By: Lindsay Dwonszyk
Teens want to travel where it’s HOT – not just HOT in temperature… HOT in popularity! Whether this is your first summer joining a travel program after camp or you’re a seasoned explorer, it’s always exciting to choose the destination for your next adventure!
Some parents express to us that they’ve traveled a lot as a family already so they’re looking for somewhere new that their teen hasn’t been before. The good news is that with 25 teen travel destinations to choose from, the world is basically your oyster. As the experts in teen travel with 43 years of experience, we are excited to share these HOT destinations for summer 2025:
1. Japan – Pick up any travel magazine or talk to any travel agent and they’ll tell you Japan is the hottest ticket in town. It is the epicenter of where ancient meets modern and tranquil temples meet vibrant city centers. In today’s tech driven world, it’s an incredible place to explore cutting-edge advancements in STEM through a variety of interactive site visits, such as the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center and the Maglev Exhibition Center. From sushi making and sumo-wrestling demonstrations, to whitewater rafting, it’s a MUST GO right now.
2. Greece – Greece is the word! We’d be remiss not to have this incredible country high up on the list given that we’ve already sold out most departure dates. It is chock full of beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, stunning coastal views, ancient Greek mythology, welcoming local residents, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. There is so much to do from trying an introductory SCUBA dive off the coast of Naxos to cooking an authentic meal and exploring off the beaten path stops like Lake Plastrias in Meteora. Some might say it’s the PERFECT summer destination!
3. Hawaii – There are so many ways for teens to experience this dream destination… from outrigger canoeing, surfing, and river tubing to volunteering and helping protect sea turtles and learning about environmental sustainability – teens love exploring the beautiful island landscapes of Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island! Hawaiian culture is deep rooted in Aloha, meaning love and peace, and it shows in the connections our groups leave this wondrous state with, their new Ohana.
4. Costa Rica – If you haven’t gotten a taste of the Pura Vida lifestyle yet, you’re missing out! There are many good reasons this Central American country is considered a hot destination. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, shadowing medical professionals, protecting sea turtles (yes, more sea turtles!), running day camps and providing infrastructure support – teens can help make a difference and earn up to 70 community service hours. Also, the locals are warm and welcoming and its beautiful and varied landscapes offer so much variety! Surfing, ziplining, catamaran snorkel cruises, dance lessons – each itinerary offers so much adventure and FUN! Not to mention, for families in North America, the proximity is ideal.
5. Spain – Viva España! There are ample landscapes, thrilling activities and cultural aspects for teens to explore! Luckily, high schoolers don’t have to wait until college to study abroad in Barcelona. It is the ideal city for academic enrichment and college preparation, with its rare charm offering the perfect combination of thriving metropolis and Mediterranean beach town; New York meets Miami if you will. Spain is also the ideal destination for an immersive language experience! Instead of getting to know one city very well, you can gallivant around the country with like-minded teens interacting with locals and practicing your Spanish daily. No hablas Español? No problemo! You’ll still soak up the culture simply by traveling on an adventure program.
The truth is you can’t go wrong! For teens traveling with like-minded peers, with the support of warm and caring leaders – the real impact is the new friendships formed. Sure, it helps to be somewhere new and exciting! Each destination is special in its own way!
About the contributor:
Lindsay runs the WCC Mamaroneck, NY office. She helps families choose the program that is the best fit for them, interviews and hires talented summer leaders, supports programs on the road, manages their summer communication center, and is part of their safety + risk management team. Like so many others at Westcoast Connection, she shares a strong passion for both camp and travel.