My trip to Thailand with Travel for Teens was the best 3 weeks of my life. I was given the opportunity to intimately learn about elephants, experience true Thai culture with the natives, test my skills at not-so-white water rafting in the Pai River, observe the beautiful temples of Bangkok, adventure into the clear blue waters of Koh Tao, and relax on peaceful beaches and with wonderful Thai massages on Koh Samui. While the activities were incredible, what truly made my experience special were my wonderful trip director, fabulous counselors, and lifelong friends I met on the trip. Before the trip, I was extremely nervous to travel on my own for the first time at 15 years old. But as soon as I met the TFT crew at the airport, my nerves vanished and I knew I was going to have a blast. The counselors and trip directors respected us as friends rather than treating us like immature children. They constantly made sure we were safe while still having fun. My mom was especially grateful for the daily email updates from our trip leaders. The trip would not have been the same without our trip director Keith. Within the few weeks we were in Thailand, I became extremely close with Keith, along with all the other students. Everyone shared plenty of stories, which made us all both laugh and cry, and countless memories that will last me a lifetime. I would give anything to go back and relive my Thailand excursion so I could spend another 3 weeks growing as an individual, while spending plenty of time with the people that quickly became my second family. I truly believe this trip made me a bigger and better person with an increased awareness of the world around me.

Going to Thailand last summer was a pretty life changing event for me. I did both the Thailand Service & Adventure trip, and the extended 10 day elephant service portion, so I was in the country a little under a month. I've never had a more eye opening experience then when I was standing in the Maesa Elephant Camp. Getting so up close and personal with such amazing animals was fantastic. I also got the chance to both see some long distance friends again, and also make new friends along the way. Our tour director was amazing and his passion for the country only increases mine. The Thai culture is a special kind. Everywhere we went, faces were full of smiles and everyone seemed genuinely happy to be where they were.

Loved Thailand with Travel for Teens. I met so many great people and had such an amazing adventure. The native people were very hospitable and friendly. It was such an amazing way to experience a new culture with new people. The staff on the trip were so awesome and supportive. It was such a cool place! The accommodations were great, some in the jungle were more rustic and the dorms were just great

After one incredible summer with Travel for Teens in 2014, I knew I wanted to travel again this past summer with them. I had my doubts that any trip could live up to the first one, but TFT proved otherwise instantly. Our first night in Chiang Mai, we made wishes on floating lanterns and released them into the sky, setting the bar pretty high for the rest of the trip. But every single day was better than the one before. We volunteered at elephant sanctuaries, caring for the elderly and playing with the babies, then went on a two-day white water rafting trip down the Pai River, which brought a lot of us out of our comfort zone in the best way. I won't outline the whole itinerary, but I think that everything that we did taught me a little more about myself and about the world around me. And the best part was the bonds that I formed with the other students on the trip- we came in as perfect strangers, but walked away best friends. The entire group was able to connect with each other with not one person left out, which I think is really special. There is no sugar-coating and no exaggeration when I say that it was the best 17 days of my life.

Hi! After spending hours with my best friend trying to find the place we wanted to go to, and the company we wanted to go with, we finally went with Travel for Teens: Thailand Service and Adventure. Going on the trip we were super nervous, but as soon as we all introduced ourselves, we became super close and comfortable. I honestly can say I have never had an experience like I did over the summer! Thailand was not only an amazing country in general, but TFT really helped make it both interesting and fun. I met so many amazing people and did SO MANY amazing things! Including building a school in the north for younger children, working at an elephant conservation camp, scuba diving in Ko Phi Phi (so beautiful!), kayaking and biking around rice fields at the foot of the himalayas, exploring magnificent castles and landmarks in Bangkok, and walking through Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi. These are only some of the AMAZING things we did on this trip. I can honestly say that i had never been happier than when I was when I was on this trip. Hopefully I will be able to go on another trip with TFT next summer, and make more amazing memories.

Three summers ago I decided to spend three weeks traveling and working in a village in Thailand. During our time spent there, we worked hands on in constructing a school and providing day to day necessities for the village. The highlights and life changing moments, were the times spent with the children. Here is where I realized that laughter is a universal language. I had only learned a couple word in Thai, yet through smiles and giggles was able to fully communicate with the children. Leaving the village after the work was complete was the most bitter-sweet moments of my life. After building the school, our group had the opportunity to travel to Koh Pi Pi Island and Bangkok. Through our travels, we met the most incredible people and experience an amazing culture. This program inspired me to continue on with this company as a staff member, and study International Relations in college.

We began the trip in Chaing Mai, where we completed some of the service and were taught basic Thai phrases. My favorite part of the trip was the Hill Tribe Village, where we got to stay with a host family and worked on building a school for the children. After this we transitioned into a more relaxing atmosphere by going to the islands. We ended the trip in Bangkok, where we got to see Thai boxing and travel around the city.