Group trips are great for gappers

A-level results are out, the weather is getting cooler, the P45 from the summer job is almost ready to be posted, the wedding season is drawing to a close and parents are set to drop their kids off at university for another academic year. For people of all ages – school or university leavers, those on a career break or ‘grown-up gappers’ – the autumn is a popular season to take some time out to embark on extended GAP year travels or an around the world trip.

Group travel specialist TrekAmerica and its sister companies Footloose and OzXposure offer some great ‘mega-adventures’ for those with the desire to get to the real heart of the countries they will be visiting and have the luxury of time on their hands. Their tours around North and South America and Australasia cater to travellers aged 18 and over with a maximum group size 14 on most routes.

TrekAmerica’s managing director Martyn Shapter explains why group travel adventures are so well suited to those on GAP years:

“A fair amount of our customers are taking their first major trip abroad and are unsure what to expect or how to start planning an independent trip. By joining a group tour, travellers can leave the organisation in the hands of an expert guide whose job it is to seek out the unmissable sights and the most exciting adventures. In turn, our passengers have the chance to relax into the rhythm of travelling, acclimatise to the destination, make some great friends and get the most out of their trip.”

He continues: “The group dynamic is not the only advantage. Travelling in a group also provides an element of security that can allow people to venture to areas they either wouldn’t find – or might not feel comfortable going to – if they were travelling alone. In some countries, even just having a driver can be a huge benefit when you look at the alternatives. Public transport is not always regular or direct; drivers in Latin American countries may struggle without some knowledge of Spanish; and in the USA, many car rental companies will charge astronomical fees to renters under the age of 25. For younger travellers such as school leavers, an organised group adventure is also a parent-friendly option and therefore probably more likely to warrant a contribution to the travel fund!”

Below are three of the best trips from TrekAmerica, Footloose and OzXposure for adventurers on extended travels around the world:

Trailblazer – 64 days in North America

This TrekAmerica trip for 18-38 year olds spans over two months, covering 33 US states and Canadian provinces. Most nights on this mighty road trip are spent camping and making the most of the magnificent scenery. The route covers major cities including New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Seattle; passes through the wilderness of national parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Zion; and stops at major attractions like Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore and Las Vegas. Along the way, there are endless opportunities for adventure and outdoors activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking.

Departures: Between March and October

South American Adventure – 24 days in South America

This open-age tour from Footloose takes in some of the highlights of South America – from the remote Atacama Desert, to spectacular Amazonian wildlife, the magnificent Iguaçu Falls and the vibrant nightlife of Buenos Aires. The trip follows a horseshoe route, beginning in Chile, travelling north into Bolivia, then east into Brazil and south into Argentina. Accommodation along the route is in lodges or budget hotels and travellers will enjoy a range of transportation from 4WD to luxury buses and trains.

Departures: Year-round

All of Oz – 69 days in Australia

Spend more than two months following the circumference of Australia, beginning and ending in Sydney, with a diversion in the Northern Territory to visit Alice Springs and Uluru. Flexibility is the key to this epic adventure - much of the journey will be tailored along the way, according to the preference of travellers. All of Australia’s main coastal regions will be included, plus a full day boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s natural wonders. Other highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime trip include a two night stay at a Cattle Station, where travellers can ride motorbikes and horses, plus a two day 4WD tour of Moreton Island, including the chance to try sandboarding.

Departures: April to November

This is just a small selection of the group adventure tours TrekAmerica and its sister companies run in North America, South America and Australasia.

For more information, log on to Trekamerica.co.uk.