An adult gap year may sound like a fabulous idea - but unless you've been commanding a six-figure salary for the past 10 years or have suddenly had a windfall, chances are that taking time out to travel may seem little more than a distant dream. However, Tuk Tuk has come up with a great solution - by offering holidaymakers the chance to sample the 'gap year experience' during their fortnight in the sun.

The details? The travel company's two- and three-week breaks in Sri Lanka offer the opportunity to combine volunteer work with sightseeing and relaxation. 'Many people would like to offer their time and expertise to volunteering projects, but can't just take several months off work and away from home,' says Tuk Tuk's co-founder Steve Bynon.

'We also appreciate holiday time is precious and after working hard all year, people want and need a break. We offer the best of both worlds - the chance to take part in worthwhile projects and enjoy a relaxing holiday in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.'

So what does the voluntary work involve? Well, Tuk Tuk encourages people to use their existing skills to benefit local schools, hospitals and nurseries by working alongside local people on community-based projects. That could mean teaching English to schoolchildren, redecorating village buildings or helping the locals to learn sewing skills.

And when you're not doing voluntary work, you can head off on trips to explore the tropical paradise - visiting the local tea estate, temples, elephant orphanage and, of course, the miles of beautiful beaches. Accommodation is in a three-star hotel in Mount Lavinia on the Indian Ocean, just south of Sir Lanka's capital city, Colombo.

Trips cost from £720, including accommodation, breakfast and evening meals, in-country transport and induction. Flights must be booked separately. For more information, go to www.tuktuk.org.uk.