The Ultimate Guide to Summer Traveling Programs [Locations & Tips]

If travel is on your bucket list, there are plenty of summer traveling programs to help make that a reality. At Further Travel, we believe in providing young high school- and college-age individuals with unique travel experiences all over the world. You get the opportunity to: 

• make a difference 
• travel to some amazing places 
• experience a variety of cultures along the way 

Not only can you experience an amazing world, there are other benefits as well. Each year, close to 1 million students travel to the United States alone. And that’s just the US! You can travel all over the world with our traveling abroad programs, such as Maldives, South Africa, Thailand, and more. 

In this guide, we will share with you everything you need to know about how student travel abroad programs work, tips to apply for a program, and the benefits you might experience from this adventure. 

Find out more below!

What is a Summer Traveling Program? 

Further Travel offers some of the top summer travel programs for college students, providing you with a variety of locations. We help you through the entire process of applying, working through necessary documentation, and booking the trip that meets your needs. 

When you engage in summer traveling programs, there are destinations across the world to choose from. Our summer traveling programs provide you with a life-changing experience. The trip objectives include: 

• Experience culture
• Develop valuable life skills
• Focus on sustainability
• Volunteer and give back
• Have fun and enjoy the adventure

There are a variety of skills that you can put to use, from helping teach English in schools to restoring beaches or reefs, and many other volunteering projects as well. The activities you engage in will depend on where you travel and the program you get involved in. 

We focus on four key pillars. Here is a quick overview: 

These pillars are what every summer traveling program centers around, and you will enjoy every moment of your adventure. 

Choose Your Summer Traveling Program Trip Style

There are several different ways to travel through our summer traveling programs. These are the four primary options:

1. Volunteering 
2. All Out Tours
3. Work & Travel
4. Backpacker

Volunteering

On a volunteering trip, the top destinations include:

• South Africa
• Philippines
• Maldives
• Thailand
• Bali
• Vietnam & Cambodia

The journey starts with selecting one of these amazing destinations. While you’re there, you can be a part of conservation projects or teaching, enjoy some incredible activities, and have experiences that will change your life. 

All Out Tours

All Out Tours give you access to nightlife activities, adventure activities, island-hopping experiences, and some of the most stunning locations in the world. You will travel with a group and build friendships that will last for a lifetime. Experience places like Greece, Thailand, traveling across Europe, and other magical locations. 

Work & Travel

A Work and Travel trip will take you to the US to work in one of their summer camps. We partner with multiple summer camp locations to provide you with an experience to remember. You spend some time working, but you also have the option to travel for an additional 30 days when summer camp is over. 

Backpacker

Our Backpacker trips pair you up with local guides and lead you on a backpacking adventure. Your itinerary will be packed with cultural experiences. While you’re traveling, you will be provided with accommodations and transfers along the way. Experience some amazing activities and take part in conservation projects and other unique adventures. 

Summer Traveling Programs Destinations

There are a variety of destinations to choose from. Where you end up may depend on the style of trip that you choose or the places that you prefer to visit. This table provides you with a simple overview of the destinations available and what they entail. 

Check out some of the top picks! 

1. Camp Bali - Island Hopper
2. Camp Thailand - Island Explorer
3. Camp Thailand - Ultimate Adventure
4. Camp South Africa - Animal Conservation
5. Island Experience
6. EuroTrip

Camp Bali - Island Hopper

The Camp Bali Island Hopper trip is a 20-day adventure that hops from Bali to Lombok to the Gili Islands. These hotspots are diverse, and your itinerary will be loaded with stunning sites and phenomenal experiences. You can enjoy adventure, take time to teach in local schools, contribute to sea turtle conservation, and more. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to experience life around the islands, but you will also get to participate in adventurous activities and have the time to give back to these locations. It’s a win-win! 

Camp Thailand - Island Explorer

The Camp Thailand Island Explorer adventure is an island paradise experience. This 20-day summer traveling program takes you to several different camps and locations in Thailand. While you’re on the trip, you can see some phenomenal elephant sanctuaries, teach in local schools, and take part in fun activities. Enjoy some delicious cuisine as well! 

Camp Thailand - Ultimate Adventure

Our Camp Thailand Ultimate Adventure is another great way to visit elephant sanctuaries and have a unique experience. The ultimate adventure is three weeks long and takes you through the party islands of Thailand. This includes some of the most beautiful island locations in the world. Make new friends as you backpack across the area, visit cultural sites, and have a great time. 

Camp South Africa - Animal Conservation

South Africa is the perfect safari destination. Head off to Camp South Africa Animal Conservation for two weeks. While you’re here, experience the sites of the area, get an inside look at animal conservation, engage in adventurous activities, and volunteer at local facilities. Enjoy some safari rides while you are there! 

Camp Maldives Island Experience

If you’re looking for a paradise island experience, the Camp Maldives 16-day program is a great choice. Adventure through the Maldives, experiencing several different islands. Meet the locals and give back to some of the restoration and conservation programs in the area. Enjoy island activities while you bask in the wonder of this tropical paradise. 

EuroTrip

Camp EuroTrip is quite the undertaking and one incredible adventure! This trip takes you through seven European countries in 19 days. It’s one of the newest options on our list, and it’s going to be an adventure to remember. The trip is loaded with sightseeing, partying, fun activities, and even a spa experience. It’s going to be unforgettable!

Top 5 Benefits of Using Summer Traveling Programs for Teens

The ability to travel and enjoy some of the top destinations in the world is certainly one of the major benefits of these summer traveling programs. But the student travel abroad benefits go well beyond just travel. 

This is a total-experience opportunity that engages in cultural encounters and volunteer work while providing teenagers and young adults the opportunity to see some of the most outstanding locations in the world. 

The top 5 benefits of summer traveler programs are:

• Discover new friendships
• Gain work experience
• Experience new cultures
• Travel to hotspot destinations
• Build your skills and experience

Discover New Friendships

Even if you are traveling on your own, you will join up with a group for the summer traveling program. This group will have people your age that are like-minded. They want to travel, make a difference, and experience the world in a unique way. 

You are all here for the same purpose. You might even build close friendships that can last a lifetime. You’ll spend around 10-20 days with this group of people. You’ll travel together, volunteer together, and have fun together.

Enjoy these adventures together, and then stay in touch for years to come. 

Gain Work Experience

As you get into summer travel programs, you will have fun and adventure, but you may also spend time working or volunteering. If you choose the work and travel experience, you will spend your summer working at summer camps and having a blast. 

Whether you volunteer by teaching at local schools, give back through conservation and restoration projects, or work at a summer camp, you’re obtaining valuable experience in the work industry. This experience will look great on a resume. 

New Cultural Experiences

Throughout the world, there are so many different cultures to experience. Traveling in these summer programs for teens is a great way to learn about new cultures and encounter new and diverse ways of living. You will gain cultural awareness through experiences, learning about local cultures, and even the cuisine that you eat while traveling. 

Travel to Hotspot Destination

The ability to travel all over the world is certainly a top benefit of summer travel programs. With our programs, you can travel to some of the top destinations in the world. Many of these locations are exotic and amazing, but they also can be expensive to travel to on your own. The program makes it affordable to check off your travel bucket list. 

These are some of the destinations you will find available to you through our summer traveling programs:

• Maldives
• South Africa
• Bali
• Thailand
• Europe
• Philippines
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• USA

Build Skills and Experience

You’re going to travel and have a great time. While you’re out there experiencing the world, you will be building valuable skills and experience that can benefit the rest of your life.

For example, you’re going to learn to adapt as you travel to areas that are unusual to you. You may have to adapt for travel reasons, accommodations, and experiences. You will build your teamwork skills as you work with your team to get things done. You learn to work together and rely on each other to do what is needed at any given time. 

Some other skills you will work on building include being open-minded to new things, a newfound respect for other cultures, awareness of other cultures, communication, and more. 

Tips to Finding the Right Summer Traveling Program for You

With all of these options, how can you possibly choose which program you want to try? You can’t go wrong with any of them! If you’re struggling to pick just one, ask yourself a few important questions:

1. Which destination appeals to you?
2. Where are your preferred destinations?
3. What type of volunteer opportunities interest you?

Which Destination Appeals to You? 

Consider whether there is a certain destination that is at the top of the bucket list. The truth is that you might be interested in all of the destinations, but which one stood out to you first? When you think of the bucket list locations that you want to experience, what are your top choices? 

This is the first step in narrowing down the choices. In the locations you can choose from, determine which ones are your top choices. 

Preferred Experiences

Every trip has unique experiences available. Some of the experiences might be volunteering options, while others will include adventures and sightseeing. You can even enjoy a mix of both. 

Do you want to go surfing or would you prefer to head out on a safari? These kinds of details might help you make your decision. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Many of these summer traveling programs involve volunteering opportunities. It’s a great way to experience the things around you and give back to the locals as well. They will introduce you to their unique and amazing cultures. You will spend time together getting to know things about each other and how you can give back. 

Volunteering can be such a gratifying experience. The volunteer opportunities might vary from trip to trip. At one location, you might help teach in schools, while another location might place you in a big-cat rescue for volunteering. 

You will get up close and personal to sights you can only imagine, while helping out along the way!. 

How to Apply for Summer Traveling Programs

If summer traveling programs sound like something you want to experience, you’ve come to the right place! 

The first step in taking part in this bucket list adventure is to go through the application process. It’s pretty simple. Just head on over to our website, create a login, and walk through the application. For each trip, there will be a deposit to hold your place. The prices and details of every destination are clearly specified so you know exactly what to expect. 

Once you apply, your application will be reviewed and we will do our best to place you in the opening that is right for you! 

Prepare for Your Summer Traveling Program

Once you submit your application, it’s time to start planning and preparing for your summer traveling program. Do your best to pack lightly. Keep in mind that you may be backpacking and traveling, so bring the necessities without weighing yourself down.   

These simple steps will help you prepare:

1. Study your itinerary
2. Create a packing list
3. Make sure you have comfortable shoes
4. Research the area and the cuisine
5. Don’t forget chargers or cameras
6. Prepare for a great time!

When you are accepted into a program, we will provide you with an itinerary and recommended packing list. Use this information and do some basic research to learn about your destination. Knowing about the location and the accommodations will help you set expectations and prepare. 

Sustainability and Travel

One thing that is near and dear to our hearts is sustainability. With every experience, you will be contributing to conservation efforts. As you prepare to travel, you can also practice sustainability with your choices. 

These simple tips are ways to be more environmentally friendly while you travel:

• Share toiletries and supplies with roommates and team members
• Partake in local life for eating and drinking
• Try walking as much as possible and avoid transport
• Avoid using plastic and similar items that contribute to waste

The smallest things can make the biggest difference. Be aware of the small things and make a difference where you can. 

Plan Your Summer Traveling Experience with Further Travel

There is so much out there to see and experience. A summer traveling program is a great way to discover new things throughout the world. There are so many different options. Further Travel can help you find the perfect trip and put all the details together. Start your application process today to plan for your summer experience of a lifetime.