How can parents support their teens before, during, and after an RLT summer travel program?

Teen travel programs with The Road Less Traveled offer incredible opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, the development of valuable life skills, as well as lots and lots of fun! 

For new families who have not taken part in teen travel before, it can however be a big step with quite a few unknowns. We are here to help with this though, and want to offer some ideas for parents, as to how you can help your teen get the best out of their summer program with RLT.   

Supporting your child through this transformative experience is essential. In this blog, we'll explore how parents can provide guidance and encouragement before, during, and after their teen embarks on a travel program.

What to do before a Teen Travel and Service Program: 

Research and Communication:

Before enrolling your teen in a summer travel program, thoroughly research the organization, itinerary, and safety measures. Speak to us here in the office to learn about the trip, and address any concerns or queries you may have. We want to make sure you have all the information you need, and that we know everything we need to know about your child, so we can best support them on their trip. Be proactive and timely in returning required forms and paperwork, and make sure to schedule the participants' call with your child and the RLT team. For international trips- double check your teens passport is in date and ready to go! 

Set Expectations:

Have a candid conversation with your teen about the goals and expectations for the trip. Discuss the cultural differences they may encounter, the challenges they might face, and the importance of being adaptable and respectful. Talk about how community living with a group of new people may be different to what they are used to back home, and how they could manage this. Ask them what parts of the trip they are looking forward to, what they aren't looking forward to, and what they are most nervous about. Top Tip: Share any nerves with the RLT directors. If we know a student is very nervous about a certain part of the trip, we can help by making sure the leaders are aware and able to check in with them on the trip.

Health and Safety:

Ensure your teen is physically and mentally prepared for the journey. Fill out their medical forms as early as possible, update vaccinations if necessary, and discuss any health concerns with the office. Explain to your teen they will have a range of emotions as part of their traveling experience, and that highs and lows are normal. Help them get mentally prepared for their adventure and excited about what they are about to embark on. 

Travel Day: 

Help keep the stress levels low. Make sure they are fully packed and ready to go the day before. Use our packing list checklist to make sure they have everything they need. Get to the airport in plenty of time and help them feel comfortable about where they are going at the airport and what they need to do. Remind them to keep valuables safe, to only have what they need in carry-on luggage, and to keep that passport safe!

During the Trip- What Parents should do: 

Keep up to date:

You can follow up dates on our Facebook, TikTok and Instagram as we post pictures of the trips. You will also get access to an online gallery for trip specific photos and have email updates from the office team. Your teen will be in the hands of our skilled and capable leaders so try not to worry, and trust in that adage, “no news is good news”! 

Phonecall Home:

Around the halfway point of the trip, there is a chance for students to call home. The office will let you know when to expect that call, so make sure you are in good phone coverage, able to talk freely and make the most of that call. These calls often mean alot to teens, and having a parent actively listen, and be present for this call makes a huge difference. If your child is having a hard time, maybe with homesickness or group dynamics, remember to remain positive. Be empathetic while reminding them they are able to navigate these harder situations and the leaders are there to help and support them however they need. These calls are a great way to hear about the countless stories, new experiences, new friendships and funny stories so enjoy this time hearing from your teen. 

Support if you need:

While your child is on a trip with us, you can always reach the office team if you need anything. For emergencies, we are available 24/7 at our main office line. For non time sensitive calls, you can reach us between 9am and 5pm central time and we can help with whatever you need, and can pass important messages on to the leaders or students. 

After The Summer- Supporting Your Teen 

Reflect and Share:

When your teen returns, provide a space for them to tell you about their trip and reflect on their experiences. Discuss the challenges they overcame, the friendships they formed, and the lessons they learned. Encourage them to share their experiences with family and friends too. Some students also like to journal or write blogs about their experiences. 

Support Transition:

Returning from a travel program can be an adjustment. Be attentive to any signs of reverse culture shock. Support your teen in reintegrating into their daily routine, and discuss how the newfound perspectives can positively influence their lives at home. Talk about what they learned through their service work and how this could influence their lives back home. Is there anything they can continue in “normal life” that they learned on their trip?

Utilize the Experience:

Help your teen leverage the skills and knowledge gained during the travel program. Whether it's incorporating a newfound passion into their studies. setting up their own service project in their local community, or considering global opportunities for higher education, guide them in making the most of their experiences. Encourage them to stay in contact with their new friends. They will have bonded over their shared summer experiences and it is great when friends can stay in touch and meet up after the trips. 

Conclusion

Participating in a teen travel program can be a life-changing adventure for your child. By actively supporting them before, during, and after the trip, you play a vital role in ensuring their success and maximizing the positive impact of this transformative experience. Embrace the journey together, and watch your teen flourish into a more confident, open-minded, and culturally aware young person.