Summers wouldn’t have been the same without the memories, monuments, and bus rides.
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“What did you do this summer?” “I went on a teen tour.” “What’s a teen tour?” The basic definition of a teen tour is a camp for teens that involves taking a trip around the nation or the world for about four to eight weeks. You travel by bus, train, plane, car, etc. But the true definition of a teen tour is the most amazing summer you could have ever imagined. A summer filled with amazing people, beautiful sceneries, and never ending laughs.
I remember the night before I left for my first teen tour. I was lying in bed, mentally preparing myself for what the next two months would have in store for me. As excited as I was, I couldn’t help but cry. I was so nervous and so anxious but, looking back now, there was nothing to be so worried about. That summer, and several summers after that, became some of the most memorable summers. I met some of my best friends during these summers and I couldn’t be anymore thankful for that.
One of the best things about those summers were the friends I met. It’s amazing how close you can grow with people who you’ve only known for a few weeks, but that felt so normal because it felt as if we have known each other for years. The late-night talks in tents, hotel rooms, and hostels are some of the most amazing and intellectual talks I’ve ever had. Finding out new things about people every day is something so amazing and beautiful. Especially when it comes from the people you wouldn’t expect it to come from. Personally, my favorite part about spending my summers with these people was the places I visited with them. Not many people can say they've hiked Mt. Diamond Head in Hawaii with some of their best friends. Or watched one of their best friends fall down a mountain in Oregon. Or watched one of their friends walk into a glass door on an Alaskan cruise. Or sing “Waves” by Mr. Probz while roaming the streets of Slovenia. Or witness Gay Pride in Amsterdam. So many memories and so many sites that wouldn’t have been the same without these people.
I don’t like to brag about where I’ve been on these teen tours, but it is hard not to feel so happy when saying you’ve visited so many places people your age haven’t. By the time I was fifteen, I had visited over thirty five out of our fifty states, traveled the western tip of Canada, islands off the coast of Mexico, and six beautiful countries in Europe. So many places I had dreamed of visiting since I was a little girl. I learned so much about all the different cultures and different parts of American culture. I never really appreciated art, food, culture, religion, etc. until after I visited these magnificent places. It also doesn't hurt that I got to achieve my long time goal of getting a selfie with the Mona Lisa.
I think the best part about my summer experiences is that I grew as a person. From learning about all different places and people, I learned more about myself. I learned how to keep an open mind with meeting new people, visiting new and unusual places, and appreciating what I have and what I've visited. Traveling the world really opens your eyes and changes your perspective. I'm forever thankful for the opportunities my teen tours have given me and for giving me the greatest, lifelong memories and friends.
