I would not recommend this program for any teen, especially a child of color. My son was called a racist nickname the whole trip by other students. When I brought it up to TFT after the trip, they blamed my son for not saying anything. My son had a terrible time. I don't think they did a good job creating a safe community where a child, alone, in another country, could speak to the leader. I was also disappointed with TFT's response. They were dismissive and unresponsive. I would not recommend this program. read more

"It's not the problem, it's how the problem is SOLVED that counts!" It's the end of June 2022 and our daughter Vlada is on her way to Peru for her third TFT summer experience. After 10 days, she was then to go to Ecuador for another 11 days. Over the last few weeks, there has been extreme political upheaval in Ecuador. It's very dangerous indeed. As concerned parents, we reached out to Ned from TFT whom we've dealt with for three years now. Ned was very aware of the situation and assured us that they were monitoring the situation daily. We trust Ned. Ecuador is a problem. Pivoting the kids to a different destination at the last minute is a problem. Managing concerns and expectations from multiple families from multiple world locations is a problem. Fast forward to a couple of days prior to departure. Ned informed us that TFT made the (right) decision to cancel Ecuador and like travel magicians, they pulled an alternative Costa Rica adventure out of a hat! We could not be more delighted with the RESPONSIBLE decision TFT made and our daughter could not be more excited about the change in plans. As I wrote, "It's not the problem, it's how the problem is SOLVED that counts." Good job Ned and TFT. Excellent job. A heart-felt thanks. read more

Very poor activities and excursions for the price. Almost 20K in hidden fees which all accumulated into one big scam. I recommend to do more research and try a different company. We are devastated as we spent all our savings on this nonsense. My child got a dirty room and did nothing except playing games on his phone. Outstanding entitlement and rudeness from the counselors when confronted. Be very cautious! read more

Last summer I traveled to the Florida Keys with Travel for Teens. It was probably one of the best summers ever due to the trip. The counselors were so much fun, I met so many new people who were so diverse, we stayed in comfortable hotels, and had so many fun excursions along the way while doing marine wildlife service. It was a great trip and I highly recommend using TFT! Next summer I am going on their Greece and Italy trip and cannot wait because of how well my experience was with them last summer. read more

Choose another company. They change the itinerary including the accommodations. The person who met my child at the airport barely said hello and did not welcome my child. Administration makes lots of excuses. The worst. Not worthy of even one star. read more

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her 21-Day summer tour with TravelForTeens (TFT). The majority of the group consisted of older female teens who just graduated from high school. Originally my daughter really wanted to backpack with friends through Europe but this tour was safer and she ended up seeing a lot more! I also loved receiving the frequent tour updates and photos from the tour guide/counselor. There is no way we could have planned such an awesome trip by ourselves- Travel for teens did a great job. Plus, the home office was responsive to questions and concerns before and during the trip. 5 stars. TFT is a much better option for touring if your teen is organized and independent. Teens are still responsible for shleping their own stuff so consider a travel backpack and equip them with a guidebook or I termed access so they can read up on where they are going! read more

My comments will be posted soon. I could not ask more strongly to avoid this company at all costs in my opinion. We did a tour and were shocked at so many horrible events that occurred including but not limited to inappropriate behavior by a male employee, awful accommodations etc . I feel lucky my daughter came back safe read more

I chose to travel with TFT for my high-school graduation trip and it was such an amazing experience. I travelled to Italy, France, and Switzerland in their Older Teens tour and was able to experience so many beautiful places in a very authentic style of travel. Travel for teens was able to fit so many activities and experiences in each day of the trip. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a safe and exciting new adventure! read more

I went on four different TFT trips and they were absolutely the time of my life. Really, my only complaint is that I am now too old to keep going every summer! I also want to mention that Yelp is filtering all the good reviews because those are considered "too good to be true"; so make sure to check those out to see the truth. I went on the Germany/ Switzerland, Switzerland Spring Break, Classic Italy, and Thailand Community Service trips. I still keep in touch with a vast majority of my trip group, and even had friends come out and visit me after the summer because we had really formed such tight bonds. The counselors were all fantastic: Ned, Nic, Chris, Damien, were such top notch quality guides. I always felt safe and was able to experience places, people, and moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life - especially for being so young. The trips always seemed organized to me and was flexible enough for us to always have fun. While it was junior high/high school age students, inevitably there was some occasional "drama" between the students at times, but it was never a problem. Even the shy, awkward kids were always able to make friends and no one was left out unless they really tried hard enough. I know complaints could be made about the hotels, not enough time, too much walking but that isn't very realistic when you are traveling. So to sum it all up - I recommend TFT 100% read more

It has been a few years since I have been on a TFT trip. But to see these fictitious reviews was a call to action for me. The multiple trips I went on were the highlight of high school years. Most teen tour company's conduct tours with 80+ kids in one group, spend days on a bus, and even more time in shopping malls. TFT teaches students not only to visit a country but to appreciate a new destination for its culture, food, people... This company prides itself on catering to what its' campers want whether it be changing the itinerary, assigning a counselor to stay back with people who chose not to participate, or taking a detour in the sake of fully immersing oneself into the culture. It's not that TFT is without itinerary, rather the trip leaders allow for spontaneity which often creates the best travel moments. Other negative reviews blamed the organization of the company and its staff for other campers indiscretions. To transpose this as their doing would be like blaming a teacher for one student bullying another. I have no doubt in my mind that if any of these negative complaints were brought to the attention of the trip leader, the situation would have been immediately addressed and resolved. As a timid teenager throughout my entire formative years, TFT was the only time in which I felt entirely comfortable in my surroundings. Now 22, I was 15 when I met my TFT friends and to this day we all still keep in touch and often reminisce of the fond memories we had. I remember my mom told me I couldn't go for a third year in a row and I just shut myself in my room hysterically crying. My first trip was across various regions in Italy and I waited years for junior year of college to return to Florence for my semester abroad. I even contacted my old trip leader for travel advice! I could literally write a book about my amazing experiences with the TFT family but I will refrain and hope that I got my point across. BOTTOM LINE: If you're a parent wondering what to do with your teen for the summer look no further. These trips are fun, educational, active and probably the safest place you could send your child. If you're a teen wondering about what your mom has signed you up for. Stop rolling your eyes and JUMP FOR JOY! These experiences will CHANGE YOUR LIFE and make you a happier, more cultured, experienced person which is an invaluable gift. read more

This summer I am going to Europe for the fifth time, and for the second time with Travel for Teens. Not only can I say that I wouldn't recommend any other tour company ever having traveled with TFT, but that there is no one out there who does it as well as these guys do. I'm pretty outgoing and don't really have a hard time making friends, but still I was a little concerned about meeting people on the trip. Within an hour at the airport I had already become friends with everyone who was going on my trip, and halfway through our plane ride there we were planning a reunion. Every single staff member made the entire trip wonderful for everyone (Nic and Giulia were the directors of my tour, both of them were wonderful and well informed the entire time). They made sure everyone had friends to spend time with, liked the food, was comfortable in the hotels, was having a blast, was learning, and was happy the entire time. When they gave us free time they made sure we were all familiar with the area and had the addresses for the hotels we were staying at just in case we were lost needed to get back (no one ever did). And as for all the other aspects of the trip, the food we had everywhere was wonderful. Unlike the other companies I've toured with, you get to order food off the menu. If you have any special dietary needs (one of the girls on my trip was gluten free and they found her delicious food in Italy, the carb capital of the world) or even if you're just a picky eater, they will go out of their way to accommodate you. The hotels were great, all were clean and in good areas and tolerant of the fact that they had a group of kids staying with them. We learned so much (this is another wonderful thing about your tour directors, they speak the language of the place you're traveling and they're so well informed about the places you visit) about the histories and cultures unique to each part of Italy we went to. If you're doing a service trip, you will learn even more about the places you're going because the people you work alongside are all so incredible. I noticed one of the other reviewers was unhappy that the itinerary wasn't set in stone, but I thought that was one of the best things about the way TFT does their trips. And by not set in stone, I certainly do not mean disorganized. If anything, giving the kids the freedom to choose means that they're organized enough to split up, do different things, and get everyone home in one piece, together at the end of the day. If you want to hit a museum one day you can, but if you're tired, you can hang out at a cafe and relax a little. They base the days around the things that are important to the campers and they do a great job of making sure that everyone has a really incredible experience. All the parents out there can rest assured that their children will be safe and looked after the entire time they're away. Every night the counselors put up the thousands of pictures they take of us every single day and usually an email about the days events. You'll know where your kid is and how they're doing the whole time. One of the girls I met on my trip is one of my best friends on earth now, she may even come with me on my trip this summer as a CIT. I tell anyone who will listen to me how much I love TFT. Finally, their motto is "teaching teens to be travelers not tourists." I'm so much more confident in every aspect of my life, I have more confidence in myself, I take on new challenges without hesitation, and I am constantly ready to take on the world in my own city and everywhere else I go. I'm a better traveler and a better person for my time with this company. Travel for Teens is exceptional in every way. read more

Travel For Teens - Cliff jumping in Manarola with TFT! - Travel Services Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

I have been on two trips now with TFT and they rank 1 and 2 of my favorite trips I have ever been on. I went on the Costa Rica and the Italy trip and both were amazing, well organized and well thought out. If your thinking about going on a trip with TFT do it without a doubt you will not regret it and will have the time of your life. While the idea of travelling alone across the world with people you do not know may seem intimidating I can tell you now that is nothing to worry about because by the end of the trip you will be bestfriends with your group will not wanna leave. read more

I am writing on behalf of my teenager, who participated in the Thailand trip during the summer of 2022. This was an amazing adventure that she had saved up for, and her reports back were so positive and exciting. Two days before her return home, however, she was followed back to the hotel by drunk tourists, who managed to break into her room. Fortunately, she was able to force them out. She was left traumatized and upset, and when she talked with her TFT leader, she was accused of drinking and bringing someone back to the group, which was far from the case. She called me in tears, feeling like she was in trouble, when the reality was that a stranger broke into her room. To top it all off, we were never notified by TFT of the incident. This was a life-changing incident for our daughter. It could've ended much differently. After our daughter returned home, we contacted the corporate office to discuss, and it took 3 weeks to get a phone meeting with them. read more

My 15 year old son had the trip of a lifetime in Europe with TFT this summer. The itinerary was packed but perfect. The trip leaders were teachers, and so knowledgable and engaged with the teens. The staff were amazing to deal with. And the teens were absolutely "travelers" not "tourists" taking trains, and bikes and pubic transportation, walking the cities they visited, and eating like locals. A phenomenal program all the way around. I recommend it without hesitation as a fantastic summer travel program for teens. read more

Hey, I'm doing a revised,updated,and more detailed review. I received some questions and I wanted to take the time to answer them, I also wanted to reflect a bit more on my personal experience. My beliefs about this camp still stay the same, and they may have even worsened. Like I mentioned before, the responsibility of the counselors was not up to par. Not only was the way that they dealt with the fire situation not acceptable, but they allowed young teenagers to walk the streets of Waikiki unaccompanied. Although they were allowed to have their phones,Waikiki is full of drivers not really paying attention. The city is beautiful, but it is busy, and for teens to roam the city by themselves? I agree with another review that states that the counselors are not as responsible as they should've been. They are kind and very funny. However I think that some of the counselors are very young, and the idea that things can go wrong doesn't dawn on them. One perfect example of this is when the campers had an opportunity to scuba dive. It was a scheduled activity, and the kids got the opportunity to scuba dive in the ocean, yet there was a high surf advisory. For those who don't know what that means, a high surf advisory means that the water/ocean is very choppy and dangerous to some extent. My counselor refused to give in, and it wasn't until the company CANCELLED THE EXCURSION that she was concerned. Although this was technically a crisis averted, it should not be a third-party company that realizes its not safe to scuba dive. The counselor should've listened to the high surf advisory. Another thing that I did not mention in my other review was the food. TFT only provides dinner and breakfast, and lunch is up to the children to purchase. I found this arrangement very odd, and inconvenient. TFT also lets the children purchase their own groceries. Although this is meant to be a chance where the children can be independent and responsible it often just turns into a candy-shopping-spree. My roommates and I ended up purchasing over $70 worth of trashy food. This is more of a personal issue, but if you are a parent who doesn't like the sound of this I highly recommend you have a conversation with your child about expenditures. ( I personally was told to keep every receipt ) Dinner was typically at a restaurant of some sorts, and that food was great. However the counselors were somewhat touchy about the price of the food. I got the idea the TFT was only going to buy us the food we needed and that's it, it sometimes felt like they were trying to stick to a very tight budget in order to prevent profit loss. This is not the fault of the counselors, its the main offices. I would like to also elaborate more on the lodging we were provided with. I myself am very lazy and I will only talk about some of the issues (there were so many ) I will also include links to other yelp reviews about the accommodations. The accommodations as I mentioned before were completely unacceptable. For the amount I paid, I expected something more than a shack. I understand this is a community service camp, and were obviously not going to stay at the Ritz, but I feel that I deserve the right to feel safe. All two places I stayed were so sketchy. I'm attaching some reviews from other Yelpers. If I had known where we were staying I never would've went to this camp. I also want to mention one of my friends on this trip was so freaked out by some of the people at the hotel she needed a counselor to sleep with her. This shouldn't been an issue. Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Hotel: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aqua-aloha-surf-waikiki-waikiki-beach?hrid=3ZQl3TDxoVxgoXOZFNkYjQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) https://www.yelp.com/biz/aqua-aloha-surf-waikiki-waikiki-beach?hrid=nsl_5BVvfZoa90i5zLy-DQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) https://www.yelp.com/biz/aqua-aloha-surf-waikiki-waikiki-beach?hrid=BslXdJ0ryqt8zdk1sKfGfw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Village By The Sea https://www.yelp.com/biz/village-by-the-sea-kihei?hrid=ZAExxAfWv1YpCYSD5YdI9w&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) (I do want to note that the quality of the room really depends on who your renting it from. Some of the apartments in the actual building are very nice, however TFT decided to choose one of the worst apartments to rent.) Finally my last complaint was the communication of TFT to parents after the trip. After not being very happy I contacted the office, and the people who I spoke to were nice, but I got the feeling that they didn't really care. They repeatedly said the same thing, "If the fire was dangerous we would've moved the children*" but this is obviously not true. Overall my experience was awful. I will not be attending this camp again. read more

Travel for Teens has given me some amazing experiences during my travels. They expose you to places you would not be able to normally uncover if you planned your own vacation. They are well connected to many of the locals in the areas that you visit and ensure that everyone has an incredibly enjoyable time. The trips are quite incredible, and gave me incredible perspective of the cultures in Greece and Italy. After my first trip, I realized the importance of going outside the United States to see other countries and explore all they have to offer. However, that experience was enhanced by the Travel For Teens group as they granted me access to places I normally would not have found such as Cinque Terre, the Blue Grotto or the site of residence for the Oracle of Delphi. The second trip only confirmed to me that the Travel For Teens group offers travelers the best exposure to other countries and a great experience with other students. read more

When I signed up for my school's trips to France and Greece with TFT, I I knew I was going to be breath taken by the gorgeous sights of the two destinations, but I never expected to learn so much about traveling or become so immersed in the cultures of the two countries. TFT's staff is dedicated to making sure students have an experience abroad that is as enriching as it is fun. They plan activities, such as shopping for lunch in markets and dining at authentic, non-touristy restaurants, that push students out of their comfort zone and allow them to wholly experience the culture of their destination country. One of my favorite memories from my trip to Greece with TFT was learning traditional Greek dances from a "ya ya" or "grandma" while dining in her restaurant. She had us stand in a circle after our group was done eating, taught us a bunch of dances, had us dance atop a table one by one and was incredible enthusiastic to share her culture with us. Nights like those were ones that made me feel like I was truly a Greek and were ones that I won't soon forget. On top of planning activities that let us experience Greece on an authentic and meaningful level, TFT's guides, Ned and Tori bent over backwards to make sure we had an amazing trip abroad. They altered our itinerary to fit my group's wants and needs, had extensive knowledge of Greece and a zeal for travel that was truly inspiring. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have traveled with TFT. The lessons I learned about foreign cultures, traveling and life in general from my TFT are ones I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I recommend their trips to anyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime. read more

Ha! I take it all back. It's been over a month and I have yet to receive my photos. I contacted them and they blamed it on the "busy month of December" but that doesn't excuse poor customer service. If they were trying to keep me as a customer, they would have made sure my photos arrived within a few days after being promised them. read more

My daughter had an amazing time. It was a wonderful expirience and a memorable sweet sixteen abroad From the staff to the instructors in Costa Rica absolutely helpful and amazing. Costa rica with marcos and karla was stupendous. Id send my child again and again Thank u tft :) read more

Travel For Teens - Travel Services Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

WARNING Before you book with these incredibly unethical people read the fine print!! Horrible company and I would never entrust my child's safety to these people given how they handle basic business ethics. We booked a trip to Paris for our child through the school with a $1,000 deposit and cancelled shortly thereafter due to the terrorist attacks in Paris. Their stance is that we forfeited the deposit money even though Travel for Teens had not yet incurred any cost for my child. (They had not yet booked any reservations for hotel. air, etc.) No ethics whatsoever so I can't imagine entrusting them to govern my child's wellness and safety abroad. read more

Loved using this company for my daughters South Africa trip. We used 2 other companies for her other teen travel trips and we all agree that this is the best. Great relaxed travel...all travel should have a purpose and all teen travel companies should be safe but encourage independence and teach confidence. TFT does this well. read more

I highly recommend Travel For Teens! I traveled to Italy with Travel For Teens last summer on their Classic Italy trip and had the time of my life!! The people at TFT are amazing! They work very hard to give every traveler the best experience they could dream of. Traveling around a country with 20 or so kids is not easy but our trip leaders some how pulled it off with ease! I was very impressed by them. I'm sure you will fall in love with traveling and TFT after a trip with them. I had kids on my trip that had been traveling with TFT for years! Some kids did 4 trips with them that summer alone! Its hard not to have fun on their trips when you're surrounded by so many happy and excited people! Everyone on the trip became very close friends in just those two weeks, we all still keep in contact! What sets TFT apart from other travel companies is that you don't feel like you're just a tourist on a tour, I have been on trips where you just go around looking at the big tourist sites and thats it but with TFT you feel like a you become part of the culture around you. TFT makes a point of not being like other travel companies, and it really shows. For example, on my trip we learned how to make pasta the Italian way, how to build a gondola, spent a day at a vineyard learning about wine and relaxing by their pool with the most amazing scenery I have ever seen, and they give us free time to just go off with a group and explore on our own! I really liked that part, thats where my favourite memories come from. You do still go to all the main tourist attractions but those aren't the focus of the trip. So if you're trying to decide if you should go on a trip with Travel For Teens, do it! You won't regret it!! read more

If there were any way to give Travel for Teens more than a 5 star rating, I would. It was the best experience of my life. To this day, seven months later, I sometimes still can't believe I was even in the places I went (Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany (for part of a day), and Paris). Every day was filled with really fun trips to places I had, before, only seen in pictures. Everything about the trip worked for me: the hotels, the schedule (it was never too hectic and packed) and the food (SO GOOD!). Everyone on the trip was really nice and we bonded quickly as a group. I made friends before we even got on our first plane. By the end of the trip, I felt like we had been friends for far longer than the two weeks on the trip (I went on the Discover Europe trip). The unique backgrounds of the counselors and especially our trip leader, Nic, brought extremely valuable information about the places we visited that helped me to really understand and be able to immerse myself in the culture. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single day of the trip...I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. It was so much more than I ever expected it to be. It provided me with experiences I will never forget. On the last night of our trip Nic told us how this trip will end up changing something about us...even if we can't see it immediately. I can say already that it has, as when I returned home to New York City, the iconic New York bagels didn't seem so cool anymore. I realized how huge and incredible the world is...that there was so much to discover. The trip opened my eyes to everything around me. read more

I went on the Italy Service and Adventure trip during the Summer of 2018. I had one of the best experiences of my life, and would love to go on another trip with Travel for Teens. Over all, we did everything I could dream of doing in Italy and more. We went up and down the Amalfi Coast on a boat, went wine tasting, and saw historical sites such as Pompeii. I fell in love with Italy and its culture all because Travel for Teens let me experience Italy without being a tourist! However, I do believe the best part of this trip was the incredible food. I will never be satisfied by Italian food in America again! read more

Travel for teens or TFT is one of the best companys for teen travel! They know so much about all the places we went. They dont stay at 5 star hotels and i think that really made it a much more culture learn for the country! You do so much more than the average tourist would do! In Thailand we washed elephants in a river at an elephant reserve. You make friends of a life time and the staff was unbeliveble, and in the worst of circumstances they were the biggest help. read more

Last summer (July 2016) I went on my first trip with Travel for Teens on the Costa Rica Adrenaline trip. In short, this was the best trip of my life. Everyone was so kind, positively-minded, and energetic! My counselors (Marco, Danielle, Sarah, and Katherine-CIT) were outstanding! They were always encouraging us to try out new things and were all so hilarious! I really can not say enough good things about them. If I went on another trip, I would try to request them for my trip because they made the trip extra fun. I think that by the end of the trip, all the teens and counselors became such close friends because we were constantly spending time with one another that it felt like we kinda became one big family haha. I am a shy person and was pretty nervous about meeting new people before this trip especially since I was coming all the way from Los Angeles on my own. However, after only a few hours of spending time with everyone, I felt almost at home! On my last day, I kid you not, I remember we were all at the airport saying our goodbyes and most of us were crying because we just became so close with one another! In fact, some of us started discussing our plans for future trips together. I enjoyed every single part of our trip whether it was hiking to waterfalls, ziplining, or even simply just riding in the buses. We followed the itinerary which had detailed activities for each of the 10 days we spent there. We got to go water rafting, hiking to waterfalls, ziplining, canyoning, horseback riding, visit hot springs, surfing, and so much more. The guides for some of our activities were so patient and had great stories to tell us. I surfed for the first time on this trip and I learned so quickly with the help of the instructors. I also spent my 16th birthday on this trip, and they were nice enough to buy me a small cake and made sure it was well spent. Definitely my favorite birthday yet! Although the hotels we stayed in were, I believe, considered 3 star hotels, they were great. They were very clean and spacious. The first one we stayed in had lots of extra space, a pool, the beds were comfortable, and the food was delicious. They also had really tasty Costa Rican coffee which I would definitely want to have again! The second hotel we stayed in was also good. It was more centered in a local beach town (about a 1 minute walk to the beach) which gave us the opportunity to watch several beautiful sunsets from our hotel rooms. We even got to hang out with some dogs and cats who would wander around both hotels haha. Throughout our entire trip, it was raining every now and then with the occasional thunder storms, but during those times when we had to stay in our rooms, we would all play games, talk, laugh, and oh boy did our counselors have some funny jokes and stories! Throughout our adventure, we were also given a good amount of freedom. The counselors/directors made sure that we were always safe, but still gave us enough room to do what we wanted in our free time. Essentially, they did not treat us like little children who were irresponsible, which I thought was really great. I had been to other camps in the past and most of them didn't respect us and treat us as well as Travel for Teens did. My trip with Travel for Teens made me feel limitless. It's everything you would expect and more. Every single time I get to travel to a new destination, I simply feel invincible and I greatly thank Travel for Teens for introducing me to that feeling. I believe teenagers are always trying to figure out what they like, what they don't like, or basically trying to find a sense of self identity; it's part of growing up. These trips really helped me personally to learn more about myself and I think they can benefit others in the same way. I think every now and then, it's good for people to take themselves a bit out of their comfort zones and I travelling really pushes you to do that. Travelling just really opens up a lot of new perspectives on many things and takes you to a whole new place (literally). read more

I had an amazing time on my two Travel for Teens trips. I went to Spain to take classes 2 years ago and Amsterdam, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy this past summer. On the Spain trip, we had a smaller group, so we were able to be very flexible. We also stayed in each city for a while so we had plenty of time to explore and see the less popular places of Spain. I was one of the older travelers on the trip, but I still had fun. The maturity level of some of the younger high schoolers was a little annoying at times, so if you're a senior or junior in high school I would recommend going on an Older Teens trip. It was really cool that we were allowed one glass of beer or wine at dinner on both trips because it really immersed us into the cultures! The second trip I went on was shorter and covered more countries, so at times it felt slightly rushed. Pick a trip depending on what you want. I you want to do less moving around and see more of one area, then pick trip that does that. If your goals to see as many cities and countries as possible, then pick a trip that clearly goes all over Europe. TFT has so many trips to pick from, so you shouldn't have an issue getting a trip you'll enjoy if you take time to do research and thoroughly check the itinerary. I still talk to friends from both my trips. But, making friends is also each person's responsibility! The councilors will help the travel group try to bond, but this trip forces teens to step out of their comfort zones. This is true in making new friends, trying new food, or doing activities they normally wouldn't do. Overall I was very impressed with the staff and itinerary of both of my trips and will always recommend TFT! read more

In the months leading up to my trip to Perú last summer, I was frequently nervous. I had never traveled alone before in my life, and going away for 19 days was a big step. As soon as I landed in Lima, I knew the trip would be the experience of a lifetime, eliminating all my apprehension. The entire group was so welcoming, and the counselors were constantly engaged with us. From walking around downtown Cusco to playing soccer with school children, this trip was full of excitement. I loved the overnight trip to the floating islands and the bus rides through the breathtaking Sacred Valley. However, the highlight of my trip was visiting Machu Picchu; the sacrifice of sleep for this beauty was well worth it. Witnessing it is something not many can say they have done, making it even more special. It is something forever ingrained in my memory, and even my pictures cannot do it justice. It is something you HAVE to see, it doesn't feel real when you are there! Machu Picchu wasn't the only reason I went on this trip. The volunteer work we did in Perú opened my eyes to different ways of life on another continent, appreciate what I have at home, and most importantly made me want to help others. Helping small, isolated communities in the mountains was fulfilling and extraordinary! Exploring new cultures and immersing myself into the Peruvian lifestyle is something I still talk about to my friends. I realize how lucky I am to have Travel for Teens who brought this trip to life for me! I have so many unforgettable memories; it was truly a once in a lifetime experience and an adventure I will never forget! read more

Travel for Teens is a fantastic travel group! I have travelled with them for the last two years and have had a fantastic experience on both trips. I travelled on the Cinque Terre Community Service trip and then on the Thailand Service and adventure. The staff are all very friendly and accommodating. The counselors and trip leaders are some of the friendliest and most well informed people I've ever met. I definitely plan on continuing my travels with this group. The trips themselves give you a chance to experience a different culture and learn how to be a traveller as opposed to a simple tourist. You can submerge into the culture of a region and really benefit from what you're learning and experiencing in the time you're there. I grew tremendously through my trips, socially and culturally. read more

Traveling to Thailand with Travel for Teens in the Thailand Service and Adventure program has been one of the best decisions I had made so far. The staff and the kids I went with were wonderful! Each and every one of them made the trip a memorable experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The staff was really supportive when it came to dietary restrictions and allergies, and they made sure everyone had what they wanted and needed throughout the trip. They were also very flexible with what we wanted to do and the schedule. The places we visited were unique and beautiful, for example, we visited a Monkey Island near Phi Phi, where we witnessed the monkeys steal food from the visitors, or take off the lice from one another. We also visited an elephant sanctuary where we learned about the elephants and the different ways we can help them, in the long run, to stop them from getting abused. Not only that, but we were able to give back to the community by building a cement house from scratch in a tiny community in Chaing Mai. This trip not only was wonderful, but it made me feel at home and thankful for having the opportunity to live such a unique experience. read more

Last summer I went on two trips that both involved service. I absolutely loved the trips and they both really opened my eyes and encouraged me to do more service around the world. The counselors were spectacular, they knew the language and they immersed us in the culture every day! This is a great way to get out and see the world. I encourage everyone to go on Travel For Teens trips. It was such an amazing time and I hope to be a crew team member in the next couple of years! read more

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. read more

Travel For Teens completely changed the way I look at traveling. Last summer, I stepped out of my comfort zone to go to Peru for 19 days with a group of complete strangers. Let me just say, that was the best decision I could have made for myself. Just minutes after meeting my travel companions, we no longer felt like strangers. I could not have asked for a better group of people and counselors to travel with, and as for the trip itself, it was the experience of a lifetime. I never felt like a tourist, and every day there was something completely new for us to see. We visited towns and communities that I never would have known about if I was by myself. Additionally, the volunteer 'work' never felt like work, and it was so rewarding to see the reactions of the people we were helping. I got to improve on my Spanish by bargaining with merchants, but having knowledge of Spanish was definitely not necessary. I would give this trip a 10/10 and recommend this it to anyone who asks about this or any other TFT program.I am excited to go to Scandinavia with Travel For Teens in the upcoming summer, and can't wait to see what else TFT has in store for me. read more

Over the last year I've attended two of TFT's trips- the first to Spain and the second to London- and I can say without any hesitation that Travel for Teens has changed my life. Travel for Teens is unparalleled to any traveling experience! The trip directors were well prepared for every unexpected situation, they made us feel comfortable about our travels, and were always ensuring we had the greatest time! Being able to travel with Travel for Teens has given me some seriously amazing memories, and I would recommend any one of their trips. You can really see- and appreciate- the effort that they put into making sure that we have the best experience possible, that we learn how to navigate being able to travel, and that we really learn how to become immersed in the cultures we visited. I know that TFT always made sure our parents were getting updates during our trips, had access to all the great photos they were taking, and reassured them that we were in good hands. And we were! It really was just an amazing experience and I would go back and do it all over again in a heartbeat. read more

This year was my first time going on a TFT trip and I can't say it enough how much this was the best experience of my life. Travel for teens not only allows you to become part of another culture but to also experience it first hand. This trip was the most amazing time of my life and it was completely unforgettable. Everything was always planned, and i constantly felt safe. All of the negative comments are completely false. TFT found a way to make me constantly feel safe. MY counselors were amazing and went out of there way to make sure that my group was always having the best time. The friendships i made were completely amazing and i could never be more grateful of an experience. I was on the Sicily Community Service, and stayed in the home of the Pennisi's, some of the most welcoming people ever with the largest hearts. I am beyond grateful and so thankful for TFT for giving me the best experience of my life. And also just a shoutout to Ned for being utterly amazing at what he does. read more

WARNING! Parents, please think twice before sending your child on a trip with this company! We sent our 18 year old daughter on the South Africa Community Service trip and it was totally a nightmare. Their group leader was young, rude and put the girls in very dangerous situations. In the evenings, the group leader would leave the girls in the room of the hostile while she partied downstairs with the locals. To keep them entertained she would bring loads of beer to the room. There were 14 year olds on this trip!! In addition these same young girls were down in the bar at night with the group leader and various men from the area where they were drinking alcohol and smoking from the hookah pipe. Night after night, the same thing happened. Volunteer during the day at the village (the reason most were on the trip) and at night, get drunk. In addition, the lock on the girls' room was broken and when they complained they were told it was nothing to worry about and that it was fine. THIS IS IN SOUTH AFRICA!! So of course, the room was robbed (while the girls were sleeping nearby.) The next day my daughter calls to tell me about the robbery but there is NO COMMUNICATION from the group leader or the company. I had to email them asking for an update. When one finally came the group leader blamed it on the girls saying they "Forgot to lock the doors." This was not the case because my daughter had already told me earlier in the week that the lock didn't work so it was a lie. Ironically, a few nights later the group leader had her belongings stolen out of another room. Guess her local friend forgot to lock his door too. After the break in and my email, the President of Travel for Teens got involved and sent another group leader down to oversee the trip. This did help a lot but at this point the trip was almost over. The girls who had their items stolen still had expenses each day that they needed money to cover. Travel for Teens had said not to worry if you run out of money because the group leader has access to additional money and will help out. That was not the case. One girl who lost all her money in the robbery was dropped off at the airport without a dime in her pocket. When she asked the assistant group leader for money, she was told that there wasn't any money for her. This girl had airplane transfers, layovers and transportation costs that she would need money to help cover in order for her to get home. The other campers on the trip pulled their money together and gave it to her so she could eat and get home without having to panhandle. They were just going to send her along with nothing. It was a dangerous and awful experience. I am just grateful that my daughter was 18 and old enough to handle most of the situations. If I was the parent of one of the 14 or 15 year old girls on this trip, I would be furious. I hope this is helpful to others considering sending their children on a trip with this company. read more