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

  • ITINERARY CREATION

    We’ll create a tailor-made itinerary for your trip, including an outline of the proposed locations, activities and types of accommodation — so you can understand what’s involved and whether it’s suitable for your target student group, before you commit to booking.

  • PRE-DEPARTURE SUPPORT

    Your Gapforce advisor will guide you through your preparation and be on-hand to answer any questions you (your students or their parents) may have. They can even attend your launch evening — also providing fundraising packs and support if needed. 

  • 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 Expedition Leader is aware of any relevant conditions. 

  • KIT AND EQUIPMENT

    We’ll provide you with a detailed kit list which has been carefully curated by our expert team, specific to your trip — so you know you’ve got everything covered and won’t have to worry about forgetting any essentials. 

  • LOGISTIC PLAN

    Your Expedition Leader will put a detailed logistics plan in place for your itinerary. A final confirmed copy will be given to you prior to departure, so everyone is in the loop. 

  • 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 trained Operations Managers, in consultation with the relevant in-country partner, combining expert knowledge with on-site experience.

  • CASUALTY EVACUATION PLANS (CASEVAC)

    For each location on your itinerary, your Expedition Leader will put a detailed CASEVAC plan in place with details of the nearest medical facilities, emergency contact information and transport plan.

  • COMMUNICATION PLAN

    Before the expedition, the school or college will receive routine and emergency contact details for reaching the in-country team, if needed. We recommend that only the school or college use this information, with any communication from parents or carers directed through them.

stage 2

During the trip

  • EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP TEAMS

    All trips will be accompanied by at least one experienced Expedition Leader trained in areas including off-site safety management, water safety, wilderness first aid, rescue training, and incident management.

  • 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 Expedition Leader 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 Expedition Leader will undertake dynamic risk assessments to ensure planned activities meet the required safety standards on the day. 

  • Incident response plan

    Every Expedition Leader follows an incident response plan. Incidents are recorded as either medical or non-medical and fed back to head office at the end of the program for review.

  • 24/7 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.

Group of travellers white water rafting

stage 3

After the trip

EVALUATION

Once your trip is over, we’ll conduct a full evaluation and review assessing leader 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

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.
Young Explorers Trust (YET)

Young Explorers Trust (YET)

We use the YET as an expert, independent assessor to ensure we’re meeting the strict safety standards laid out in the BS8848 ‘Specifications for visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK.
WYSE TRAVEL FEDERATION

WYSE TRAVEL FEDERATION

With over 600 members in 70 countries our community aims “to contribute to the personal and professional growth of students and young people and positively impact our global community by fostering international understanding, responsible international travel, cultural exchange and education”.
PHAROS RESPONSE

PHAROS RESPONSE

We utilise the services of Pharos to ensure our staff both at home and overseas have access to comprehensive emergency and critical incident support. Through their team of experienced incident managers, they provide 24/7 support and assistance in the event of an emergency.
TRAVEL AWARE

TRAVEL AWARE

Together with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Travel Aware provide essential travel advice and up-to-date country information for those living and travelling overseas, helping facilitate safe and healthy trips abroad.