About Horizon Impact Travel

Why Horizon Impact Travel

Many people are interested in volunteering abroad. But many families, couples and 30+ adults do not want to stay in shared dormitories or backpacker accommodation.

Over the years, we spoke with adults, couples, families, professionals, and retirees who were looking for a different way to volunteer abroad. They wanted to contribute to worthwhile projects, but they also wanted privacy, comfort, and support throughout their trip.

Horizon Impact Travel was created to meet that need.

Meet Kurt

Horizon Impact Travel was created by Kurt Decorte, a lifelong traveller and founder of both Abroad Escape and GapXperience.

After completing a one-year round-the-world trip, Kurt spent five years living in Asia, studying Japanese and Chinese, teaching, and travelling extensively throughout the region. Following a successful career as a business consultant in London, he returned to the travel industry and spent years helping travellers access meaningful international experiences.

Over time, Kurt noticed a gap in the volunteer travel market. Many organisations focused primarily on younger travellers, while couples, families, professionals, and retirees often struggled to find volunteer experiences that matched their expectations for comfort, privacy, and support.

As a father himself, he also saw how travel can broaden perspectives, build confidence, and create meaningful family memories.

That combination ultimately led to the creation of Horizon Impact Travel: a specialist volunteer travel company designed specifically for families, couples, and adults aged 30+.

Read Kurt's Full Story

Kurt Decorte, founder of Horizon Impact Travel

Who We Designed Horizon For

Horizon Impact Travel is designed for adults, couples, families and mature travellers who want a more comfortable and better-supported way to volunteer abroad. The programs we feature are particularly suited to travellers who value privacy, organisation and personal support alongside the volunteer experience itself.

Families

Selected programs welcome families travelling with children and teenagers. Volunteering together can provide valuable opportunities to learn, contribute, and experience different cultures as a family.

Couples

Many of our programs are well suited to couples looking to combine meaningful travel with quality time together while experiencing a destination in a deeper and more rewarding way.

Adults Aged 30+

Many volunteer organisations focus primarily on students and younger travellers. Horizon is designed for adults looking for a more comfortable and well-supported way to volunteer abroad.

Retirees

Many retirees are looking for travel experiences that offer more than sightseeing alone. Our programs provide opportunities to contribute, stay active, meet people, and experience destinations from a different perspective.

Private accommodation is included on every Horizon Impact Travel program and is arranged by the local program partner. Accommodation varies by destination, but shared dormitories are not part of our accommodations.

Part of the Abroad Escape Group

Horizon Impact Travel is part of Abroad Escape Ltd, a leading meaningful travel company. The experience built through Abroad Escape helped shape Horizon into a volunteer travel designed specifically for adults, couples and families looking for a more comfortable and better-supported experience.

Our principles:

  • Responsible travel
  • Trusted local partnerships
  • Personalised support
  • Quality accommodation
  • Well-organised experiences

By combining these foundations with carefully selected volunteer opportunities, Horizon offers a more comfortable and supported approach to volunteering abroad.

Our goal is simple: make meaningful volunteer travel more accessible to travellers who want both purpose and comfort.

What Makes Horizon Different?

Many volunteer organisations focus primarily on project placements.

At Horizon Impact Travel, we believe the overall experience matters just as much as the project itself.

That's why we combine carefully selected volunteer opportunities with private accommodation, personalised support, and a travel experience designed specifically for adults, couples, families, professionals, and retirees.

Private Accommodation Included

Privacy is not an optional upgrade.

Private accommodation is included in the programs featured by Horizon Impact Travel and is provided by the local partner, giving you your own space to relax and recharge after a day on your volunteer project.

For many travellers, this is one of the biggest differences between Horizon and traditional volunteer organisations.

Designed for Adults, Couples & Families

The volunteer programs we feature are specifically for mature travellers who want a more comfortable and supported way to volunteer abroad.

Whether you're travelling independently, as a couple, or with your family, our goal is to provide an experience that reflects how many adults prefer to travel.

Carefully Selected Volunteer Projects

We work with local partners involved in education, conservation, community development, wildlife care, and environmental initiatives.

Projects are chosen for their local involvement, long-term participation, and suitability for international volunteers.

Personalised Support

From your first enquiry through to your arrival in destination, we're here to help.

Local coordinators appointed by the program partner provide in-country support throughout your stay, helping you feel informed, prepared, and confident throughout the experience.

Volunteer Programs We Feature

Horizon Impact Travel offers a range of volunteer opportunities across different destinations and project types. While projects vary by location, all programs are selected for their local involvement, community participation, and suitability for international volunteers.

Education & Teaching Support

Support local educators through classroom assistance, language practice, educational activities, and community learning initiatives.

Many projects welcome volunteers without formal teaching experience.

Community Development

Work alongside local organisations supporting community initiatives, outreach programs, and practical projects that contribute to local wellbeing.

Activities vary by destination and community needs.

Wildlife & Conservation

Support projects focused on wildlife care, habitat protection, environmental monitoring, and conservation initiatives.

These programs are particularly popular with nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Marine Conservation

Participate in projects that help protect coastal ecosystems, marine habitats, and endangered species through conservation and environmental initiatives.

Environmental Projects

Contribute to sustainability, reforestation, environmental education, and conservation programs that support long-term environmental goals.

Choosing the Right Project

Not every project is suitable for every traveller.

That's why we help each traveller identify destinations and volunteer opportunities based on their interests, travel style, availability, and experience.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, family, retiree, or solo traveller, we'll help you find a program that's the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Horizon Impact Travel designed for?

Horizon Impact Travel is designed specifically for adults aged 30+, couples, families, professionals, retirees, and mature solo travellers looking for a more comfortable and supported way to volunteer abroad.

Is private accommodation included?

Yes. For every Horizon Impact Travel program, private accommodation is included and is provided by the local partner.

Do I need previous volunteer experience?

No. Most projects welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.

What support is available during my trip?

Local coordinators appointed by the local program partner are available throughout your placement, and can assist with practical questions, local guidance, and day-to-day support. We also provide guidance before departure to help you prepare for your trip.

How do I choose the right program?

We'll help you identify destinations and volunteer opportunities based on your interests, travel style, availability, and who you're travelling with. Whether you're travelling independently, as a couple, or as a family, we'll help you find a suitable option.