Trustpilot
Trustpilot

Spend 6 months learning and working in Whistler learning how to guide and navigate groups in one of the world most famous alpine terrain.

Gain avalanche safety certifications, build backcountry experience and train towards a career in the mountain guiding industry.

Explore the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures of Colombia and Peru in 15 days.

This unique surf and conservation camp in Lisbon, Portugal, combines adventure with impact. Volunteers ride the waves on beautiful Atlantic beaches while supporting coastal clean ups, recycling efforts, and environmental awareness campaigns that protect marine life and promote sustainable habits.

As a volunteer, you’ll take part in daily surf lessons led by experienced instructors, and contribute to preserving Portugal’s shoreline through hands-on environmental action. Tasks include cleaning beaches and forests, collecting and sorting waste, and engaging the public in eco-conscious initiatives.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced surfer, this is your chance to connect with the ocean, help reduce pollution, and live purposefully while immersed in Portugal’s beach culture.

This unique surf and volunteer project in Porto, Portugal, combines beach life with community impact. Volunteers enjoy world-class surf lessons while helping with inclusive surfing initiatives for children and individuals with disabilities, and supporting the protection of Portugal’s natural coastline through conservation efforts.

As a volunteer, you’ll help deliver community surf sessions that promote wellbeing and self-confidence, and take part in practical environmental work like beach cleanups and recycling initiatives. Whether you’re guiding a beginner into their first wave or helping remove plastic pollution from a protected shoreline, your actions support both people and planet.

Based near the scenic Douro River, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with the ocean, promote inclusion, and live meaningfully in one of Europe’s most welcoming coastal cities.

Experience the rare desert elephants in the wild, helping these endangered animals and rural communities to co-exist in harmony. Enjoy all that desert life brings, from cooking over camp fires to sleeping under the stars, and throw yourself into the volunteer role, which includes tracking elephants, doing building projects and helping the local community.

See the very best of Southeast Asia on this affordable backpacking tour. As well as the must-see highlights, spend time exploring the less-known parts of these amazing countries. Jam-packed with activities, there is something for every type of traveler.

Want to tour Japan without breaking the bank? Join our 13 day adventure which starts in Tokyo and heads west towards Hiroshima. This backpacking Japan tour has been carefully created to ensure that your experience is authentic and unique. You’ll stop at all the hot spots along the way and get to experience all that makes this country so iconic.

Looking to see the best that India offers? Take part in a backpacking tour that will take you to the iconic highlights, as well as taking you to areas that are less explored. Choose to join either the 18-day tour of the north and west or opt for the shorter 13-day north India tour.

China – one of the largest countries in the world – is not only huge, but also diverse. Join our 25-day tour and travel an epic 3,392 miles, taking in the very best that China has to offer. Short on time? Opt for our shorter 16-day backpacking tour instead. This affordable and jam-packed tour of China will take you through spectacular countryside and into the busiest cities in the world.

Backpack Australia’s iconic East Coast on this fully guided 5‑week group tour from Sydney to Cairns—where stunning beaches, rainforest escapes, island sailing, and city highlights come together seamlessly. With 33 nights of mix‑style accommodation—including beachfront hostels, Fraser Island camping and Whitsunday sailing—you’ll explore spots like Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Noosa, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef.

This journey blends must‑see experiences such as a surf lesson at Byron Bay, 2‑night sailing in the Whitsundays, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, and K’gari (Fraser Island) camping, with easy‑paced travel and plenty of free time to explore at your leisure. It’s ideal for young adults (18–35), solo travellers and gap‑year adventurers looking for social, unforgettable memories—all with logistics, transport and group leader support taken care of.

Backpack New Zealand’s highlights on this fully guided 3-week group tour from Auckland to Queenstown — where geothermal wonders, volcanic peaks, glow-worm caves and dramatic fjords meet vibrant cities and lakeside retreats.

With 20 nights of shared accommodation, all coach and ferry travel, and an expert group leader, you’ll explore world-famous spots such as Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook and Queenstown.

This journey blends must-see experiences — from the Hobbiton movie set and Māori village visits to stargazing at Lake Tekapo and cruising the legendary Milford Sound — with relaxed travel days and plenty of free time to make it your own. It’s ideal for young adults (18–35), solo travellers and adventure-seekers wanting to see the very best of New Zealand with every detail sorted.

Highlights:

  • Explore the historic and cultural landmarks of Mexico City
  • Relax on the pristine beaches of Puerto Escondido
  • Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala
  • Engage with local communities and traditions
  • Traverse the scenic landscapes of Costa Rica, from volcanoes to rainforests

Discover the pulse of South America on our 13-day Brazil & Argentina tour — where tango meets samba, glaciers meet jungles, and every day is unforgettable.

This exciting 15-day journey through Thailand and Cambodia is designed especially for families who want to explore Southeast Asia’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted communities. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, every day is packed with unforgettable experiences.

This is a family-friendly group trip suitable for children aged 6+, and includes cultural discovery, animal conservation, delicious local cuisine, and plenty of downtime to relax and bond as a family.

Taking an adventure travel trip is perfect for people looking for something different. Whether you are on a gap year, taking a career break or simply looking for a holiday with a difference, adventure travel can fit easily into your plans. Adventure travel is about challenging yourself, having fun and embracing the world of opportunities…. so what are you waiting for?

Adventure travel can be active, but it can be relaxed too. For those of you looking to put your body to the test, learn to surf in Australia, train as a ski guide in Whistler or simply enjoy some of the more daring opportunities on our tours of South East Asia. If you are looking for cultural adventure, you can get involved in one of our varied adventure tours around China, Japan, Thailand or Central America. All tours include exploring, relaxing, culture and community, allowing you to live a real local experience.

We are really excited that intrepid families are increasingly looking for family adventure holidays. Volunteer vacations are perfect for kids of any age and are a great way for families to test themselves and support each other, all the while creating life long memories. Whether you choose to protect turtles in rural Costa Rica or care for monkeys in the bush of South Africa, the adventure begins with the research!

There are lots of tour operators that offer adventure travel holidays. With Oyster you can be sure that you will get the same care and attention on a tour holiday as you would on any of our gap year, responsible travel and career break projects.

Receive our Newsletter
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • View our Privacy Notice to see how we store and use the data you provide.