Spain: Connect Through Community

Trip Name
Spain: Connect Through Community

Who It’s For
High school students (grades 9–12)

2026 Sessions
Session 3: July 26 – August 8, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Barcelona, Costa Brava, and rural Catalonia

Trip Length
14 Days

Service Hours
15–20

Tuition
$6,695

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1–2: Travel to Spain & Transfer to Costa Brava
Depart the U.S. on Day 1 and arrive in Barcelona on Day 2. Once the group is together, we transfer to the Costa Brava region, set up camp, and begin settling in.

Day 3: Hike & Explore Cadaqués
We stretch our legs on scenic coastal trails with views of the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, we visit the seaside town of Cadaqués—known for its whitewashed buildings, history, and connection to artists like Dalí.

Day 4: Kayak Costa Brava
We trade hiking boots for paddles and explore the rocky coastline by kayak, weaving through coves, caves, and beaches. The day ends with beach games and time to relax by the water.

Day 5: Via Ferrata Adventure
We take on the challenge of the Via Ferrata, climbing and traversing a coastal cliffside route. It’s a team adventure filled with adrenaline, encouragement, and incredible views.

Day 6: Explore Palamós
We spend the day in Palamós, a historic fishing village. We visit the Museu de la Pesca, wander through the old port, and enjoy a final beach day before heading inland.

Day 7: Transfer to Barcelona
We return to Barcelona and move into our hostel for the second half of the trip. It’s a chance to do laundry, reset, and prepare for the start of our service projects.

Days 8–12: Service Work & Exploring the City
We partner with local organizations focused on food waste, redistribution, and hunger relief. In the mornings, we support their efforts hands-on. In the afternoons, we dive into the culture of Barcelona—touring Park Güell and Sagrada Família, tasting local food, and experiencing flamenco.

Day 13: Hike Montserrat & Closing Banquet
We travel to the stunning Montserrat mountains for a final hike and reflection. In the evening, we celebrate with our traditional RLT banquet and share highlights from the journey.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
We say goodbye to Barcelona and fly home after two weeks of exploration, service, and connection.

We stay in simple, locally owned hotels in both Sardinia and Barcelona. These are small, family-run spots that are safe, clean, and close to where we want to be.

Rooming
Teens share rooms with 2–4 participants, organized by gender identity.

Leaders Nearby
Trip leaders stay in the same hotel and are available anytime.

Comfort Level
Rooms have beds, bathrooms, and A/C, but are not luxury—this trip is about connection, not fancy stays.

Group Vibe
Each hotel has a central hangout area where we meet, eat, and unwind together.

Meals are a big part of the experience—fresh, group-prepped, and shared together.

Cook Crew
During our camping days, teens rotate through cook crew, helping prepare meals with support from trip leaders.

Simple + Fresh
We keep things simple and healthy: think pasta, veggie stir-fry, salads, rice bowls, and Spanish tortilla. In Barcelona, we enjoy local restaurants and a group flamenco and paella night.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all dietary needs—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Just let us know.

Snacks + Hydration
We take regular snack breaks and make sure everyone has water on hand, especially during hikes and hot days.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Barcelona (BCN).
Do not book flights until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Travel Days
Session 3: Departs July 26 (Sunday) from the U.S.
Returns August 8 (Saturday) from Barcelona.
These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance for check-in and pick-up.

Packing
We’ll send a detailed packing list well before the trip. Everything fits in one duffel or backpack. Key items include:

Sleeping bag and pad

Swimsuit

Quick-dry clothing

Sun protection

Comfortable walking shoes

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked bag and one small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
After enrollment, you’ll receive access to your RLT portal with all required forms. These include health history, participant agreements, and emergency contact info. All forms must be completed before the trip.

Medical Clearance
A doctor’s appointment is not required unless your teen has a new or complex medical condition. We review every form to ensure we’re ready to support each participant’s needs.

Medications
All medications—prescription or over-the-counter—must be listed on the medical form. Trip leaders store and dispense all medications during the program.

Behavioral Expectations
You’ll receive a Code of Conduct to review with your teen. We ask every participant to help create a space where everyone feels safe, included, and supported.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Vaccinations
Teens must be up to date on routine immunizations per CDC guidelines for international travel.

Passport
A valid passport is required for travel to Spain.

Device-Free Philosophy
This trip is intentionally phone-free. On Day 1, leaders collect all phones and personal electronics to help teens fully engage with each other and their surroundings. Devices are safely stored and returned at the end of the program.

Why?
Because disconnecting helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Teens are encouraged to bring a digital camera or GoPro—anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders also take photos and share a full gallery after the trip.

Communication
We keep parents updated during the trip with regular check-ins. In case of an emergency, our 24/7 on-call team is always available.