Summer Travel vs. Summer Camp: What’s Better for Your Teen in 2025?

Teens and trip leaders pose at Machu Picchu during RLT’s Peru: Mystic Mountains trip.

When summer rolls around, families have a big question to answer: How should my teen spend their time away from school?

Two of the most meaningful options are traditional summer camps and travel programs. They’re different in style, structure, and focus—but both offer teens the chance to grow, connect, and gain confidence in a new environment.

Here’s how they compare—and how to figure out what’s right for your family.

What Traditional Summer Camps Offer

Traditional camps are built around community, structure, and fun. Most take place in one location, often near lakes or in the woods, and offer a set schedule of activities like swimming, crafts, sports, or outdoor skills. If your teen thrives in consistent routines, enjoys a sense of camp tradition, or is looking to unplug and reconnect with nature and friends, a camp might be a great fit.

Some camps we know and recommend:

  1. North Star Camp for Boys (Wisconsin) – A long-standing camp focused on outdoor adventure and personal growth.

  2. WeHaKee Camp for Girls (Wisconsin) – A values-based program with leadership, arts, and outdoor activities for girls ages 7–17.

What Travel Programs Like RLT Provide

Travel programs are more dynamic by nature. Instead of staying in one place, teens move through a thoughtfully planned itinerary—doing everything from hiking and kayaking to cultural immersion and community service.

At The Road Less Traveled (RLT), our trips are built around three things:

  1. Challenge (physical, emotional, and cultural)

  2. Connection (to people, place, and purpose)

  3. Growth (in independence, perspective, and leadership)

If your teen is curious about the world, open to new experiences, or ready to stretch themselves in a deeper way, a travel program could be the next step.

A Few RLT Trips to Consider

Each RLT trip offers a different kind of experience—but all help teens grow in ways that stick with them long after summer ends.

Norway: Peaks and Valleys

21 days of backcountry hiking, fjord kayaking, and cultural exploration. A great fit for teens who love the outdoors and want to build resilience and confidence.

Greece: Coastal Conservation

A mix of sea kayaking, marine science, and hands-on conservation in the Ionian Islands and Kefalonia. Ideal for teens interested in environmental work and island adventure.

Spain: Connect Through Community

Help fight food insecurity in Barcelona and Costa Brava, while diving into Spanish language, food, and daily life. Perfect for those interested in service and culture.

Italy: Dive the Med

Earn your PADI certification while helping with marine conservation in Sardinia. Includes time in Rome. A great fit for teens interested in the ocean and real-world learning.

→ Browse all RLT programs

How to Decide Between Camp and Travel

There’s no “better” option—just the one that best fits your teen.

Choose a traditional camp if your teen:

  1. Enjoys routine and predictability

  2. Feels comfortable in a single location

  3. Likes structured activities in a familiar format

Choose a travel program if your teen:

  1. Seeks adventure, variety, and deeper learning

  2. Is ready to take more responsibility

  3. Wants to explore the world while making an impact

Two teens explore the coast of Greece at sunset during downtime on an RLT summer program.

Still Not Sure?

You don’t have to choose blindly. We’re happy to talk through your teen’s personality, goals, and comfort level to help you figure out what makes the most sense.

→ Talk to our team and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Laura Dunmire