Tru Experience Travel

Program Reviews

James Profile Picture
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gap Year

I am spending 7 months travelling and volunteering with TRU. Everything so far has ran so smoothly and it has been the best experience in my life to date. I cant thank the team enough for making my gap year 10/10 and I don't ever want it to come to an end. I am still currently volunteering and travelling and have done 3 months so far. From Ghana to Indonesia. I know money can be a thing sometimes, but I truly believe it comes and it goes and you need to do this atlease once in your life time. :)

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just do it, be open minded, bring patience and a big heart.
Theo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana Volunteer

Volunteering in Ghana on both teaching and medical projects was amazing. The medical work allowed me to support local clinics and learn from dedicated professionals, while teaching in the community brought so much joy and connection. The people were welcoming, the experience was well‑organised, and I left feeling grateful and inspired. Highly recommended. I hope to join the team on another experience later on this year. I think everyone should experience this once in their lifes. Just amazing ...

Jack
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sports

My sports coaching trip with was absolutely amazing. The staff were incredibly supportive, and the owner Hannah went above and beyond to make everything smooth and enjoyable. The whole experience was organised, welcoming, and truly unforgettable. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a meaningful and well‑run coaching adventure. I did this program as i am studying sports science, it is a well structured program and gave me a huge insight. I cant put in to words of how incredible this experience truly was

What would you improve about this program?
Not much at all, maybe just a little communication barrier with some staff, not all staff, but the staff who could speak strong english were able to support. equally i should have learnt the language of the country i was visiting, this isnt to shame or anything like that.
Pros
  • Experience
  • Food
  • Accommodation
Cons
  • Language barrier sometimes
  • making friends and having to leave
Isla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical volunteer

Medical volunteering in Ghana was an unforgettable experience that gave me a completely new perspective on healthcare. Working alongside local medical staff was inspiring; their dedication, skill, and compassion shone through every single day, even when resources were limited. Being part of a medical team in another country showed me just how different healthcare can look outside the NHS yet how powerful teamwork and community spirit are in delivering care.

The clinics and hospitals in Ghana operate with incredible resilience. Without the advanced equipment and systems we rely on in the UK, staff use creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration to support patients. It was eye‑opening to witness how much can be achieved with so little, and how deeply valued volunteers are within these settings. This experience strengthened my confidence, broadened my understanding of global healthcare, and reminded me why international medical volunteering is so meaningful. I would highly recommend medical volunteering in Ghana to anyone wanting hands‑on experience, cultural immersion, and the chance to make a genuine impact. Thank you for the memories the incredible experience and allowing me to help such a great course. Also a big thank you to Hannah for being at the end of the WhatsApp day or night.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Absolutely nothing other than I would do it for more than 4 weeks. But I am going back end of the year for 3 months :)
Pros
  • Real cultural experience
  • Friendships
Cons
  • Having to leave
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cape Verde Sports

Volunteering as a sports coach in Cape Verde with Tru Experience Travel was genuinely unforgettable. The programme gave me the chance to connect with incredible new friends, immerse myself in a vibrant and welcoming culture, and make a real impact through sport. Every day felt meaningful, from working with enthusiastic young athletes to experiencing the warmth and rhythm of Cape Verdean life. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone looking for adventure, growth, and community…….…………………………………

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Walking into a completely new country with thirty strangers was one of the most amazing turning points of my life. I didn’t know a single person, a few already knew each other, and for a moment it felt overwhelming but I decided to put on a fresh face, let go of my worries, and embrace the experience. That choice changed everything. I made incredible friends, discovered confidence I didn’t know I had, and learned to trust myself in a new culture that welcomed me with open arms. It taught me that sometimes the best version of you appears the moment you step outside your comfort zone.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion (so welcoming)
  • Making an impact
  • New friends for life
Cons
  • Adjusting to new environment
  • Homesickness
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10

My experience as a volunteer was very positive. The environment was welcoming, well-organized, and supportive throughout. I felt appreciated for my time and efforts, and it was great to be part of a team working towards a common goal. The experience provided valuable opportunities to contribute, meet new people, and develop useful skills. I would recommend volunteering to anyone looking for a rewarding way to give back and gain meaningful experience. Don’t wait for the right time, just book.

James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Indonesia 🇮🇩

I am currently volunteering in Indonesia and have just completed four weeks on the Animal rescue programme. Next, I will be moving on to sports coaching before heading off island-hopping with some amazing new friends. I’ll then return to continue volunteering again in September.

This has been the most incredible experience of my life so far, and I couldn’t be more excited about everything still to come.

The team have been absolutely amazing from the very beginning. I genuinely cannot fault anyone. They are warm, welcoming, supportive, and some of the kindest people I have ever met. Their passion, encouragement, and dedication have made this experience even more special.

I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone considering volunteering abroad. It has been life-changing, and I am so grateful to be part of it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travellers would be to come with an open mind, embrace every opportunity, and step outside your comfort zone. The experience is what you make of it, so get involved, meet new people, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Don’t be afraid to try new things, ask questions, and make the most of every moment. The friendships you build and the experiences you gain can be truly life-changing.

Most importantly, be flexible and enjoy the journey. Things may not always go exactly to plan, but that’s often when the best memories are made. I would encourage anyone considering this experience to go for it – it has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life.
Pros
  • The people are incredibly welcoming, supportive, and friendly, making you feel at home straight away.
  • You get to make a real difference
  • meet people from around the world
Cons
  • The climate can take some getting used to, especially the heat and humidity.
  • Being away from family and friends for an extended period can be challenging at times.
  • Things don’t always run to schedule, so flexibility and patience are important.
Ruth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience I’ll Never Forget

Volunteering abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and contribute to a meaningful cause alongside incredible people.

Every day brought new challenges, new friendships, and valuable lessons. Whether working on community projects, supporting local initiatives, or simply connecting with people from different backgrounds, I felt like I was making a genuine impact while growing personally and professionally.

The experience helped me develop confidence, adaptability, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Beyond the volunteer work itself, exploring a new country and becoming part of the local community created memories that I will carry with me forever.

I would highly recommend volunteering abroad to anyone looking for an adventure with purpose. It’s an opportunity to give back, learn, grow, and create lifelong connections all at the same time. I left with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the world around me.

Pros
  • Fun
  • Friendships
  • Food
Cons
  • No
  • None
  • Nothing
Louise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

My gap year with TRU Experience Travel was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From start to finish, the entire experience was incredibly well organised, supportive, and genuinely life-changing. The team went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable, included, and excited for every part of the journey.

What made the trip so special was the perfect balance between adventure, culture, personal growth, and meeting amazing people from all over the world. Every activity felt thoughtfully planned, and I always felt safe and looked after while still having the freedom to make unforgettable memories.

The group leaders were absolutely brilliant — friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, and full of energy. They made such a huge difference to the experience and helped create such a positive atmosphere throughout the trip. I came away with not only incredible memories and experiences, but also genuine friendships and so much more confidence in myself.

I would recommend TRU Experience Travel to absolutely anyone considering a gap year or solo travel adventure. It exceeded every expectation I had, and I’m already looking forward to travelling with them again in the future

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Throw yourself into every experience, even the things that feel outside your comfort zone — that’s where the best memories are made. Be open to meeting new people, stay flexible, and make the most of every moment because the time goes so quickly!
Pros
  • Amazing group leaders who make you feel supported and included
  • Great mix of adventure, culture, and social experiences
  • Perfect for building confidence and making lifelong friends
Cons
  • The trip goes by way too quickly
  • Early starts can be tiring at times but once your up the excitement kicks in
  • You’ll probably want to book another trip straight after
Kacey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Vietnam experience

As a 20-year-old on my first experience abroad, I couldn't have asked for a better trip. I travelled to Vietnam for a backpacking and volunteering experience, and Tru Experience travel were amazing from start to finish.

What really stood out was the personal support from Hannah, the owner. You don't often get the chance to speak directly with the owner of a company, but knowing that Hannah had once been a volunteer herself and had been in my shoes made all the difference. Her advice, guidance, and reassurance before and during the trip were invaluable.

The entire experience exceeded my expectations. The volunteering work was incredibly rewarding, and knowing that I was making a positive impact while exploring such an amazing country was something I'll never forget. The team were always there to help and support me, making sure everything ran smoothly from beginning to end.

I can't thank everyone enough for creating such an incredible experience and for giving me memories that will last a lifetime. In fact, I've already booked my next adventure with them and will be heading to Tanzania at the end of the year!

If you're considering volunteering abroad, I would highly recommend TRU

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve-racking moment was meeting so many new people for the first time. Arriving and walking into a large group where everyone seemed to already know each other was quite intimidating, especially as it was my first time travelling abroad on my own.

I overcame it by reminding myself that everyone was there for the same reason and was probably feeling just as nervous as I was. Once I started introducing myself and joining in with activities, I quickly realised how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Within a couple of days, I had made some amazing friends, and those initial nerves completely disappeared. Looking back, pushing myself out of my comfort zone was one of the best parts of the experience.