Program Reviews

Over the summer I went on the TFT China: Mandarin Language Immersion Program. This was my first time going on a TFT trip and I can say that it was such an amazing experience. This trip challenged me to go out of my comfort zones. I met so many people and made so many unforgettable memories. The counselors were so much fun and understanding. They did their best to make sure everyone found something to enjoy from all of the different attractions. Each day was filled with activities that allowed us to learn about the Chinese culture and lifestyle. On this trip I was able to do things I never thought I would be able to do. One of the best parts of this trip was volunteering at the Panda Center. We cleaned out the panda cages, broke large sticks of bamboo, and even got to feed the pandas. Every day our local tour guide took us to local restaurants that serve the city’s specialty dishes. The food was so delicious. Though this trip was 17 days, it felt like the fastest 17 days of my life. I made friends from all over the US and we all became very close. Choosing to go on this TFT trips was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The summer before I left for college, I went on the Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris and it was hands down the best experience of my life. The trip not only prepared me for living on my own in college, but it changed me for the better, as I became much more confident and sure of myself. With the itinerary that was provided, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone whether it was paragliding over the Swiss Alps, jumping off cliffs into a canyon, trying new foods (snails are surprisingly delicious!), and meeting and talking to new people. I made some of my best friends on this trip who I continue to talk to to this day despite us being thousands of miles apart. I would recommend any Travel for Teens trips to kids of any age, but I would especially recommend it to older teens about to leave for college as it not only helps you adjust to living on your own, but it builds up the confidence necessary to thrive in college. I am so grateful for being able to go on a TFT trip as it completely changed my life for the better.

Travel for Teens had provided a summer of a lifetime over the past two years. This past summer, I went to Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, and Prague and it was unforgettable. We had amazing counselors and kids from across the United States, and everyone became friends instantly. Our itinerary was perfect, with there being a great balance of fun activities like tours, bike rides, and boats throughout the places we visited coupled with time to relax, eat, and walk around to explore. We spent a perfect amount of time in each city and got to drive in the European countryside multiple times, seeing some small towns and great views. The places we stayed were clean, and the restaurants we ate at were delicious. Everything about the trip was unforgettable and I'm already excited to take another trip next year. Thank you TFT!

The Travel for Teens trips that I have been a part of have completely changed my life. I have been to nine European countries because of TFT, and I would not trade my experiences I had for the world. From taking an immersive bike tour through Prague, to white water rafting in Slovenia, to relaxing on a white sand beach in Croatia, to riding in the London Eye, to being awestruck by the beautiful architecture of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, I had the time of my life. The Travel for Teens counselors on the trip were remarkable and encouraged me to try new things, whether that be eating escargot or canyoning. I gained so many new friends from my TFT trips, and the memories I’ve made will last a lifetime. You will not regret taking a trip with Travel for Teens!

"Travelling to Sicily was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I create close friendships during my journey, but I got to have delicious food and experience unmatched natural beauty. The boating trip in the Mediterranean and the hike up Mount Etna was incredible and one of the best hikes I've ever been on. I was completely immersed in the culture as well. I attended a baptism of one of our host family’s daughters, and a fun reception afterward. I’m proud of the community service we put in to help our host family build a path to the meditation and prayer area at their home. My TFT trip to Sicily was a life-changing experience. I would definitely recommend TFT to all prospective travellers, especially those who want to make a difference.

Signing up for a Travel For Teens trip was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was a bit nervous at first about traveling by myself, and I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends. Little did I know that in just a two week time period I’d have a whole new point of view on travel, and friends that will last a lifetime. There was never once a second where I felt homesick because every day was filled with life changing experiences like working hands-on with sea turtles, ziplining, surfing, and exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Our counselors were some of the sweetest, and funniest people I’ve ever met, and were super helpful in guiding us on how to be proper travelers, rather than tourists. I swear time moves quicker in Costa Rica, because those amazing two weeks were over too soon. Our group may have looked incredibly weird to the patrons in Miami Airport terminal 24 who probably do not see very many groups of 12 teenagers huddled in a crying group hug. We eventually all managed to stop crying and go our separate ways, meanwhile planning our TFT trips for the next summer. Overall I returned more confident and open than I was before going on the trip, and am counting down the days till my next trip.

TFT gave me such an incredible opportunity to experience personal growth, meet inspiring people, challenge my comfort zone, and form long lasting bonds with families and students that live across the globe from me. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I went on the Peru, Ecuador, and Galapagos service trip that I can honestly say changed my life. From working with local preschoolers, living with host families, and picking up trash from sustainable farms to exploring Machu Picchu and swimming off the shores of beautiful white sand beaches in the Galapagos, I had an unforgettable experience. All the people I had met, both in my travel group and locals, have become dear friends and people I will forever share a special bond with. TFT is one of the most amazing programs I have ever been a part of, and I am sure you will discover the same.

My life changed drastically over the course of two weeks and I owe that change to Travel for Teens and the summer I spent abroad in Berlin, Paris, and London! From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted to nonstop action. From the get-go, there was so much to do. Being exposed to other cultures and learning phrases in German and French was fascinating and showed me that there was so much more to the world than my tiny bubble in California. From biking around Berlin to riding on the London Eye, there was never an absence of adventures. Besides adventures, there was also a community that formed over the course of two weeks. The staff were able to make every moment enjoyable and the other campers all contributed to the general companionship through their kindness and willingness to learn about the foreign world we found ourselves in. In the end, I came home wanting to go on more trips in the summers to come! From my summer, I’ve made lasting friendships and can effectively call myself a traveller and not a tourist!

I have been so fortunate to experience two unbelievable Travel for Teens: Older Teens trips. I was able to go on the Travel for Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland, and Paris the summer of 2018. Also I went on the Travel for Teens: Prague, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia trip summer of 2019. I have visited destinations in Europe that were so beautiful that words cannot describe it. Through these trips I have gained many stories that I look forward to sharing, I have gained confidence in myself to be independent, and I have tasted food that can only be dreamt about. I was able to go paragliding through the Swiss Alps, go canyoning in Slovenia, island hopping in Croatia, visit the Louvre, and climb the Eiffel Tower. The opportunities that were provided through TFT were amazing and I would recommend any of their trips because you will have a once in a lifetime experience.

My first TFT trip was incredible. I got to see the various types of beauty found along the pacific west cost from national parks to vibrant cities. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to Lake Tahoe. We were able to fish which was a lot more fun than had first expected. The view was breathtaking and the water remarkably warm. Looking over pictures of this part of the trip makes me want to go back so badly. Not only were the destinations wonderful but so were the TFT staff. They were immensely caring and fun people to be around. Some of my fondest favorite memories came from those friendships. One of my favorite aspects of this trip was that we were taught to be travelers not tourists. Where we are encourage to seek and explore all corners of the earth. I loved my TFT trip and I hope to never stop traveling