All high school-aged youth 15-19 years old, who commit to and follow the rules and safety standards of Travel For Youth can attend this trip.

Yes! Safety is, by far, our number one priority when we choose any 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.

Thai people are some of the most kind-hearted, gentle people we have ever met in our travels. Their country is generally safe with a crime rate much lower than the United States when analyzed per capita. That being said, it is always wise to exercise caution and to by hyperaware when traveling. Public political demonstrations, tourist scams, and petty theft are things that tourists in Thailand should be aware of. Our leaders are trained extensively regarding safety precautions and protocols and we have several layers of safety in place to prevent all that we can.

You can read more about our robust safety precautions here.

Thai food may feel adventurous if you’ve never tried anything similar, but it is incredible! Typical meals involve noodle-based dishes with fresh herbs, sauces, vegetables, and meat. Rice and meat dishes are also common along with several different kinds of coconut-based curries.

Gluten and milk allergies can be easily accommodated in Thailand. If you have a peanut allergy, you will need to exercise extra caution on this trip as peanuts and peanut oil are used in many dishes and are a common garnish. We can help you know what you need before you go and your trip leaders will be prepared to help you order food and let chefs know about your allergy.

Again, safety is our number one priority. When we consider new locations, we personally go beforehand and scout out the safest, highest quality housing and neighborhoods available. We never stay in hostels and we personally go and 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 privately owned bed and breakfasts for the majority of our stay.

For the majority of your stay in Thailand, you will be in private Airbnbs.

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 women’s empowerment. 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.

As far as physical preparation goes, you will need to be prepared to walk at least an hour total each day and there is a short, but very strenuous hike that you will want to be ready for. You will spend one day on a boat traveling to different snorkeling spots so being a competent swimmer is important. Lifejackets will always be provided, but basic swim skills are required.

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!