5 Reasons Families Choose RLT (And Why Some Don’t)

"I love the giving and intellectually engaging philosophy of RLT. When I called the office, they were so friendly and down to earth—I knew it would be a great fit for our son. RLT ticked all my boxes as a parent: safety, outdoor adventure, community service, intellectual challenge, altruism, and a fun time for my middle schooler." – Parent of Noah S.

Hey friends,

Laura here. There are a lot of teen travel programs out there. Some focus on adventure. Some on service. Some on sightseeing.

If you’re comparing options, we want to be upfront about who we are and the families we serve. Since 1991, we’ve been a bit of an outlier in teen travel. We don’t design programs to be trendy. We don’t chase the most “Instagrammable” destinations. And we don’t measure success by how many top-rated sights a teen can check off a list.

We design programs that challenge, engage, and change the way teens see the world.

Here's the top five reasons why families have been choosing us for over thirty years. ⬇️

1. We Stay Small (And That Matters)

We believe real growth happens when teens feel supported, safe, and seen.

That’s why we intentionally keep our programs small.

  1. Every traveler is known. No one gets lost in a crowd. Our leaders know each teen by name, understand their strengths, and guide them through the challenges that come with real adventure.

  2. Every experience is personal. No two trips are the same. The impact, the service, and the moments of growth are shaped by the teens themselves.

  3. Every family gets real attention. Parents can reach us anytime—before the trip, during, or after. That kind of trust and connection is why families keep coming back—year after year, and for over three decades.

2. Service That’s Meaningful, Not Performative

Many teen programs add "volunteering" to their itinerary—but real service isn’t about checking a box.

  1. We work with communities, not for them. RLT teens collaborate with local leaders tackling food insecurity, healthcare access, and environmental conservation.

  2. Teens see the impact firsthand. Whether it’s distributing meals in Barcelona, monitoring sea turtles in Costa Rica, or assisting in mobile clinics in the Dominican Republic, they don’t just observe the world’s challenges—they help address them.

  3. Projects with real, lasting impact. Our work is intentional, community-driven, and built around actual needs—not just what looks good on a brochure.

3. Adventure That Pushes Teens Outside Their Comfort Zones

This isn’t a vacation—it’s an experience designed to challenge and inspire.

  1. Backpacking through the mountains—carrying their own gear, navigating unpredictable weather, and relying on their group.

  2. Kayaking along a rugged coastline—learning teamwork, resilience, and independence.

  3. Navigating a new country without a phone in hand—fully present, fully engaged, fully immersed.

Adventure isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about what it teaches teens. How to handle discomfort, how to adapt, and how to grow.

4. A Focus on Real-World Connection

Travel should be about more than just taking photos—it should be about engaging with the people and places you visit.

  1. Teens connect deeply with the communities they serve. They build relationships, share meals, and gain an understanding of lives different from their own.

  2. We create safe, welcoming spaces. RLT trips are built on inclusivity, open-mindedness, and respect. Teens connect across cultures, form deep friendships, and learn how to build bridges instead of walls.

  3. We prioritize reflection and conversation. These experiences aren’t meant to be fleeting—we help teens process what they see, ask bigger questions, and think critically about their role in the world.

5. RLT Isn’t for Everyone (And That’s Okay)

We’re not the program for teens looking for a relaxing vacation, a tourist-heavy itinerary, or a trip focused on sightseeing.

We’re for families who want their teens to be challenged.

  1. Who want their teen to engage deeply with the world, not just pass through it.

  2. Who believe in stepping outside comfort zones—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

  3. Who want their teen to walk away feeling fulfilled, confident, and full of purpose.

If that sounds like your teen, we’d love to have them join us.

Helping Teens Grow for Over 30 Years

For more than three decades, RLT has designed programs that challenge and inspire teens to think bigger and grow stronger.

If you’re looking for a summer experience that will give your teen adventure, purpose, and direction, let’s talk. We’ll help you find the perfect trip and answer any questions you have.

Laura DunmireComment