your trip, including advice on flights, insurance and vaccinations. You will also be given the contact details of your program manager who will guide you through your preparation and is on hand to answer any questions you have. 

  • MEDICAL FORMS

    Before travelling, all participants must complete a medical form specifying any pre-existing conditions. If there are any concerns, we’ll request further details and liaise with our medical consultant. We’ll also ensure your Leadership Team is aware of any relevant conditions.  

  • KIT AND EQUIPMENT

    We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list which has been carefully curated to be specific to your trip – so you know you’ve got everything covered and won’t have to worry about forgetting any essentials.  

  • DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENTS

    Carried out for each destination, activity, and any other associated risks – with measures detailed to mitigate any identified risks. Each assessment is compiled by our Operations Managers or relevant in-country partner, combining expert knowledge with on-site experience. 

  • CASUALTY EVACUATION PLANS (CASEVAC)

    For each location on your itinerary, your Leadership Team will have access to a detailed CASEVAC plan with details of the nearest medical facilities, emergency contact information and transport plan. 

  • COMMUNICATION PLAN

    Before the start date, you will receive routine and emergency contact details for reaching the in-country team, if needed. We recommend you also give this information to your next of kin. 

stage 2

During the trip

  • EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP TEAMS

    If you are joining one of our group travel programs then you will be accompanied by at least one highly trained group leader. Your group leader will be first aid trained and be there to guide, support, and bring the group together. If you are joining one of our partner-led programs, including dive courses, you will be supervised by suitably experienced local staff.  

  • TRUSTED LOCAL STAFF

    Our known and trusted support staff — including co-ordinators, drivers, guides and project partners — provide invaluable local knowledge. They all undergo a strict screening process, and we’ve worked with many of them for years 

  • SAFETY BRIEFING

    We’ll give you a safety briefing within 24 hours of arrival. Your leader and local staff will continue to advise on specific health and safety issues, relevant to your activities and locations, throughout your trip.  

  • DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENTS

    Where necessary, your leader will undertake dynamic risk assessments to ensure planned activities meet the required safety standards on the day.  

  • INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN

    Every leader follows an incident response plan. Incidents are recorded as either medical or non-medical and fed back to head office for review. 

  • 24/7 UK EMERGENCY SUPPORT

    Pharos Response provides our emergency and critical incident support. Our leaders have a 24/7 emergency number which links them directly with the expert Pharos Response team to provide support and assistance if needed. 

stage 3

After the trip

EVALUATION
Once your trip is over, we’ll conduct a full evaluation and review leader and partner reports, your  feedback, any incident reports, and more. We’ll use this to inform and improve our future trips so we can continue providing the very best service and experiences. 

Our partners and accreditations

Young Explorers Trust (YET)

Young Explorers Trust (YET)

Our programs follow the rigorous BS8848 safety standard ('Specifications for visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK') for overseas expeditions and adventurous activities.
Protected Trust Services

Protected Trust Services

When you book with Gapforce, your initial deposit and subsequent balance will be fully protected and paid into an independent Trust Account, managed by Protected Trust Services Ltd. Our PTS membership number is 5482.
Travel Aware

Travel Aware

Through Travel Aware and the UK Foreign Office, we ensure travellers have access to the latest safety guidance and destination information.
WYSE Travel Confederation

WYSE Travel Confederation

As a member of WYSE Travel Confederation, we are part of a global community promoting responsible youth travel, cultural exchange, and international understanding.
Year Out Group

Year Out Group

We are a full member of the Year Out Group, a leading association of approved gap year providers committed to high standards of safety, ethics, and program quality.
Pharos Response

Pharos Response

Our partnership with Pharos Response provides 24/7 emergency and incident support to our staff and teams worldwide.