How do I apply to Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens?

You can apply to Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

What's included in Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens' fee?

The program fee includes accommodation, activities, meals, and transportation.

High School

Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens

Q: Where is Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens located?

Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens is a multi-country program, spanning 19 countries, including Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Thailand.

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Travel For Teens

4.96 (70 reviews)

Good for

Students

Adventure travelers

Under 18

Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens

Travel For Teens

4.96 · 70 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Multiple Locations +19

Costa Rica
New Zealand
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Morocco
Spain
Portugal
Greece
Italy
Czech Republic
Croatia
Slovenia
Austria
France
Switzerland
Germany
Netherlands

Program Categories

Adventure Travel

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Program Details

Timeframe

Summer

Pricing

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation

Last Reviewed: Oct 23, 2026

Wish List

145 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

About Program

We know that older teens are more independent and we have designed several trips to reflect this! All of our itineraries for these trips have been designed specifically with older teens in mind. Whether it be using a rail pass, participating in more advanced activities, or discovering more exotic destinations, each of these trips is sure to inspire wanderlust in every teenager!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers well-organized trips with a balance of planned activities and free time, fostering independence and cultural immersion.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Now Hiring: Travelers with Youth/Education Experience!

Are you passionate about inspiring youth? Do you believe experiential education is crucial to growth and development? TFT staff have the unique opportunity to work with teens in incredible countries all around the globe. Our staff have in-depth knowledge of the destinations we visit and are proven role models and leaders. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you! Check out our site for more details and to submit your application today!

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Now Hiring: Travelers with Youth/Education Experience!

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Program Reviews

4.96 Rating

based on 70 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread High School

5 rating 97.14%
4 rating 1.43%
3 rating 1.43%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Growth 4.85
Support 4.9
Fun 4.95
Housing 4.75
Safety 4.9

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Under 18

Showing 1 - 8 of 70 reviews

Summer 2026, I went on the Alpine Adventure Trip where we visited Switzerland, France, and Italy. On this trip, I met some of the best people ever and formed super close relationships despite having been together for 11 days. Everyday was a whirlwind with adventures like paragliding and ropes courses - something that no other program would’ve given me the opportunity to do. Cuisine was also a highlight of the trip with everyone having the opportunity to order whatever meal they desired. I highly recommend TFT for future trips!

Greece and Italy for Older Teens was the best two weeks! I made friendships that I still have today and loved exploring both countries. TFT gave me once-in-a-lifetime experiences that allowed me to embrace Italian and Greek culture on a deeper level. From sleeping on a boat while traveling from Italy to Greece and taking private boat charters along the Amalfi Coast to learning to cook in a real Greek home, enjoying gelato, and having late-night conversations with my new best friends, every moment was unforgettable. This trip allowed me to fully experience different cultures while making memories I will never forget. I also grew as a person and became more independent in a safe and supportive environment.

Pros

Meeting my best friends
Boat day on the Amafi Coast
Cooking Classes in Italy and Greece

What other participants should know

Be excited not all activties are exacty what you want to do but be social and it will be so fun!
Get ready for Jet lag, you hit the ground running right when you land

This was my second time using TFT for a trip and it was just so much fun! I went for two weeks, starting in Florence then Cinque Terre, next Interlaken, Switzerland, and ending our trip in Paris. These trips are just pure fun. We get to make so many new friends in the coolest places. I always felt safe with my counselors and our accommodations, and we got free time during the parts of the day which was super cool. The different cities we went were all so cool, giving us enough time to explore and take all them in under the short two weeks we had. If you have the opportunity to take a TFT trip, please take it! It leaves you with memories of the best friends and best places.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I signed up to go paragliding in Switzerland, which was of course a bit scary. But it was the coolest thing I've ever done!! It was so beautiful and such a unique opportunity.

Pros

flexibility with dinners
free time during the day to shop and feel like a local
creating a space to make new friends

What other participants should know

It can be a little tiring, but always worth it

The trip overall was amazing but what really made it stand out was that we lived on a boat for a week. Having this opportunity made everyone get really close as well as we got to go to so many different islands. Being able to explore and learn about a different place every single day while being on the boat was incredible cool. I will always remember sitting up on the top of the boat late at night with everyone on the trip talking abd laughing about what had happened during the trip. Overall it allowed me to learn about all these different places and make really strong connections with the people on the trip.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

On my trip we whent on a bunker tour and saw where they would hode boats and learned about how they would fight and protect. It 2as surprising to see that the had cut out holes in to make caves to hide their boats although close up it looked very obvious from a far it was almost impossible to tell.

Pros

Got to go to so many different places
Made really strong relationships with the other people on the trip
Learned alot about the history of Croatia

What other participants should know

The week that you are on the boat most days you'll start by going to the next destination then you will have time to swim then explore a new place

I went on a trip to France, Switzerland, and Italy. I’d never been out of the country before and was going on the trip with nobody I knew so I was pretty scared. The staff were in contact with me before we even met, and they helped me get to where I needed to go which was so helpful. Everyone was so welcoming and the staff were amazing. All of the activities we did were so fun and there are options for everyone. We also got alot of free time which was cool because you got to explore around the area with your friends. All of the accommodations were very nice and clean. The restaurants we went to had options for everyone and it was super flexible so if you don’t want something there the staff will help you get something else. Overall this trip was so amazing, it helped to build lasting friendships and confidence that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice for future travelers on this program would be to just try everything. If you are offered to do something new you should do it even if you’re scared because sometimes the most scary things can be the most fun after you try them.

Pros

New friendships
Good staff
Fun adventures

What other participants should know

Italy can be very hot
Bring a jacket for when you’re up in the mountains in switzerland
Don’t overpack because you need to carry your suitcase everywhere

This trip was life changing. I met friend of which I'm still close today (two years later). I was able to learn so much about how to travel smartly and navigate traveling between countries at a young age. This experience was priceless as I made so many new friends, has eye opening experiences, and got to see the world in a safe and controlled environment while still having freedom and having fun. There was so many activities offered that allowed me to do things I wouldn't usually have the option to do. For instances mountain biking and waterfall jumping in the Suisse Alps.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Don't be scared. I was so nervous to go right before due to never meeting the people I was about to spend two weeks with. I went and was my true self and it paid off. I grew so close to to so many people from different backgrounds and places. This allowed me to see different ways of life and really broaden my horizons.

Pros

Meet new people
See new countries
Learn about different cultures

What other participants should know

Pack lightly--use backpacking backpack over suit case
Be yourself
Say yes to every experience or activity offered

Summer of ‘26 was my first time going abroad using Travel For Teens. I got to meet so many people which made me realize how close we all got at the end. We all had free time so we would walk at night talking about connections with each other and our stories. Dinner was also fun because we played games with each other. I still remember how much we all loved spending time with each other, as well as exploring our new environment. Even after the trip, people still plan to meet up if they come to each other’s states or just chat online. This program was really cool to bring people together.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Bring water shoes! Europe has beaches that are not sand, but rocks and shells.

Pros

Eating lemon sorbet in Italy
Exploring Rome
Boating to different islands

What other participants should know

Bring bug spray
Make sure to get battery banks as some places do not have outlets
Bring a fan

TFT is an incredible program if you are looking to broaden your horizons! I have gone on 2 trips with TFT, one to Italy and the other to Spain and Portugal! This program offers the feeling of freedom when exploring new places but has a very professional crew who looks out for you at all times! You get to take cooking classes, dance classes, try new foods, see wonders of the world, and make new friends/connections along the way! Its also such a fun way to make connections with people in different states or even different countries!

What was your funniest moment?

The funniest moment from my most recent trip isnt just one moment, but many combined. every night we would get free time before bed and the group would all hang out listen to music, play games, order food, and just get caught up in laughter!

Pros

friendly people
delicious food
incredible views

What other participants should know

be open to any adventure

Community Questions

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Travel for Teens because I wanted to travel on my own and this was the travel company I found. They had great trip options and a great reputation. From all the other companies I looked at touring with, they mostly do tours for schools and not just solo teens.

Travel for Teens offers great trips for teens travelling solo, so I chose to travel with them.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

They helped me with everything: the itinerary, what to pack, how to get in touch with everyone, where to find my pictures, and how to email the trip counsellors. The counsellors sent out emails and texts to all of us before the trip, exciting us more, and we also got a look into who they are before the trip too. They were great at making sure I was ready for my trip.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If I were to give anyone going on a TFT trip advice, I would definitely tell them to just live in the moment and try as many new things as possible and to buy the picture package. The counsellors take great pictures and I did not buy it, so all of my pictures are blurry and have the TFT logo. Trust me, you’ll want those great pics to post on social media and they won’t look that good if they’re blurry and have a logo on them.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

It can be a very busy day but when you’re travelling; every day is a busy day.

An average day would be you waking up and getting dressed then going to the hotel for breakfast. You’d meet everyone at breakfast and chat before going back to your rooms to get ready for the day ahead. You’d then take whatever transportation you have to get to your first activity and then all the activities after that.

At the end of the day, you’ll return to your hotel and go out for dinner or stay in. Either way, you’ll be with everyone on your trip.

After dinner, there might be an activity or tour, or there might be a little game you might play or quick discussion. Then you’ll return to your rooms where you chat with your roommates and go to sleep, excited for the next day of your adventure.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Being a Canadian travelling with an all American group, I was afraid that politics or stereotypes might come into conflict since there was a lot going on between our two countries at the time. I definitely overcame that fear when I met my group. Everyone was very welcoming, especially the tour guides, who made sure everything was good between all of us.

Is there anything you think Travel For Teens should change?

I think the company is amazing and definitely lets your teen be treated like a young adult and not a kid. Absolutely worth the money.

If they had to change anything, though, I would say a bit less tours. For example, we had a tour at the Van Gogh museum and the entire time the lady told us about Van Gogh’s life and we only go to see 3 paintings. I would’ve loved it if we could explore on our own and meet back to our counsellors at a certain time.

But everything else was amazing!

Jessica Paszko

2018 Alum

Ashley Allen

2017 Alum

Matthew Ki

2016 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Seth Graham

Program

Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens

Job Title

International Logistics Manager

Seth is a Philadelphia area native who has been privileged to travel the world since he was a teenager. A graduate of American University, he has traveled throughout Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Some of his most rewarding experiences in life have been on teen travel programs: from getting up close and personal with moose in Alaska and mantas in Mozambique, to watching incredible sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea. Seth is always excited to help every student have a unique and memorable experience with Travel For Teens!

What is your favorite travel memory?

When I was SCUBA diving off the coast of Mozambique for a week, we were on a boat headed to a dive site when our driver spotted a whale shark nearby. He stopped the boat so we could all hop in to snorkel with the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks have baleen teeth like other whales, so they aren't as dangerous as they sound. I was almost close enough to touch the thick skin of an animal the size of a school bus! It was a truly unforgettable to swim right up next to such a large and majestic creature!

Later on that day, we got to dive with Manta Rays, Lion Fish and Morey Eels!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since I started working here, I have grown in many ways. One of the most significant changes has been finding my passion for sharing the gift of travel with others. I was lucky enough to travel often as a teen, and have become a global citizen since then. It is an honor to be able to help others find a similar path and this is what drives me to create the best possible experiences for every one of our travelers.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the best stories I have heard from a returning alum was simply that he felt like he was already part of a family by the end of his two-week trip last summer. He felt so connected to our community that he felt he could sign up for ANY of our TFT trips this summer and he would get the same experience. Further proof that ALL are welcome and included in the TFT Family!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This is a tough choice! We offer so many unique and special trips it is hard to pick just one! If I had to choose, I would probably pick our Southeast Asia for Older Teens Trip. This trip visits Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on a whirlwind backpacking tour that is a truly a once in a lifetime opportunity! Or maybe the Croatia Island Hopping trip where you spend 8 days sailing on the gorgeous Adriatic Sea and living on a boat!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique in many ways, but one of my favorites is our focus on smaller group sizes. I have been on teen tours where the individual is lost in a crowd of 30 teenagers. Keeping our group sizes limited means our staff can devote more attention to each traveler and tailor the experience to their interests. It also contributes to the greater sense of community that we foster as responsible world travelers.

I was especially proud of the TFT leadership for taking a stand against riding Elephants in Thailand and educating our teen travelers about the abuses these animals have endured. We only partner with local vendors who treat animals with the respect and love they deserve, and I think this is an important message to stand behind.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I don't think there is just one answer to what makes a company successful. However, I do believe that having a mission and having a staff that buys in to that mission are two very key factors. TFT strives to create global citizens through immersive and authentic travel experiences, transforming teens from passive tourists into confident and independent travelers.

Everyone who works for TFT has the same mission and we work together to make that mission happen. Every day I come in to the office with a smile on my face because I know that I and my colleagues are all striving to provide something completely authentic and transformative to every TFT Traveler. I measure our success by the smiles I see in every YouTube video, Instagram or Snapchat that our travelers and staff share with the world!

About Travel For Teens

Travel For Teens is a program provider that believes that teen travel should be both enriching and fun. TFT offers a full range of travel experiences that teens can choose from to create their own ideal international experience. TFT's motto is "Teaching teens to be travelers, not tourists," and their itineraries are designed to reflect this. While...