I had such a great experience traveling through Spain and France. Everything from the food to the locations and the people made the trip unforgettable. TFT did an amazing job balancing guidance with the freedom to explore, which made each day exciting and meaningful. I created so many awesome memories, connected with people from all over, and really grew from the experience. I would love to go again and keep exploring with TFT on future adventures. The trip opened my eyes to new cultures and helped me step out of my comfort zone. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time.

In the summer of 2023, I went to Spain with Travel For Teens. I got to be enhanced in the culture, got to taste unique flavors and make everlasting memories. While going to beautiful beaches in the sunny weather, visiting the most beautiful churches, flaminco dancing, to cooking classes, I am pleased to say I enjoyed everything we did in Spain. Everyone was so nice, welcoming and friendly. The hotels were super nice and I felt very safe in them, and the freedom of the whole trip was amazing. I can count on everyone I am there with and I couldn’t be happier to have gone on that trip. I have grown as a person being able to travel there with other teens, and I am so lucky to have been on this trip. This is definitely a trip everyone needs to experience at least once in their life.

I traveled with Travel for Teens on the Barcelona and Paris Explorer trip for 8 days. This was the best 8 days of my life, it was my second time ever visiting Europe and my first time traveling all by myself. Upon arriving in the airport and meeting with my group, everyone was super friendly and the counselors were super inviting. When we got into the cities it was initially a shock about the authenticity of of our travels. It felt like I was living like a local, being allowed to walk around my my new friends and choose where we want to go, from walking everywhere and taking the public transit it felt like I was authentically experiencing the cultures of these cities. What I took home from this trip was a newfound confidence in myself and my independence. I have also made a lot of lifelong bonds with my peers on the trip.

Going to Spain with TFT was amazing. The itinerary was stacked with fun, interesting, and unique experiences. We enjoyed a private cooking class, learned to paddle board on the coast of Barcelona, explored caves in Nerja, and shopped our way through Madrid. There was always something for everyone, like stadium tours of the famous soccer clubs, or beach time of we wanted it. The food, the people, and the places were outstanding. I encourage anyone with any interest in the beauty and culture of Spain to go with TFT. They do a fabulous job of leading tours as travelers, not tourists. Every minute I spent there was a dream come true, and the plane ride home was so sad! Some advice is to bring sunscreen and lots of it! We spent a perfect amount of time relaxing on the sands of many Spanish beaches. Also get ready to walk! Some of the cities have to be seen by foot (or bike) to really get the feel for them, so make sure you have comfortable walking shoes.

I was standing on top of Gaudi’s La Pedrera looking in awe at the city in front of me. The skyline was one like no other. Glancing to my right I saw my Travel for Teens counselors watching all of the Barcelona and Paris program participants making sure that they were happy, safe, and one with the city. Turning back to the view it felt like time had stopped: no distractions, only the view holding my absolute attention. Being one of the first days in Barcelona, Spain, I was fully prepared for the trip ahead of me. The sites, smells, and activities were yet to be experienced. The Spanish culture was one that I had never experienced before and I was excited for the journey ahead.

After the conclusion of the program, I realize now how lucky I am to have chosen such a trip. It opened my eyes to what the true meaning of life is: to live in the present. Do all that you can in the day and live like it is your last. Take all opportunities available and live your life. The TFT Barcelona and Paris trip allowed me to do this by shaking me into reality and showing me how important traveling is and the growth of knowledge for other cultures.