Travel For Teens: Travel Programs for Younger Teens

Travel for Teens gave me experiences that will last me a lifetime and new friendships. This past summer, I visited Hawaii’s Big Island with TFT, and I genuinely feel like my life has changed for the better. Whether surfing at Kahalu’u Beach Park, experiencing a native luau, watching the sunset from 14,000 feet altitude at Mauna Kea, or even hanging out by the pool with my friends, I enjoyed every moment of it. We got to partake in a perfect blend of service in the community, learning about the natives and the fantastic island they live on, and thrilling expeieriences. Everyone on my trip, including the counselors, came from different backgrounds and areas of the world, giving many perspectives on the activities we did each day. My fantastic trip leader Maria helped all of us become comfortable with each other so that none of us had to experience any anxiety that we worried about being so far from home. By the end of the trip, I had many new friends. I talked to them regularly and learned so much about the Big Island that I was not ready to leave. Honestly, this was the most amazing trip I have ever been on, and I am so excited to go on another one this upcoming summer.

Traveling to Hawaii Ultimate Service and Adventure has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Like many others, I was nervous because I didn't know anyone or if anyone would like me for who I truly am. Once I arrived and met the rest of the group that fear was immediately gone. I formed some of the closest friendships I have ever had. The counselors were unbelievable. Whatever you needed they would accommodate you. They would listen to all your ideas and all your thoughts. The activities and service that we did were unbelievable. I was able to help out the Sea turtles in Hawaii. The sea turtles were injured and I was able to help them heal so they could get back out to sea. I had the best experiences going snorkeling, relaxing at the beach, shopping, surfing lessons and so much more. 15 days have never gone by so fast. Although the group is no longer in Hawaii, friendships and memories remain.

During this program, I met some of the best people in one of the most beautiful states in the country, as well as learned so much about the earth and how to take care of it. Throughout the trip, I got closer to my small volunteering group, who at the end was like my family, and also became much more educated about the danger our oceans and marine life are in and what we can do to make a difference. I am so lucky to have gotten to learn about the culture of Hawaii while growing as a person and meeting new people on this trip! This truly was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend it!

This past summer I made the most amazing memories in Costa Rica with TFT, on their Surf and Service trip. The prospect of navigating through airports alone can be a bit daunting, but the TFT staff made the process easy. TFT helped me book all my flights, and when I arrived at the Miami airport, I met with one of their counselors who led me to meet the other campers at our gate for our flight into Costa Rica. Each day was a new adventure, from snorkeling, sailing, ziplining, and of course lots of surfing, there was always something new to look forward to! Whether we were doing service work, exploring the town, catching waves at the beach, or setting off for another adventure, the staff was always checking in to ensure that all campers were physically and emotionally feeling their best. The trip was extremely organized, from where we had dinner, to the time we needed to board the buses, everything had been planned. Along with prioritizing safety and organization, TFT prioritizes a welcoming and high-spirited group comradery, to ensure that each camper has fun. From checking in with campers one on one periodically, to filling our itinerary with group collaborative activities, TFT’s devotion to a positive group atmosphere was evident in the friendships we made, and all the laughs we shared. The TFT community brings together a group of adventurous people, curious about the world, who all share a passion for travel, enabling some of the most amazing friendships. From the second I met everyone at the airport, until the moment we said goodbye, I never stopped growing my friendships with my fellow campers, many of which I keep in touch with, and have reunited with! My summer with TFT was truly unforgettable, and my only regret is that I did not find out about TFT sooner!

I had so much fun on my trip with travel for teens! I went on the Hawaii trip in 2019 over the summer. It was only a week but we did so much. We went snorkeling where I could see so many fish under the water and I even got to see a few turtles. The first hotel we stayed at wasn’t the best but the second one was amazing! You could see the beach from the room. And there was so much wildlife and so many cool things to learn. We got some amazing food and we got to learn a lot. On the last day we went bicycling on a volcano after we saw the sunrise. It was amazing and so beautiful! I’m so glad I signed up for that trip and next summer I’m going on a Canada trip where I get to go zip lining, volunteer, and just have a lot fun. I’m definitely looking forward to going on more trips with travel for teens.

This past summer, at fourteen years old, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy with 13 other strangers. In any case, this sounds a bit odd, but I can honestly say now, that this trip was life changing.
Every day felt like a new adventure. Our trip leader Hunt kept us in a bit of mystery the whole time, which in hindsight, was the best way to conduct the trip. On our travels, I saw the most once-in-a-lifetime places, including the Vatican, the Colosseum, David’s Statue, and my favorite, the Tuscan town, Montalcino. The views were breathtaking. We did things like riding in a gondola in Venice, and wine tasting in Montalcino, to even swimming in the salty Mediterranean Sea at Cinque Terre. On our own, we even found some secret passage ways to squeeze through and explore little hidden-gem neighborhoods. I took lots of interesting photos.
But most importantly, along the way to these amazing places, I met the most amazing friends. We danced in our hotel rooms, and ate breakfast together every morning. There was never a dull moment.
I feel like I came back from this trip with a whole different mindset. I was visibly a more energetic and bubbly person. The world seemed a little bit brighter. My counselors had the most positive outlook that I now aspire to possess. Travel For Teens is my gateway to seeing the world, and this trip was well beyond worth it.

-Evelina Ogrodniczuk
Stroudsburg Pennsylvania
Ciao Italy for Younger Teens

TFT has taught me much more than school ever did on values, cultural enrichment, traveling, and the importance of community service. It has been an essential part of my life, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to be part of something so great. I’ve done two trips so far, and I always arrive back home satisfied - yet still wanting more. This is why I plan on continuing my adventures with Travel for teens. Their trips are well planned, extremely fun, eye-opening, and a great place to make lifetime friendships! Thank you, TFT!