
Savannah Petrelli
Travel For Teens
AlumniEver since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see an...
Read Full Interview

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
Travel For Teens
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Adventure through Europe with us and get a real backpacking experience as we navigate from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy—get a rail pass, explore cities with various daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibiliti
See All 10 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
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Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out
See All 3 ProgramsGlobal Works
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Embark on a French adventure that takes you through the Alps, the streets of Paris, and more! Make local friends, experience homestays with French families, and earn community service hours while working with locals and through environmental projects in the Alps! Experience the famous Bastille Day t
International Language Camps
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Join an unforgettable international summer experience in the French Alps. Designed for young people aged 10 to 13, our Junior Program combines English or French language learning, outdoor adventures, cultural discovery and friendships with campers from around the world. Each week includes 15 hours
See All 3 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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‘Oh la la’ all day! Stroll through cobblestone streets with a freshly baked croissant in hand and marvel at France's iconic landmarks, history, and architecture. As enchanting as the famed Eiffel Tower is, the country doesn’t end in Paris! And we’ll show you that! Each region of this beautiful count
Westcoast Connection
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There's nothing like visiting France through a Westcoast Connection program. As one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, we'll show you that France is even more beautiful and amazing than you thought it could be. You won't simply visit the star landmarks of Paris like the Arc de Triomphe, th
Putney Student Travel
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Experience the best of Western Europe on this high school exploration across Switzerland, France, and Holland. Begin in the Swiss Alps, hiking through alpine meadows, canyoning through mountain gorges, and taking in sweeping views of glaciers and peaks. Continue to Paris to immerse yourself in iconi
See All 2 ProgramsALIORE, Worldwide Workshops
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Volunteer 15 hours each week in exchange for free room and board in the south of France. This programme gives you the opportunity to live with a French host family, share your English and discover French culture from the inside. In exchange for your own room and meals, you spend around 15 hours per
Spanish Gap Year
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This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), professional skills through internships or
Euroventure Travel Ltd
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Our Whole of Europe route is a fast-paced tour of Europe’s most popular cities. Experience authentic European backpacking, travel with a small group of likeminded people, stay in great hostels, and ride on public transport with an experienced guide. You’ll have between one and four nights in each c
See All 5 ProgramsAbbey Road Programs
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In Nice, you will live in a modern student apartment, in the beautiful Old Port neighborhood, in the very heart of town. Every student chooses two classes as their academic focus: a major and an elective. The French major class meets every morning Monday to Friday while electives meet three afte
See All 2 ProgramsSoccer Camps International
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Step into the future of football at the Official Paris Saint-Germain PSG Academy in France. As one of the fastest-growing and most modern clubs in the world, PSG offers young players the chance to train using the same methods as their professional idols. Based in the Greater Paris area, our programs
GHardy Tours
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Experience history firsthand with GHardy’s immersive WWI & WWII battlefield tours, designed for students, educators, and history enthusiasts. Travel through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, exploring pivotal war sites and memorials while deepening your understanding of global history. This educ
Looking For Soccer
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Since 2019, Looking for Soccer has been helping families find and book the right football camp — for kids and adults alike. To date, the platform has guided over 10,000 young players toward top-level soccer experiences across France and Europe. With a network of 50+ prestigious partner clubs and ac
Thriving Futures 2100
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A learning adventure combining travel, community, mentorship, and real-world projects across Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Develop practical skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, creative media, and environmental understanding while exploring future career pathways, building lifelong
For a country that’s slightly smaller than the state of Texas, France packs a lot of interesting terrain into a small package. You can go from the mountains to the sea in a matter of hours, with miles of idyllic countryside sandwiched in between. Each region is perfectly suited for a different activity; whether you want high-altitude adventures, sandy beach living, or an urban experience brimming with culture, France has got your back.
Paris is no doubt at the top of many traveler’s lists, and for good reasons. The lively, modern French capital is considered a hub for fashion, art, and culinary trends. Get active by exploring the city’s historical sites on a bicycle tour or join thousands of others for Pari Roller, a weekly rollerblading soirée around the city. Don’t forget to stop by the neighborhood marché to load up on cheese and charcuterie for a picnic lunch along the Seine!
When you tire of the city, head out to les Alpes; France’s slice of this European mountain range is loaded with outdoor adventures. Get your bearings in a mountain town like Annecy or Chamonix before heading out for world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or climbing. Spending all day in the mountains makes for big appetites, so take advantage of hearty regional specialities like tartiflette and raclette. You’ll soon understand there is no such thing as too much cheese!
For those who prefer sand and surf, la Méditerranée is the place to be. This famous coastline runs from Spain to Italy and has no shortage of palm-lined boulevards and laid-back vibes. Check out upscale Nice or the university town of Montpellier when you need a break from the waves. The entire coast boasts ruins that date back to Roman times, so make sure you take a helping of history along with your ratatouille.
If you can’t decide on one location, or even just one country, many adventure programs include France on multi-country European tours. Spend the summer visiting Spain, Italy, Switzerland, or Germany in addition to your French séjour and return home with a smorgasbord of European experiences!
Life in France is similar to many other countries, but for some reason, it just feels sweeter. Friends linger over dinner, month-long vacations are a fact of life, and almost everyone gets outside on the weekend to enjoy a moment en plein air. The French are experts at finding and appreciating leisurely moments, and the country is filled with opportunities for you to do the same.
Most adventure programs in France are run in small groups, allowing you to meet other travelers and take advantage of adventure activities in an intimate setting. For high school and college students, student tours are a popular way to see the sights and visit France’s notable tourist spots. These tours often include a set itinerary filled with activities such as hiking and paddling, as well as extreme adventures like ziplining or paragliding.
Other adventures in France focus on one specific activity, allowing you to get outside while also familiarizing yourself with French culture. Hiking adventures are popular so travelers can opt for forested walks along cool rivers in the Dordogne region or intense mountain climbs and gîte (lodge) stays in the Alps. Others may prefer to spend time cycling along country roads in Provence, enjoying a slower pace of life surrounded by lavender fields and stone villages.
Horseback riding is a national pastime and can be done in nearly every region; the country is packed with trails that are perfect for riding in any season. If you can’t get enough powder at home, check out a skiing camp that will have you riding massive lines in no time. Many adventures in France also include a homestay or language lessons to help you get the most out of your French experience.
Adventure programs in France are mostly short-lived affairs, packing a whole lot of activity into just two to eight weeks. For most students, this is perfect for a summer abroad, and luckily the weather tends to cooperate, providing warm weather and long, sunny days. If you just can’t get enough, you can always return on a longer study program at either the high school or college level too.
Once you’ve decided that an adventure in France is right for you, the next step is figuring out how to finance it. France isn’t necessarily an expensive country, but those Euros can add up pretty quickly if you’re not careful. Luckily, budgeting and some research can make the costs of adventures in France more manageable.
Costs vary by program, but be prepared to spend around $3,000 for a two-week trip and up to $7,000 for a month or more. Most adventures in France include lodging, meals, and local transportation, but not airfare. Remember to budget for souvenirs, snacks, and personal items, too. Food costs are similar to those in other Western countries, and you can pick up un café and pastry for just a couple Euros.
You probably don’t have a couple thousand dollars just lying around, but there are ways to raise money to pay for your adventures in France. Travelers who are students may be able to earn credit for their time abroad, and use financial aid or scholarships to pay for certain programs. Otherwise, nothing is as effective as a part-time job and a savings account. It may take some time, but when you’re rushing through a gorge at full-speed on a zipline, you’ll probably conclude it was worth it.
Lodging in France is one thing travelers don’t need to worry much about; rooms are abundant and the biggest headache will probably be carrying your bags up three flights of stairs. Though quarters may be small, accommodations are generally quite comfortable in France.
Travelers in France most commonly stay in hotels, guest houses, or hostels. Be prepared to share rooms with others in your group (aka. you may need to bring some ear plugs), but you’ll also have a great opportunity to make friends with others from around the world.
You likely won’t need a visa to visit France, as long as your stay is under 90 days and you’re visiting for tourism purposes. There are exceptions to this rule, depending on your citizenship and the specific program, so be sure to verify this with your tour organization before departure. For more information on visas, be sure to check out GoAbroad’s French Embassy Directory.
If you’ve never traveled abroad before, France is great for novice travelers. Getting around the country is fairly easy, and most locals are happy to help you out (though attempting your question en français is always appreciated!). Common items you might need during your trip are widely available, and the cuisine will keep you full and happy.
Adventure programs in France are a great opportunity to try something new. You’re in a different country, with strange people, and it’s the perfect time to take a chance. Never tried surfing, eating escargots, or paragliding? There’s no better time than now. Just say oui!
While traveling in France is not difficult, be aware of the differences in French social interactions. Staring at others is common, but smiling at strangers is considered strange. What you interpret as rudeness may be a culturally appropriate response and actually not insulting. Take a moment to research cultural norms before you depart; this will help you understand your experience better and save you from many potential faux pas.
Spending time in France is a dream for many, and having the chance to dig deep into the landscape and culture is an immense opportunity. While you’re out there exploring, take the time to appreciate France’s beauty and history as you learn about its unique culture. It’s a complex country with many layers, and your first visit is sure to leave you wanting to return for more.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: TFT: Alpine Adventure - Switzerland, France and Italy
Travel For Teen’s Alpine Adventure gave me opportunities that no other company could top. Whether it was zip lining through the Swiss Alps or even paragliding from above the French Alps, these experiences were truly a once in a lifetime experience. Cultural experiences were also at the forefront of the trip with nights filled with delicious cuisine from all three countries. To wrap it up, there’s nothing I would’ve have traded for such a great trip, and I recommend this to any teen wanting to get out of their comfort zone.


This was the best trip of my life!! I met so many people on this trip who I now consider my best friends and who I talk to on a daily baises! I loved the itenairy and the way that the trip went was the best possible way I could ask!!
I had the best time on my TFT trip to Italy, Spain, and France, where we visited Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Paris! The trip was the perfect mix of city exploration, cultural experiences, and coastal scenery. Some of my favorite highlights included taking a cooking class in Montalcino, cruising along the Seine River, visiting the Colosseum and the Sagrada Familia, exploring Florence's leather shops, and seeing the Eiffel Tower. I also loved trying new foods and experiencing the different cultures throughout the trip. The TFT trip directors are incredible! They are so accommodating, organized, and welcoming, and they made sure everyone felt included and had an amazing experience. Travel For Teens gave me the opportunity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and make memories I'll never forget. Having traveled with TFT multiple summers, I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for an unforgettable trip filled with new adventures and amazing people!
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
I've had the privilege of traveling with TFT for the past few years on several different trips, and each trip not only taught me something about the world, but about myself. I can accredit TFT with some of my best friends and some of my favorite memories!! It is one of the best decisions I've ever made and I would recommend it to anybody!!!
This was my second trip on trial for teens and they’ve both been extraordinary. The trip planning really stood out because they’re very well planned down to the hour and the staff have ordered also very caring and hopeful. Lastly, the other kids were all nice and they were easy to become friends with.

Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
I did my second trip with TFT to Italy, Switzerland, and France and it couldn't have been better!! TFT's trips create a really open yet safe environment- giving us freedom in safe areas to feel like locals while having structured tours of important sites. They created a really awesome environment that allowed me to make quick friends with the other kids on the trip. If you're able to do a trip with TFT, definitely do it. I have memories that will stick with me forever!



Program: TFT Older Teens: London, Paris, French Riviera & Barcelona
This past summer I went on Travel for Teen’s London, Paris, French Riviera, and Barcelona trip! I went with around 14 other teens who were all super nice!! On this trip we participated in fun activities like a bike tour of Paris, the beach, shopping, climbing the Eiffel Tower, visiting a perfume factory and more. We also had some freedom to choose what we would like to do and had free time on our own within safe perimeters. The locations we ate at had a variety of food options and we also visited different restaurants that offered a variety of cuisines like Indian and traditional English food! It was so much fun!

Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
This trip was such a good experience! Everyday we would have a group activity and we would also get free time which was nice because we got to explore around each city. All of the accommodations were really nice and clean. The meals were very flexible and the restaurants were nice and had some good variety. Overall I’d say this trip was amazing and if you’re considering going you should!
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
This trip was such a good experience! Everyday we would have a group activity and we would also get free time which was nice because we got to explore around each city. All of the accommodations were really nice and clean. The meals were very flexible and the restaurants were nice and had some good variety. Overall I’d say this trip was amazing and if you’re considering going you should!
I was on the Italy, Switzerland, and France TFT trip the summer before my junior year, and it was the best experience. It was such a good blend of destinations, from Italian beaches, Swiss Mountains, and city life in Paris. The trip was filled with fun excursions such as paragliding, canyoning, and hiking, but also gave kids enough down time to be able to walk around towns or relax on the beach. As someone who is adventurous and has always loved to explore, this trip was perfect as TFT made time for exploring the local culture and daily life of the places we visited. Seeing the leather market in Firenze and eating local Parisian food was so much fun and also allowed me time to talk to locals about their home country. The staff of TFT were incredible and they always made sure everyone was happy with the trip through consistent check-ins, asking if there was anything else we needed or wanted to do to make our trip even better. If you have a kid who is adventurous and wants experience being more independent before college, I highly recommend TFT trips.
When going into a trip abroad, young and without your family, this trip truly strengthens you through the trust you can have in your counselor. I will forever cherish this trip for the strength it gave me. I have made many of my best friends through these trips.

Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
I have done other teen tours but nothing compared to Travel for Teens. Starting with both of my chaperones (Noah and Claudia), they were genuinely amazing, the sweetest, coolest, and “older sibling” energy. Then, the places we went: My favorite was Switzerland so beautiful and between canyoning and paragliding COULD NOT have asked for anything better. Italy was beautiful and Paris was so much fun. All of the other students on my trip were great, after a couple hours together we all clicked. I came into the trip on my own and left with 15 new friends. I know my parents really appreciated the daily updates from my trip leaders and the pictures they would send. I felt super safe and comfortable the entire time. I would 110% recommend going on a trip with TFT!
This trip was honestly so fun. I went with my friend, but I went alone the year before to Greece and Italy and had no problem making friends. I’d say it’s important to remember to be open to meeting new people of you’re thinking of going with a friend. I had the best time ever! Our counselor was the sweetest, and the itinerary is great. Easy to feel supported in the environment, and we even went to a spooky exhibition that wasn’t on the itinerary! Totally recommend
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
I had lots of fun on this trip I went with a friend we had a great experience. Our counselors were awesome. We went swimming in Italy and paragliding in Switzerland. Switzerland was probably my favorite stop. It was super beautiful and I would love to go back. I made lots of new friends and had an amazing time. I’m still in contact with some of the people I went on the trip with even though it’s been almost 4 months and I still talk to some from my trip last year. it was overall a great experience.
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
As someone who travels full-time and enjoys blogging about new experiences, this trip was one of the most memorable journeys I've had. Visiting Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland, and Paris gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, beautiful landscapes, and incredible history in a single adventure. Florence impressed me with its stunning architecture and rich artistic heritage, while Cinque Terre offered colorful coastal villages and breathtaking sea views that were perfect for photography and relaxing walks. During the trip, I captured many memorable moments and later shared some of my travel experiences alongside my gaming and technology articles on my website, 33RS Game (33rsgame.net). Traveling inspires much of my writing, and exploring new places always gives me fresh ideas for creating engaging content. Switzerland was everything I hoped for, with its breathtaking mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and efficient transportation making every day enjoyable. Paris was the perfect destination to end the journey, offering iconic landmarks, charming cafés, beautiful architecture, and an unforgettable atmosphere. The itinerary was well organized, giving us enough time to explore each destination without feeling rushed. I also met wonderful people throughout the journey, making the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone who loves travel, discovering new cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're visiting Europe for the first time or returning to experience more, this journey offers an excellent combination of history, nature, culture, and adventure that you'll remember for years to come.
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
As someone who travels full-time and enjoys blogging about new experiences, this trip was one of the most memorable journeys I've had. Visiting Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland, and Paris gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, beautiful landscapes, and incredible history in a single adventure. Florence impressed me with its stunning architecture and rich artistic heritage, while Cinque Terre offered colorful coastal villages and breathtaking sea views that were perfect for photography and relaxing walks. During the trip, I captured many memorable moments and later shared some of my travel experiences alongside my gaming and technology articles on my website, 33RS Game (33rsgame.net). Traveling inspires much of my writing, and exploring new places always gives me fresh ideas for creating engaging content. Switzerland was everything I hoped for, with its breathtaking mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and efficient transportation making every day enjoyable. Paris was the perfect destination to end the journey, offering iconic landmarks, charming cafés, beautiful architecture, and an unforgettable atmosphere. The itinerary was well organized, giving us enough time to explore each destination without feeling rushed. I also met wonderful people throughout the journey, making the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone who loves travel, discovering new cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're visiting Europe for the first time or returning to experience more, this journey offers an excellent combination of history, nature, culture, and adventure that you'll remember for years to come.
This was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I learned skills and made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I made lifelong friends during this shared adventure. This was the best thing I could have done for myself.
I had so much fun in Spain and France. From the food to the locations to the people it was a blast and TFT made sure to guide us and give us the freedom to explore how we wanted. I have such amazing memories and met awesome people from this trip and would love to go again.
Overall amazing, love using this company every time. Never fails to exceed my expectations. The counselors go above and beyond! Going into my first trip a few years ago, I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but once I found the counselors and met more friends I had bonds that lasted a lifetime. This program creates everlasting friendships and memories that stick with me. Best teen travel company out there. So many places to go, highly trained professionals, amazing views , food, hotels, and more.
Program: TFT: Alpine Adventure - Switzerland, France and Italy
This trip had everything!! I got to go hiking up to a waterfall, have a snowball fight on a glacier, go canyoning and mountain biking, do ropes courses and zip lines, and climb up mountains while also getting to walk around cute places and take pictures, swim in lakes and tan, go shopping, walk around a castle, go to a water park, have a karaoke night, and of course try all the cool European food! Everyone on this trip was so much fun and I had the time of my life!!
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Savannah Petrelli
Travel For Teens
AlumniEver since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see an...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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