Travel For Teens

Program Reviews

Eliyah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best summer ever!

I spent my summer in Hawaii, surrounded by ocean, turtles, and strangers who quickly became friends. We worked hands-on with turtles, learning how important they are to the ecosystem. One day, a Hawaiian woman taught us to weave baskets, sharing stories that made the experience feel personal and meaningful. Hula dancing was my favorite.

What began as a journey turned into something much more: a lesson in connection, community, and care. I left with new skills, lifelong friends, and memories I'll never ever forget.

What was your funniest moment?
Learning how to Hula dance and watching us all try and figure it out
Pros
  • learned about life in Hawaii
  • Got to experience culture
  • made lifelong friends
Cons
  • Not long enough
  • every one lives so so far
  • N/A
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Adventure and Service

This trip was one of the best experiences and I would highly recommend it if you are interested. I was able to go on some amazing adventures like a two day river rafting trip, zip lining through the jungle, and learning how to surf. The day activities are so much fun and give you a chance to explore the beautiful nature around you. The trip also includes volunteer activities to give you a chance to help local communities. We went to visit a local school, where we got to meet an amazing group of young kids and help to improve their area. We were able to play soccer with them and had an amazing time. Overall, this trip was unforgettable and one of a kind.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment on the trip was when we played a huge soccer game with all of the kids from the local school we volunteered at. It had just rained and the grass became muddy and slippery, but we still wanted to play before we left. Everyone was falling all over the place and got all dirty from the mud, and it was so much fun playing all together. There was so much laughter and it is one of the best memories I have.
Pros
  • Great adventures
  • Good food
  • Meet new people
Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica: A Fun-Filled and Memorable Trip

Costa Rica was an amazing experience with lots of fun activities and beautiful landscapes. There were a lot of fun adventures in the trip including surfing, horseback riding, ziplining, tubing, swimming, and hiking. The beaches were very captivating since the sand was white and the waves were perfect for surfing. It was fun to swim near the waterfalls and be able to experience tubing down the rushing waters of the streams. There were a lot of lush rainforests in the area and interesting creatures. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys international travel and wants to do something exciting with many fun activities and experiences.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most surprising things that I saw was a white monkey in the trees since I didn't think I was going to see one during the trip.
Pros
  • The activities were all very fun and memorable.
  • The food and desserts were delicious.
  • Everyone was friendly and nice.
Cons
  • One of the hotels looked a little dirty in the inside.
  • Lots of driving to different destinations.
  • The weather was cloudy or rainy mostly.
Amelia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip ever!

I went to Croatia last summer with TFT and had no idea what to expect. Of course I saw the videos of making lifelong friendships and having an amazing time in picturesque locations, but I wasn’t sure if that would be my experience. To my delight it was everything I imagined and more. The staff, fellow travelers, and destination were all perfect. We were always in the center of all the action, doing the most fun activities, and most importantly, we were always safe. I would recommend this trip to anyone, it’s an absolute no brainer!

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment on our trip was on our last night on the boat when we were all running around and dancing. It felt like I was in one of the Mamma Mia movies and is a memory I will cherish forever.
Pros
  • Location
  • The boat
  • Value
Cons
  • Wish it was longer
  • Wish there were other programs available where you stay on a boat
katelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Italy Trip Review

This trip would have been the first time I was away from home. I was very nervous but very excited!

I was travelling from Canada so I had to do a few extra travelling steps but nothing out of the ordinary when travelling. while I was waiting to board my plane to Venice, my flight was cancelled due to weather and the next flight was when the group would have left Venice. I was crushed. But with some talking and arrangements, I was able to leave the next morning and make it to Venice.

Maddie and Sara (the TFT leaders on this Trip) were very helpful and never made me feel like I was a burden for being late, they still picked me up and made me feel a part of the group even when 1 was 1 day late, thanks to them I had an amazing time exploring and experiencing Italy. Thank you, Maddie and Sara!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Seeing all the amazing buildings and art that people are lucky to see everyday, it was beautiful and Amazing
Pros
  • the housing being arranged
  • dinner being bought by TFT
  • All the amazing people i met
Cons
  • being away from family
  • not understanding the language
  • transferring money
Blasina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Perfect Blend of Culture and Fun!

This trip to Japan was truly life-changing! From experiencing the vibrant energy of Shibuya Crossing to taking hands-on cooking lessons, every moment was filled with excitement and learning. One of the highlights was meeting local students in Miyagi, where I had the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange and understand the daily life of Japanese teens. Travel For Teens made it incredibly easy to immerse myself in Japan’s rich culture while still having tons of fun. The perfect mix of adventure and education. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Meeting the students in Miyagi was a bit nerve-racking at first because I wasn’t sure how they would react to me. But once we met, they were so welcoming! It made me realize how special and unique it was to connect with Japanese high school students and learn about their traditions firsthand.
Pros
  • Immersive cultural activities
  • Unique opportunities to connect with the locals
  • Free time to explore and discover hidden gems
Cons
  • The packed itinerary can feel overwhelming at times
  • Some activities were physically demanding, like walking long distances
  • Adjusting to Japan’s time zone takes a few days
McKenzie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trip of a lifetime

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!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During this trip, we had the opportunity to make our own paella. In the paella there was rabbit which I had never tried before. It definitely wasn’t my favorite, but I’m glad I tried something new!
Pros
  • New Friends
  • Experiences
  • Activities
Noah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Epic Summer With TFT

This summer, I went Greece with Travel for Teens! The whole experience was top tier, from the cultural immersion, to the adventure, to the insane views. Visiting the Acropolis was unreal; standing with so much history is something I’ll never forget. We explored the Temple of Poseidon, which really made my head spin--there were ancient Greeks praying right where I was standing! The Ottoman fortress we explored was also insane, there was a battle there! We also took a boat tour around Paros, which was amazing, jumping off, swimming to isolated beaches and exploring random islands with your buddies. And of course, Santorini lived up to the hype. Scuba diving there was a highlight--my first time, and I was hooked. After a long school year, the mix of adventure and downtime was perfect. The beaches were beautiful and the perfect spot to just relax. The group was great, everyone was chill and wanted to have a great time. We all ended up laughing over the gelato runs every night. Overall, it was the perfect balance of learning, exploring, and taking in out of this world views. If you’re looking for an experience to MAKE your summer, this is the one for you

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I did in Greece was scuba dive. It was my first time, and diving surrounded by giant walls of volcanic rock was unlike anything I've ever done or seen. Seeing the marine life and just the experience of looking up, realizing you are 20 feet underwater, is amazing. It opened my eyes up to a new world of beauty that I never experienced living in the US.
Pros
  • Food
  • Activities
  • People
Lulu
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Australia, NZ, Fiji service

Overall the trip was a very fun and rewarding trip. A lot of my time in Fiji was spent doing very fun service. We worked with young kids at a local school and helped to improve their school buildings. In Australia, we did a lot of sight seeing. We also did lots of scuba diving and swimming at the great barrier reef. In Sydney, it was more walking and sight seeing which was also very fun and different. In NZ we did a lot of cultural immersion and adventure. This part of the trip was very fun and refreshing. Overall the trip was very fun and rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
In fiji we tried kava which was a very cultural and fun experience for us!
Pros
  • great people
  • fun activities
  • rewarding service
Cons
  • some places had not the best housing situations
Regan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Croatia Island Hopping!

Croatia island hopping is one of the best experiences I have had with Travel for Teens. From hanging out on a boat all day with all of my new friends to hiking and swimming! The staff is very well trained helping me from the moment I got my phone stolen finding me a store to buy a new one and even helping me set it up. Everyone is very welcoming and is willing to help. The boat is small but it leads to a great time and lots of bonding experiences! The trip is an always changing trip where you are moving day by day so be ready for lots of changing plans.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is to be open to new experiences and to talk to everyone.
Pros
  • Lots of down time
  • Great bonding experiences
  • Wonderful staff
Cons
  • No ac on the boat
  • Lots of walking