Travel for Teens

Thinking about taking a gap year to explore abroad after high school? Traveling as a teenager is a good way to enhance your education and learn more about the world and yourself. Taking an adventure around the globe can be life changing and it can also be expensive. Luckily there are a ton of teen travel programs to consider that will help offset the cost, from WWOOFing to teaching English internationally. These programs are a fantastic way to work and fund travel expenses. In your spare time you can seek out new friends, experience diverse cultures, or rent a car to discover new destinations. It is important to take advantage of the travel opportunities available for teens while you have the freedom and flexibility to do so.

What is WWOOFing?

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and is a network of national organizations that facilitate homestays on organic farms. It began in England in the 1970's and grew into the thriving global movement that it is today. With groups in over 130 countries, there so many possibilities available to choose from. Keep in mind that you are not paid to WWOOF, you are provided room and board in exchange for labor, and most locations require you to be at least 18 years old to volunteer.

Many youthful travelers decide to WWOOF because they would like to offset their travel expenses while touring a destination. WWOOFing internationally is not only an economical way to travel, it teaches the importance of sustainability, offers a crash-course in local cultures, and provides a new level of appreciation for where your food is sourced. In your downtime, booking a car rental allows you to traverse the landscape of your chosen destination more easily. Popular locations to WWOOF are Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Portugal, with each location offering a unique experience.

Becoming an Au Pair

An au pair is a caregiver who works for an international family while living in their home. Candidates are recruited in several countries, such as Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Most au pairs are young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years old and are typically paid a weekly stipend. Beyond offering room and board, there is a language and cultural exchange that is shared between you and your host family. When considering becoming an au pair remember that you'll be responsible for the health and safety of someone's offspring while indulging in the travel experiences both on your own and with your host family. This is a type of job you should consider carefully before pursuing.

Can I Teach English as a Second Language?

Teaching English is a popular choice amongst young travelers. There are numerous ways to teach English as a second language (ESL) while traveling. You could live with a host family and work with them exclusively, or you could have a small classroom of students for a few hours a week. You can also teach English online if you have a laptop and a stable internet connection. There are plenty of countries that welcome ESL teachers overseas, such as Spain, Japan, and France. While there are programs that require older college age students or graduates for participation, there are still many chances for an 18 year old to find placement as a language educator. Most time commitments are the equivalent of a part-time job, 15–20 hours, leaving you great deal of leisure time to tour! Some employers do require you to have a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate, which is internationally recognized and takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months to complete.

Are there International Internship Opportunities?

International internships can be found, particularly in the hospitality industry for college-age travelers, with little to no experience required. Some will be paid, and others will require you to cover your own expenses. Both will offer you hands-on training in the hospitality industry while you are enjoying your surroundings!

If you plan on furthering your education consider expanding your horizons with a study abroad program. Learn more about studying abroad scholarship programs with a comprehensive list we've compiled to get you started!

Embark on Teen Travel with Auto Europe

No matter what teen travel program you decide on, Auto Europe can help you make the most of your trip. Renting a car to explore new places has never been easier. Keep in mind there are age restrictions on car rental depending on which country you are in. Renting a car as an 18 year old can still be obtained in many international countries with certain suppliers. If you have any questions give us a call at 1-888-223-5555, and start preparing for your unforgettable teen adventure.