Beyond The Itinerary: The Summer Memories You Won't Forget

At The Road Less Traveled (RLT) we have been running summer travel and service programs for over 30 years, and have a wide range of different experiences middle and high schoolers partcipate in over the summer. 

From working with wolves in Colorado to helping turtles in Greece, and exploring frozen glaciers in Alaska to the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica. When you browse our range of student travel programs online, you will see the varied mix of activities your child will be able to take part in. 

The Road Less Traveled trips are the best summer programs as we offer students a hybrid blend of exciting adventure activities, immersive cultural experiences, meaningful, community service, and authentic travel opportunities. It really is (almost) all possible on an RLT trip! 

Not all of the most magical experiences can be pre-planned 

That word – “experience” – is such an important one for describing what an RLT teen travel program is, and stands for. Our team takes immense pride in our commitment to life-changing travel and we often quote the old phrase:

“Life is said to be a collection of unforgettable memories, and this will be one of them”

But we can also tell you that not everything that makes an RLT adventure trip so memorable, can possibly be covered in the itineraries for our programs. While we do our best to list detailed itineraries online, the spontaneous nature of travel and life often leads to some of the best stories and experiences happening that cannot be planned!

What spontaneous moments might happen on an RLT program? 

There are so many unique and unexpected encounters that your child might have during their time on an RLT program. It could be the belly laughing and uncontrollable giggling fits that come about due to the goofy games our team leaders are experts in starting. Or it could be one of those moments when the local wildlife makes an unanticipated appearance and wants to join the group for dinner!

It could be the turtles seen when out swimming, the whales and dolphins while on boat trips, the moose that pop up in the wild just to say hello, or the gentle sloths in Costa Rica being part of your jungle hike.… These are just some of the experiences that will make an RLT trip all the more memorable. 

Other spontaneous trip experiences may include stumbling across the authentic foodie treats in small local markets, finding the best smoothie and juice bars on the island, or discovering a local bakery that has the WORLD’S BEST CAKES!   

The most common feedback we hear though, about experiences that aren't on the itinerary, are the friendships and connections made. Along the way, teens often form friendships and connections with their group leaders and fellow travelers that last for a lifetime. As the group meets for the first time on day 1, they start to get to know each other. During the trip, this group will then bond together over the highs and lows, and share these experiences that no one else will truly understand. These RLT friendships are deep, meaningful, and will stick with you for years to come. This is an experience no website can really convey, and a part of why RLT trips are so special. 

You hopefully understand the message by now; it’s not only the itinerary your teen will remember when they join one of our service and adventure programs. We’re talking about all those small things that aren’t detailed on our website, but that your child will nonetheless treasure in what are likely to be lifelong memories. 

Join us this summer to discover what memories you could make!