Travel For Teens: Thailand

After one incredible summer with Travel for Teens in 2014, I knew I wanted to travel again this past summer with them. I had my doubts that any trip could live up to the first one, but TFT proved otherwise instantly. Our first night in Chiang Mai, we made wishes on floating lanterns and released them into the sky, setting the bar pretty high for the rest of the trip. But every single day was better than the one before. We volunteered at elephant sanctuaries, caring for the elderly and playing with the babies, then went on a two-day white water rafting trip down the Pai River, which brought a lot of us out of our comfort zone in the best way. I won't outline the whole itinerary, but I think that everything that we did taught me a little more about myself and about the world around me. And the best part was the bonds that I formed with the other students on the trip- we came in as perfect strangers, but walked away best friends. The entire group was able to connect with each other with not one person left out, which I think is really special. There is no sugar-coating and no exaggeration when I say that it was the best 17 days of my life.

Hi! After spending hours with my best friend trying to find the place we wanted to go to, and the company we wanted to go with, we finally went with Travel for Teens: Thailand Service and Adventure. Going on the trip we were super nervous, but as soon as we all introduced ourselves, we became super close and comfortable. I honestly can say I have never had an experience like I did over the summer! Thailand was not only an amazing country in general, but TFT really helped make it both interesting and fun. I met so many amazing people and did SO MANY amazing things! Including building a school in the north for younger children, working at an elephant conservation camp, scuba diving in Ko Phi Phi (so beautiful!), kayaking and biking around rice fields at the foot of the himalayas, exploring magnificent castles and landmarks in Bangkok, and walking through Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi. These are only some of the AMAZING things we did on this trip. I can honestly say that i had never been happier than when I was when I was on this trip. Hopefully I will be able to go on another trip with TFT next summer, and make more amazing memories.

Three summers ago I decided to spend three weeks traveling and working in a village in Thailand. During our time spent there, we worked hands on in constructing a school and providing day to day necessities for the village. The highlights and life changing moments, were the times spent with the children. Here is where I realized that laughter is a universal language. I had only learned a couple word in Thai, yet through smiles and giggles was able to fully communicate with the children. Leaving the village after the work was complete was the most bitter-sweet moments of my life. After building the school, our group had the opportunity to travel to Koh Pi Pi Island and Bangkok. Through our travels, we met the most incredible people and experience an amazing culture. This program inspired me to continue on with this company as a staff member, and study International Relations in college.

We began the trip in Chaing Mai, where we completed some of the service and were taught basic Thai phrases. My favorite part of the trip was the Hill Tribe Village, where we got to stay with a host family and worked on building a school for the children. After this we transitioned into a more relaxing atmosphere by going to the islands. We ended the trip in Bangkok, where we got to see Thai boxing and travel around the city.