Age
18-19 yrs Only
Social Causes
Refugee Relief
Highlights
Bike through Athens, Explore Ancient Ruins, Relax on a Catamaran on the Aegean Sea
Trip Pace
Moderate
Physical Level
Low to Moderate
About this Trip
The food is incredible, the beaches are famous, and ancient history is everywhere you look
Your days will be spent wandering the bustling, ancient city of Athens and experiencing some of the best cafes, museums, and buzzing marketplaces the city has to offer. Spend a day on a private catamaran in some of the most gorgeous water you’ll ever see and take a bike tour around the city learning about the fascinating history and mythology that makes Greece one of the most popular summer destinations in the world. When you’ve experienced the very best of the city, you’ll escape to a charming coastal town to explore castles, enjoy a delicious lunch on the water, and soak up the unique culture and hospitality that the Greeks are famous for.
Greece will imprint itself on your heart forever, but the thing that will change you the most will be the time you spend serving refugees and coming to know their stories.
Teen Service Opportunities In Greece
Can you imagine having literally nowhere to go?
Right now, our world is experiencing one of the greatest refugee crises in history. There are currently 82.4 MILLION displaced people with 42% of those being children.
Due to the high volume of people who are fleeing to safety, as well as the complex political and economic factors that play a role in this crisis, countries are closing their borders. This means that millions of people are being forced to live in refugee camps with no running water, limited food supplies, and no access to basic human rights such as education, healthcare, and employment.
You can help! Your time spent in the refugee camp will educate and empower you to be a voice for those the world has seemed to have forgotten.
Youth & Parent Experiences
Who Can Go On This Teen Trip?
While we feel that teens of ALL ages should learn more and get passionate about the refugee crisis, local laws in Greece currently require that volunteers be at least 18 years of age. The situation of refugees in Greece is dire; the nature of work in refugee camps can be emotionally heavy and maturity in both age and emotional development is necessary.
Is Greece safe?
Safety is, by far, our number one priority when we choose a location for our trips. We are keenly aware of the intense trust that is placed in us to provide a safe and life-changing experience for your child. As parents of three children, we do not take that trust lightly. Because of this, we will never take your child to a place that we, as the founders, do not deem safe for our own small children, and that we have not PERSONALLY visited and vetted from top to bottom.
Greece is an amazing country with a high level of safety and hospitality. The most common types of violence experienced by tourists are petty theft (pickpocketing) and local demonstrations.
We have several layers of safety in place to prevent all that we can. You can read more about our additional safety precautions here.
What is the food like?
Greek food can be described in one word: AMAZING. Gyros, bougatsa, gelato, pitas and hummus, olives, dolmadakia, moussaka, Greek salads, etc. A typical meal involves some kind of meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread. Our hosts are always very willing to accommodate and help with food allergies when they can. Traveling with a gluten or dairy allergy is manageable in Greece, but it takes some additional planning and preparation.
What are the housing accommodations going to be?
Again, safety is our number one priority. When we consider new locations, we always go beforehand and scout out the safest, highest quality housing and neighborhoods available. We never stay in hostels and we vet every accommodation for cleanliness, location, safety, and privacy. In order to provide a more immersive cultural experience, and to better support and give back to the community we are visiting, we prioritize Airbnb’s or private, locally owned bed and breakfasts for the majority of our stay.
What can I do to prepare for my trip?
First and foremost, get a passport if you don’t already have one!
Next, keep your eye out for the information and resources that we will be sending you about the refugee cause in Greece. The more you know and understand, the more this experience will mean to you and the more prepared you will be to make a meaningful difference.
Lastly, practice getting uncomfortable: try new foods, start conversations with people you don’t know, put away your phone for a few hours every day, etc. Traveling is exhilarating and life-changing, but it can also be full of moments that are new, hard, or uncomfortable. New people, new cultures, new languages, and new food can be a lot to take in at times. Everything you do to get ready now will make it that much easier. Just know that we’ll be there to walk you through all of it and help make the experience amazing!