Summer is such a magical time. School is finally out, the weather is just balmy, and you have infinite freedom! That’s right, you can do whatever your heart desires. Sounds ideal, right? Until you realize you’re probably going to end up staying at home playing video games, hanging out with the same three friends everyday, and trying not to go insane from the additional *quality* time you now are expected to spend with your parents. Enter: teen summer travel programs.
You won’t miss out on soaking up the rays during these teen summer travel programs!
Don’t let this summer put you in the same old rut! These high school summer travel programs are the antidote to the mundane. Get out of your parents’ house and explore the world this summer! You’ll be grateful for the chance to explore beyond the four walls of your house, and, let’s be honest, your parents would love some quality time of their own.
10 teen summer travel programs you (and your parents) will love
Editor’s note: This information on teen summer travel programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris with Travel for Teens — 9.83
Are you craving cosmopolitan culture? Do you want to explore Europe’s finest cities, but don’t know where to start? Close your eyes and imagine walking down cobbled streets as the smell of fresh croissants and espresso waft over you and give you a hug. Welcome to Paris!
But it doesn’t stop there — oh no, mon ami — this teen summer travel program’s allure gets better. You will get swept to Spain for a chance to watch flamenco dancers strut their stuff. You’ll explore Gothic architecture, art galleries, and beaches. Spend the summer sampling some of the most iconic European cultures.
- Snapshot: This 10-day adventure takes you around Paris and Barcelona. You’ll learn about art, culture, and even take a cooking class. Age requirement is 14-17, so you better jump on this before you graduate! Program includes ground transportation, accommodation, chaperones, guides, etc.
- Where? Barcelona and Paris
- When? July or August
- Read Travel for Teens reviews
2. Human Rights Internships in Jamaica with Projects Abroad — Be the first to review!
If you’re looking for high school summer travel programs that will help prepare you for meaningful work in the future, consider this Human Rights internship in Jamaica. While the work will be a little heavier than your BFF’s trip to Cancun, you’ll come home with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a tangible impact on someone's life.
There is no experience needed, but you’ll leave with boatloads of it. You’ll be doing research for NGOs, learn how human rights abuses are dealt with in developing countries, and become a human rights educator. When you’re not being a real-world superhero, explore Jamaica! The tropical island leisurely lays out some of the most picturesque beaches, and they are calling your name.
- Snapshot: Prepare and run educational workshops, work with kids at schools, research best practices, and become a human rights BOSS. You’ll stay with a local family, which will help immerse you in the culture. Anyone 16+ can join.
- Where? Mandeville, Jamaica
- When? Flexible start dates! Summer internship starts at your leisure. Minimum 1-week commitment.
- Read Projects Abroad reviews
3. Spanish Summer Camp for Teenagers with Intercultura Costa Rica — 10
We’re sure you know how good it looks (and feels) to be bilingual. But did you know it can be fun, too? You could learn Latin dances, cook authentic Costa Rican cuisine, and take weekend trips into the rainforest while you learn Spanish this summer.
It’s crazy that you can do all this while in high school! Summer travel programs have never been so well-rounded. You’ll even have opportunities to volunteer at schools, animal shelters, or beach clean-ups. This program truly checks all of the meaningful travel boxes. Not only will you learn spanish, but you’ll gain a sense of independence and global knowledge.
- Snapshot: Ages 13-17. Stay on the Heredia campus the first week, then transfer to a cozy house with a loving host fam’ (on the beach). You’ll have 20 hours of Spanish immersion each week, topped off with daily cultural activities led by bilingual chaperones.
- Where? Heredia, Costa Rica
- When? July
- Read Intercultura Costa Rica reviews
4. 15-Day Dynasties of Vietnam History Tour with Worldaway Learning Tours — Be the first to review!
Are you looking for the perfect blend of educational exploration with actual adventure? There are plenty of teen summer travel programs that encourage learning with cultural exploration. If you love museums and want a hands-on trip through the history of Vietnam, this is the program for you.
That’s right, learning can be fun! Don’t worry, this 15-day tour will not feel like you’re back in school. Each day is packed with activities like reconstructing ancient artifacts, bopping around on bikes, and shooting ancient crossbows.
- Snapshot: Professional tour guides will take groups from one activity to the next. Accomodation is provided (dorm style). Open to ages 14+.
- Where? Hanoi, Vietnam, and rural areas
- When? June, July (start the 1st Sunday of each month)
- Read Worldaway Learning Tours reviews
5. Under-18 Marine Conservation Expedition in Mexico with GoEco — Be the first to review!
Many high school summer travel programs give teenagers the opportunity hang out on the beach (which this one does) but not all include PADI certification. If you’re into marine life and just wanna hang out under the sea, this is the program for you.
When you’re in the deep blue, you’ll be testing out the waters of marine conservation. While you’re on survey dives you’ll collect data, identify species, and make friends with sea turtles and mermaids (most likely). How baller will your college application look with “PADI Certified Marine Conservation Extraordinaire” tacked on the end?
- Snapshot: Become a PADI certified marine conservation volunteer. Help raise environmental awareness in Pez Maya, a tourist destination, and explore ancient ruins on the weekend. This 14-day long trip is supervised by well-trained staff, whose goal is to create a safe, fun experience. Must be 15-17 to participate. Accomodation and food (during the week) included.
- Where? Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- When? July
- Read GoEco reviews
6. GoBeyond - Iceland - Inspiring Iceland with GoBeyond Student Travel — 10
Some high school summer travel programs come with a little something special that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy: community service. Now, we totally get it if you’re a little skeptical of this. You might be thinking, “but I want to have fun this summer! Not work”. Counter point: saving the planet while exploring some of its most impressive landscapes is actually a blast.
Iceland will take your breath away. Take a dip in steaming lagoons, trek across vibrant green countrysides, and acquaint yourself with the locals in towns. While you’re going on this life-changing endeavour, you’ll be participating in environmental restoration projects.
- Snapshot: Calling all 14-18-year-olds! You’ll earn 30 hours of environmental community service while traversing the rolling green hills of Iceland. Take a 15-day trip around the country of Fire and Ice.
- Where? Iceland! From Reykjavik to Húsavik, and around the Golden Circle.
- When? June and July
- Read GoBeyond Student Travel reviews
7. Argentina: Community Service & The Great Outdoors — 9.47
Learn a new language, gear up for rugged outdoor escapades, and do a lil community service on the side? Could these teen summer travel programs GET any better? This program is a fast-paced adventure for the teen looking for a life-changing summer trip.
If you’re not afraid to get dirty and want to challenge yourself, this is the program for you. Explore the Argentinian countryside (by horse, mind you; we don’t mess around) and learn about the culture from your host family. You’ll even get a chance to camp out under the stars!
Argentina is the perfect place for nature lovers. The Salinas Grandes (massive salt flats) are surreal vast planes that shimmer in the bright sun. In certain places, the sky smiles down on the ground in perfect reflection. It’s like you’re walking through the sky. And that’s just a small taste.
- Snapshot: Spend 4 days in Buenos Aires for your orientation, then galavant to Salta or Jujuy for a 14-day adventure. You’ll live with a local family, or be put up in hotels/hostels when needed. This trip isn’t for faint of heart; you’ll be roughin’ it for the majority of your time (e.g. camping and community service). P.S. you must have at least one year of Spanish under your cinturon to participate.
- Where? Salta or Jujuy, Argentina
- When? July
- Read The Experiment in International Living reviews
8. Surf, Scuba, Raft & Hike in Costa Rica & Panama with Outward Bound Costa Rica — 10
Anyone else have the insatiable desire to say adios to society, live in the jungle, and swing from the trees Tarzan style? No? But you do have that adventure bug crawling on ya? Well, if it bites, this is the program for you. Surf, Scuba, Raft, and Hike Costa Rica! The description is pretty much riiiiight in the title, but you can also read as: best summer of your life.
High school summer travel programs are perfect opportunities to push yourself and grow. Outward Bound makes sure you have a chance to build life and leadership skills, volunteer, learn from local cultures, and gain a new level of self-awareness. All while having the time of your life.
- Snapshot: This 2-8 week summer adventure is for ages 14-18. Outward Bound will take you surfing, scuba diving, rafting, and hiking across Costa Rica or Panama. Choose from several course options (example: Service Hike & Homestay, or Surf Service & CPR).
- Where? Costa Rica or Panama, depending on the course you choose.
- When? June, July, or August.
- Read Outward Bound Costa Rica reviews
9. High School Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal with GVI — 10
It’s more fun to travel when you can completely immerse yourself in the culture. That’s why GVI’s high school summer travel programs place students in the homes of locals. This program in Nepal puts you in a traditional Nepali village, where you’ll have the chance to learn all about culture, language, and traditions.
Connect with the community by giving back: Volunteer with construction projects that will provide stability to a community still affected by the 2015 earthquake. You’re sure to find a sense of calm in ancient Buddhist temples and sublime, towering mountains that frame the village.
- Snapshot: This program was designed for ages 15-17. World-class leaders will supervise and mentor younger volunteers as they help improve sanitation, build tanks for drinking water, or renovate schools. Attend daily language classes, assist in construction projects, and get lost in the tranquil Nepali mountains. Program runs 2-4 weeks.
- Where? Pokhara, Nepal
- When? June or July
- Read GVI reviews
10. BVI Summer Adventures for Teens with ActionQuest — 9.89
Touted as “a sailor’s paradise and a diver’s dream,” this mean, teen marine scene is one of the hottest high school summer travel programs we’ve come across this year. By hot, we mean you’ll be in the Caribbean, so bring lots of water, sunblock, and flowy linen pants (for full effect, pack canvas boat shoes. You’ll feel very fancy).
ActionQuest’s Summer Adventure combines luxury with hands-on learning. You’ll be scuba diving, sailing, learning about marine biology, and even doin’ some community service (lush hills and sandy beaches are more enjoyable when they’re not covered in trash).
- Snapshot: This action-packed program is 21 days of adventure, topped off with 20-hours of community service (certificate included), PADI (another cert *woot*) and sailing experience. Requirements: ages 14+, and desire for a life-changing summer.
- Where? British Virgin Islands
- When? June and July
- Read ActionQuest reviews
Where will you go this summer? Click here to start your adventure ASAP.
It’s not too late to shop for high school summer travel programs
Dive in and make the most of your summer!
Teen summer travel programs are the perfect excuse to get out of the house and into the world. There are opportunities for students who want to take a relaxed summer of culture immersion and exploration, and for those interested in more hands-on, action-based adventures.
Need to cultivate those warm fuzzies? Volunteer this summer! Community service never sounded so good. The perks are bountiful: have a killer summer to brag about to your friends, create lifelong connections across the globe, and have bomb stories for your college applications.
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