Travel For Teens

Program Reviews

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Jenny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel for Teens: Thailand Elephant Service and the Islands

I was really nervous about going on a trip with no one I knew. However, after calling the TFT office hundreds of times and speaking with all the staff, their reassurances finally convinced me to go on this trip. And let me tell you it was a life changing experience. Keith was an incredible counselor, always joking with us and teaching us Thai language he learned from living there for a few year. Mel was the other counselor and she is a professional photographer, taking breath-taking photos of us while we wash and rode elephants, scuba dived, and visited gorgeous temples. The itinerary is so much fun, but not jam-packed, so we could take our leisure time to take in everything. The food is so delicious and our counselors picked out some really great restaurants, one being a table right off the beach at sunset. The people on the trip were so friendly and became some of my close friends that I still talk to today, 2 years after I went on the trip.

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Olivia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Elephants and the Islands

From Chiang Mai to the islands of Thailand, I was never bored for a moment. I was able to bathe and play with elephants one day, then take a two-day rafting trip and sleep in bamboo huts by the Pai river the next day. I could not believe that we were able to work with retired elephants and help care for them. One of my favorite parts was going to all the temples and learning more about the Thai culture. I was also able to test my bartering skills (which I’ve found are not very good) in the markets while shopping for souvenirs. Next, we went to Ko Tao and Ko Samui and got a taste of the islands life. It was relaxing to do yoga, lip sync competitions, and swim in the Gulf of Thailand. Not to mention, scuba/snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, learning to cook traditional Thai food, and so much more. Our last stop in Thailand was the capital, Bangkok. I loved the city and all the sites. We went to the Grand Palace, the largest Buddha in Thailand, and got to see the famous Muy Thai fighting. I didn’t think that my second trip could live up the first trip I took with TFT but I was quickly proved wrong.

What would you improve about this program?
There could be more time spent with the elephants. Total time was only 3-4 days which was a bit disappointing given that it is listed as a service trip.
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Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hawaii Sea Turtle Service and Adventure

On this trip I had the best time I could of imagined! The counselors on the trip were great and helped with anything anyone needed. I made great friendships with everyone in my group which made the trip even better. The activities alone were awesome and I loved each one even if I was a little hesitant at first. Like the 20 mile bike ride down Haleakala. The views in Hawaii were breathtaking and the food, fruit and shaved ice especially, was even better! I would highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!!

What would you improve about this program?
I loved every minute of the trip!
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Peyton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

Entering my freshman year of high school, I elected to take French to fulfill my language graduation requirement. In a short amount of time, French quickly became one of my favorite classes and something I was extremely passionate about. I wanted to learn more outside the classroom, I wanted to experience France instead of just reading about it in textbooks. However, I knew I wouldn’t be able to experience what I craved if I travelled with my family. I wanted to travel with French speakers, and to feel fully emersed in the culture. So, my parents found TFT and signed me up for the 22 day language trip in Paris and Nice. It was without a doubt the best decision we made.
I met an amazing group of kids who all came from different experiences and backgrounds. I was able to meet students who I wouldn’t usually be friends with, and because of that they became some of my greatest friends. Through bonding over our different hometowns and states, we all came together to experience our common passion for traveling. While traveling around France, every single member of our group became close. Not only that but our counselors were exceptional. I still keep my counselors updated with my experiences and travels two years later. Both of my counselors spoke French and were able to help me expand my knowledge.
This TFT trip was without a doubt the most amazing experience I have ever had. It has inspired my future studying abroad in France, and my desire to study French in college.
If you are considering doing a trip with this program, coming from a shy-at-first girl, you should without a doubt sign up as it will be a life changing experience.

What would you improve about this program?
This sounds cliche, but it honestly can't. Everything about this experience was amazing, and I wouldn't change a thing.
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Bryce
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely Amazing!

From creating new friends, zip lining, surfing, hiking, and tubing down one of the most famous rivers in the world, what is there not to enjoy. In 2016 I went to Costa Rica by myself scared to meet anyone. I came home with 15 new friends and a great tan. This trip not only gives you a thrill, but also gives you a new perspective on Costa Rica. Wether it’s the jungle, the beach, or the people, there are so many things to fall in love with. This trip will change your life in such an amazing way!

What would you improve about this program?
It can’t, it’s already amazing how it is.
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Kara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Adventure!!!

This trip was one of a kind and I truly loved exploring Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. There was amazing culture at every stop we went to. We had a non stop itinerary but I never felt busy or that I was rushing anything. The leaders were astonishingly good at their jobs where we never needed to have tour guides because they already knew the information. I would definitely recommend this to any teenage traveller at any level of travel experience. It was a wonderful first experience of Italy!

What would you improve about this program?
There were some misconceptions I had going into it but they also surprised the leader so I think it was something that had gone wrong last minute.
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Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel For Teens South Africa

This was a really fun trip! i learned a lot of new things and had experiences of a life time. I loved the service that we did, it was amazing to see how happy the kids were when we finished the playground. This trip allowed me to go outside of my comfort zone which was great. Travel for Teens made sure that we were safe and updated our parents daily on what we did. One this trip I was able to experience things that I would never have if I didn't go on this trip. I think it is a great trip if you are looking for something that will challenge you but you will still have the best time.

What would you improve about this program?
I think one thing that could be improved is maybe doing more service, I really enjoyed the service aspect and I would have loved to do more. But everything was great
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Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel For Teens South Africa

This was my first time traveling with TFT and it was so much fun! I am already signed up for this upcoming summer to go on another trip. Going to South Africa was such an amazing experience. On this trip I was having fun well being able to have an experience of a lifetime. I made great friends that I still talk to. The trip was adventurous but yet relaxing. My favorite part was the service. Being able to help kids and families meant so much to me and I think about it everyday. This trip was great because we traveled all over South Africa which allowed me to see so much more. From going shark diving, to building a playground by far this was one of my favorite trips I have ever been on.

What would you improve about this program?
I think that the only way for this program to be improved would be if we stayed in some places for longer. There was lots of moving from one hostel to another which led to lots of driving. But overall it was so much fun!
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Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Stepping Stone

This was my first time traveling without my parents in a different country. Through this program I as I was able to travel with other people as well as being able to go off by myself (with permission of course) and got to experience the culture Switzerland, Italy and France had. I met up with the group in Germany so I was a little late to everything. However, right when I got there I knew immediately that it was going to be a great trip. I sat down and immediately started talking to people. I went into this trip knowing now one and I came out with 25 new friends from all over the United States. It made me into the person I am today. It also gave me the travel bug even more then before. Going on this trip allowed us to see different cultures from around the world. While experiencing different cultures it made me not want to go back because of how well TFT put us deep in the culture of the place we were visiting. Through Travel For Teens, they have made me into the person I have always stride to be whether that be improving me leadership skills or my social skills. Travel for Teens is a great stepping stone to starting to travel by yourself in the future.

What would you improve about this program?
Everything was cramped into so little of time. We went to so many amazing places but we did a lot of the famous stuff in one day. We didn't need to go to Versailles as well as the Louvre in one day. If it was spread out over two days that would've been so much better.
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Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Trip

I had a great time on the older teen trip to Prague, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. It truly is an eye opening experience for someone who does not travel often. You are surrounded by a whole new culture and beautiful surroundings. The trip itself is packed with exciting activities, like exploring ice caves and zip-lining. The sights are stunning too. My favorite view was from the Eagle's Nest in Germany. The councilors were amazing and often at times felt like friends during the trip. it was unique for me because this was my first time in Europe so I soaked it all in. I made quality friendships with fellow teens and we still keep in touch even though we live in different states and countries. Overall this was a phenomenal experience for me and I would definitely recommend it.

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