AAVE Trip BLOG
September 16, 2008
An Amazing Summer Adventure!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Thailand , add a comment
The three weeks I spent in Thailand were amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better group and group leaders. The itinerary was planned out extremely well and still had some flexibility depending on how we were feeling. It’s great that we got to see so much of Thailand in just 3 weeks, and the variety of activities we did allowed us to fully experience the Thai culture. I loved the whole trip!
Summer Teen Adventure Bike Amsterdam to Paris
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Bike Amsterdam Paris, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Taking a break from the ride
Alejandra had an absolutely wonderful time with AAVE on the bike Amsterdam trip. We have no doubt that she was well taken care of and that she made great friends. She easily found the group at the airport, and we were contacted immediately on her arrival, as promised. She enjoyed the full itinerary and found the biking challenging but totally manageable. She learned to cope with challenges which add to her fun experience on the trip! We enjoyed receiving emails during her trip of group photos. The group leader was reassuringly confident and informative over the phone to us. Ali quite definitely would love to do more trips with AAVE.
It was rather difficult for us to consider sending Ali away on a trip, but when I phoned and talked a director in the office prior to deciding to book, he was so calm and covered all of our questions so competently and reassuringly that we felt comfortable entrusting Ali to the care of AAVE. Thank you all at AAVE for giving Ali such a wonderful summer holiday!
Australia Summer-AAVE
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Australia, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Surfing in Australia
After last year I thought the trips couldn’t get any better, but Australia was incredible. I don’t think there is another word to explain it. The kids were all great, and the leaders really brought out the best in everyone. I don’t think I have laughed so hard in my entire life! -Samantha Primaino
The Best Company for Teen Travel
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Costa Rica Clasica, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Scott told us that his time with AAVE in Costa Rica was the best 3 weeks of his life! (And we have gone on some great trips!). He was extremely impressed with the native Costa Rica guide and felt that he had a true immersion experience with the host families. He made a lot of friends, improved his Spanish (current Spanish teacher has already complimented Scott on his speaking abilities), and just had a wonderful experience, which he will treasure throughout his life. We couldn’t be happier with AAVE. Thank you and keep up your hard work to make AAVE the best company for teen travel. -Debbie Kern
La Fortuna Waterfall
Thank You AAVE for a Successful Summer!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Colorado Discovery, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Every aspect about Nathan’s trip was extremely successful!!! Once we started packing, we had countless questions and no matter who we spoke with at your office, they were always pleasant and patient despite our repetitive and probably ridiculous questions! They addressed every possible and not-so-possible concern. Additionally, Taylor personally called us before Nathan left; spoke with us upon his arrival and again at the half-way point. He gave us details about Nathan, what the group was doing and how the trip was going overall. It was obvious he loves his job and it must have been contagious with all the kids. We relished the posts to the blog, even scanning some of your other trip’s adventures. We have the impression from Nathan that it was a priority to work as a team, that all the kids had important and necessary responsibilities and that none of it felt like work (which is key for Nathan, probably most 12-year-olds!). Nathan has stayed in touch with some of the kids, another positive reflection and gift that this summer gave him friendships that will last for a long, long time. We are so proud of Nathan for wanting to do this despite not knowing anyone. It taught him independence and resiliency. This trip will stay with him for years to come. At every point, we truly felt he was safe and undoubtedly having the best summer of his life! We are extremely grateful to the entire AAVE team. Yes, it’s true, you indeed exceeded our expectations. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! -Lisa Weinstock
Backpack outside of Buena Vista
September 15, 2008
Bold Europe Teen Adventure Program
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Bold Europe, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Whitewater rafting Noguera Pallaresa River in Spain
The Bold Europe trip exceeded my expectations. I truly felt safe having my daughter in this program. It was great having the blogs to read, and the communication was easy and encouraging. Also, just hearing my daughters response I know it was worth it. I would like to thank you for giving my daughter the opportunity and for your persistence. Thank you! -Rebecca Farwell
AAVE Australia- Summer of a lifetime!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Australia, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Australia Outback
Liza came home and the first thing she said to me was, “I want to go back next year!” She could not stop talking about her trip for weeks and made the rest of us jealous with all the stories she has told! -Laura Rizzo
It would be an understatement to say that this trip was successful. The experiences we shared will truly last forever. From the campers and leaders to the crazy things we did this trip could not have been better. 
-Liza Rizzo
Africa Camp “The best summer ever!”
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Africa, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Sitting atop the Mad Max truck
My trip to Africa this summer with AAVE was incredible. It was hands down the best summer I’ve ever had and one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. On the trip, I did things I would have never done, stepped out of my comfort zone, worked to improve myself, and made amazing friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I didn’t just travel to Africa this summer, I traveled on a journey that helped me find myself, mature, and made me learn important life lessons. This summer with AAVE not only left me with unforgettable experiences and friends, but it really made me a better person and made me look at life in a whole different way. Thank you AAVE. -Lauren Pleeter
September 14, 2008
Peru Teen Adventure Camp
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Peru & Machu Picchu , add a comment
Cultural Immersion
Ashley’s trip was a complete success. The friends she made and the experiences she shared with them have had a tremendous impact on her. The activities and interaction with the Peruvian people were challenging, rewarding, and real. I think she came away from the experience with a greater appreciation of what it means to be an American, but also, how challenging life outside this country can be. Her trip leaders were easy to relate to, fun to be with, but most importantly, in charge of the situation from start to finish. Her trip leaders displayed exactly the type of judgment required throughout the trip. We have no complaints whatsoever our relationship with AAVE and would send our children out with you again. -Eric Allen
I got to experience a culture I never would have before, and I think that was the best part of the trip. I made friends with some amazing people and had two leaders that really inspired and pushed me to do my best. Everything was a success, really– the trip was everything I could have asked for and more. -Ashley Allen
Ecuador & Glapagos Summer Adventure
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Ecuador & Galapagos, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Before signing Catherine up this year, I spent a lot of time researching teen travel programs and concluded that AAVE would give my daughter the best experience for a trip to the Galapagos. I was not disappointed. I think AAVE is a very well run company and very responsive to both the teens and parents. My daughter had only good things to say about the trip and her trip leaders. She thought the trip leaders were exceptional and both trip leaders went out of their way to address the concerns I had. Before your teen spends a summer with AAVE, it is hard to believe all of the good comments on the trip blogs; after a trip with AAVE I can now understand why so many parents and teens love you guys. The only request that I have is that you make the Africa trip as animal intensive as possible next year. My daughter really enjoyed seeing all of the animals on EG1. Also: please consider assigning Anna and Andy to the Africa trip next summer. -Janet Zucker
Summer in Ecuador