This summer teen tour is the ultimate American road trip, literally taking you “from sea to shining sea.” This 40-day adventure begins in New York and ends in California. Along the way, teens will experience the awe of natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, the hustle and bustle of cities like Chicago, and the excitement of California.
This summer program brings teens together in a welcoming group environment to connect and share unforgettable experiences. You might think the “U.S.” before “Explorer” stands for United States… but actually it means Unforgettable Summer!
Program Highlights:
Take a ride to the Falls and enjoy a Jetboat thrill on the Niagara River.
Whitewater Raft the Snake River.
Challenging ropes course and Quadricycles.
Visit National Parks like Bryce, Yellowstone, Zion & Grand Canyon.
Learn to surf with professional lessons in San Diego.
Witness the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore.
Famous Second City Comedy Club in Chicago.
Cedar Point Amusement Park - The nation’s best!
Sail a private charter across Lake Tahoe.
Enjoy a Las Vegas show.
Energetic Blue Man Group show.
Extreme Tubing at Park City Olympic Park.
Laugh it up at the IMPROV Comedy Club in L.A.
Horseback ride, Alpine Slide and Cowboy Coaster.
Enjoy San Francisco including Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz.
Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier.
Waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard or tube Lake Tahoe.
Explore Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Major League Baseball and San Diego Zoo.
Whirlyball, Lagoon-a-Beach Water & Amusement Park.
Cost and Session Information
June 29 - August 7 July 1 - August 9
Upcoming Events
Feb 26, 2025
Introduction to Westcoast Connection
01:00pm (ET)
Join this webinar to learn why 98.5% of survey respondents say they would recommend Westcoast Connection.
Webinar Topics:
What makes a summer experience with WCC so special?
Destinations & activities within all three divisions: Travel, Learn, Volunteer.
Details on our unwavering commitment to safety and supervision, staff hiring & training, how we cultivate successful social connections and more!
Westcoast Connection offers teen tours, pre-college programs, career experiences, and volunteer programs for high school students around the world. With 70+ programs available for high school and middle school students completing grades 7-12, we've had the pleasure of providing over 47,000 teen travelers with their summer of a lifetime...(more)
Experience this pre-college program for high school students on the campus of UCLA and get a sneak peek at college life! Explore your interests with a wide selection of enriching and engaging courses, and discover the best sights and activities in Los Angeles with your new friends. This high school summer program balances academic preparation, fun group excursions, and structured independence to help prepare teens for college and make new, lasting connections...(more)
On this student community service and environmental stewardship program in the Florida Keys, teens have the opportunity to make a difference by helping restore coral nurseries, preserving the marine environment, learning about proper dolphin care, and much more! You’ll also learn how to protect biodiversity and ocean life through partnerships with the scientific community. ..(more)
Study in Montreal this summer and prepare for college with engaging courses on the campus of McGill University, often referred to as the “Harvard of the North”. This pre-college summer program for high school students balances academic enrichment and growth with fun group excursions and free time to explore one of the top student cities in the world! Students will enjoy the independence that they desire balanced with the structure, guidance and supervision that parents expect...(more)
Travel to Costa Rica this summer for an unforgettable teen community service program, where you’ll volunteer alongside our long-standing service partners and support a variety of impactful projects. As part of the service-learning framework, our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program. When not volunteering, you’ll be on amazing adventures like learning to surf, rappelling down a waterfall and zip-lining over the rainforest!..(more)
Travel through some of Europe’s greatest cities across England, France, Switzerland and Italy, hitting all the major attractions and taking in all the incredible sites. This student program also offers adventures like whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy quaint museums and cafes in the daytime, and theater shows and dance clubs at night. ..(more)
This summer program for high school students brings you to see incredible scenery, ancient ruins, and crystal blue waters all in one unforgettable experience! Between all the stunning views and landmarks, teens will tour Italy and mainland Greece hunting for the best espresso, browsing the local shops and art galleries, and dining in the most amazing restaurants. We group the teens on this program into co-ed, age-compatible groups that are fun and inclusive for all...(more)
This is the perfect program for teens who want to learn about and help with conservation efforts! You will travel to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica while working with like-minded peers in an effort to protect the country’s sea turtle population...(more)
Westcoast Connection takes special care in assigning age-compatible, co-ed groups for those in middle school resulting in the best possible social dynamics for that age group. There are 22 different programs to choose from. Are you looking for a global adventure outside of the US, a teen tour in the US, or even a community service? We offer it all...(more)
This community service program in Hawaii is the perfect option for teens who want to learn about and help with marine conservation efforts! Make a positive environmental impact with like-minded peers in an effort to protect the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population. You’ll also learn about Hawaiian culture and gain a strong appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their way of life...(more)
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We have collaborated with the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF) to provide high school students with an unparalleled financial educational experience in New York City. Learn the ins and outs of the financial sector and be inspired by industry professionals through engaging sessions and collaborative projects, all while surrounded by the excitement of New York City! You’ll leave NY with lifelong friendships, memories, and practical knowledge of the careers available in finance...(more)
Journey to the lands down under and immerse yourself in all that New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji have to offer: incredible beauty, friendly culture, and thrilling adventure. Try a wide variety of activities that you won’t see anywhere else, like Zorbing, waterfall rafting and alpine trekking in New Zealand followed by SCUBA diving the Great Barrier Reef, boomerang throwing lessons and bridge climbing in Australia. ..(more)
From the big city excitement of Lisbon to the small-town charm of Lagos, you will have a blast exploring Portugal on this trip for high schoolers. You and your fellow travelers will enjoy thrilling canyoning, kayaking, and surfing! Led by amazing leaders, since this is a summer program for a smaller travel group, it allows you to occasionally go off the beaten path to explore charming towns and discover local treasures...(more)
Study abroad in Florence, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. Filled with amazing art, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder Florence is such a preeminent student travel destination. This Italy Pre-College Program is designed to prepare high school students for the academic and personal challenges that come with the transition to college while also experiencing an unforgettable summer discovering Italy. ..(more)
Learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica on this medical Career Experience program for high school students. Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, you will help provide free healthcare to the community of Tamarindo. Teens will walk away with hands-on medical support experience and a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges of public health in remote communities. ..(more)
Enjoy island paradise and rural living during this immersive program with like-minded peers on a number of diverse projects from marine conservation at our island base camp to sustainable development projects and a kid’s after school program in local villages. On this program there are many opportunities for interaction with Fijians to understand and appreciate their culture and better foster an appreciation for our teens’ own lives. ..(more)
Turn your Cali dreams into reality on this teen tour that packs in a week of SoCal glamour, palm trees and beaches with NorCal excitement and action-packed fun. Take in the sights and sounds of San Francisco as you visit Alcatraz, the “seal-ebrities” at Pier 39 and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Waterski or wakeboard on Lake Tahoe, before soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara. Search for celebrities in Los Angeles and then ride the waves in San Diego...(more)
Work on a diverse set of community service projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest and unwind in the spectacular Galapagos Islands. This teen community service program in Ecuador and the Galapagos uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. ..(more)
Join us this summer on this amazing Greece and Italy adventure travel program for teens. Teens will tour ancient ruins, beautiful natural landscapes and enjoy the freshest, most incredible food on this summer program that takes you off the beaten path. Hike the 5 seaside villages of Cinque Terre and tour the wondrous ruins of Athens plus explore the Greek Islands with a SCUBA diving lesson in Naxos and kayaking and sunset views in Santorini. ..(more)
This East Coast teen tour in the USA and Canada shows you the best of what the Northeast has to offer. On this summer road trip, get ready for the non-stop thrills like whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, waterskiing or wakeboarding, experiencing Niagara Falls and jet boating. The adventure doesn’t stop on the water though with stops in Boston, Montreal, and Toronto coupled with the scenic playgrounds of Acadia and Mont-Tremblant National Park...(more)
On this student community service program in Hawaii, teens have the opportunity to make a difference through volunteer work with amazing organizations. You’ll also learn about Hawaiian culture and gain an appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their way of life. This Hawaii student tour uses a service-learning framework where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity...(more)
From the big city excitement of Madrid and Barcelona to the small-town charm of Toledo and Granada, you will have a blast exploring Western Europe on this Spain trip for high schoolers. You and your fellow travelers will sample authentic Spanish cuisine, explore ancient cities and snorkel in a marine reserve!..(more)
Travel to Costa Rica for an unforgettable summer experience of surf lessons and adventure with a new group of friends! You’ll spend 4 mornings and 1 afternoon out on the water learning the fundamentals of surfing from professionals who grew up riding the waves...(more)
rab your career path by the reins and take control of your future while studying abroad on the campus of McGill University, often referred to as the “Harvard of the North”. This hands-on educational program combines engaging class and lab time with sessions led by industry guest speakers and site visits. By the end, you will have a better idea of what you can do with a STEM education and what career path you would like to pursue!..(more)
Immerse yourself in the community and authentic culture of a small rainforest town in Costa Rica as you plan and run a day camp for local children in Arenal. This Costa Rica Community Service trip for teens focuses on opportunities to develop and execute your leadership skills while working with children in a formalized role. As a counselor-in-training on this Costa Rica student trip, you will act as both a camp counselor and activity specialist. ..(more)
This student travel program takes you on a loop from the Rockies in Colorado, down the coast of California, then into Nevada, and Utah/Arizona Canyon Country. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to raft the Snake River, surf the Pacific and so much more!..(more)
Journey through a country rich in history and renowned for adventure travel. Explore the bustling markets of Bangkok, the jungles of Chiang Mai, the beaches of Krabi and so much more. From SCUBA diving and zip-lining to interacting with elephants and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Railay Bay, you’ll experience it all on this unforgettable teen summer program in Thailand. ..(more)
Immerse yourself in the heart of America’s favorite pastime on this ultimate traveling baseball program for teens. Catch foul balls, secure autographs from your favorite players, and step into the dugout during exclusive, behind-the-scenes stadium tours at some of Major League Baseball’s most iconic venues. This baseball trip takes you to 9 exhilarating MLB games, where you’ll witness your favorite teams in action and explore the National Baseball Hall of Fame...(more)
Experience Thailand through a fulfilling, once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunity on this elephant service and adventure program. Spend meaningful days caring for this nation’s cherished species at an elephant sanctuary. This Thailand community service program is led by our amazing staff, who are there to provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. ..(more)
Get ready for a summer like you never imagined on this European teen tour! You will visit some of Europe’s greatest cities across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, with charming little villages in between. Enjoy museums, cafés, theater and dance clubs on this student tour. Then, work off all of those croissants and gelatos by getting active with whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding and more...(more)
Somewhere on this student trip to Greece, between SCUBA diving in Naxos, kayaking around Santorini and touring Athens, you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous Mediterranean country. Sure, you’ll see the famous monuments and highlights but don’t be surprised when the warmth of the local people you meet makes you want to stay in this island paradise forever...(more)
The American Voyageur summer travel program is our original itinerary and is still as popular as ever! If “life is a highway,” then it had better pass through every stop on this incredible teenage road trip. So much more exciting than summer camp, this trip loops through the Western USA and Canada in 40 action-packed days. ..(more)
Get ready to explore France, Switzerland and Italy on this small group adventure travel program for high school students. As you tour Europe, of course you’ll see some of its great masterpieces and monuments, but you’ll also have time to stop at charming cafés, browse the local art galleries, taste the authentic cuisine and interact with the locals...(more)
Join an unforgettable summer trip, where high school students travel across Italy with a small group of fellow adventurers! With rail pass and maps in hand, this trip allows teens to tour Italy’s monuments, take in its artistic masterpieces, enjoy that perfect gelato, and discover just how good authentic pizza and pasta really is...(more)
Experience a fascinating visit to the equatorial line in Quito, snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands, ziplining in the jungle, and hiking on beautiful beaches. What’s even more special than the things you will see and do in South America is feeling the warm hospitality of the Ecuadorian people. Led by outstanding staff, this small-group adventure tour is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience...(more)
This is truly the ultimate west coast teenage road trip! This program begins in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Then cruise down the coast and fall in love with the beaches of Santa Barbara and the most famous hotspots in LA & San Diego. Next, this summer adventure takes you into the American Southwest exploring the majesty of dramatically changing scenery with a stay in Vegas and grand finale in beautiful Scottsdale. ..(more)
Get your adrenaline flowing in Costa Rica! Zipline through the Cloud Forest, whitewater raft the Pacuare River, rappel down waterfalls and surf at world-famous Tamarindo Beach on this Costa Rica adventure travel tour for teens. Led by outstanding summer program leaders, this is a truly unforgettable small-group experience in a beautiful country. After this incredible experience, you’ll bring home the “Pura Vida” lifestyle along with memories that will last a lifetime!..(more)
Teens will get to explore the public markets, pristine beaches and traditional villages of these beautiful countries. Marvel at the waters of Ha Long Bay, care for elephants for a day in Chiang Mai, SCUBA dive in Koh Phi Phi, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An and so much more...(more)
It’s so easy to become an explorer and adventurer in the tropical beauty of Hawaii. You’ll come to realize just how diverse, but equally stunning the islands actually are. Experience this paradise through surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, river tubing and so much more on this Hawaii adventure tour for teens! You’ll experience Hawaiian culture while surrounded by your friendly and close-knit Ohana!..(more)
Cosmopolitan cities, beautiful beaches, quaint medieval towns, and exciting nightlife; this trip for high schoolers across Spain and Portugal has it all! Grab your passport and sense of adventure and tour both large, metropolitan cities and small, off-the-beaten-path villages and beachside towns. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Spain’s artistic masterpieces, sample some tapas or maybe a pasteis de nata while trying some thrilling canyoning, kayaking, and surfing. ..(more)
This travel program for high schoolers takes you on an adventure across many unique cultures throughout Central Europe. Get your adrenaline pumping in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, immerse yourself in the rich history of Prague’s monuments, see why Vienna is considered one of the most livable cities in the world, and experience firsthand Croatia’s best-kept secret: the Adriatic Coast and its pristine beaches...(more)
Embark on a journey across inspiring European destinations on this unforgettable summer travel program for teens. Soak up the sun with your new friends on Barceloneta beach and marvel at Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Then dive into the vibrant culture of Spain with a night of hands-on cooking, where you’ll create (and savor!) mouth-watering paella and tapas. Glide across the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on a thrilling tubing adventure in idyllic Nice...(more)
Breathtaking describes the sites on this teen travel adventure visiting the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks. Adrenaline-pumping describes the activities – whitewater rafting, water skiing or wakeboarding, downhill karting, professional surf lessons, dune buggy adventure, canoeing, and alpine sliding...(more)
his Hawaii teen tour visits the islands of Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui where you can surf, snorkel and explore this lush, tropical paradise. Continue by jetting to Portland to start nine days in the Pacific Northwest to see everything from the natural beauty of Seattle and the vast sand dunes on the Oregon coast. This teen tour is led by our amazing staff who create a fun, inclusive, family-like group. ..(more)
This summer program for high school students offers the rare combination of academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and college preparation, all while living in a Mediterranean beach town. Attend engaging summer courses for teens at internationally renowned schools while living in the heart of the city. Get a true taste of the college experience on this summer program in Spain, which offers a unique balance of independence and structure for high school students...(more)
Explore three top European destinations on this summer travel program for teens. Take in a London West End live theater show. Cruise the canals of the colorful city of Amsterdam. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower. This small-group adventure allows teens to have some flexibility and spontaneity along the way during this exciting European adventure!..(more)
Embark on an unforgettable summer journey from the vibrant Pacific Northwest to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska and the tropical paradise of Hawaii! You’ll ride in a dune buggy through the Oregon sand dunes, learn to surf with professionals in Hawaii, get your adrenaline pumping with a via ferrata adventure in Whistler, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting with stunning views of Denali National Park, and so much more! ..(more)
Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you journey through four incredible countries on this unforgettable teen travel program! From hiking glaciers and soaking in hot springs to cruising through majestic fjords and exploring ancient ruins, every day is an epic adventure. Imagine rafting through Iceland’s picturesque landscapes, ziplining over lush forests in Norway, and kayaking along Denmark’s stunning coastlines...(more)
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure and discover the best of the American west! Bear witness to legendary landscapes and journey through iconic cities like Park City, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Explore the magnificent wonders of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and experience adrenaline-filled activities in Park City. ..(more)
In today’s tech-driven world, STEM education is more valuable than ever. This summer program for high school students is designed to equip the next generation of innovators with an understanding of how real-world problems are solved by leveraging science, technology, engineering, and math. Through a variety of interactive site visits, from the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center to the Maglev Exhibition Center, students will explore cutting-edge advancements in STEM...(more)
This tour offers off-the-charts fun in one student trip to Australia. Included is a visit to the world’s largest sand bar on Fraser Island, take a once-in-a-lifetime journey diving and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo and their koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, and enjoy a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. Each day is better than the last on this fantastic high school adventure...(more)
Bienvenidos a España! What better way to immerse yourself in the Spanish language than to chat with locals in Madrid and Barcelona? Rather than a formal classroom setting, the daily experience in the country becomes your classroom! This immersive language program for teens is designed to help further develop your Spanish language fluency...(more)
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