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The Road Less Traveled

Name: The Road Less Traveled
Address: Chicago, IL, US
Telephone: (773) 342-5200
Rating: 4.4

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The Road Less Traveled

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The Road Less Traveled creates impactful summer programs for teens to explore the world through adventure, service, cultural immersion, and meaningful travel experiences. The Road Less Traveled is a teen summer community service and adventure travel company that offers an opportunity for young people to engage in a service of presence and active listening in the world. We encourage involvement and

cultivate leadership, excellence, openness and sensitivity, initiative, communal participation, social activism and environmentalism.

01/30/2025

Our Norway trip is the ultimate adventure: 👇

Over 21 days, our teen travelers hike, bike, and kayak through Norway’s rugged wilderness, pushing their limits and creating memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.

Challenging themselves. Carrying their own gear. Backpacking. Connecting with others in one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth. Along the way, they’ll take on these unforgettable experiences:

🏔️ Backpack Jotunheimen National Park – Trek 40 miles through glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering peaks.

🚴 Bike the Rallarvegen Trail – Ride 50 miles of breathtaking backcountry, from highlands to fjords.

🛶 Sea Kayak the Fjords – Paddle along quiet inlets and dramatic coastlines, camping by the water.

🌍 Explore Oslo & Bergen – Soak up vibrant Scandinavian culture in these iconic cities.

This trip is for teens who want to push their limits, build resilience, and dive into pure adventure. 🇳🇴

01/28/2025

An RLT memory: Hiking Acadia’s hidden waterfalls ⬇️

This moment stands out: a group of RLT middle schoolers reaching a hidden waterfall deep in Acadia’s forest. They’ve spent the week in Maine kayaking quiet harbors, giving back through service projects, and exploring rocky coastlines.

Today’s challenge was a long, rugged hike through the woods.

The trail was uneven, winding through tall trees and crossing shallow streams. Along the way, our travelers stopped to spot frogs, listen to birds, and help each other over rocky sections. As the sound of rushing water grew louder, their excitement grew too.

When they arrived, the waterfall spilled into a cold, clear stream. Some waded into the icy water, boots off, while others sat on nearby rocks, letting the mist cool their faces, laughing with friends, and taking in the moment together.

Captured from Maine—Pathway to the Pines: A middle school trip from 2023 🌲

01/25/2025

“What an experience my daughter had last summer! She even wrote her college essay about how life-changing it was. The trip gave her confidence, direction, and clarity—helping her decide to pursue environmental science as her college major.” – Benedetta V, RLT parent

Teens return from our trips with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose—ready to take their next step.

So why does this happen so often? 👇

🌍 Teens work on meaningful projects like conserving wildlife or restoring ecosystems, sparking new passions and interests.

📵 They unplug for 2–4 weeks, slowing down and thinking deeply about what really matters.

🧗 Challenges—like summiting mountains or tackling tough service projects—help them discover their resilience.

And every itinerary is filled with impactful, life-changing moments, like:

🐘 Caring for elephants at a sanctuary in Thailand

🐺 Feeding and caring for wolves at a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado

🏥 Providing healthcare to children in remote Dominican villages

❄️ Hiking on glaciers and exploring ice caves in Iceland

Every trip is designed to help teens reflect, grow, and uncover their passions—so they return with a clear sense of who they are and what they want.

Isn’t that what matters most? ✨

01/23/2025

During our Peru trip, teens will walk ancient Inca paths, climb Machu Picchu, zip line through valleys, bring clean water to villages, and return completely transformed.

Here are our favorite moments.👇

⛰️ Climb the Trails to Machu Picchu

Teens will hike the same paths the Incas once walked, leading to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Along the way, they’ll uncover stories of how the Incas engineered their city to thrive high in the Andes, surrounded by incredible landscapes.

🌊 Zip Line and Paddleboard in the Sacred Valley

Adventure thrives here! Teens will paddleboard on a serene alpine lake, bike along mountain trails with sweeping views, and take on the Via Ferrata climb and zip line—400 meters of heart-pounding fun with unforgettable valley views.

🎨 Connect with Ancient Traditions

At a women’s weaving cooperative, teens will learn how natural dyes and intricate textiles are made—using techniques passed down for generations. This hands-on experience shows how Andean culture and tradition remain a vital part of everyday life.

🤝 Work with Local Communities

Teens will camp in the Andes for three days, working alongside rural villages on education and infrastructure projects. They’ll form connections with locals through shared meals, play with children, and experience the warmth and resilience of Peruvian life.

Peru is unlike anywhere else, and this trip offers teens the chance to step into a world completely different from their own. 🇵🇪

01/21/2025

Camel treks across golden dunes, working alongside locals in mountain villages, exploring historic markets, and surfing the Atlantic coast—this is Morocco with RLT. 🇲🇦

Over two unforgettable weeks, our teen travelers will connect with new cultures, lend a hand on meaningful projects, and explore landscapes that will stay with them forever.

Here are the moments that make this trip unforgettable:👇

✨ Exploring Marrakech’s historic markets: Teens wander through the medina’s maze of shops, filled with colorful spices, woven rugs, and handcrafted lanterns. They’ll visit Jamaa el-Fna Square to take in the music & performers that bring the city to life.

🏔️ Service in the High Atlas Mountains: In a quiet Amazigh (Berber) village, teens will work on community service projects. Evenings are spent sharing meals of fresh bread and tagine with local families and hiking scenic trails.

🐪 Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert: Riding camels through the golden dunes is just the beginning. At night, teens will camp in Bedouin tents, enjoy dinner by the fire, and stargaze under a sky filled with countless stars.

🌊 Surfing and exploring Essaouira: On the Atlantic coast, teens will take a surf lesson, explore tide pools, and wander Essaouira’s whitewashed medina. The relaxed pace and sea air make it the perfect way to wrap up the trip.

This trip is a perfect blend of cultural exploration, hands-on service, and unforgettable adventure. ✨

01/18/2025

It’s time to give RLT a proper intro.👇

Since 1991, we’ve been leading small-group trips for teens across five continents—helping them explore, connect, and grow. Over the years, we’ve trekked through Alaska’s glaciers, kayaked the coast of Greece, scuba-dived in Sardinia, worked on service projects in Costa Rica, hiked remote trails in the Andes, and partnered with communities around the world.

So, what makes us different?

🔹 We stay small. Staying small is intentional—it means we can build trust. We know every family by name, take time to chat before the trip, and stay available throughout. Small groups allow our leaders to truly connect with each teen, supporting them in ways that matter most.

🌍 Our trip leaders. They’re experienced, supportive, and genuinely care about what they do. Many started as RLT participants themselves and return year after year to guide the next generation of travelers.

🤝 Service is core to everything we do. Every trip includes service—whether it’s water projects in Peru, teaching English in Thailand, community building projects in Costa Rica, or conservation in Alaska.

Over the years, we’ve stayed focused on creating meaningful experiences that teens carry with them long after the trip ends.

Because taking the road less traveled isn’t about where you go—it’s about how the journey changes you. 💜

01/16/2025

“With each RLT trip, our son comes back more confident, forward-thinking, and aware. He’s becoming a true citizen of the world. He’s done both domestic and international service trips, and each one struck the right balance of culture, community, and service.”

— An RLT story from the parent of J.E. ✨

Why do we have hundreds of stories like this one?

Because we prioritize service in every trip. It’s woven into the experience, helping students grow while making a real difference.

Here are just a few ways service is integrated into our trips:

🌴 In Costa Rica, teens support communities by restoring local infrastructure.

🌺 In Hawaii, they help restore natural habitats and protect fragile ecosystems.

🇹🇭 In Thailand, they teach English to local children in elementary schools.

And that’s just a few.

Every trip includes meaningful ways to make an impact—whether it’s assisting at animal sanctuaries, participating in conservation efforts, or partnering with local organizations.

Which in turn shapes confident leaders, builds empathy, and leaves a lasting impact—on both our teens and the world. 🌍

01/07/2025

Why Families Trust Us ⬇️

For three decades, we’ve built a proven track record of safe, transformative adventures. Families trust us because we’ve earned it—by consistently putting safety, connection, and meaningful growth at the heart of everything we do.

🌿 Careful Selection
Our leaders are experienced in youth development and outdoor education. Each holds key certifications, including Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR/AED, so they’re prepared for real-world emergencies.

⛺ Intensive Training
Before trips begin, leaders complete a 10-day, hands-on training where they practice safety protocols, risk management, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.

📞 Proven Support
Leaders have 24/7 access to our full-time office staff for any guidance they need. After 30 years of running safe, well-organized programs, we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association.

For over 30 years, families have trusted us—and we’ll keep earning that trust. Year after year.

01/04/2025

A story from Genevieve ⬇️

“For the past two summers, I’ve had the privilege of leading trips with RLT, but before that, I was a participant for three summers in high school—experiences that truly shaped who I am today.

It all started when my grandparents found RLT, hoping I could practice Spanish, explore a new culture, and give back to a community. My first trip was 19 days in Costa Rica. I was nervous, excited, and totally out of my comfort zone—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

That summer, we worked on service projects, played soccer at sunset, and spent hours connecting with the local community. After Costa Rica, I joined two more trips—Panama and Ecuador. I taught English, helped with construction projects, and played endless soccer games with local kids. Beyond the fun, I learned so much about the world and myself.

Now, as a leader, it’s amazing to watch students grow in confidence and form lifelong connections, just like I did. These trips aren’t just about travel—they’re about stepping outside your comfort zone, making an impact, and finding who you are.

Thanks for letting me share my story—I hope it inspires you to take the road less traveled, wherever it may lead.”

01/02/2025

You don’t need to travel far to make an impact or have an incredible adventure. Take our Maine trip, where teens:

🌄 Hike mountain trails
🛶 Canoe across lakes
🧗 Climb granite cliffs
🌊 Raft whitewater rapids
🔥 Share campfires and s’mores
🧤 Help with conservation projects
🎨 Build and paint for local service
💦 Swim in fresh lakes
🚲 Bike through forest paths

Maine never gets old.✨

12/30/2024

🌊 Want to surf and give back?

We’ve got three trips that do exactly that. Ride waves in Costa Rica, Hawaii, or our Azores. Then, give back through conservation, sustainability, and community projects that make a real impact—for the planet and the people you meet.

Surf. Serve. Explore. 🌴 

12/24/2024

As this year comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of the stories that made 2024 unforgettable. ⬇️

🐢 “I went to Costa Rica this past summer, and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. Watching baby sea turtles return to the ocean was unforgettable.” – Hayden D., Costa Rica

⛰ “Our son came home so proud of what he accomplished in Colorado. From hiking to biking and summiting a peak, this trip pushed him in the best way possible.” – Lisa G., Colorado

🐘 “In Thailand, my daughter volunteered at an elephant sanctuary and texted me after the trip to say it was the best experience of her life.” – Claire T., Thailand

These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.

Thank you for making 2024 such an incredible year. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead in 2025. ✨

11/27/2024

A story from Bridget, an RLT mom 👇

“We couldn’t have been happier with our RLT experience. Our 15-year-old son spent 16 days in Iceland on a life-changing trip. He made friendships he will have for the rest of his life.”

This Iceland trip, like all RLT experiences, is designed to change lives and spark friendships that last a lifetime—explore it at theroadlesstraveled.com/iceland.

11/25/2024

This trip stays with our teen travelers forever. They get to:

🐘 Walk alongside elephants in the jungle, feeding and caring for them ethically.

🧘‍♂️ Chat with Buddhist monks at historic temples and learn about meditation and Thai culture.

📚 Teach English to local children, creating fun lessons to help them build confidence.

🛕 Explore iconic temples like Doi Suthep and Chedi Luang, steeped in history and spiritual energy.

🍜 Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes, like spicy papaya salad or creamy curry.

🛍 Wander Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street Market, filled with food, handmade crafts, and live music.

11/22/2024

Always taking the road less traveled. ⛰️

11/19/2024

It’s easy to find fun trips for teens. It’s harder to find life-changing ones.✨

On our Costa Rica trip, you’ll zip-line through jungle canopies, surf the waves at Playa Negra, and raft down rushing rivers. Spend your nights camping by the river, your days exploring Cahuita National Park, and give back through community-based service projects.

It’s a favorite for a reason.

11/19/2024

We had a great time visiting today to share information about our RLT summer adventures, and got to see our amazing trip leader Anna, who teaches there!!
Who can spot the RLT classic in this pic?!

Address

Chicago, IL

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(773) 342-5200

Website

https://www.theroadlesstraveled.com/

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From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, our Asia trip is about more than just seeing the sights—it’s about helping teens experience the world in a way that shifts their perspective. They’ll build sustainable infrastructure for local schools, teach English through games and activities with eager young students, and work on reforestation projects to protect vital ecosystems. Along the way, they’ll trek through emerald rice terraces, share meals with local families, and wake up to sunrises that remind them just how wide—and connected—the world really is. At RLT, we believe the best travel doesn’t just take teens places—it changes them. . . . . . . #travel #parenting #middleschool #school #travel #teentravel #TravelWithPurpose #Wanderlust #GiveBack #ExploreTheWorld #AdventureAwaits #SustainableTravel #MakeAnImpact #DoGood #VolunteerAbroad #TravelGoals #lovetotravel #travelwithus #explorewithus #adventures #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelgram

Actually, it’s the perfect time. ⬇️ Traveling young helps teens build confidence, discover what truly matters, and start seeing the world—and themselves—in a whole new way. Take this Hawaii Middle School trip, for example. Teens explore lush rainforests, learn to surf, and engage in hands-on conservation work to protect this incredible environment. We also offer middle school trips to Colorado, Maine, Costa Rica, Alaska, and beyond—each designed to inspire growth, connection, and a sense of adventure. Their journey starts now. . . . . . . . #travel #parenting #middleschool #school #travel #teentravel #TravelWithPurpose #Wanderlust #GiveBack #ExploreTheWorld #AdventureAwaits #SustainableTravel #MakeAnImpact #DoGood #VolunteerAbroad #TravelGoals #lovetotravel #travelwithus #explorewithus #adventures #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelgram

It’s hard to capture just how life-changing this trip is. For over three decades, teens have come to Colorado with RLT, and we’ve spent that time perfecting every moment. The trip starts at Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary near Westcliffe, where teens help restore habitats and learn about the role wolves play in ecosystems. It’s a hands-on experience they won’t forget. Next, they’ll hike into the Rockies, carrying gear along trails through meadows and up ridgelines. At camp, they’ll cook meals, reflect on the day, and rest under the stars. They’ll also raft the Arkansas River, working as a team to navigate the rapids and face challenges together. This is Colorado—30+ years in the making. “No school can teach what I learned in 17 days with RLT.” – Dhruvad D., Participant, Colorado: Call of the Wild . . . . . . . . #TheRoadLessTraveled #ExploreWithRLT #LifeChangingTravel #ColoradoAdventure #MissionWolf #RockyMountainHigh #AdventureAwaits #ExploreMore #WildAndFree #TeenTravel #TravelWithPurpose #Wanderlust #GiveBack #ExploreTheWorld #SustainableTravel #MakeAnImpact #DoGood #VolunteerAbroad #TravelGoals #LoveToTravel #TravelWithUs #ExploreWithUs #Adventures #TravelPhotography #TravelBlogger #TravelGram

Thinking back to those summer days in Italy! Join us in Summer 2025 for days of scuba diving, camping on Sardina, fun and friends, and exploring the highlights of Rome! #italy #teentravel #PADI #scubadiving #sardinia #scubapointpalau

Colorado: Call of the Wild High School Trip with The Road Less Traveled

Take a look at our Colorado: Call of the Wild trip! A classic RLT trip, this trip combines incredible work with wolves and classic Colorado experiences of climbing, rafting, hiking, and more!

Who else is wishing for a longer summer!?! #summer #travel #therlt #rltsummer2025 #adventure #explore #summercamp

Loving the feedback from families this summer! 🥰 #teentravel #summercamp #bestsummerprogram #bestsummercamp #bestteentravelprograms #therlt #rltsummer2025

Be part of our marine service programs where you can get PADI scuba certified! #PADI #scuba #diving #conservation #service #volunteer #givingback #adventure #explore

Often overlooked as a European travel destination, our secret island trip for 9th - 12th grade will let you explore one of the best hidden spots! #teentravel #therlt #rltsummer2025 #summerprogram #travel #travelling #adventure #explore #summercamp #travelgram

The 2025 trip line up is 🔥🔥🔥 Where are you going? #travel #travelphotography #summercamp #teentravel #explore #travelling #traveling #adventuretravel #travelwithkids #service #nature #travelforteens

Spending time working at an elephant sanctuary this summer 🐘 #travel #volunteering #service #givingback #teentravel #servicetrips #therlt #rltsummer2025

Our Alaska crew this summer braving the cold water!!! #teentravel #travel #alaska #adventure #explore #therlt

The Road Less Traveled

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Colorado: Call of the Wild High School Trip with The Road Less Traveled

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