March Update From TFT Headquarters

Merry March TFT Families! We have hit the ground running in preparation for Summer 2026 and are ready to help you be prepared as well!

You can expect a monthly update and monthly update video shared at the beginning of the month from now until June 2026.

The goal of our monthly updates is to present to you key information relevant to the time of the year and a centralized place for general information that will help you and your teen prepare for their program.

Items covered in this update:

  • Payment Deadline
  • Insurance Reminder
  • “Set It & Forget It!”
  • Flight Updates
  • Traveler Tees
  • Optional Add-Ons
  • Travel and Safety Update 3/10/26

Looking Forward!

This year will fly by!  We want to make sure our families know what to expect as we approach summer. We’d like to share this timeline between now and departure to help you prepare.

March

April

  • Purchase travel protection & final payment by April 1
  • Complete all your paperwork
  • Additional paperwork requirements for select programs
    • Language placement assessment for language immersion programs
    • Scuba waivers and certifications

May – June – July – August

  • Visa information released by May (when applicable)
  • Pre-Departure Webinars
  • Introduction to your Trip Leader in mid-June
  • Pre-Departure Emails
    • General Instructions two weeks before departure
    • Travelers join their WhatsApp group a week before departure
    • Specific travel Day information one week before departure, including UM info if applicable

Upcoming Payment Deadline

Payment in full is due by April 1, 2026. This month, our Finance Team will begin to email out reminders that include your balance due.

You can check your balance at any time by logging in to your MyTFT account, selecting your program, and ‘view statement’. To review payment options, click here.

If the final payment is not received by April 1, the Finance Team will begin to follow up 1:1 in April by email and phone. Failure to make payment in a timely manner after the deadline may result in a $50.00 late fee and the card on file being charged per our Terms and Conditions. Please take the time this month to arrange payment in the manner that you want.

Set It & Forget It!

Our payment deadline is coming up, and we’re making it easier than ever to stay on track! We can help you set up an automatic payment to be processed on or before April 1st from your preferred payment method. Not sure which payment method is on file? Simply check your teen’s trip page in the MyTFT portal.

If you are interested in setting it and forgetting it, please email us at help@travelforteens.com!

Adding an Insurance Policy 

As a reminder, Travel For Teens requires all families to purchase a travel protection plan. The deadline to purchase a Travel Protection Plan directly from TFT is up to the date that you are paid in full. Because that deadline is approaching, we want to remind you that if you have not yet purchased a trip protection plan, now is the time!

For policy details and prices, please visit our insurance page. To select a plan, enter your MyTFT portal, select your trip, and on the manage trip page you will find a selection box for insurance. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom and save your update! The plan will be invoiced upon selection.

 

All Things Flights!

It’s that time of year! Some families have already received their traveler’s flight information, and if you haven’t yet, don’t worry—you can expect to receive those details between now and mid-March. Flight information is released on a program-by-program basis. When it’s time to book, you’ll receive an email with the subject line: “Ready to book? Important Designated Flight Information for [Your Teen’s Program Name] – Travel For Teens.” That email will include the designated group flight path or booking windows, along with step-by-step instructions for reserving flights through our professional agents.

When it comes to the program travel day, you have several options:

  • Designated group flights with connections to the hub airport (JFK, LAX, MIA, SEA)
  • Independent arrival or departure from the group flight – fees may apply for staff supervision or private transfers if needed
  • Drop off or pickup at the destination – just let the TFT office know if this is a consideration
  • Flight windows

Below, you can read through the options on how to book your flight. No matter the route you choose, TFT will provide on-the-ground support at the hub and arrival departure airports, along with flight monitoring and communication for all paths.

Should I book with TFT or on my own? 

Booking through TFT

  • Competitive Pricing: We partner with industry professionals who guarantee competitive options and reliable service.
  • Bookings for UMs: We can book flights without immediate confirmation of the designated pickup person. Though many airlines require this at booking, our process allows us to add the confirmed pickup person’s information closer to departure.
  • 24/7 Service: Receive round-the-clock access to our dedicated agents. See multiple flight options and straightforward pricing, all in your own, personal chat.
  • Simplify Complex Travel: Easily book complicated travel paths, including multi-city and codeshare itineraries. Flying with a friend? You will be able to note companions in the survey to ensure you are booked and seated together.
  • End-to-End Support: Receive continuous support from the start of the booking process through arrival and departure, including Unaccompanied Minor service, management of schedule changes, delays, cancellations, and travel emergencies.
  • Peace of Mind: If issues arise, our agents work directly with the airline on your behalf to resolve them.

If Booking On Your Own

  • You can use points or flight credits held on your accounts
  • You control the ticket; TFT will not be able to help make changes on your behalf
  • Ensure you understand airline codeshares and booking multi-city flights, if applicable
  • You will need to provide the details for a ‘fill-in’ person as the designated pickup for the UM service, if required. This can be a parent, aunt, friend, etc and can be changed or removed at a later date
  • You will still receive full airport day support for your traveler
  • Once booked, please either forward us the confirmation email or upload the information to the MyTFT portal

Booking an Independent Flight Path 

Ground transfers and staff placement are scheduled around the group flights. Flights arriving or departing outside of the scheduled times could incur fees if TFT needs to arrange additional transportation or supervision outside of what is planned.

  • Our agents can also quote an independent or hybrid flight path for you
  • Arriving after the group flight and departing before the group flight will incur private transfer costs
    • We allow a 60-minute grace period before or after the designated group flight
  • TFT will have staff in our hub airports (JFK, MIA, LAX, and SEA) on departure days, and staff will be waiting at each of the arrival airports. TFT is not able to provide on-the-ground support to travelers transiting through airports outside of our hubs and final destinations.
  • If you have an Unaccompanied Minor arriving before the group flight or departing after the group flight, there will be an additional fee for staff time, as our staff is required to accompany your traveler

Order Your TFT Traveler Tee!

Your tuition includes a free bright teal Traveler Tee for your teen to wear on airport days. These shirts help staff recognize travelers as they arrive, and make a great souvenir! We partner with a local print company to provide the t-shirts for summer.

The shirt is optional, and if your teen would like to have one, you can follow the TFT Traveler Tee Order Instructions to order it and have it shipped for free directly to your home. For our Canadian families, there will be an extra international shipping fee.

Unfortunately, we cannot ship tees outside the US and Canada. If you live elsewhere but have family or friends within the US or Canada who are willing to receive the tee and ship it to you, that is a great option!

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Optional Add-Ons!

This month, we will be announcing the available Optional Add-Ons! Many of our programs offer exciting optional activities, such as SCUBA diving, high-adrenaline adventures, or special day trips. Since not every participant may want to take part, these add-ons come at an additional cost and are not included in the standard tuition. They are completely optional, and some programs may not offer any add-ons at all. If your teen’s trip doesn’t have any listed, there’s no need to worry—it simply means they won’t need to decide on any extras! Rest assured, there will always be an alternative activity available for those who choose not to participate.

If your traveler’s program offers an Optional Add-On, you will receive an email with additional information!

Fun Tidbits!

TFT is Hiring!

Do you know a teacher, outdoor enthusiast or travel aficionado that you think would make a great summer counselor? Travel For Teens is hiring for summer positions now. Applicants must have experience working with teenagers, summer availability, and a clean background.

All positions can be viewed on our Careers page here.

Follow Us On Social Media

You can wanderlust all year long on our exciting social media platforms! See TikToks, videos, and reels from our favorite destinations and meet our dynamic staff! Not sure which adventure you’ll book for Summer 2026? Check out our Instagram highlights for some inspo!

Travel and Safety Update 3/10/26

We continue to monitor events around the world leading up to the summer. If parents would like to familiarize themselves with where we stand in terms of preparation for the summer and the current conflicts in the Middle East, you can read our official statement here.

What to Expect Each Month

Want a quick snapshot of what’s next? Check out our “Month to Month”  page to see what we do and what you need to do at any point throughout the year!

Helpful Information

Schedule a call with our Client Service or Logistics team

Do you have questions? Set up a call!

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