Travelling is not just about arriving in a place, seeing the sites, relaxing and meeting new people; there is so much more to the experience and so many things you could include in your trip.
There is no way we can cover all of these on the website, but we have tried to cover a few!
We think a good starting point is 
Things to consider:
Volunteering
There are 100s of organisations, charities and other groups offering volunteering experiences to countries all over the world and working in a variety of fields, from conservation, education and health care to career-specific work, research and disaster relief.
The most important thing is to come up with a list of factors that are important to you regarding your choice of organisation and the impact of the work you will be doing. Think about what skills you have to offer and what you want to get out of the experience. Make sure that the organisation you choose is reputable and does work that is really needed in the country you are visiting. Check that it is working alongside local organisations and communities and trying to provide long-term, sustainable solutions. Also ask what you will be doing and how your skills will benefit the people you are working with. Could the work you are doing be done by a local person? If so, you shouldn’t be doing it, as your work will only increase unemployment rather than improve it.
Other questions that are worth asking the organisation you choose to go with are about their safety policies, risk assessments and what happens if something goes wrong. These are things that they should be able to go through with you easily. They should also have documents to hand for you to look at.
There are several schools of thought about volunteering. Some people feel they shouldn’t pay to volunteer. Others feel that their experience is like any other holiday and that a proportion of what they pay should go to the area of volunteering they have chosen. Do your research and shop around as there are many organisations, some of which are good and some of which are bad.
A good place to start is:
VSO - The world’s leading independent international development organisation that works with volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries
Projects Abroad - Offer a wide range of volunteer projects, including teaching, care, conservation, medical, journalism, business and law
Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show - Look under the exhibitors section, found under the visitor section
Companies
As above, the travel shows are a good place to start as you will be able to gain lots of information from a range of companies. Have a look at the websites and go along.
You could also have a look at The Year Out Group. This organisation acts as an umbrella for lots of gap year companies, all of whom have had to go through a detailed application process before becoming members to make sure that they adhere to the relevant codes of practice and terms of membership. This website will also give you other relevant information and advice about your gap year. Well worth a look!
World Challenge
Adventure Travel Show - Look under the exhibitors section found under the visitor section
Travel forums
Travel forums are really useful for advice and ideas. There are lots out there where you can ask any question. Somebody is bound to have some advice – they’re good at helping you make informed decisions.
Some of the best can be found through:
Lonely Planet
Rough Guides
Travellers Point
Travel Blog
Working
Many people choose working as a way to see a new place and meet new people. This is a good opportunity to gain new skills and travel at the same time, and is becoming more popular.
Some websites that would be worth a look if you are considering working abroad are below:
Any Work Any Where Free international job listing site
Find a Gap Placements, jobs and accommodation
Gap Year Directory UK placements to conservation work worldwide
Gap Work Gap Year jobs and volunteering
'Gap Year Jobs' Student and gap year jobs
Overseas Job Centre
Work Away Puts travellers in touch with home-stay hosts who offer board in exchange for work
Work and Volunteer Volunteer and work abroad
Organic Farm Work Work on organic farms across the world