Traveling around the world can seem like a dream that only those with money to burn can afford. With accommodations, airfare, meals, transportation, and activities, the bill for a summer getaway can stack up surprisingly fast. However, with careful planning and a few savvy tips, you can embark on exciting adventures without breaking the bank! And our expert travel guides are here to cut out a bulk of the planning!

These trips under 5k are jam packed with unforgettable activities, the best local cuisine these spots have to offer, charming central hotels, and the best part, our fun-loving, expert Travel For Teens tour guides to show you what we love most about all of our favorite destinations!

1. Hawaii 

The best tip we have for a cheap and easy getaway- explore the stunning landscapes and road trip fun a domestic trip has to offer. Staying in the US can offer you cheaper flights, easier travel and some familiar food and language- all without compromising on immersing yourself in a new culture!

Our Hawaii Sea Turtle Service & Adventure trip has no shortage of cultural immersion as you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast at an authentic Hawaiian luau, view the jungle landscape from above on an adrenaline pumping zip line, learn to surf on the famous shores of Waikiki Beach, snorkel with vibrant marine life in the biodiverse Molokini Crater, all while working closely with the marine life and local children to get a full Hawaiian experience. You won’t miss out on a single experience on this trip!

hawaii sea turtles

2. Alaska

If you’re less of a beach goer and more of a nature lover, Alaska Service & Adventure might be the place for you! Explore the majestic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as you hike across glaciers, stay in a traditional yurt village and even visit an Iditarod training camp and take the sled dogs out on a run! During this trip, students will get to work closely with a wildlife conservation center, witnessing bears, moose, seals and more in their natural habitat.

We even have an option solely for 11th & 12th graders: USA for Older Teens: Alaska Service & Adventure!

Kayaking in Alaska

3. Thailand

If leaving the country is the next goal on your bucket list, fear not, because there’s still plenty of budget friendly travel abroad too!

Southeast Asia is one of the cheapest travel destinations that’s bustling with vibrant culture. On our Thailand Elephant Service & Explorers trip, you’ll immerse yourself in it with a culture and language class before practicing your skills while shopping in the night markets of Pai and Chiang Mai. And it won’t stop there- you’ll swim in jungle waterfalls, explore some of the most famous temples in the world, and spend your days feeding, bathing and befriending Asian Elephants, the gentle giants of the world.

Student Travel Program Thailand

4. London & Paris

If you’ve always dreamed of a European summer, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle as you cruise down the river Seine, or hitting the streets of London for a traditional high tea before catching a show at West End, London & Paris can fulfill all of your idyllic dreams for the right price. Paris and London, are both enchanting cities with rich histories, vibrant cultures, and iconic landmarks, that offer an unforgettable summer getaway. From the romantic streets of Paris to the bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere of London, this trip promises an immersive experience filled with art, history, and culinary delights.

Teens take in France on their teen summer tour

5. Paris or Italy Photography 

Or, maybe you’re a creative who wants to take your love of art to the next level by capturing the Italian countryside or wandering the Louvre in search of your new muse but the price tag has always been just out of reach. Our Paris Travel Photography Workshop & Italy Travel Photography Workshop might be exactly what you’ve been searching for! Embarking on a photography trip in Italy or Paris is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry and history of two culturally rich destinations. In Italy, students can experience the country’s picturesque landscapes, Renaissance architecture, and captivating street scenes. Meanwhile, studying photography in Paris, the neighborhood of Montmartre, the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées, and the bohemian ambiance of Le Marais provide a diverse range of subjects to hone one’s photography skills. Students can expect hands-on instruction and photo critiques from expert photographers and return home with a professionally reviewed portfolio.

Traveling the world on a budget is an exciting and rewarding experience. By planning ahead, being flexible, and adopting a resourceful mindset, you can explore new destinations, make unforgettable memories and lifelong friends.

Want to check out more trips with Travel For Teens that are still available for the summer? Check out our list of available programs and get ready for the summer adventure of a lifetime!

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