Scotland & Ireland: Celtic Isles

Trip Name
Scotland & Ireland: Celtic Isles

Who It’s For
High school students (completing grades 9–12)

2026 Session
Session 1: June 15 – June 28, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S.. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Scotland & Ireland

Trip Length
14 Days

Service Hours
15–20 (pending partner confirmation)

Tuition
$6,595

Days 1-2: Arrive in Edinburgh
Leave the U.S. and arrive in Scotland on day 2 where we settle into the historic heart of Edinburgh. Walk the Royal Mile, hike Arthurs’s Seat, and dive into Edinburgh’s rich culture, castles, and cobblestone streets.

Day 3: Head to the Highlands
Leave the city behind and travel north. Settle into the Cairngorms and prep for days of hiking, forest walks, and mountain views.

Days 4–5: Adventure in Cairngorms National Park
Hike, explore, and take on team challenges in Scotland’s wildest national park. A chance to unplug, reset, and push your limits.

Day 6: Kayak Loch Lomond or Summit Ben Nevis
Choose your adventure: paddle across a mirror-still loch or hike the highest peak in the UK. Either way, it’s a day to remember.

Day 7: Loch Ness & Travel to Ireland
Search for Nessie on a boat cruise, before transferring to Dublin. Transition from Scottish Highlands to Ireland’s rolling hills.

Day 8: Settle into Wicklow Mountains
Arrive in a peaceful corner of the Irish countryside. Settle in, meet local partners, and prep for the days ahead.

Days 9–10: Community Service in Wicklow
Team up with Wicklow Mountains National Park on conservation and education projects—supporting reforestation, trail care, and native habitat protection.

Day 11: Coastal Hike & Reflection
Walk Ireland’s wild shoreline, reflect as a group, and take in some final sea air. Begin closing the chapter together.

Day 12: Explore Dublin
Travel into the city for a day of exploration. Visit landmarks, grab a bite, and experience Ireland’s capital through a local lens.

Day 13: Final Night & Celebration
Come back together for a last group meal, memory-sharing, and closing reflections.

Day 14: Travel Home
Depart from Dublin and head back to the U.S.

A mix of rustic hotels, hostels, and small lodges.

Group Rooms: Teens sleep in shared rooms or slumber party-style layouts, separated by gender.

Simple & Comfortable: Lodges range from ensuite rooms to shared facilities, with quick showers every 2-3 days.

Group Living: Everyone helps with setup, gear organization, and keeping shared spaces clean.

Meals include a mix of local cuisine and simple group-prepared meals.

Cooking Together: In some locations, teens help plan and cook meals with the group. In others, meals are provided by local hosts.

Local Flavor: Meals reflect regional foods and flavors. Think pub pies, hearty stews, and fresh bread, plus other familiar, kid-friendly options.

Dietary Needs: We accommodate all allergies and diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

Snacks: Plenty of snacks available throughout travel and activity days.

Flights
Families book flights to Edinburgh (EDI) and from Dublin (DUB).
Do not book flights until receiving required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Additional Internal Flight
There will be one additional internal flight on this trip, from Edinburgh to Dublin. RLT will book this on behalf of the group, and apply the charge to a final invoice.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual gear. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents (when applicable), cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
All enrolled families get access to the RLT portal with forms including:
Health history
Waivers and agreements
Emergency contact info

Medical Clearance
No appointment needed unless there’s a new or complex medical issue.

Medications
All medications must be listed on the medical form. Leaders manage and dispense meds as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll share our Code of Conduct ahead of time, designed to support a safe, respectful, inclusive space.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling abroad. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

Passport
A valid passport is required for this program.

Device-Free Philosophy
Phones and electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end of the trip.

Why?
To help teens:
Connect more deeply
Be fully present
Build confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Bring a digital camera or GoPro, no Wi-Fi needed. Leaders also take and share photos afterward.

Communication
Families receive updates during the trip. Our on-call team is available 24/7 in case of emergencies.