Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Older Teens

I was worried that 30 days in Europe might be too long, but by the end of this trip I was ready to do a whole 'nother month. If you took every person on earth's summer and ranked them comparatively, I'm pretty sure mine would fall in the top .1% of all summers. We did everything from seeing iconic art, swimming on the coast of italy, paragliding off the side of a mountain (everyone sign up for this 10/10!), seeing taylor swift, to dancing in a german beer hall. There is something for everyone whether you love history, art, food, shopping, the outdoors, or sight-seeing. The counselors gave us so much independence which I appreciated, yet still when we needed support they were there to help. I will always remember all the friends and inside jokes I made.

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, 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!

Obviously as a teen, it can be stressful traveling across the world alone. Travel For Teens does a phenomenal job of easing stress and making your experience as smooth as possible! The night before my trip my flights to Greece got canceled. My trip coordinator already had me on new flights before I even knew my flight was canceled! The staff go above and beyond to make the trip fun for everyone on the trip. There is an itinerary but it is not set in stone and the counselors are super flexible with incorporating everyone’s wishes into the schedule! There is not a company I would trust more with traveling abroad. My specific group traveled to Athens, Delphi, Lefkada, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Capri, and Rome. I would not trade the experience for the world and I have new friendships that will last a life time.

During the summer of 2023 I took a trip to Spain and Portugal with Travel for Teens. We explored many parts of both countries, and a couple stood out above the rest. I vividly remember scuba diving off the coast of Lagos, Portugal with a really fun group of people that I still keep in touch with today. We saw an octopus and it even shot some ink at us as it zoomed away. That day was one of my favorites I have ever had in my life, and it would not have been possible without TFT. Another highlight of the trip was the group of people I got to experience it with. If I had been traveling with my family or on my own I could have still visited the same places, but I wouldn’t have gotten the same experience or the lifelong connections that I ended up with. The nights in my hotel room playing cards and talking with the others on the trip could not be replaced by anything. I would highly recommend taking a trip with TFT, and I am absolutely thrilled that I decided to.

My Travel For Teens trip to Prague, Vienna, Slovenia, and Croatia was one of the most incredible few weeks of my life. Filled with so much adventure, exploration, and culture, as well as amazing new friendships and experiences I will never forget. This trip helped me build my confidence, skill set, and independence unlike anything else. Even through setbacks, the leadership and communication of TFT made the trip seamless and unproblematic when it could've just gone downhill. I will be forever grateful to TFT for the bonds and memories I made on this trip.

This summer I had the opportunity to go on the European Explorer 25 day trip. On this trip we went to 5 countries; Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France. At first I was extremely nervous to go on the trip because I would be leaving the country with 11 other kids that I did not know. When I got to the airport, I immediately realized that every other person on the trip was in the exact same boat as I was and we all started talking and immediately became best friends. This trip gave me the opportunity to not only have so much fun with the best people, but I also learned so much on the trip. My counselors were amazing and were able to balance having fun and taking advantage of teaching opportunities so well. They also made me feel safe during the entirety of the trip and the accommodations felt safe and clean. While I was in all of these countries I was able to be fully immersed in the culture. While we did all of the big touristy attractions we also got to experience authentic food and have authentic cultural experiences. We did a variation of activities so everyone got to do something they like. From shopping to swimming to hiking to sightseeing there was truly something for everyone. I met people that are now my best friends and I talk to them everyday and made some of the best memories that I will never forget. TFT provided me with the best summer I could have ever imagined and I would recommend it to anyone who asked.

Heading into this trip I had high expectations, but after it was over, it was even better than I could have expected! The activities that we went on were always so fun and the places we went always had something for everyone. The counselors were always so engaged with us and truly wanted us to enjoy ourselves and have a great time. Even with tight schedules that we had everyday, we always knew what we would be doing and definitely made the most of our time across England, France and Spain. The views were just so gorgeous and the friends I made have me waiting to go on another trip soon!

Summer of 2022, I had the pleasure of joining Travel for Teens on their Older Teens Greece and Italy trip and I have to say, it was easily the best decision I've made in a long time! From start to finish, everything was spectacularly well-organized, and the itinerary left plenty of room for spontaneity and exploration. Our counselors were knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable, making us feel right at home in unfamiliar surroundings. They took care of everything from navigating public transportation to arranging for meals and accommodations. We were able to focus completely on experiencing the wonders of these ancient lands without any of the logistics or scheduling worries. Every day was filled with adventure and discovery, and I left both countries feeling profoundly affected by the experience. One of the highlights of the trip was the chance to get on the water in both Greece and Italy. These beach days where we were island hopping was most definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had. Whether it was chatting with street artists in Rome or learning about and eating traditional dishes on the island of Lefkada, we were able to connect with people on a genuine, human level. It made the trip feel so much more authentic and unforgettable. I also appreciated how Travel for Teens encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones. Whether it was trying new foods, speaking in foreign languages, or tackling physical challenges like scuba driving in Greece, they gave us opportunities to grow and learn from our experiences. I feel like I came away from the trip with a broader perspective on life, and a greater appreciation for the diversity of the world. Not only that, but I have made lifelong connections through this program and continue to contact the friends I have made on this trip years later! Overall, I cannot recommend Travel for Teens highly enough. Their older teens Greece and Italy trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're looking for a fun, educational, and life-changing adventure, look no further than Travel for Teens.