Westcoast Connection

Fantastic experience: This was a most amazing experience for my daughter. She, very reluctantly, went on California Extravaganza, for 4 weeks by herself. The first few days were a little dicey but suddenly everything clicked. The counselors were incredible about making everyone feel included and then she fell right into it. The sights and excursions were outstanding. She now has lifelong friends and memories that will last. It's only been a week over and she is already meeting up her new friends at each other's houses and elsewhere. HIGHLY recommend this tour and Westcoast Connection. Huge thank you for her unforgettable summer

Fantastic experience: I’ve used West Coast Connection for both of my teens - last year in Costa Rica for one of them, and this year in Europe for both, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their individual experiences. Incredible friendships were formed, the itinerary was fun and well-paced, and the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely lovely. We will absolutely be booking again for a third year. Thank you for providing such a wonderful and seamless experience. We are all truly grateful!

Negative experience: My child’s experience with West Coast Connection’s 28-day Florence pre-college program was deeply disappointing. For the cost of the program, the lack of organization, sensitivity, and educational value was dismaying. The excursions outside Florence and the final week were especially poorly planned. For example, the day trip to Cinque Terre involved hours of travel each way, only to arrive at a beach with no reserved chairs, umbrellas, or shade. The beach itself had dirty water and runoff from nearby pipes—clearly not a picturesque or safe environment as one would expect from seeing the instagram photos from the program. The stop in Pisa lasted only 40 minutes—just long enough for photos and a snack—before heading to an equally disappointing visit to Viareggio. Venice was another low point: the hotel sheets were stained, and the one activity my daughter was most looking forward to, visiting the Palazzo del Doge, was replaced with a brief, mostly uninformative synagogue tour. In Florence, sightseeing visits like the Uffizi felt rushed and poorly timed, often cutting into much-needed free time. Meanwhile, time was wasted at places like high-end designer outlets—completely impractical for teens. Academically, the program offered no rigor or real learning. Families should not expect this experience to enhance a college application! The staff’s actions were also concerning. One staff member made offensive remarks about our religion, which deeply upset my child. Later, during the final week in Sorrento, the rooming situation was mishandled. My child was placed in a cramped triple room—housing four girls— after roommates were switched with no warning. Staff told the girls that those whose parents complain “get prioritized” with better accommodations, which was evident when two girls got a room much nicer and bigger than my daughter’s. Again in Rome, the hotel was horrific, my daughter’s room smelled very strongly of cigarettes. Despite repeated complaints of headaches and sore throats, staff made only a temporary one-night room change, ultimately forcing her back into the same room because her roommate didn’t want to move. She barely slept and ended up spending hours in the hallway due to the unbearable conditions. Hearing how unpleasant her experience was—despite the program’s premium price—was heartbreaking and infuriating. We will absolutely not be recommending West Coast Connection to anyone

Fantastic experience: Amazing program! My daughter had the best summer. Perfect balance of structured activities and free time. Awesome kids and great counselors!

Fantastic experience: My son had a FANTASTIC time exploring the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Every day they got to do some cool adventure and he really liked the trip leaders and other teens. Would definitely do again!

Fantastic experience: Both my daughters recently completed the MedLife community service program in Costa Rica. I could not recommend this program enough!

Fantastic experience: He really enjoyed the nice accommodations, good food, amazing sites, well planned activities, how many places there were able to visit, the counselors and bus driver, the kids on the tour, and the memories made.

Negative experience: THE WORST teen tour agency I worked with. Your child will be left unattended in another part of the world with unprofessional and irresponsible staff. On our child's first teen tour in Italy, a leader, by mistake, lead the entire group to a dangerous highway tunnel while following phone directions to a laundromat. The children were petrified, crying and screaming calling their parents while trying to make their way through the tunnel on a narrow side walk while the cars were flying by inches away from them. Of course they sent that leader back the next day and replaced her with another one. On the same trip, all children were out all night in bars drinking and partying without supervision in Greece. SAVE YOUR MONEY and CHILDREN. DO NOT use this agency.

Fantastic experience: Our daughter had asked to go on a teen tour and picked the tour she wanted. This was the first time she was ever away from home and she went not knowing any of the other kids. From the moment we arrived at the airport to drop her off, any concern we may have had was alleviated just by the sight of the counselors there to greet her. They were smiling and very welcoming. The tour itself was amazing and just what she dreamed it would be. She made friends quickly because the staff and other kids were a wonderful group. Westcoast Connection is a well oiled machine and did a great job getting all of the kids involved and feeling comfortable on the trip. We thank you Westcoast Connection! We knew our daughter was in good hands. Our questions were always answered and communication was always excellent. It was only 2 weeks, but it was priceless. Our daughter came home with a new sense of confidence. She is already taking about next summer!!!

Fantastic experience: My son had an incredible experience on his Community Service/Adventure tour. He was able to explore Costa Rica and do incredible adventurous activities like ziplining, canyoning, white water rafting- while also giving back to the local community. The trip had a nice balance of service and adventure- where he transformed classrooms, dug trenches for water lines, spent time with local kids and senior citizens and experience local wild life at the animal rescue. Thank you for keeping him safe and giving him a memorable experience.

Fantastic experience: Great communication, well orchestrated and jam packed with unique activities.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been on two WCC trips and had a great time on both. They are well organized, provide great communication and the itineraries and activities are fantastic. She tried so many new adventures and really just had a blast. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My daughter had the best time on the Alaska and Hawaii trip. I highly recommend West Coast Connections.

Fantastic experience: Our daughter had an incredible experience on her Costa Rica service trip through Westcoast Connections. The trip was so well organized and had a perfect balance of service and adventure. The counselors were terrific. Our daughter has Celiac- and she was able to eat safely the entire trip. She developed great friendships during the trip, and felt comfortable and safe the entire time. We highly recommend this trip.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful 10 day trip to Costa Rica for my 16 year old daughter! Well thought out, great accommodations and fabulous program planning. From her report it sounded like the perfect balance between service and adventure. The group leader, Jess, was stellar and beloved by all! Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Our son had a fantastic experience this summer with West Coast! He did a month long trip which was so well planned and executed! We appreciated the frequent communication from the heads of the program. Everything was explained and spelled out to us. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: We have used West Coast Connection on 4 different occasions and our children absolutely love their program! They are a fabulous company to work with and have excellent programming. All of our children traveled independently and had a fantastic experience. On one occasion, my daughter had a rough start and thought she had made a mistake. I contacted the staff and they were immediately addressing the issue and within a few days my daughter had made several friends and ended up having the best summer of her life, rating it 100 out of 100. I trust West Coast Connection and find them incredibly easy to work with and have confidence in.

Fantastic experience: Our son had an amazing experience on the New Zealand, Australia, Fiji trip. It was a great itinerary, fantastic group of kids and wonderful director and staff. He definitely wants to go on another WCC trip next summer!

Fantastic experience: She formed lifelong friendships, which were the highlight of her experience. She also thoroughly enjoyed every destination.

Fantastic experience: Samantha loved Lindsay. She said she was the best director she ever had! Samantha made great friends and loved her counselor Adam!

Fantastic experience: My son had a wonderful time on his first Westcoast Connection trip this summer - California Extravaganza. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a great teen tour for their child. The staff is helpful and supportive and the execution and planning is flawless. The activities were fun, engaging and age appropriate. The kids were busy and always on the move and got to see so many amazing attractions along the West Coast. Definitely a must do!

Fantastic experience: My daughter went to the Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation with West Coast Connection. She had a wonderful time. According to her, it was a great balance between socialization, leisure, and supporting sea turtle conservation efforts. For sure, she will go for a similar experience next summer.

Fantastic experience: My son was very excited about participating in the program. He made new friends, and the staff was very helpful and supportive. It was the first time he had been away from home alone, and it was a great experience for him. He found the subjects he attended very interesting and the whole experience exceeded his expectations. He is interested in joining another program with his new friends next year.

Fantastic experience: My son is a repeat participant having done three Westcoast Connection trips on the East Coast, West Coast and most recently Hawaii. He loved the activities they had planned each day and made many new friends - some who have also traveled with him on subsequent trips. The counselors are great at getting the kids to socialize with everyone in the group and are also communicative with the parents throughout the trip via social media. I felt he was in good (and safe!) hands and had made lasting memories.

Fantastic experience: Totally Amazing! My daughter had a wonderful experience on both of the trips she has taken with Westcoast. The staff is top notch.. I felt extremely comfortable with the management, office staff and the counselors. True professionals. Highly recommended. Thank you Westcoast!

Fantastic experience: I think this trip will be life changing for my daughter. She met children whose only wish was to have a soccer ball, and Sara was able to fulfill their wish. On a scale of 1-10, my daughter said the Costa Rica trip was a 10!

Fantastic experience: Incredible staff who treated the children like adults. Every single detail of each day was carefully curated and included a wide variety of activities. Beautiful friendships and bonds were formed across the country. This trip will stick with my daughter forever!

Fantastic experience: Sarah said this was one of the best experiences of her life! She loved every minute. Loved all the activities- day and night. Made amazing friends and loved the staff as well. She couldn't have asked for a better trip!!

Fantastic experience: Our son had the best time and we highly recommend WCC to other families. The tour was the most fun, interesting, and safe.

Negative experience: My wife and I had the unfortunate circumstances of the group traveling on the united flight from Greece. The staff was highly unprofessional and not managing the unruly kids. There did not seem to be enough chaperones to kids and it seemed the chaperones were primarily under 20. We clearly didn't experience the full trip or the adventures, we are just disappointed in having to travel with the group. The United flight staff on the plane had the same disappointments. They had multiple times stop their primary job to manage the unruly kids.

Fantastic experience: My 16 year old son spent two weeks this summer in iceland with Westcoast Connection . I cannot say enough positive things about his experience. He is still talking about it everyday and anxiously waiting for next summer to spend another experience with WCC in another country. Highly recommend without any reservation

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been on multiple teen tours with Westcoast Connection. These teen tours have really helped her gain independence and new experiences. She has met so many nice people that I know she will be I touch with forever. Thank you, Westcoast, for giving her a summer of a lifetime!

Fantastic experience: She loved it. Had a blast.

Fantastic experience: My daughter participated in the 10-day service and adventure trip in Costa Rica. She raved about the trip leaders, she said they made it a ton of fun and appreciated the efforts they made to get the group to bond. She's already making plans to meet up with the new friends she made. Overall, a great experience.

Fantastic experience: Ella loved her director and trip staff! They made the trip extra special for her- especially on her birthday.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, nice balance between service and fun!

Fantastic experience: Superb Group!!! My daughter had an amazing trip to Amsterdam, London and Barcelona!! Lots too see and experience, everyday was curated with culture, architecture and group activities. Communication from West Coast was spot on, helpful and continuous! Inhighly recommend them!!!

Fantastic experience: This program was a dream come true for my teenage son who is not interested in traditional sleep away camp and LOVES baseball. Such a wonderful growth opportunity. The program had just enough structure plus free time and support. We highly recommend!!!!

Fantastic experience: The biggest positive is that my daughter was with kids her own age, mainly all going into their senior year of high school. With that and it being a small group, it facilitated strong friendships. She was heartbroken at the end to have to say goodbye to friends and wished she had another week with them.

Fantastic experience: Our 15 year old daughter really enjoyed the 10-day Maui service trip; she thought it was the right amount of adventure and service hours. She definitely wants to do another trip next summer for an even longer amount of time!

Fantastic experience: It was our daughter's first teen tour. They had a great time in Italy and Greece and made new friends. I loved how everything was very well organized and quickly communicated when I had questions. Girls can not wait to plan their next tour for the following year. I highly recommend using WCC

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough wonderful things about this travel program. My child went on the Thailand trip. We missed the outgoing flight, which was extremely stressful and could have been a nightmare. The staff spent 4 hours working with the airline on a Friday night to get him on the next available flight and to make sure he was on the same return flight with the group. Someone met him at the airport in Bangkok and got him all settled in. He loved the program and felt like the excursions were incredible. He said the people he met were great and the staff guides were friendly and fun.

Fantastic experience: My daughter’s have taken two WCC Teen Tours. The first one was a month around the West Coast and this summer they went to various countries in Europe. Both summers were awesome for them, and they made so many new friends and had great experiences on both Teen Tours.

Fantastic experience: We didn't think Bella's last Westcoast Connection trip could get any better, and then she did European Discovery and she says now this was the best summer of her life. Bella's made friends that she will have for a lifetime and experiences that will shape her future. We are forever grateful for the Westcoast Connection staff and trips for making such an impact on Bella's life.

Fantastic experience: Our son went on the Australia/Hawaii trip and we felt that he was always in great hands. He made new friends, tried new things, and had multiple “once in a lifetime” experiences. We also really appreciated all the photos we received from the tour. He is not one to get in front of a camera but he was always in pictures with the most genuine smiles! Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My daughter loved the program and all the activities, she is eager to return next year! Thank you for an amazing experience!

Fantastic experience: I have sent my 3 children to various Westcoast programs for the last 10 years, they have all been outstanding! Mitch helped us every time pick the right trip for my different children and has always been spot on! This UCLA trip was perfect for my son this year, he said it was a trip of a lifetime. He met great kids and equally enjoyed the social media marketing class and public speaking class. He was thrilled to be able to use the UCLA basketball court as well!

Fantastic experience: All the staff and program directors from this year at UCLA and last year in Barcelona exceptional. Mitchell runs an unbelievable operation. He is also very available which is comforting. Only positive comments from past and present families who we've met. Supervised independence. The itineraries are full in WC programs. Great balance of academic and travel. It is obvious so much thought and consideration placed in all aspects!

Fantastic experience: This was the second year my son went on a Westcoast summer tour. Year one was in the US and year two was Iceland and Greece. Both trips were fabulous and he had a ball. Made new friends as well. Everything was organized and run well- down to the smallest detail. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My daughter had the most incredible time! She loved seeing new parts of the world and also made life long friends. It was the perfect summer experience for her, I’d highly recommend it to anyone who may be interested. I also felt that the staff was organized & attentive. I knew she was in great hands and she will never forget her 4 week European adventure!!

Fantastic experience: My daughter Madison loved her Teen tour to Europe with West Coast connection! It was a phenomenal experience and she was able to meet so many friends from All over! The staff was incredible. She would recommend her teen tour to everyone she knows!!!!

Fantastic experience: This is the 2nd WCC trip my son has taken and each have been incredible. He loved the people he met, the sites he saw and the overall experience. So much so, that my daughter is ready for a trip next summer! Thank you Mitch and the WCC team!

Fantastic experience: Zach needs to be the poster child for Westcoast Connection. He was dreading the trip and accused his parents of making him do something he didn’t want to do. After 48 hours I received a text asking to be extended from the 14 day program to the 21 day program. Enough said. He had the time of his life. He loved meeting teens from all over the world and being exposed to their cultures. He made great friends, fell in love with UCLA, and wants to go on another Westcoast trip next summer! Thank you to all for making this mom’s heart happy!

Fantastic experience: As a camp director, after many years of hearing about the experiences our graduating campers had on teen travel programs, I was excited to be able to offer this opportunity to my own child. From the moment I reached out to West Coast Connection I was extremely impressed with their professionalism and commitment to detail. They made the experience for me as a parent smooth, easy, and stress-free. More importantly, they provided an incredible experience for my son. He was nervous because he didn't know anyone, but very quickly he was having the time of his life. His trip leaders did a great job helping him meet other teens and he left the trip with dozens of new friends. He loved exploring California and all of the activities along the way. We are all extremely grateful for and impressed by West Coast Connection.

Fantastic experience: My daughter went to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands with West Coast Connection. She had the most amazing summer. The tour was very organized and safe. They stuck to the schedule and took the kids to unique places. They arranged everything- flights, hotels, meals, activities. Communication was great. Once in a lifetime experience… until the next one!

Fantastic experience: My 15 year old went on the Thailand/Vietnam trip for a month. I was super nervous about sending him half way around the world but Westcoast was great about assuring me about safety. He had the most amazing time. The guides were super fun but professional and were great about posting photos everyday! He will definitely be doing another trip with them next summer!

Fantastic experience: Great program. Very organized and great communications. Our child had an amazing visit to Costa Rica and learned a lot, made many new friends, and loved the program. Highly recommend to other families considering an educational travel adventure for their child.

Fantastic experience: This was an amazing experience for our son, he had the best time with great counselors, made lifelong friends, got to see amazing places of the world.

Fantastic experience: My son said his Hawaii adventure was one of the best experiences of his life. He tried new activities including scuba diving, made new friends, got to really experience Hawaii for the first time, and overall just had fun and relaxed. He was sorry to see it end! Excellent program and staff. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Our flight itinerary was difficult coming from Ohio and Westcoast set it up that our boys were never left unsupervised and with them every step of the way. Knowing this gave us a sense of safety and peace of mind that’s priceless to a parent. Also when we would text or call the office the responses were quick, accommodating, and pleasant. Lastly, when I filled out a questionnaire and stated my concern about my son’s forgetfulness and focus issues I received a call the next day from a staff member at west coast assuring me that I would have nothing to worry about. The staff on the trip will pay extra attention to assure he would be fine and safe.

Fantastic experience: My son had the best time on his tour of Costa Rica! He loved all of the adventure and made wonderful friends. Westcoast Connection is very organized and everything worked seamlessly. Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: The staff was incredible and the kids had an amazing summer! I really loved the Instagram site so I could see in real time what the kids were doing and their smiles.

Fantastic experience: West Coast Connection provided an amazing travel experience for my teen. We were very impressed from start to finish.

Fantastic experience: After a tough long year of Covid, our son's trip to Alaska with Westcoast Connection was truly phenomenal. Our son made great friends, had unbelievable experiences, all within a really well-run organization with enthusiastic and well-trained trip leaders.

Fantastic experience: My daughter had an incredible experience with Westcoast Connections! The activities were exciting, well planned and really fun! She also met a bunch of great friends who she is excited to stay in touch with. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: My daughter had a wonderful experience with Westcoast Connections. She was nervous about some of the activities, and with a little encouragement from both staff and friends, she overcame so many fears. She had the trip of a lifetime.

Fantastic experience: Everything about my son's trip to Hawaii was amazing. He had a blast, made new friends, and tried new experiences. We were thankful for the supervision and attention he had. We trusted them to take care of our son and they did just that. It was a trip of a lifetime!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this fun filled, well organized teen tour!! My 15 year old daughter had the BEST summer of her life. She went on the Northwest Odyssey 25 day tour with one friend. She met an amazing group of friends who I have a feeling will be lifetime friends! She did things she would have never done with our family and got to see so many places! I could not have been more pleased with how smoothly the trip went especially with all of the covid restrictions! Thank you Westcoast connection!

Fantastic experience: My daughter just returned from a 21 day trip to the west coast. While it was an adjustment first few days she had the BEST time experiencing something new every day and making great friends! Ashley who helped us book the tour was great and the support we received during the tour from the office to Mitch and her tour leader Kylie was outstanding! I highly recommend Westcoast Connection and look forward to booking another experience next summer!

Fantastic experience: This Summer my 15 year old went on his second Westcoast Connection tour and my 13 year old went on his first. The level of communication prior to the tour around Covid protocols changes to activities was amazing. Both boys had wonderful adventures doing sightseeing, hiking, surfing, white water rafting and even snowboarding. My older son needed stitches and I felt like he was in excellent care and they made me feel comfortable. I love meeting the friends they make after the tour and last time I became friendly with some amazing parents of other participants. Can’t wait which trips they decide to do next year.

Fantastic experience: My son just returned from the 21 day Ultimate California and I have to tell you this was an amazing experience! The trip was run flawlessly! The communication is amazing and the staff took incredible care of these kids and showed them the time of their lives!! I highly recommend West Coast Connection (and so does my son!) I wouldn't hesitate even a minute to send him or my other kids on another program.

Fantastic experience: My son just returned from a fun, memorable and safe trip to Costa Rica. WestCoast Connections did an amazing job. They offered a safe trip, handled a health concern professionally and with care, and - most importantly - gave my son fun, adventure and friendships after a very challenging year. So grateful to the entire staff of WCC for this truly fantastic opportunity that my son thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.

Fantastic experience: From the moment I contacted Westcoast Connections I received smart and professional answers to all of my questions. They provided an amazing and adventurous trip to Greece for my daughter that she will always remember. Communication was easy and to the point. Loved the pictures and I will recommend WC to all of my friends.

Fantastic experience: Ira is amazing! He went above and beyond to help us decide which trip was best suited for my daughter and answered all of our many questions. She just returned from the 18 day Northwestern trip and had the time of her life. The group was inclusive and she now has friends for life. Every single counselor was fantastic. Ira and West Coast Connection exceeded our expectations in every way. She can't wait to see what is offered next year and she just got back 3 days ago. Thank you Ira!

Fantastic experience: My son just returned from an amazing 3 week journey through the west coast of the United States. Westcoast Connection made sure my son was well taken care of throughout the trip. He made friends immediately and can't stop raving about his experience. We highly recommend Westcoast Connection for your child's next summer tour!

Negative experience: I will be updating my review shortly.

Negative experience: Ira is a manipulative person. Ira will take money before a pandemic then he will not refund it, then he will not use it as a deposit for the next season. Called to pay for my sons trip and was told that the spot was not held. I then booked with another tour group. Still waiting, over a month and still no refund. What a jerk and a thief.

Fantastic experience: I sent my son on the American Voyageur 40 day trip. He was not the most adventurous child and had never been away from home before. Not only was it the best trip of his life but an experience he will remember for the rest of his life. The trip is organized in a way were there is a perfect balance between adventure and low key activities. The kids are NEVER bored. The staff members running the trip and the people in the office always provided excellent communication and support for the worried parents at home. Overall an amazing experience. That's why my daughter is already signed up for this summer. She can't wait!

Fantastic experience: I have had an amazing experience with Westcoast Connection with both the Teen Tours and Online Classes. The Staff is amazing and so kind. Everyone creates a lasting friendship where you start off as strangers then it turns into family instantaneously! I highly recommend this amazing experience that no one will ever forget.

Fantastic experience: I spent 2 weeks last summer traveling with West Coast Connection all the way in California, and let me just say it was the best 2 weeks I have ever had. Every day was so exciting with new things to do and places to see. I am so grateful to have made friends there that I still talk to all the time today. The counselors were amazing too, they were always including everyone and they would talk to you if you needed it. It was like going on a trip with a big group of your best friends. All the places we stayed at we’re so nice. My favorite being UCLA, which was so cool, I would have never thought I would be able to sleep in a dorm there and even eat breakfast in their dining area!!! The whole experience was incredible and I am totally looking forward to my next trip which I hope will happen in summer 2021:)

Fantastic experience: Top professional! We send our son from Europe to the USA for 1 month in 2018 and now, 2020, our daughter. The Covid-situation is managed in a really professional way, and as soon as government allows to, we will be there. Reliable and strongly recommended. Jörg

Fantastic experience: My 16 year old daughter took her third Westcoast Connection trip this summer, it was the 25 days in Thailand Community service program - and it was nothing short of spectacular! Immersing themselves in everything Thai. . . from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, to the more rural and rustic community service areas, the group traveled all over the country, taking in an amazing up close and personal cross section of the country along the way. They lived the Thai culture, learned about Thai customs and sampled the most authentic Thai cuisine. The community service projects were absolutely fabulous - the epitome of team work and team building, and it challenged the student travelers and trip leaders to bring out their best for a common goal! The cultural exchange between the trip mates and the Thai children made impressions to last a lifetime. . . and I love that the group regularly reflected on the events of the day - talk about a sensational educational experience! WCC's programs provide the finest travel abroad opportunities, giving their travelers the best exposure to the uniqueness of each location with a hands on approach. Westcoast Connection 360 continually exceeds expectations with amazing programs, one of a kind itineraries and experiences to last a lifetime! They are the gold standard for student travel!

Fantastic experience: Wouldn't trade the 3 weeks I spent with West Coast Connection for anything!