Impact Explorers Group has been operating in the meaningful travel and experiential education space and has helped thousands of individuals contribute to communities around the world through structured, safe, and rewarding programmes since 2007. The compnay specialises in transformative travel experiences, offering volunteering opportunities, gap year adventures, and internships abroad through its brands: Volunteering Solutions and Med Trips.

What inspired the creation of the Impact Explorers Group?

Impact Explorers Group (formerly known as Volunteering Travel Solutions UK Ltd) was born from a vision to connect travel with purpose. Back in 2007, we saw a gap in opportunities for young people to explore the world while gaining meaningful experiences beyond tourism. We wanted to create structured, safe, and accessible programmes where students and travellers could learn, grow, and immerse themselves in new cultures, while also developing skills that would serve them in their careers and personal lives. This is when Volunteering Solutions was born, and that passion for transformative travel continues to guide us today.

How do you define “meaningful travel”, and why is it important for today’s travellers?

To us, meaningful travel goes beyond sightseeing — it’s about engaging deeply with people, places, and cultures in a way that fosters learning and personal growth. For today’s travellers, especially students and young professionals, this is increasingly important as they seek experiences that are both impactful and enriching. Meaningful travel allows participants to build global awareness, gain practical skills, and form connections that last a lifetime, making their journey far more rewarding than a traditional holiday.

Can you tell us more about the types of volunteering, gap year, and internship programmes you offer through Volunteering Solutions and Med Trips?

Through Volunteering Solutions, we offer a wide range of community-based projects, including teaching, childcare, wildlife conservation, and public health initiatives. For students on gap years, these programmes provide a chance to explore the world while contributing to local communities. Med Trips, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on structured medical internships abroad. These placements allow medical, nursing, and healthcare students to gain clinical exposure in hospitals and clinics across Asia and Africa, combining professional development with cultural discovery.

How do you see experiential and purposeful travel evolving in the next decade?
We believe experiential and purposeful travel will become an essential part of global education and career development. In the next decade, more students and professionals will seek opportunities that blend travel with skill-building, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Technology will enhance access and safety, but the core value will remain authentic, face-to-face experiences. We also expect stronger integration with academic institutions and employers, recognising purposeful travel as a valuable step toward building globally minded, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals.