Travel For Teens: Costa Rica

I loved this trip so much and recommend it to anyone who loves adventure! I was super nervous at first, and have never gone on a trip by myself before, but as soon as I met everyone at the airport, my nerves went away. It was an amazing trip, and we did so many fun activities, including: ziplining, canyoning, tubing, hiking, snorkeling, and my personal favourite... surfing! I loved how each day we had a different activity planned, but we still had enough down time to either go swimming, shopping, or rest time, so that we did not tire ourselves out too quickly. We even went on a personal boat ride to an island where we did some snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming. We also had lunch on board as well! I totally would recommend this trip!

What an amazing experience! This trip was truly 3-weeks that changed my life and perspective forever. Spending this time in Costa Rica will be the best choice you will ever make, I know it’s the best choice that I made. Expect to join a group of teens that are also interested in exploring the world and helping out animals. I still stay in touch with these friends 2 years later, and even have made trips across the country to New York City to visit my Costa Rica pals! The best part of the whole trip to me was the animals and working at the rescue center. Learn the proper care for these exotic animals and work with other volunteers from all over the world who share the same interests as you. Some of the amazing experiences I had were babysitting the baby sloths, taking a baby anteater into the forest, or feeding the young monkeys. Outside of working at the rescue center I tried so many things that were out of my comfort zone, a night hike in the jungle, salsa dancing in front of a whole restaurant, and ziplining through the jungle. I recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in immersing themselves into a new culture, and not afraid to get dirty and work hard to help this animal sanctuary.

Signing up for a Travel For Teens trip was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was a bit nervous at first about traveling by myself, and I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends. Little did I know that in just a two week time period I’d have a whole new point of view on travel, and friends that will last a lifetime. There was never once a second where I felt homesick because every day was filled with life changing experiences like working hands-on with sea turtles, ziplining, surfing, and exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Our counselors were some of the sweetest, and funniest people I’ve ever met, and were super helpful in guiding us on how to be proper travelers, rather than tourists. I swear time moves quicker in Costa Rica, because those amazing two weeks were over too soon. Our group may have looked incredibly weird to the patrons in Miami Airport terminal 24 who probably do not see very many groups of 12 teenagers huddled in a crying group hug. We eventually all managed to stop crying and go our separate ways, meanwhile planning our TFT trips for the next summer. Overall I returned more confident and open than I was before going on the trip, and am counting down the days till my next trip.

This summer I went to the Costa Rica for younger teens: Hola Costa Rica trip. It's a very big step to go out of the country with people you don't know. Trust me I was very hesitant. It takes a lot of courage to sign up for something so far out of your comfort zone, assure you, you will NOT regret it. I had the time of my life. Everything was perfect. The food was wonderful. The other kids were great. The counselors were very professional and experienced. It was truly a life changing experience that I was lucky enough to be a part of. This was the best summer ever!

Henry Bleiweiss

I traveled on the Costa Rica Adrenaline this summer. It was my first time traveling without my family, and, boy, was I nervous. All those fears quickly disappeared once I arrived to the airport and met my travel mates. Although we all came from different parts of the country we immediately bonded. I loved the hacienda and its horses. The tubing was my favorite of the many adventures. The guides made me feel comfortable and safe. I made lifelong friends and can’t wait for my next adventure! I would recommend travel for teens for anyone looking to break out of their comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Everything is super organized and there is nothing to worry about. I can’t imagine a better tour group. Next: Asia?

I cannot thank TFT enough for the incredible experience they provided with in Costa Rica. Each day offered something new and exciting like paddle boarding on the Gulf of Mexico or playing soccer with Costa Rican school children. Both my counselors, Jenna and Hadley were enthusiastic and filled the room with positive energy. Every place we stayed was clean and safe and each activity was very well coordinated. I am so grateful I had this opportunity and I urge everyone to go TFT!

My Costa Rica experience with TFT was an unforgettable one. I appreciated how it was not just a “vacation” but I was very invested in the culture and communities there. From zip-lining across the green rainforest, to building playgrounds for Costa Rican children, TFT did a fantastic job allowing me to see all the amazing things Costa Rica has to offer. The staff members were amazing, and easy to bond with, yet still placed reasonable and strict rules in place.

My experience with TFT has been nothing short of great. I loved my trip, the people, and sharing so many great adventures with everyone. I hope to do it again sometime soon! We went ziplining, white water rafting, and had so many crazy adventures. For service, we helped out at a school by cleaning their walls, and picked up trash on the beaches and in the streets. We also got to go on an alligator tour as well and see all the beautiful sites Costa Rica has to offer.