Since 1991, our teens have traveled the globe—building lifelong friendships, serving local communities, and growing into their best selves.

 
Group 1-2.jpg
 

What we do

 

Life-changing travel that helps teens discover the world—and their place in it.

Summiting a remote peak in Norway’s wilderness, summer 2022.

 
 

 Meghan G, an RLT parent

My son went on two trips, and we’re so grateful for all he gained...close friends, strong role models, confidence, a broader worldview, and the chance to give back.

 
 

Why RLT

 

Rooted in meaningful service, committed to safety, and small by design.

Local service

Each trip is rooted in service—meeting real needs, supporting locals, and making a lasting impact.

Decades of safety

We could list our safety accreditations, but instead... in 33 years, there’s never been a serious injury. Not one.

Intentionally small

Being small is our superpower. It means we can have high leader-to-teen ratios and know every family personally.

Volunteering to clean up trails in the forests of Maine, summer 2023.

 
 

2025 destinations

Alaska

Colorado

Hawaii

Maine

Washington

Puerto Rico

Alaska Colorado Hawaii Maine Washington Puerto Rico

Azores

Bali

Costa Rica

Greece

Norway

Peru

Thailand

Vietnam

Italy

France

Azores Bali Costa Rica Greece Norway Peru Thailand Vietnam Italy France

 
 

Our trips

 

Whatever their passion, we have a trip for them. Perfected over decades.

Tailored to their age

From 11 to 18, we offer trips curated to different ages & comfortability, helping teens thrive away from home.

Designed around interests

Centered around cultural immersion, service, and adventure, our trips help teens see beyond life at school.

Established for decades

Our trips are iconic, built & perfected for over 30 years—many of our leaders were once participants themselves.

Exploring The Garden of the Gods in Colorado, summer 2023.

 
 

Benedetta V, an RLT parent

My daughter wrote her college application essay about how life-changing RLT was. It also helped her choose environmental science as her college major.

 
 

The impact

 

A 30-year legacy of transformation, growth, and life-changing travel.

Rafting the Salmon River, summer 2004

Exploring Denali National Park, summer 2010

Kayaking on Kenai Lake, summer 2014

Trekking the Rockies, summer 2017

Hiking to Skógafoss waterfall, summer 2019

Caring for horses in Montana, summer 2022

 

Get more info

Every interested family gets a call from someone on our team—that’s what being intentionally small is all about. We’ll get to know your teen, recommend trips based on their interests, and answer your questions. It’s the start of a one-on-one relationship that lasts through the entire trip.