California & Grand Canyon Trip Overview

Live out the last days of summer in the Golden State and Grand Canyon! From LA to San Diego you’ll soak up the SoCal sun in two of California’s greatest cities. We’ll begin our teen tour of the USA in the star-studded city of Los Angeles where you’ll stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame and admire the city lights at sunset from Griffith Observatory. Enjoy the Pacific Ocean while hanging out at Venice Beach and ride the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. In San Diego, hang ten as you learn to surf at one of the city’s most famous beaches and kayak through secret caves in La Jolla. Make sure to look out for sea lions! If the San Diego Zoo or Disneyland (optional) has been on your bucket list, you can be sure to check them off here!

On our way to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona, we’ll make a pitstop in Nevada in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Ride the High Roller Ferris wheel and enjoy a delicious feast at an interactive dinner show! There’s no downtown in America quite like the Las Vegas Strip – the flashing lights and fountains sure do complement the high energy of Vegas.

There’s no better way to end this road trip than through some of the most famous places in America! First stop, one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. Marvel at the never ending canyon along the horizon and try to envision how the Colorado River created such a masterpiece over hundreds of thousands of years. From the mighty Grand Canyon, we’ll travel to Sedona, Arizona to see for ourselves what makes it such a highly trafficked area for outdoor enthusiasts. Ride in style as you tour the most rugged terrain in a fabulous Pink Jeep, and hike to the famous Devil’s Bridge. After Sedona you’ll finish your epic Southwest adventure in Phoenix.

Price

$4995 + Airfare

Departures
  • Aug 1 - Aug 11 Available
Days

11 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from all over the world!

Places We Visit

Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix

Arrival Airport

Los Angeles (LAX)

Departure Airport

Phoenix (PHX)

Countries

United States

During this program, you will…

  • Watch sunset from Griffith Observatory, stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and see that famous sign for yourself
  • Live out your childhood dream of visiting Disneyland*
  • Relax at the beach in Santa Monica or enjoy one of the rides at the pier
  • Kayak secret caves and look for sea lions in La Jolla
  • Ride the High Roller in Las Vegas for views of the strip
  • Take in the wonder of the mighty Grand Canyon
  • Check out the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona

*This is an optional add-on

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LOS ANGELES (LAX)
DAYS 1-3: LOS ANGELES

Tackle the second-largest city in the US without feeling overwhelmed! Wander through “Tinseltown” to spot your favorite celebrity along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, window shop in Beverly Hills at Rodeo Drive and check out the Chinese Theatre. Spot the Hollywood sign on your way up to the Griffith Observatory where you’ll watch the city light up as the sun sets. Explore vibrant Venice Beach and shop in the famous Abbot Kinney neighborhood. Play on the Santa Monica Pier, or relax on the beach. You will even have the chance to go on an optional day trip to one of America’s favorite theme parks: Disneyland!

DAYS 4-6: SAN DIEGO

Our adventure continues in sunny San Diego. We’ll get a taste of the laidback SoCal lifestyle as we explore the neighborhoods and coastline that make this city so well known! Wander through Balboa Park and visit the world famous San Diego Zoo. Kayak through secret caves and watch the lazy seals in La Jolla. Take a surf lesson and learn to catch a wave in the Pacific. Absorb the history of the gaslamp neighborhood and enjoy colorful sunsets every night in the beautiful San Diego weather with your new friends.

DAY 7: LAS VEGAS

On our way to Arizona, we’ll stop in the vibrant city of Las Vegas to stroll the Strip and check out some of the well-known sites, including the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the High Roller Ferris wheel. We’ll catch a dinner show at one of Vegas’s top casinos before heading to our next destination.

DAYS 8-10: GRAND CANYON AND SEDONA

You can’t visit Arizona without making a stop at the magnificent Grand Canyon National Park, but we’ll take it one step further and visit one of the most trafficked towns for outdoor adventures in the Southwest. Discover one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, and marvel at the incredible sights that stretch beyond the horizon! Then we’ll head to the cultural red rock town of Sedona, home to some of the best desert hiking in the country. In Sedona you will see for yourself why millions of outdoor enthusiasts visit this little town each year. We’ll hike the infamous Devil’s Bridge trail, take an off-road jeep tour on the most rugged terrain in the area, and explore the beautiful and culturally dense downtown Sedona.

DAY 11: DEPART FROM PHOENIX (PHX)

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Who can go on this program? What kind of teen typically goes on this program?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

Where do we stay?

Our hotels are specifically chosen to be in safe areas and well-suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. This means we do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities. We prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

All accommodations on this trip have been selected to ensure quality while still maintaining character of the places we are visiting. All hotels or dorms are guaranteed to be clean, safe, and equipped with 24 hour security.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for a trip.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What do students like most about the USA: California & the Grand Canyon trip?

Students love that they are able to explore a wide variety of cities and landscapes on this 11-day program. As you venture on USA: California & the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, there is truly something for everyone. In addition to the cities, the natural wonders along the way are not to be forgotten. Seeing the Grand Canyon is on every true traveler’s bucket list and this trip will accomplish that and many more!

What is unique about the USA: California & the Grand Canyon trip?

USA: California & the Grand Canyon is a legitimate road trip designed for teens in mind. Intimate-sized groups make this an incredible experience for everyone on board. You’ll see cities and spend time outdoors in some of the greatest places in California and the Southwest that will create lifelong memories. In addition to the Grand Canyon, your journey to the American Southwest will include visiting hidden gems in Page, Arizona–a destination no other teen travel company ventures to.

What is included?

Ground transportation, accommodations, all breakfasts and dinners, chaperones and guides, program related activities, program related activity admissions, taxes and tips.

Not included in cost (this not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; lunches; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!

While in California, we’ll have seafood and food influenced by the neighboring continent of Asia. In the Southwest, try the best Mexican food you’ve ever had!

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this program?

US citizens do not need passport or visa for this program, but a form of government-issued identification is needed for airport security.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

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