Education

Unlock Your Teen's Passion for World Travel

What to do with Your Teens Desire to Explore

Anyone with teenagers knows that there is a growing curiosity about the world beyond home. During these years, it’s common for teens to push boundaries. Watch a few FailArmy #FailsoftheWeek, and you’ll see a repeated pattern of teenage stunts, TikTok challenges, and dares gone wrong. Parents of even the most driven students are sure to have chased down a teen who “lost track of time” past curfew or got caught scrolling social media during study time. But that drive is what also encourages them to discover their passions and gain confidence through new experiences that broaden their perspectives. Exploration comes naturally to teenagers, as adolescence sparks curiosity about the broader world.  

The spring and summer months often stir an added restlessness and eagerness to get out there and explore new places. Should parents encourage this desire for discovery? Should parents answer the call for wanderlust and desires to go beyond? Yes. Here’s why: 

According to Student Youth Travel Association research, the desire to explore has some natural, in-grain benefits. 

– 69% of teenagers who travel report increased self-confidence and independence according to surveys by Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). Gaining confidence and life skills is a major benefit of travel for high school students. 

– 60% of students who travel internationally show an increase in willingness to learn/explore and show more intellectual curiosity according to the same research by SYTA. 

-75% of educators, also polled by SYTA, ranked travel experiences as “extremely effective” as a teaching resource compared to computer- based learning. 

Where to?

With so much wanderlust and curiosity, it’s important for parents to provide the right blueprint, the right location, and the right guide for their teen’s travels. We’ve taken out the guesswork and provided a list of top destinations to discover. Teens can explore and spread their wings while you rest assured that they have a safety net of professional guides and educators every step of the way. 

Washington D.C.  

The museums and monuments of the nation’s capital provide an engaging academic experience. Teens can learn about U.S. history while taking in iconic sites like the White House and Smithsonian museums. Bringing textbooks to life and museums and galleries packed with artifacts and exhibits, D.C. is a must see. 

New York City  

The excitement of the Big Apple energizes teens’ curiosity with museums, Broadway shows, culture, and sights. They’ll return home with stories from the city that never sleeps. With renowned museums like the Metropolitan and Guggenheim, iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and the endless energy of diverse neighborhoods and Central Park, New York City is an unmatched destination to experience art, culture, and entertainment of all kinds.  

Costa Rica  

For the adventurous teen, a Costa Rica trip blends natural beauty, culture, and adrenaline pumping activities like zip lining through the rainforest canopy. Surfing, hiking, and spotting wildlife are also on the agenda! With the pura vida lifestyle, teens can not only push their boundaries, but also embrace a new culture and gain a global perspective. 

London  

From shopping iconic stores on Oxford Street to catching the latest music acts at historic venues, teens can dive into the excitement and edge of London’s culture. Embrace the bustle of Piccadilly Circus, take a walk through Hyde Park, or marvel at the iconic London Eye as you take in the magic of London 

Italy  

Teens can take a walk back in time and get a glimpse into the future as they experience both the rich history and leading innovations in Italy. From the birthplace of the Renaissance to the fashion capital of the world, touring Italy is captivating and exciting for both the scholar and the fashionista. Taking in the Roman ruins and the glittering canals of Venice checks off bucket list adventures and inspires new discoveries. 

Paris 

With the allure of picturesque cafés and walkable neighborhoods boasting charming shops and patisseries around every corner, Paris encapsulates the beauty and culture of France. From world-famous museums like the Louvre, to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Paris earns its reputation as one of the world’s most enchanting cities. 

Now more than ever before, the world is your teen’s classroom. Let’s all make the most of it!  For over 55 years, WorldStrides has facilitated educational travel experiences for thousands of students of all ages. Teens can explore vibrant cultures and exciting places with other passionate high schoolers on a WorldExplore program.