Wales YFC News

WALES YFC SET TO SPREAD ITS WINGS IN 2021

Applications are now open for Wales YFC 2021 International Travel Programme. Ranging from trips to Ulster, Northern Ireland to a 11 day ‘Bucket list’ Safari Style Trip to South Africa, Wales YFC is determined to offer its members an adventure.

Despite large spread uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic particularly affecting travel plans for individuals across the globe, Wales YFC is determined to offer its 2020-2021 calendar year members the same opportunities to travel and spread their wings as previous years. 

Bearing in mind COVID-19 restriction which Wales YFC will continue to monitor, the 2021 International Travel Programme put together with the support of travel industry partners has been adapted to offer the most appropriate style trips as possible under regularly evolving circumstances. 

For those not wishing to venture as far afield in 2021 we have included a pick of two ‘Home Stay’ style trips, a frim favourite amongst previous Wales YFC travellers to destinations around the British Isle such as Ulster in Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The Isle of Man is also featured within the programme as a Group Trip in addition to the annual European Interrailing trip which offers the opportunity for 12 members from across Wales to spend two weeks travelling around the continent. 

A brand new feature within this year’s programme is the South Africa Safari Style Trip. A definite ‘bucket list’ experience, over the course of 11 days this trip will enable up to 20 members the chance to see the beautiful coast of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, spend time spotting the Big Five in two of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, Kruger and Chobe National Parks and experience the adrenaline fuelled activities of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. 

Not wanting to deprive Wales YFC’s Junior members of the chance to travel through the International Programme which on a whole caters for members from the ages of 18-30, Wales YFC has once again partnered with Challenge Wales. For only the second time ever, members between the ages of 16-18 accompanied by experienced crew members will have the opportunity to spend two full weeks sailing from Gosport to Cardiff, via Land’s End. 

Niall Evans, Wales YFC International Committee Chairman said: 

“As a committee we felt that we owed it to the Wales YFC members to offer the International Programme in 2021 even with the current uncertainty over travel. The travel programme allows members a sense of freedom and in a number of cases allows members to enjoy their first taste of solo travel.”

“This year we have some really exciting new opportunities available in the programme. After a poll conducted across the Wales YFC membership, a safari trip to Africa came up trumps against a group trip to explore Los Angeles and Western USA. As a committee, we could not decide the best option so felt that the wider membership should have the final decision on where we should offer.”

Demand for trips is high therefore members are encouraged to apply for multiple trips to ensure they have the best chance to travel. For the complete list of opportunities featured in this year’s programme including educational study trips hosted by Rural Youth Europe and the prestigious Elwyn Jones Memorial Scholarship worth £2,500 download the programme at www.yfc.wales.org.uk/international/.