Student Adventure Travel Ideas: 6 Amazing and Unforgettable Experiences to Try

There’s no doubt about it. The best time in your entire life to see the world and have amazing experiences overseas is when you’re young, learning new experiences, and when you have time. Planning a big adventure is much harder once you enter the workforce, so student adventure travel is an opportunity of a lifetime! 

The problem is, there’s a big wide world out there, and it can be hard to know where to go and what to do. That’s why at Further Travel, we’ve made it easier for you to see the world, learn from it, and make new friendships. Our programs give you unique opportunities to volunteer in special parts of the world, exploring new cultures and making lifelong memories. 

So where should your adventure student travel take you? In this article, we’ve put together some of our favorite destinations, complete with the incredible experiences that you can have at each one. We’ll cover how Further Travel gives you the chance to: 

1. Volunteer at elephant sanctuaries or animal shelters in Thailand
2. Spend 10 days exploring the beautiful island of Bali
3. Take a whirlwind trip through Europe 
4. Work at animal rehabilitation centers in South Africa
5. Clean up beautiful beaches in the Maldives
6. Teach English in the Philippines 

Let’s look at each of these options in-depth to help you find the perfect student travel adventure, and learn how you can use Further Travel to take advantage of these incredible opportunities. 

Volunteer at Elephant Sanctuaries, Animal Shelters, or Teach English in Thailand 

Thailand is a stunningly beautiful part of the world, and one where it’s easy for volunteers to make a big impact. Further Travel has lots of different opportunities on offer in Thailand – there’s something for everyone! Here’s a look at why you should do Camp Thailand, and an overview of the different opportunities available. 

Why Should You Volunteer in Thailand?

Thailand’s kind people are one of the things that make this country so special. By volunteering, you can immerse yourself in Thai culture and  get a sense of what life is like for locals. This volunteer experience gives you a much deeper travel experience than simply exploring the country as a tourist. 

Thailand also has incredibly picturesque beaches and amazing tropical nightlife to go with it. Once you’re done volunteering for the day, you’ll have no trouble at all finding somewhere beautiful to sip a cocktail with your new friends as you take it all in. 

“Camp Thailand has been the best experience of my life so far. It’s been different to what I had initially expected, but in a really good way. During our time here, we’ve done so much: teaching, working with the elephants at the sanctuary which was incredible, Thai boxing lessons, traditional cooking lessons. The trip has been so much fun, it’s been jam-packed with amazing activities from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep,” said Sonya, a Camp Thailand student traveler. 

Although Thailand is rich when it comes to beauty, the country faces some socioeconomic challenges. Over 13% of people in Thailand live below the poverty line, mostly in rural and remote areas. Many children in these areas can’t afford education, and drop out of school at young ages. Thailand also faces environmental issues like deforestation, which has caused devastating damage to local wildlife habitats. 

Volunteering in Thailand gives you the opportunity to do your part to address some of these issues and make a real difference in the lives of Thai people, animals, and places. Further Travel offers some unique adventure travel volunteer opportunities throughout Thailand, including: 

• Camp Elephant
• Camp Rescue Paws
• Teach Thailand

With Further Travel's programs, you can leave Thailand a little bit better than you found it. 

What Is Camp Elephant All About?

Camp Elephant is an incredible, immersive 20-day tour across northern Thailand, curated by Further Travel. A big focus of this tour is on caring for Thailand’s beautiful elephants, which you have the opportunity to do in three different sanctuaries. You’ll get to learn some fascinating elephant facts and experience amazing activities like: 

• Preparing fruit, vegetables, and sticky rice balls for the elephants
• Hand-feeding the elephants your tasty treats
• Planting native elephant foods like banana trees and sugarcane 
• Taking the elephants to the river for a bath 

It’s estimated that there are less than 3,500 wild elephants left in Thailand. This is an incredible opportunity for you to learn more about their plight and spend some quality time with these unique creatures. 

What Does Camp Rescue Paws Involve?

Camp Rescue Paws is a 14-day adventure that’s perfect for dog lovers. You’ll be based in a small, traditional Thai village on the outskirts of the beautiful Hua Hin, a beachside town with chill vibes and beautiful views of some of the best Thailand beaches. 

You’ll spend your time working at the Rescue Paws clinic and kennel facility, where you care for rescued dogs and help get them ready for adoption. You’ll learn about Thailand’s stray animal epidemic, and be involved in: 

• Walking dogs along the beach
• Sterilizations and vaccinations
• Learning about stray animal behavior
• Cleaning and maintaining the kennels
• Feeding and playing with rescued dogs

In your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Visit restaurants, explore the local sights, and enjoy activities like a Thai cooking class or a visit to an elephant sanctuary. 

What About Teaching in Thailand?

Summer Teach is a 7-week Further Travel program that gives you the chance to teach English to Thai students. You’ll get to educate children, gain valuable experience for your CV, and get paid while you’re at it. This is a great opportunity if you’ve been thinking about teaching overseas, but aren’t quite ready to commit to a longer program. 

As well as teaching, you’ll experience: 

• A picturesque welcome dinner on the beach
• Thai language and cooking classes
• A Muay Thai class
• A guided temple visit and meditation
• Lectures on Thai history, culture, and politics
• Visits to local Thai markets

After a one-week immersive orientation, you’ll undergo a paid, 6-week teaching program in one of several locations across Thailand. Your evenings and weekends will be free to explore everything Thailand has to offer, including top foods to try in Thailand and some of the best party scenes in the world! 

Spend 10 Days in Beautiful Bali

Bali is the perfect destination for your student adventure travel. This Indonesian island province is where the jungle meets the beach, and is rich in culture and history. Plus, there’s top food to try in Bali, and the Bali nightlife will certainly keep you entertained throughout your stay!

What Are the Must-See Bali Highlights?

Further Travel’s 10-day Bali adventure is packed full of highlights, built into a convenient itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun. This incredible tour includes: 

• Surf lessons on a beautiful Bali beach
• Volunteering at a turtle conservation center 
• Exploring and volunteering in the beautiful city of Ubud
• Visiting stunning rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes
• Whitewater rafting adventures
• And so much more! 

As you can see, this is a jam-packed tour with some incredible experiences on offer. The best part is that everything is already organized for you. When you book an Further Travel tour, we take care of all the details and plan your trip meticulously, so you can put all your focus on having the best time ever. 

What Else Should You Know About Bali?

Tourism-related business makes up around 80% of Bali’s economy, so it’s an incredible place to go to meet like-minded travelers getting a taste of the local life. There are plenty of places to go in Bali if you’re looking for a party atmosphere, but also just as many places that are perfect for a more relaxed experience. 

Bali is also the only province in Indonesia where a majority (almost 90%) of the locals practice Hinduism. While the land is beautiful, don’t forget to take a look underwater as well. The waters around Bali are home to an incredible 500 reef-building coral species. You can snorkel right off the beach, and the warm waters mean you can spend hours taking in the breathtaking underwater wonderland around you. 

Take a Whirlwind Trip Through Europe

One of the best things about visiting Europe is how easy it is to experience several vastly different cultures in a short space of time. With so many unique, small countries relatively close together and easy to travel between, you can get a taste of lots of different lifestyles in one trip. Further Travel makes it easy to see the best of Europe and make some new friends along the way with our exciting EuroTrip student travel adventure. 

Top European Cities You Can’t Miss

Europe has so much to offer that it’s hard to narrow an itinerary down to just a few cities. It also depends on whether you’re interested in history, architecture, art, nightlife, nature, shopping, or a little bit of everything! Depending on your specific interests, these can’t-miss cities should be on your European bucket list: 

1. Rome for its incredible history and life-changing pizza
2. Paris for its iconic landmarks and deeply romantic vibes
3. London for its diverse culture and world-class attractions
4. Amsterdam for its fantastic museums and vibrant nightlife
5. Berlin for its dynamic energy and thriving arts scene
6. Barcelona for its stunning architecture and sunny beaches
7. Venice for its incredible canals and cultural heritage
8. Prague for its charming old town and picturesque beauty

With Further Travel’s EuroTrip tour, you can check most of these incredible destinations off your list in less than three weeks! Check out the full itinerary here.

Highlights of Further Travel’s EuroTrip

Not only do you get to see the best parts of Europe with our EuroTrip adventure, but you’ll also get to try some amazing activities during your time with Further Travel. Here’s a taste of what you can see and do on your 19-day adventure student travel: 

• A guided bar crawl to experience the best of Parisian nightlife 
• An immersive visit to Amstadam’s famous Rijksmuseum
• A private walking tour through Berlin’s best hot spots
• A stroll down the beautiful cobbled streets of Prague’s Old Town
• A ​​SPArty at the largest thermal bath in Budapest
• A day trip to the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia
• A chance to visit Vatican City and Rome’s Colosseum 

You’ll also make some incredible new friends along the way, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Work at Animal Rehabilitation Centers in South Africa

South Africa isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when you think of a student adventure travel destination, but it should be! South Africa’s vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and mouth-watering culinary scene make it an incredible place to visit.

With Further Travel’s two-week South Africa tour, you’ll get to experience all this, while also helping to care for some of the world’s most stunning wildlife. 

During this unique opportunity, you’ll spend two weeks at the Kwantu Game Reserve, where you can see all of Africa’s “big five” animals: lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. Your days will be spent helping to maintain the reserve’s habitat and caring for some of the incredible animals that are currently undergoing rehabilitation. In the afternoons and evenings, you can hang out with your new friends, or explore the reserve further and go animal spotting. 

What Do Visitors Love About South Africa? 

It doesn’t take long for most people visiting South Africa to fall in love with the country. Here are a few of the reasons why:

• Natural Beauty: South Africa has diverse and breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can explore the stunning coastline, mountains, deserts, and wildlife reserves. 

• Wildlife: South Africa is home to not only the “big five,” but also to giraffes, zebras, hippos, and cheetahs. Safari tours to see these animals up close are very popular.

• Culture and History: South Africa’s rich and complex history is reflected in its diverse cultures. Visitors can explore museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions to learn about the country's past and present.

• Food and Wine: Visitors love South Africa’s vibrant food and wine scene. Unique local specialties include braai (barbecue), biltong (dried meat), and bobotie (a spiced meat dish), as well as delicious wines from the country's many vineyards.

• Adventure Activities: South Africa is a popular destination for adventure seekers. Visitors can go shark cage diving, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and so much more.

With Further Travel’s South Africa tour, you’ll have plenty of time on weekends to venture off the reserve and explore more of what South Africa has to offer. 

Why Is Animal Conservation So Important in South Africa?

Animal conservation is a hot topic across South Africa, for a number of reasons: 

1. Biodiversity: Many of South Africa’s animals aren’t found anywhere else in the world. The loss of any of these species would not only be a tragedy in its own right but could also have far-reaching effects on the entire ecosystem. 

2. Economic benefits: South Africa's wildlife is a big draw for tourists, who come from all over the world to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. This tourism generates a lot of income, providing jobs and supporting local South African communities.

3. Cultural importance: Many animals have significant cultural importance in South Africa, particularly among indigenous communities. Protecting these animals is an essential part of preserving the country's cultural heritage.

4. Endangered species: South Africa is home to many endangered species, including rhinos, elephants, and pangolins. These animals are under threat from habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities. Protecting them is essential to prevent their extinction.

Further Travel gives you an incredible opportunity to play a part in protecting South Africa’s unique wildlife. You’ll meet amazing people, learn all about these incredible creatures, and have some of the most rewarding, valuable experiences of your life. Start your journey here!

Clean Up Beautiful Beaches in the Maldives

We all need a beach vacation from time to time, and where better to do that than the stunning islands of the Maldives? Embark on a student travel adventure with Further Travel’s Camp Maldives program, where you can split your time between relaxing with a cocktail and working to keep the islands in pristine condition. 

What Is the Maldives Known For?

From stunning natural beauty to vibrant marine life, there’s plenty to see and do in the Maldives. Here’s why visitors flock to this island paradise each year: 

• The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand and crystal-clear waters
• The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and paddle boarding
• Luxurious overwater bungalows and villas give guests stunning views of the ocean, direct water access, and all the amenities of a five-star hotel
• The coral reefs surrounding the islands are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays
• The local cuisine is a fusion of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabian influences, and traditional music and dance are performed at cultural events

The Maldives has also become a leader in sustainability, with many of its resorts and businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact. With Further Travel, you can be part of this movement!

What’s Included in Further Travel’s Maldives Adventure?

Over three weeks, you’ll have some incredible experiences with Further Travel’s Camp Maldives program. Here’s a taste of what you can expect: 

• Learn all about the island conservation projects with the Save the Beach organization
• Participate in a beach cleanup to remove trash and protect the local marine life
• Understand how to conduct a reef survey, assess coral health, and plant coral 
• Learn to make traditional Maldivian dishes in a local cooking class
• Try snorkeling and scuba diving with a trained guide to explore the coral up close 
• Spend a day at a luxury resort with drinks, a buffet lunch, and infinity pools 
• Learn about the importance of plants like seagrass and plant some coconut palms

Your accommodation, transport, and tours are all included. All you need to do is show up and have fun! 

Teach English in the Philippines 

Does three weeks in the Philippines sound like the perfect student adventure travel plan? If so, Further Travel has you covered with the Camp Philippines Island Experience. As well as exploring the stunning islands of the Philippines, you’ll also have the incredible opportunity to teach English to local kids. This helps to set local Filipino children up for success later in life, and is a great experience for you as well!

Why Should You Go to the Philippines?

The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands with a variety of landscapes. You’ll see incredible beaches, mountains, rice terraces, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. They are proud of their culture and love sharing it with others. You’ll also find a unique and flavorful cuisine that reflects the Philippines’ rich history and cultural influences. 

There’s also no shortage of things to do in the Philippines. For adventurers, there’s diving, snorkeling, surfing, trekking, and island hopping. If you’re more into the cultural side of things, you can explore the Spanish colonial architecture, ancient rice terraces, and traditional cultural festivals. There’s also plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained in the evenings!

What Does Further Travel's Philippines Camp Include?

Further Travel’s Camp Philippines Island Experience is a phenomenal way to see the best of the Philippines over 20 carefully curated days. You’ll have the opportunity to: 

• Explore the beachside town of Moalboal and enjoy a private hotel with ocean views
• Snorkel your way through stunning coral reefs and even a shipwreck 
• Visit beautiful waterfalls and try your hand at canyoneering 
• Teach English to local schoolchildren 
• Help the locals out by participating in a beach cleanup 

Given that almost a quarter of the population of the Philippines lived below the poverty line in 2021, teaching English to local children is a great way to set the locals up for success. You’ll get an amazing, relaxing, tropical beachside vacation, as well as the chance to give back and support Filipino communities with this incredible youth volunteer travel program. 

Find Your Perfect Student Adventure Travel Experience With Further Travel

With Further Travel, you can choose the student adventure travel program that best suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation or an African safari, Further Travel can connect you with just the experience you’re looking for. The best part is that you can drive real, meaningful change, make lifelong friends, and see some of the most remote, stunning corners of the world. 

Ready to start your adventure? Apply here, or check out our website to find the experience of a lifetime!