Make your next summer holiday amazing
Finding things to do in the summer holidays can prove to be a trial – especially if you are looking for interesting holidays which are different to the norm. Here at Oyster we have an amazing array of summer holiday trips that are perfect for people of all ages. Whether you are a student, a family, a holidaymaker, a gapper or a retiree, there are some amazing options for you to make summer 2019 truly memorable. Here are our top 21 amazing summer holiday ideas for 2019:
1) Volunteer with bears in Romania
Volunteer at a bear sanctuary in stunning Romania for 1 – 4 weeks. These bears have all been rescued from awful conditions, and are now able to live a life as close to the wild as possible. Help to prepare food for these beloved animals and make a genuine contribution to their rehabilitation.
This is perfect for…
People of all ages who are maybe short on time.
What are the practicalities?
- Located near Brasov, Transylvania.
- Arrivals every Friday for 1 – 4 weeks
- Availability is very limited, so we would advise booking at least 4 months in advance for departures between June and September.
2) Big 5 wildlife conservation experience in South Africa
Live on a private game reserve surrounded by the Big 5 and other incredible African wildlife. Immerse yourself in preserving the flora and fauna with different activities such as vegetation clearing, tree planting, wildlife monitoring, rehabilitation work and game drives.
This is perfect for…
People aged 18 – 35 who are looking for a sociable experience in nature on their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Located 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth
- Arrivals every Monday for 2 weeks+
- Early booking encouraged for the months of June – September
3) Turtle conservation volunteering in Costa Rica
Live on a remote Costa Rican beach protecting mother turtles as they come to lay their eggs. Help to release baby turtles out to sea to encourage their future survival. Volunteers have described this beach site as “the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica”.
This is perfect for…
People of all ages looking for a holiday with a difference or a mini gap on their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Rural location about 5 hours from San Jose
- Arrivals every Monday for 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking required for July – September
4) Volunteer with elephants in Thailand
Care for over 30 rescued elephants – help with their food preparation and feeding, cleaning their enclosures, bathing and walking the elephants. An experience never to be forgotten!
This is perfect for…
People of all ages looking for a working holiday with a difference
What are the practicalities?
- Located 3 hours from Bangkok
- Arrivals every Sunday for 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking required for July – September
5) Volunteer with monkeys in South Africa
Help to care for baby monkeys and baboons in a leading rehabilitation centre. You will get plenty of monkey hugs as you clean enclosures, prepare food and feed the babies. Why not take them down to the pool to bathe?
This is perfect for…
People of all ages who are happy to work hard, get mucky and stuck in and do unusual holidays!
What are the practicalities?
- Located just 90 minutes from the Kruger National Park
- Safari can be arranged
- Arrivals every Monday for 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking encouraged for June – August
6) Volunteer teaching with monks in Laos
Volunteer as an English teacher for 2 – 12 weeks in Luang Prabang. Novice monks are looked after by Buddhist monasteries and at the age of 18 they can choose to become a monk or to seek employment. As a volunteer teacher, you can help young monks to improve their English to widen their employment opportunities if they choose to leave.
This is perfect for…
People of all ages, who are looking for a unique teaching opportunity on their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Luang Prabang
- Start dates are available all year round.
7) Sports coaching volunteer trip to Ghana
Head to a country that is immensely passionate about sport. Many young people in Accra, Ghana, do not have access to formal physical education and this is where volunteers can make a real difference. You can choose to specialise in one sport or to get involved in a variety. From football to boxing, there are plenty of options to choose from.
This is perfect for…
Gap year volunteers and career breakers, who are enthusiastic about sport
What are the practicalities?
- Accra, Ghana
- Start dates are available all year round.
8) Backpacking Tour of South East Asia
South East Asia is as popular as ever for travellers looking to experience beautiful scenery, culture and exciting nightlife. Starting in vibrant Bangkok and ending in Hanoi in Vietnam, this group tour will take you on an adventure packed journey through these incredible countries. Highlights include meandering down the Mekong River on-board a slow boat and exploring the crystal clear lagoons in Vang Vieng.
This is perfect for…
18-35 travellers looking for an affordable tour that includes must-see sites and unique adventures
What are the practicalities?
- The tour starts in Bangkok, Thailand
- Start dates are available all year round. Book early for summer departures.
9) Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador
Surround yourself with hundreds of rescued Amazonian animals in an inspirational sanctuary. See the birds, primates, crocs, big cats and more as you do your daily feeding, cleaning and enrichment rounds.
This is perfect for…
People looking for amazing holidays, to get off the beaten track and to surround themselves with nature on their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, 5 hours from Quito
- Arrivals every Monday for 1 – 12 weeks
- Book early for July – August
10) Wildlife conservation volunteering in Borneo
Join an an amazing eco-tourism initiative to help monitor orangutans and other wildlife in the Bornean rainforest. Help to regenerate the rainforst after logging activities, immerse yourself in the local community and en
This is perfect for…
People of all ages looking for different holidays and a way to enjoy wildlife whilst also helping it on their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Located in Malaysian Borneo, 3 hours from Sandakan
- Monthly arrivals on 21st of each month
- Spaces very limited in June – September
11) 13 day backpacking tour of Japan
Sumo wrestling, Manga, sushi, Geishas, Mount Fuji – Japan has it all! In 13-days, travel with a group from Tokyo to Osaka on an adventure of a lifetime. Travelling from the chaotic cities to the tranquil countryside, the experienced tour leaders will show you the very best that this country of contrasts has to offer.
This is perfect for…
18-35 travellers looking for an affordable tour that is packed with unmissable sites and memorable experiences
What are the practicalities?
- The tour starts in Tokyo, Japan
- Start dates are available all year round. Book early for spring and summer departures
13) Conservation volunteering in New Zealand
Take part in conservation projects which begin in the gateway cities of Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, and from Christchurch on the South Island. These rural and semi-urban community projects involve tasks such boardwalk restoration, beach clean-ups, tree planting and wildlife surveys.
This is perfect for…
People who love the great outdoors and marvellous surroundings and are looking for an amazing summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Take part for 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking and last minute booking both possible
14) Surf camp in Australia
Join our awesome surf development project just south of Sydney. With a friendly laidback vibe, you’ll be welcomed and tutored by a dynamic group of Aussies.
This is perfect for…
Adventure travellers looking to hit the waves in their summer holiday
What are the practicalities?
- Located just 90 minutes from Sydney
- Take part for 1 – 12 weeks
- Beginners and pros alike are welcome
- Early booking and last minute booking both possible
15) Elephant conservation in Sri Lanka
Elephants and humans in Sri Lanka are struggling to live alongside each other. This programme aims to enable the two to live together in harmony. Volunteers help to monitor elephant activity, collect data on the elephants, create natural defences for the elephants and help locals to improve their relationship with their large neighbours.
This is perfect for…
People of all ages looking to do something worthwhile in their summer holidays
What are the practicalities?
- Located 5 hours inland from Colombo
- Arrivals every Sunday for stays of 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking and last minute booking both possible
16) Women’s empowerment volunteering in Nepal
Volunteer in Pokhara, a lakeside city in Nepal and take part in initiatives to help reduce gender inequality. Work directly with local women, working one to one or in small groups to help women learn conversational English and basic maths. Work with other volunteers to run healthcare and skills workshops that will help to empower women to gain employment. All initiatives are derived from the needs of the women that the project aims to help, meaning that volunteers can make a real difference.
This is perfect for…
People of all ages, who are passionate about gender equality
What are the practicalities?
- Pokhara, Nepal
- Start dates are available all year round
17) Conservation volunteering in Australia
Take part in outback, rural and semi-urban community projects out of 9 gateway cities across the country. Combine projects to make the most of the diverse landscape and take part in environmental tasks such as beach clean-ups, tree planting and wildlife surveys.
This is perfect for…
People who are looking for a different way to explore Australia
What are the practicalities?
- Take part for 1 – 12 weeks
- Early booking and last minute booking both possible
18) Backpacking tour of China
China – a vast country with contrasting landscapes, delicious cuisine, forward-thinking cities and deeply rooted traditions! Join a group tour that takes you on a whirlwind adventure through the highlights of this huge country. From visiting the Giant Pandas, camping on the Great Wall of China to learning Kung Fu in Shaolin, the knowledgeable tour leader will guide you to the iconic sites, while also providing you with activities that will make your experience extraordinary.
This is perfect for…
18-35 travellers looking for an affordable, exciting group tour, brimming with authentic experiences and top tourist hot spots
What are the practicalities?
- The tour starts in Beijing, China
- It can be done for 16 or 25 days
- Start dates are available all year round. Book early for summer departures.
19) Art course in Romania
Join a talented artist in her studio in the medieval city of Brasov. Irina specialises in natural painting, and will teach you how to improve your skills with a botanical focus. This is a wonderful setting for exploring and improving your skills.
This is perfect for…
Beginner and intermediate artists looking for alternative summer holiday ideas
What are the practicalities?
- Located in Brasov, 3 hours from Bucharest
- Early booking encouraged
20) Marine conservation and diving in Thailand
Preserve the coral reefs in Thailand by helping to collect data on the health of the coral and the species that call it home. Help to remove fishing lines and plastic from the reefs, do fish surveys, help with beach clean ups, collect data on water temperature and more. This is a perfect way to combine a love for the environment with diving.
This is perfect for…
Students of biology and marine science and people who are passionate about the marine environment looking for holiday inspiration
What are the practicalities?
- Located on Koh Phanagan
- Spaces fill up quickly for June – August, so early booking is encouraged
21) Conservation in the Galapagos
Help to preserve one of the most unique locations on this planet. Remove alien vegetation that could threaten the delicate ecosystem, plant local species that encourage native survival and work with the giant tortoise.
This is perfect for…
People looking for unique holidays who are fascinated by nature
What are the practicalities?
- Located on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
- Spaces fill up quickly for June – August, so early booking is encouraged
Where will your next summer holiday take you?
Are you inspired for your next summer holiday? We hope so! If you need further guidance, please do not hesitate to call our friendly and experienced team on +44 (0) 1892 770 771. To see our full list of summer family holidays, check out our family volunteering holidays.
