Being a teenager is very much an on-the-job-training experience. As one of the most pronounced times of growth and development as a human being, these years bring many challenges and changes where your ability to adapt, overcome limitations, and pursue strengths are tested. Instead of shying away from this type of learning, lean into it by taking a trip abroad as a teen!
When you think of the word ‘destination’ you’re probably thinking of a place worthy of travel or maybe the end of a journey. But a destination is a not only a physical place. A destination is also the purpose for which someone (*cough*you*cough*) is meant for. Deciding to take a teen trip is an intentional act of proclaiming that you are destined for a life of meaningful travel! Take the leap, embrace the change, and watch your life come alive before your eyes!
Skip cross-country training and go cross-continental!
Popular trips for teens
Trips for teens manifest themselves in a variety of different ways. You can do meaningful community service trips for high school students, immerse yourself in a foreign language, study abroad, or tour some of the world’s most spectacular terrain in the most adventurous of ways. Whichever type of teen trip is calling your name, the most important part is that you’re getting outside of your comfort zone bright and early.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative spring break, a better way to spend your summer break, or a gap year between high school and college, trips for teen abound and there’s a program out there for you.
So, get started with your search now and check out these 20 amazing destinations for teen trips, for as summer trips for high school students and more!
Trips for teens in great places—our top 20
Oh, the places you’ll go! When you start to get overwhelmed with excitement, and the burden of too many choices, check out our list of the top places for trips for teens.
1. Italy
A destination coveted by millions, Italy is a gracious host of teen trips full of soul-stirring and Insta-worthy scenery. We first fell in love with the idea of Italy watching Lizzie McGuire jet around on the back of a vespa and that love still hasn’t faded. After you leave, Italy will always have a pizza your heart.
It’s im-pasta-ble not to have a (meat)ball with teen trips in Italy!
Recommended programs:
- Travel for Teens: Read Travel for Teens reviews | Visit their site
- CIEE: Read CIEE Reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Italy
2. Spain
Practice your Spanish lisp as you navigate the streets of España. Teen trips in Spain are full of unforgettable experiences like ogling original art by Picasso, ordering tapas (successfully) in local cafés, and relaxing along the Costa del Sol.
You’re in for a Major(ca) personal transformation traveling in Spain.
Recommended programs:
- Experiment in International Living: Read EIL reviews | Visit their site
- Arcos Journeys Abroad: Read Reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Spain
3. France
Taking a trip to France will be Louvre at first sight. Learn to embrace the luxury of simplicity through the decadence of a fresh croissant or the hypnotization of the piercing blue sea of the French Riviera or the tickling of your ear by the beauty of the language.
We don’t want to be too cheesy, but teen trips in France are seriously life changing.
Recommended programs:
- Youth For Understanding: Read YFU reviews | Visit their site
- Council on International Educational Exchange: Read CIEE reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in France
4. England
Taking a trip across the pond is just about the closest you can get to time travel (or is it?). Teen trips through England are a journey through history. But not dull, dusty, retired-museum-guide history—history you can feel and relive.
What if you just dove(r) right into your Brit-trip?
Recommended programs:
- Reach Cambridge: Read Reach Cambridge reviews | Visit their site
- Future Foundations: Read Future Foundations reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in England
5. Costa Rica
Teen trips to Costa Rica—the peaceful soul of Central America—is where adrenaline junkies unite. Learn how to sink into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida before the stress of adulting gets to you first! This is the perfect spot to find service trips for teenagers with a side of espanol.
Ride the wave of teens traveling in Costa Rica and absolutely loving it.
Recommended programs:
- Maximo Nivel: Read Maximo Nivel reviews | Visit their site
- Camps International: Read Camps reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Costa Rica
6. Ireland
The Irish are perhaps the most welcoming people on the planet, making it an excellent location to get your feet wet in the ways of traveling abroad. Plus, Ireland is a cultural hotspot, so wherever you go you will be sure to get your daily dose of culture.
Irish Castle, Cong, Ireland
Recommended programs:
- Global Vision International: Read GVI reviews | Visit their site
- Academic Programs International: Read API reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school abroad programs in Ireland
7. Vietnam
A teen trip to Vietnam will be something you remember pho ever. Outstanding food, surreal scenery, history that demands self-reflection, and jaw-dropping adventures—Vietnam has it all for teens that want an exotic, outside-the-box trip abroad.
Teen trips in Vietnam are pho’real.
Recommended programs:
- Projects Abroad: Read Projects Abroad reviews | Visit their site
- Carpe Diem Education: Read Carpe Diem Education reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school programs in Vietnam
8. New Zealand
Middle Earth may be fantasy, but New Zealand certainly isn’t. Take a walk on the wild side and see what life looks like on the other side of the world where you can enjoy, rather than endure, a teen trip abroad. Just remember that summer trips for teens here are actually in their winter!
If you’re wanting to go on an adventure, New Zealand is the place to do it.
Recommended programs:
- Pacific Discovery: Read Pacific Discovery reviews | Visit their site
- Institute of Global Engagement: Read Institute of Global Engagement reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in New Zealand
9. Australia
For a koality teen trip abroad, Australia delivers mate! Australia is wildly beautiful in cultural, land, and spirit, and is something every teenage soul MUST experience firsthand. Service trips for teenagers down under almost ALWAYS help our furry friends!
You’re in for a boatload of fun with teen trips in Australia.
Recommended programs:
- Rustic Pathways: Read Rustic Pathways reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Australia
10. Cuba
You’ll be Havan-a good time when you take a teen trip abroad to Cuba! Practice your Spanish and pick up some sweet dance moves—Cuba is an island full of indefinable magic and trips for teens allow you to marinate yourself in the zest of it.
Every Instagram-able street aside, teen trips to Cuba guarantee improved Spanish and dancing ability.
Recommended programs:
- Adventures Rolling Cross-Country: Read ARCC reviews | Visit their site
- Global Works: Read Global Works reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school abroad programs in Cuba
11. Nepal
If the mountains are calling and you must go, Nepal is likely on the other end of the line. Teen trips to Nepal are full of breathtaking views (not just because of the altitude) and experiences of a lifetime. Take the time to explore eastern traditions and Buddhism, enjoy a warm chai, and really get to know the locals.
Don’t take a nap on Nepal—you’ll regret not going on this adventure.
Recommended programs:
- Where There Be Dragons: Read Where There Be Dragons reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Nepal
12. Argentina
Check some of the most iconic bucket list items, like Patagonia and the Andes, off your list in your teen years. If nothing else, the intense concentration of passion that resides in Argentina will seep into your soul and will be a souvenir you can carry around for life. Spend your typical beach-going months snowboarding when you sign up for summer trips for teens in Argentina.
Argentina will only cry for you if you pass up this awesome teen trip.
Recommended programs:
- Projects Abroad: Read Projects Abroad reviews | Visit their site
- Academic Programs International: Read API reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Argentina
13. Chile
Chile shelters some of the most pristine parts of our planet, and they shouldn't be missed. Climbing in the mountains of Chile during a teen trip abroad might just be where you reach a new peak in life. Just don’t forget a jacket… you know, in case you get cold.
Between the vibrant cities and idyllic countrysides, you’ll love chilling out in Chile.
Recommended programs:
- Broadreach: Read Broadreach reviews | Visit their site
- GoAbroad Chile: Read GoAbroad Chile reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school abroad programs in Chile
14. Tanzania
Waka waka , eh eh! It’s time for you to take a trip to Africa! The land of safaris will give you opportunities to get up close and personal with not only assorted animals, but opportunities for getting to know the country's diverse array of people and cultures.
If your only understanding of Africa comes from The Lion King, you’re about to have your mind. Blown. (In the best way.)
Recommended programs:
- Cross-Cultural Solutions: Read CCS reviews | Visit their site
- Global Leadership Adventures: Read GLA reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school programs abroad in Tanzania
15. Iceland
What’s cooler than being cool? Iceland! Trips for teens to Iceland have a whimsical, quirky, creative spirit that sparkle with life and warmly invite you to be a part of the fairytale-like magic. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet among the lava fields, crystal blue waters, waterfalls, and geysers. Here’s hoping you get a peek at the northern lights, too!
Contrary to popular belief, chasing waterfalls is exactly what you should be doing in Iceland.
Recommended programs:
- AFS-USA: Read AFS-USA reviews | Visit their site
- The Road Less Traveled: Read The Road Less Traveled reviews | Visit their site
- See all Iceland teen travel programs
16. Thailand
When you’re wanderlust has been relentless nagging you to take a trip and you finally cave and say, “Phuket let’s go,” Thailand will be waiting to take you on the teen trip your itinerant soul has been craving. Hop on the back of a motorbike, swim in warm, clear water, and enjoy a heaping pile of noodles post-adventure.
Don’t flip flop around on this—sign up for teen trips in Thailand.
Recommended programs:
- GoBeyond Student Travel: Read GoBeyond reviews | Visit their site
- Westcoast Connection: Read WCC reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Thailand
17. India
Teen trips to India are a reminder—and a beautiful opportunity—to let go of rigid Western schedules and busy-ness and simply live life day-by-day. Explore and learn about all the different regions, religions, languages, and customs of each state and region within this incredibly diverse country.
Everything about your time in India will be colorful—the sky, the textiles, the food, the personalities.
Recommended programs:
- Love Volunteers: Read Love Volunteers reviews | Visit their site
- Sankalp Volunteer: Read Sankalp Volunteer reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school programs in India
18. Japan
Udon even know how amazing of a trip Japan will be. There is nowhere else in the world where ancient traditions are still carried on amidst such a modern, high-tech, futuristic society—something you have to see to believe.
Don’t noodle around! Slurp up the opportunity to travel to Japan.
Recommended programs:
- Greenheart Travel: Read Greenheart reviews | Visit their site
- LanguBridge Education Centre: Read LanguBridge reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Japan
19. Fiji
Set your watch to island time, or just trade it in for the ambling milieu of Fiji. Full of welcoming people and jam-packed with underwater adventures, teen trips to Fiji are a truly immersive experience. You don’t know how far you’ll go (until you actually do… I guess).
Expect a lot more than just an island getaway with teen trips to Fiji and the South Pacific.
Recommended programs:
- Putney Student Travel: Read Putney reviews | Visit their site
- Pacific Discovery: Read Pacific Discovery reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school travel programs in Fiji
20. Ecuador
You are going to Ecu-adore the sublime scenery and dazzling diversity of this tiny, but lively country. Whether you’re a future conservationist, botanist, or just looking to break out of the classroom, a teen trip to Ecuador is guaranteed to knock your flip-flops off.
Galapa-get-up-and-go to Ecuador already!
Recommended programs:
- A Broader View Volunteers Corp: Read A Broader View reviews | Visit their site
- Ecuador Volunteer Foundation: Read Ecuador Volunteer Foundation reviews | Visit their site
- See all high school programs in Ecuador
Next steps to finding teen trips
Ready to take the next step towards a teen trip abroad? Check out these additional resources to help you get the ball rolling:
- Get matched with awesome trips for teen via GoAbroad’s Online Advisor.
- Compare and contrast trips for teens and get inspired with MyGoAbroad.
- Don’t have two pennies to rub together? Check out FundMyTravel.
- [INFOGRAPHIC] — Your Roadmap to High School Abroad
- How to Find Incredible Teen Travel Programs
- Experiential Travel Advice for Teens
So that was a lot of information thrown at you all at once, huh? Try not to be intimidated or overwhelmed. Take a breath and remember that will all be worth it.
Teen trips for all!
No matter what you’re into, you know what’s in you—a desire to travel meaningfully. Taking a teen trip to one of these amazing destinations will be an amazing gateway to a future life of traveling abroad with purpose! So what the heck are you waiting for? Get out there and do it!
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