Student (under 18) travel programs

[NinaBella]

just curious about if anyone knows of a travel program for teenagers? My son really wants to travel and more than anything it's difficult for us to take that much time off work. A youth travel program would be great. I do not know of any in our area or from his school. He is currently 15 and I would send him next year at 16 if I found an appropriate travel program offered during The summer months.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Are there any other schools in the area? He might be able to join a group. Would student exchange be possible?

I'd probably find an older cousin or family friend to be "in charge" and let them plan a hostelling trip to whatever country holds the most interest. 16 is old enough to stay in many hostels in the dorms, and if they can navigate a domestic city alone, they'd be fine overseas.

But if you really want a tour, just google teen travel groups. Nat Geographic looked like it had the most variety. They also have some specialized tours, like community service and photography. Here's the Europe page.

http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/find-a-trip-results?destinations=europe&interests=mix&age-group=mix

 

[NinaBella]

So far I have found a program that is for ages 13-18. It is marketed to not making you a tourist but into a traveler. A few trips involves service activities like helping teach English at a Japanese school or working at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand bathing elephants. This is on the expensive side; which is the downside. This one is for teens 13-18, not college students.
http://www.travelforteens.com/

I found another program for age 18 and up for much less, but you spend a lot more time doing volunteer labor for college credit and service hours.