When I first told people that I would be going to Europe with a group of people I never met before they thought I was crazy. I admit it is an intimidating situation when you are on your way to an airport to fly halfway across the world with a group of strangers, but by the time I arrived at the hotel in Amsterdam I felt like I had known my group for my entire life, and they became my family for two weeks. It is an amazing opportunity to explore a foreign continent with people who share the same enthusiasm for traveling as you do. From the Vincent Van Gogh museum to the Eiffel Tower, I was able to experience three different cultures in a distance smaller than my own home state. I have traveled to with TFT for the past two summers, and look forwards to spending my third summer with them this year. I first traveled with TFT the summer after my sophomore year of high school and immediately fell in love with everything: the countries, the food, the people, my fellow campers, and my counselors. It was my first time aboard and I couldn't have imagined a better way to be exposed. While on the trips campers will be able to see the country with people who are experts on the area. Many of the counselors are college students who have studied aboard in the area you are visiting, and also speak the native language. The age difference between camper and counselor is perfect. There is a large enough gap that you can look up to them, but small enough that you could have relaxed and friendly relationship. I can say with a doubt that all of my counselors are the most interesting people I have ever met, and they have greatly influenced the path that I plan on taking in college. They are amazing people who work extremely hard to ensure that all TFT campers have the best experience possible. While in the foreign countries campers will stay in safe, clean hotels. Although they may not be what campers are use to it's nothing to worry about since you will only be sleeping and showering there. All meals are paid for with cost, so there is no need to worry about paying for food, which is convenient and a relief (and so all your spending money can be spent on souvenirs!). The restaurants that you eat at will vary, but the food is always AMAZING, you will never be hungry. The advantage of going with TFT is that you are traveling with experts who have gone through the areas you have visited before. You always get to travel with amazing people who you would most likely never meet otherwise. I will never be able to thank Travel for Teens enough for the remarkable, eye opening opportunity they have given me. My counselors did everything they could to ensure that my trip was everything I could ever hope for, and more. It was without a doubt the best time of my life, and certainly one I will never forget. The life changing adventure that TFT offers is one that every teenager should experience. I am looking forward to spending another incredible summer with TFT this year. If anyone is thinking about traveling with TFT but are skeptical or have any questions, feel free to email me at dallasbmk476@yahoo.com, I am always happy and eager to talk about my experience. read more

Last summer I took the "Discover" Europe trip with TFT and I can tell you now that if you or your child want to see the world there is ABSOLUTELY NO better way of doing so. There are so many different areas in which the personnel excelled that it would be impossible to point out each of them, but there are some that really must be stated. First off, I want to thank each of our councilors: Nic, Ally, Danielle, Margaux, and Hunt! Each of them went far beyond what anyone could expect. As the group of rowdy teens met Ally in the airport at the very beginning of the trip (even before the group flight) we were all able to talk and meet one-another and Ally helped with that. Before the group flight even started I had made new friends and the one with the lofty title of "councilor" was one of them. Once we met with the rest of the councilors it was clear that each of them were so able to remain both professional yet were able to bridge the gap and connect with all of us traveling. All of the councilors had a near encyclopedic knowledge of everything we saw (especially Nic, who stores more in his brain than I can on my computer, all my friends computers and probably a load of others!). But the learning wasn't restricted to a single ordered instruction. Each of the councilors spoke to us in a respectful, comfortable and friendly way, and could speak to each of us individually, making sure we had the best possible time we could. I learned more from that trip than I could have ever imagined, and never once felt that I was in any danger. They brought us to so much more than just the "tourist locations" throughout every area we visited. Where a self-planned trip or any other agency-planned trip would find 5 interesting places, our TFT guides found us 20. I met more interesting people than I could have ever met on any other trip with any other group. Immediately after getting back (home, is no longer quite the right word, but I'll get to that later) we formed a Facebook group, exchanged numbers and I can say happily that I have a completely new group of friends, friends that I will never forget. I even still talk to the councilors, and am happy to say that I can call them friends. So wrap this up, I have to stress one simple fact that this sort of travel can bring to light: we live in a wide, wide world. TFT helped bring me there, and rediscover something I never knew I lost: that passion for living, exploring, learning, and meeting people that has shaped my life. PS: As for my mention of 'home'. This trip with these people reminded me that the world is so large, and so vibrant that I doubt I'll ever be content to sit idle again. Home has gone from "my house" to being "my world", this amazing, and vibrant, fascinating world. read more

Imagine sitting at a quaint Parisian bakery and ordering a French pastry or completing a meaningful community service project while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Italy. Are you searching for something to do this upcoming summer? Then look no further than Travel for Teens! Based out of Pennsylvania, Travel for Teens (TravelForTeens.com) holds summer travel opportunities across the globe that individual students can go on ranging from touring the Alps, learning Spanish in Costa Rica, to volunteering in Fiji. Travel for Teens (TFT) has over 50 programs across 30 countries on 5 continents. This past summer I went on the Berlin, Paris and London TFT trip with 12 students from across the country. The counselor to student ratio was excellent, as our trip had 3 energetic counselors from Australia, France and the U.S.A TFT is committed to student safety. They were very receptive to the individual requests of the students. They tailored the activities based on the interests of the students. I began my journey in Berlin, where we climbed the Reichstag, explored old East Germany, biked across the Tempelhof Airport and ate lots of Schnitzel and Kebab. Our group even received a personal tour of the underground war bunkers of Berlin. Students left Germany with a blend of modern culture and historical insight. In France, our group went boating down the Seine River, climbed the Eiffel Tower, ventured around the Palace of Versailles, visited a multitude of museums and of course ate lots of baguettes and cheese. I made lots of new friends on the trip and stay in touch with them to this day. We took the Eurostar Bullet Train from France to England. We rode the London Eye, visited Winston Churchill's official World War II bunker, saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and experienced English nightlife on the West End as we saw the play, "Miss Saigon". On the last night of the program, Travel for Teens reserved the top floor of Chef Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, York & Albany for a private dinner in London. Everyone spent a magical night reminiscing about their amazing trip together. TFT lives by their motto and teaches students to be "travelers instead of tourists". Students see a different side of cities, as they take local transit and order food while speaking in the local language. I highly recommend Travel for Teens if you are looking for an educationally enriching tour with a cultural adventure. Through their one-of-a-kind programs, Travel for Teens truly connects students to the entire world and broadens their horizons. Travel this summer with TFT and share Travel for Teen's enthusiasm and energy! read more

My daughter, who will be 15 years old in 3 days, is currently on her 3rd TFT trip. Last year she went to Fiji, a community service trip, (at age 13) and LOVED it! This summer she has just completed the Sicily community service trip and texted me intermittently just to say how great of a time she was having, how grateful she was to us for sending her, and how connected she felt to the people they were helping to create a safe haven for. Her trip leader, Stefania, sent us email updates with their daily activities and the last one brought me to tears...I could feel my daughter's growth; mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Right now she is on her 3rd trip, as I mentioned, and is in Amsterdam (also going to Belgium and Paris). I am so excited for her! She has had positive experiences with her group, counselors in training, and peers. My daughter's trips were chaperoned appropriately and I felt secure that she was well taken care of. I read the other YELP reviews and if I were thinking of Travel for Teens for my teen, based on those reviews, I would have had serious second thoughts...so I thought it was important to share my teen's highly positive experience. This is a gift I feel that I am giving to my daughter that she will cherish her entire life. We do not have a money tree in our backyard and we spend our money wisely. I strongly feel that we have made a great investment in sending our daughter with TFT on trips. We have her earn a portion of her trip and community service has been a focus for us. I can't speak highly enough of this company. No one is paying me for this endorsement, nor has anyone encouraged me to do it...I use YELP for a lot of purchases...to assist me in guidance I can count on and I felt my voice needed to be heard. Additionally, Ned Clark, the main trip director, has gone out of his way to answer my numerous questions and concerns. All in all, I think it is a scary thought process to trust in someone else to take your teen around the world...I was very anxious and fearful...but the hopeful and faithful part of me won out and I took the leap to send my daughter with Travel for Teens...the rewards have been multiplied over and over. read more

This travel for teen review is from a parent perspective. My daughter took 4 trips for a total of 68 days (three summer and 1 winter). I cannot say enough good things about the company. I never had a moment of worry, communication was excellent, and hiccups were solved immediately. There is just enough oversight to ensure safety, with a balance of independence, so the kids can grow and learn during their trip. Never once did I feel like my child was put in an unsafe position. We learned that while every trip is great, picking the right trip for your child is important. My daughter absolutely loved the 30-day European trip. Truly an experience of a lifetime. Noah, the trip director stands out as a true asset to the company. My daughter loves immersing herself in the culture, and this trip was great for that. She also enjoyed paragliding, which added a special touch of adventure. Don't be afraid to call and ask specifically about the trips. Each trip does have a personality. My daughter's least favorite (but still wonderful) trip was one that had too much beach time for her (which happens to be one of the most popular trips). The winter trip was really fun for her, and a nice break from the school year. Tips learned from the 4 trips: Group flights are nice, but your do not "need" to be on them, particularly for older teens. My daughter never felt the need to spend excessive amounts extra. The activities kept her busy. There was always ample time to buy a few trinkets. Pack some snacks or grab some at the destination. My daughter was extra hungry due to the high level of activity. Bring a handheld fan if you travel in the summer. Likewise, my daughter did winter Iceland. We did research on the best jacket and she was never cold. For two trips, we took a family vacation before and dropped her off at the start city. This helped her adjust to jet lag and the family had a nice stay before. My daughter always packed an old iPad in case she lost her phone. She also had two credit cards in different locations. Overall, I could nitpick small things about the company, but I absolutely give it 10/10. I encourage any parents to look at TFT as an option for summer travel. read more

Travel for Teens is awesome. This is the second summer our daughter has taken a trip. I thought it was amazing when Ned and his staff seamlessly shifted a Peru/Ecuador trip mid-trip to Peru/Costa Rica when civil unrest started in Ecuador while the kids were in Peru, but what they pulled off in the last 36 hours was just short of miraculous. Due to bad storms in the northeast, our daughter and one other camper missed meeting the group flight to Thailand by 30 minutes, landing in LAX at 12:30 am PT with missing luggage. Not only did Ned, multiple staff members and their travel agents spring into action when we all realized that the kids were not going to make the flight, they provided us with multiple options to get the kids to join the group as quickly as possible and stayed with us on the phone working it through until we were all comfortable with the plan, which took awhile as we were all very stressed and were making decisions without consulting with our children. Once the kids landed in LAX, Mikey got them and took them to a hotel to sleep and then HE went back to the airport to search for the missing bags which he found within 30 minutes locked up with the airline they were supposed to fly with to Thailand. He then got them on their new flight to Chiang Mai via Dubai and Bangkok. Ned monitored the flights and the kids in a group chat we all had access to and missing only a day and half, the kids joined their trip this morning. I cannot give enough stars to praise Travel for Teens for its attention to detail and out-of-the-box thinking to find a solution, taking care of our children's needs and also making the parents happy and helping us make the right decision for the kids. Our kids can now enjoy their adventures in Thailand and Vietnam with their luggage and some great stories about racing halfway around the world to meet their group after weather at home threatened to derail the trip they had been looking forward to for months. Travel for Teens, you all rock. read more

Last summer (2024), I was lucky enough to join a trip with Travel for Teens (TFT) to Spain and Portugal, and it completely changed my perspective on travel--and on life. Experiencing a trip with TFT is a unique kind of love, one that only those who have traveled with this incredible company will truly understand. After my first trip with them, I fell in love with the company, the world, and the connections I made. I knew it wouldn't be my last. With over 140 trips in more than 40 countries to choose from, Spain and Portugal felt like the perfect choice. From the moment I arrived in Madrid, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. Each day was packed with unforgettable experiences, from wandering through the vibrant streets of Lisbon to kayaking along the cliffs of Lagos. TFT has a way of crafting itineraries that balance adventure, culture, and pure fun like no other. What makes TFT so special is the people. Our counselors weren't just leaders; they became incredible role models who genuinely cared about us. Their passion and guidance made a lasting impact, and I know they'll always be there if I need advice or support. But the real magic came from the friendships I formed with the other teens. From the first day, we were encouraged to step out of our comfort zones and truly connect. Through group activities, late-night talks, and shared adventures, we created bonds that feel like they've existed forever. The hardest part of a TFT trip is saying goodbye. It's incredible how just two weeks can feel like a lifetime with people you've grown so close to. Leaving always brings tears, but I wouldn't trade those goodbyes for anything because they're proof of how meaningful the experience was. TFT, thank you for showing me the world, introducing me to lifelong friends, and giving me memories I'll cherish forever. You'll always hold a special place in my heart. Until next summer! read more

This past summer (summer 2018) was my second year traveling with Travel For Teens, and my first year as a counselor in training, or CIT. In July, I set off with TFT on Peru Service and Adventure. This was the trip of a lifetime! For 21 days we traveled around the beautiful countryside and immersed ourselves into the rich Incan culture. What I loved about the trip is the equal balance of both the service work and the thrill-seeking. The community service we did for the schools and in the town of Misinay, Peru was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. This portion of the trip is where we got a sense of what life is really like for these people. For a few days, we were a part of the family and community. We were welcomed with open arms and were sent off with the warmest of hugs and heavy hearts. The goodbyes were bittersweet, as we all would miss our host families, but were excited about continuing on our adventure. The other half of the trip was just as inspiring as the first. Being the adrenaline-junky that I am, I was thrilled to go white-water rafting, walk across suspension bridges in the Amazon Rainforest, stand in awe of the beauty of Macchu Picchu, and visit the great floating islands of Lake Titicaca! Everyday was a new adventure and an checkmark off the bucket list! I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience it with TFT, the memories and the friendships that I made will last me a lifetime. Also, for me I had the unique experience of being the CIT for the trip, which gave me insights on what goes on behind the scenes. It was a new level of responsibility that allowed me to bridge the gap between the students and the counselors. I loved this incredible learning experience and it added so much to my trip! Needless to say the trip was an once in a lifetime adventure for me, and Peru now holds a very special place in my heart. All thanks to TFT! read more

After taking a couple of family trips to Europe in the last few years, my 15-year-old daughter began to develop a burgeoning passion for travel, particularly internationally. Last year, she expressed interest in traveling with a teen group. I think she enjoyed our family excursions, but started to see the value in sometimes letting go of the safety net of having her parents there and instead striking out on her own. She is a very independent, self-motivated person who craves new challenges and new experiences. After doing a bit of research on teen travel companies, she presented us with a request to sign up for a TFT trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2025. We did a little digging on our own and agreed it sounded like an excellent opportunity. We, I think, understandably, had a little reluctance and anxiety sending her off to another country without us, but it couldn't have worked out better. The TFT staff kept in constant communication before, during, and after her trip. The biggest hurdle was cleared early on, when she flew solo from Oregon to San Jose. The entire process was well planned, and the chaperone met her at the airport as promised to take her to meet the group. Her trip was outstanding. We received regular updates on the group's itineraries and daily activities. We were able to call, text, and email to check in directly as well. She felt her chaperones were knowledgeable and caring, and she felt very early on in the trip that there was a mutual sense of trust. Most importantly, she had an amazing adventure that exposed her to new cultures, gave her a sense of accomplishment in taking part in philanthropic activities, and gave her the confidence to travel independently. Before she even got back home, she was already planning her next adventure, which will be this summer in Greece and Italy. read more

this is probably the worst travel company there is. I have traveled with TFT for a few years, and am thoroughly disgusted by their priorities. The only thing they care about is MONEY. If your child is a POC, queer, differently abled, or any other type of minority, they will have an extremely traumatizing experience. Teetering on neocolonialism, I have had counselors completely and ethnocentrically insult and disrespect locals, and make fun of people from Asian countries (this happened on EVERY trip i was on, if you are of asian descent, DO NOT go on TFT). You are 100% a tourist on this trip, learning how to disrespect other cultures and pretty much anyone who is not a rich cisgender white dude from the states. The counselors are not trained in cultural sensitivity, have no experience with teens with mental illness, and actively talk shit on the campers who are a little different, or socially awkward. I had a male counselor, who is actually the international programming manager, compare the hotness of his teenage female campers. This same person also told us that his job meant more to him than the safety of the campers, i kid you not, word for word, he said this. How messed up is that? Another counselor asked a teen to come visit him when she turned 18 so he could take her out. I had a counselor deny me a phone call to my parents when i was incredibly home sick, having never been away from home. The problematic behavior and ideology runs deep in this company, and your children will come out more racist and touristy than they came in. NOT culturally sensitive travelers. Also traveling in packs of american teens is the farthest you will get to being a traveler, their whole advertising methodology is a nonsensical lie. DO NOT TRAVEL WITH TFT THEY WILL TRAUMATIZE YOUR CHILDREN. read more

This past summer I made the most amazing memories in Costa Rica with TFT, on their Surf and Service trip. The prospect of navigating through airports alone can be a bit daunting, but the TFT staff made the process easy. TFT helped me book all my flights, and when I arrived at the Miami airport, I met with one of their counselors who led me to meet the other campers at our gate for our flight into Costa Rica. Each day was a new adventure, from snorkeling, sailing, ziplining, and of course lots of surfing, there was always something new to look forward to! Whether we were doing service work, exploring the town, catching waves at the beach, or setting off for another adventure, the staff was always checking in to ensure that all campers were physically and emotionally feeling their best. The trip was extremely organized, from where we had dinner, to the time we needed to board the buses, everything had been planned. Along with prioritizing safety and organization, TFT prioritizes a welcoming and high-spirited group comradery, to ensure that each camper has fun. From checking in with campers one on one periodically, to filling our itinerary with group collaborative activities, TFT's devotion to a positive group atmosphere was evident in the friendships we made, and all the laughs we shared. The TFT community brings together a group of adventurous people, curious about the world, who all share a passion for travel, enabling some of the most amazing friendships. From the second I met everyone at the airport, until the moment we said goodbye, I never stopped growing my friendships with my fellow campers, many of which I keep in touch with, and have reunited with! My summer with TFT was truly unforgettable, and my only regret is that I did not find out about TFT sooner! read more

One summer with Travel for Teens and BAM, your life will instantly transform. (Mine did!) Before my first TFT trip, like most people, I lived for summer vacation. Being able to just sit back, relax and not worry about school work. But I was missing something. I was missing the sense of doing something. How can you expand your worldview, meet awesome new friends, maybe even learn a language while you're just sitting at home doing nothing. For some, this may be ok, but for me, I needed more. My first TFT trip was to France, where I went to language school in Paris and then "vacationed" in Nice. While only three weeks of my life, this experienced changed me forever. I made bonds with peers I will keep forever and experiences that will live with me for the rest of my life. Culture that gives me a broader understanding of life that will guide me until the day I die. Not to mention having TONS of fun and two INCREDIBLY AWESOME counselors!!!! Last summer, I went on a second trip, this time to the U.K., where I had the same super-positive reactions. All in all, for an enriching and exciting summer that will positively change your life forever while providing some good, old fashioned fun...look no further than TFT. With so many trips to all sorts of crazy, wild destinations, there's bound to be something for everyone. Feeling adventurous, TFT has a trip for you. Want to interact with locals in a way you never could have without an experienced, practically local person right at your side? Check. Want some great food????? OF COURSE TFT's got that, too!! So, if you want a summer filed with jam packed, pure awesomeness, GO TFT! read more

For the summer of 2018 I traveled with TFT to New Zealand and Australia. It was probably one of the most fun and exhilarating trips I've ever had. I traveled solo and made so many new friends. The counselors were great and I felt safe the entire time. The whole trip was thoroughly planned out, with each excursion being a way to break out of my comfort zone and be adventurous. Every singe day I was so happy and looked forward to seeing the new bits of culture out in the beautiful countries I visited. In New Zealand, I was fortunate enough to go paragliding. The view was spectacular, I felt like I could graze over the mountain tops. The mountains looked like a photo out of a photoshopped post card. I enjoyed every second of the experience. One of the highlights for me wa the service part of the trip. We worked at Sheoak Ridge, a nature reserve in Australia. We built pathways and played with wallabies. It was so much fun and warmed my heart knowing that I was making a difference to the different animals at this reserve. Besides the fun activities during the trip, the people traveling along with me was what really made my trip with TFT so special. There were around 18 people in my travel group and each and everyone person was full of life and shared the same passion as me to travel. The friends I made are long lasting and the experiences we shared is what will bond us forever. I highly recommend traveling with TFT especially to New Zealand and Australia. I felt as if I was living my best life each and everyday. I plan on traveling with them again next year. read more

My son, who goes to a boarding school, went on a Travel For Teens trip with his school. I must admit I had a fair amount of apprehension about my 15 year old being in Europe with people I don't know. However, this trip was nothing short of lifechanging. Travel For Teens was organized, communication was incredible, and everything that was promised was delivered and then some. This is truly an amazing company, very true to their values and absolutely honest in every way. They were easy to reach and they delivered everything they promised AND MORE. I cannot possibly recommend them highly enough. I feel parents need to be aware that if there is a disciplinary issue, Travel For Teens will deal with it properly, so perhaps reviews written by a teenager who was involved in an incident may write a review that is perhaps a little from the point of view of a teenager whose behavior was corrected. Frankly, as a parent, I like that. I feel that the adults were in control of the trip. My son had plenty of freedom to explore and he had the time of his life, but it was always within the basic rules of the trip. My son is in touch with several of the staff on the trip and cannot wait to go again next year. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Travel For Teens, Sebastian and Nic and Margaux, as well as the President, who wrote emails every day to the parents making sure we knew what was going on. I highly recommend this company for delivering a fun and informative and most importantly, safe trip to Europe for my son. read more

I will be returning to Travel for Teens for the third time this summer, and I cannot wait. TFT has changed my life, and the experiences I have had with this company are truly one of a kind. The trip leaders are friendly, approachable, and prepared. They definitely know what they are doing and are willing to share their knowledge of the places we travel to with all of the travelers. So much effort is put into the planning of every trip, and it definitely shows. No matter where you travel with TFT, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. Each trip has a perfect balance of free time and planned activities, so you get to participate in the major activities as a big group, but also get to personalize your experience by deciding what to do when given the choice. The accommodations, meals, and activities on the trip are tailored to fit anyone's needs. You have many opportunities to leave your comfort zone if you so desire, but can easily stick with what you're comfortable with. The counselors want to make sure you have an enjoyable experience, and will happily take measures to improve your trip. The people on these trips are also a huge part of the experience. Some of the people who I have traveled with through TFT have become some of my best friends, and the memories TFT has allowed me to share with them will last a lifetime. I definitely recommend Travel for Teens to anyone who wants to have an amazing, life changing experience! read more

The trip started off with a few delays in flights, but our counselors and group just took the opportunity to bond even closer! When we made it to Waikiki we started the trip off with a nice, relaxing walk around the area and some great food. The next few days were filled with surfing, beach time, Pearl Harbor, and bonding. Then, we left for Maui. In Maui we stayed at an amazing hotel, about a 5 minute walk from the beach. Our service leaders were so kind, and we got to help clean up beaches, learn about wildlife in the area, go snorkeling with turtles and fish, learn about coral reefs, and even visit an aquarium with a sea turtle rehabilitation area. The food on this trip was amazing, we got to try hawaiian poke, acai bowls, shave ice, and more. Plus, the people and counselors that made up our group made it even better. From working together on our service trips to hanging out at the hotel pool after dinner, our group was so tightly knit, even with how different we all are. Going on this trip brought me so amazing friends from all around the globe. The counselors on this trip were amazing as well. Even though they are older than all of us teens on the trip, they felt like friends throughout the two weeks. They hung out with us by the pool and beach, and took pictures with us by the sunsets. Overall, this trip was absolutely amazing and I loved my experience so much! read more

Ultimate Europe was a life changing experience for me and one I will never forget. I visited 7 countries in 30 days and formed close friendships with people I still keep in touch with and visit today. I highly recommend this trip in particular, because it offered a great mix of active, tourist, historical, and art related activities. The wide range of activities kept the trip interesting and fun, and I never felt as if we were doing the same types of activities throughout the trip. For instance, we hiked in Cinque Terre, visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visited the Van Gough museum in Amsterdam, and took the train to do a tour of Dachau in Germany. I also relished learning how to use the public transportation systems abroad and believe it helped me develop a stronger sense of direction. One of the reasons I chose TFT was because in comparison to other competitors who tend to use large buses to transport everyone, we primarily used public transportation, which afforded me an incredible opportunity to experience each place as if I were a local, observing the people who boarded the trains. TFT also stands out from competitors because it embraces flexibility and fosters independence, allowing participants to sometimes choose between activities based on personal interests. Overall, Ultimate Europe was an unbelievable trip that instilled in me a passion for traveling. read more

This past summer, at fourteen years old, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy with 13 other strangers. In any case, this sounds a bit odd, but I can honestly say now, that this trip was life changing. Every day felt like a new adventure. Our trip leader Hunt kept us in a bit of mystery the whole time, which in hindsight, was the best way to conduct the trip. On our travels, I saw the most once-in-a-lifetime places, including the Vatican, the Colosseum, David's Statue, and my favorite, the Tuscan town, Montalcino. The views were breathtaking. We did things like riding in a gondola in Venice, and wine tasting in Montalcino, to even swimming in the salty Mediterranean Sea at Cinque Terre. On our own, we even found some secret passage ways to squeeze through and explore little hidden-gem neighborhoods. I took lots of interesting photos. But most importantly, along the way to these amazing places, I met the most amazing friends. We danced in our hotel rooms, and ate breakfast together every morning. There was never a dull moment. I feel like I came back from this trip with a whole different mindset. I was visibly a more energetic and bubbly person. The world seemed a little bit brighter. My counselors had the most positive outlook that I now aspire to possess. Travel For Teens is my gateway to seeing the world, and this trip was well beyond worth it. read more

I got to go on a TFT service trip to Belize last summer, and it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. Both the TFT crew and the island staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating, and I feel like I gained so much knowledge only being on the island for a week! We spent most of our time diving the reef and spearing lionfish. Lionfish are an invasive species that reproduce at rapid rates and have no natural predators, so ReefCI Belize works to remove them as to keep the marine life healthy. It was so fun getting to learn all about thus, and we even got to see what the lionfish tasted like for our final dinner together. I absolutely loved them, would definitely recommend trying! When we weren't diving, we were actively helping out with beach cleanups and making a nest for one of the native turtles to have her babies. At night, we got to relax, play games, and really just get to know each other better. There were so many opportunities throughout the trip to bond with new friends and I am so grateful for the wonderful friends I made last summer. Traveling with TFT was really a memorable experience, and I can't wait for my next adventure with them this summer! read more