I visited Greece (Athens, Santorini, Paros) as well as a day trip to Istanbul, Turkey with Travel for Teens and it was the best trip of my life. I have done three trips with Travel for Teens and let me tell you, they were all amazing. I travel a lot with my family. Every chance we get I travel with my parents but there is something so much different and special about travelling with a teen ravel group. Meeting new friends and counsellors. Experiencing a new culture on your own. Trying new foods and experiences! Everything was perfect. We had the best Greek food. We went so so many museums and saw the best scenes/views of Athens. We spent a say in a boat. Went donkey riding. Went to many beaches. It was an amazing trip with lots of memories.

When I first walked into Newark airport to make my group flight I was incredibly nervous. I pondered the thought of going to a new country with people I had never met and my hands began to shake. However, the second I saw the TFT family members, dressed in bright Travel For Teens shirts, I instantly became less nervous . I was welcomed by smiles and friendly faces and it was in that moment that I knew my trip with TFT was going to change my life. Whether it was dinners in Athens, donkey riding in Santorini, or boat riding in the Mediterranean, I always had a smile on my face. My trip with Travel for Teens was unforgettable and I still continue to wear the friendship bracelet we were all given on our final night in paradise.

This was such a great experience that was unlike anything I have done before. I made friends from all over the country and being from upstate New York I would never had even had the chance to because three of my closest friends were from Montreal, San Jose California and Denver. At the end of the trip my Canadian friend was on the phone and being from Montreal she spoke french, but she has no accent growing up bilangual, so she was on the phone speaking french and me and my friend from Denver were FREAKING OUT. she was just laughing while on the phone. It was quiet memorable.

I think the best story that I have was the boat day in Sorrento, Italy. Most experiences happen when you're on the land and looking out at the ocean or walking around town and seeing sights. But this one had such a unique perspective. I saw Italy from the water looking in, and it was such a different view. You can see how the houses and communities, land forms, caves, and the rest of the ocean, from one small boat. I was able to take that time to reflect on my trip, and really realize how lucky I was to be on this trip. I also had a chance to get close to the girls on my trip and not just refer to them as people I met on my trip to Greece and Italy, but as friends who I still talk to today.
But the biggest thing that I got to reflect on, on the boat, was how different everything is than Chicago. The people, the culture, the food, the scenery-were all things that were different- but didn't feel different, it felt like a new home.
I consider the experience that I was blessed with this past summer as one of the most eye waking experiences that has shaped me as the young woman I am today. I have a new outlook on life and new goals to accomplish that are shaped around traveling, meeting people, and helping to leave them as a better person, as they will with me.
This opportunity would just be another step closer for me to meet my new life goals.

When I signed up for my school's trips to France and Greece with TFT, I I knew I was going to be breath taken by the gorgeous sights of the two destinations, but I never expected to learn so much about traveling or become so immersed in the cultures of the two countries.

TFT's staff is dedicated to making sure students have an experience abroad that is as enriching as it is fun. They plan activities, such as shopping for lunch in markets and dining at authentic, non-touristy restaurants, that push students out of their comfort zone and allow them to wholly experience the culture of their destination country.

One of my favorite memories from my trip to Greece with TFT was learning traditional Greek dances from a "ya ya" or "grandma" while dining in her restaurant. She had us stand in a circle after our group was done eating, taught us a bunch of dances, had us dance atop a table one by one and was incredible enthusiastic to share her culture with us.

Nights like those were ones that made me feel like I was truly a Greek and were ones that I won't soon forget.

On top of planning activities that let us experience Greece on an authentic and meaningful level, TFT's guides bend over backwards to make sure students have an amazing trip abroad. They will alter their itineraries to fit a groups wishes, have extensive knowledge of the countries they travel to and a zeal for travel that is truly inspiring.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have traveled with TFT. The lessons I learned about foreign cultures, traveling and life in general from my TFT are ones I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I recommend their trips to anyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime.

I had the best experience with travel for teens. Everything we did was so much fun and there was never a dull moment. The counsolers on the trip were always in a good mood and making you laugh. I learned so much about greek culture and got to taste new delicious foods. When traveling with travel for teens you never feel like a tourist. You will make so many unforgettable memories and friends. And by the end of your trip you won't want to leave.