AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel National Geographic Student Expeditions?

I'm not sure where to post this and I am asking on behalf of a family member who has not travelled to Belize. Their 17 year old daughter has signed up for this summer expedition camp, for the Belize portion, and now her mother is getting anxious. Has anyone heard of this organization, either good or bad? Of course we can give her common sense advice on what to do or not do in Belize generally speaking, in order to stay safe, but her mother is a bit concerned about the company who her daughter will be travelling with, if they are known, if they are responsible, etc.? Any feedback would be most appreciated. They look good to me, but who knows. Here is the link: https://app.ngstudentexpeditions.com

Lucky kid, I should have been that lucky when I was her age.

Her mother has not heard of National Geographic? you have got to be kidding.

I agree, it looks like a good thing and there's nothing more amazing to give your kid than the gift of Belize for an incredible life experience. But just because it 'looks' good doesn't mean it's truly affiliated, or that this arm of the project is run properly. We've almost drowned out in the waters with a so-called 'experienced' tour company that should never have brought a boat load of people out and the company still exists. I've had friends with similar experiences. And not just in Belize, but in other popular vacation spots. They've done investigative TV reports on this issue. I thought I'd help a concerned parent overseas by checking around. What you hear locally with your ear to the ground isn't necessarily what's portrayed on the web. Additionally, it's amazing how one incident in Belize can make world news when 'incidents' happen all over the world all the time. Therefor, someone in Europe who does not speak the English language well and who has a child travelling to Belize (or any popular vacation spot), may be duly concerned. I've almost lost bookings in my house because of one incident in Belize that is nowhere near my location. So snarky comments are not helpful. Better to say nothing in my opinion.

Sorry tangles, I did not mean to be snarky at all! It's just that I grew up excitedly watching the mailbox for the next edition of National Geographic and have always felt it was the most amazing portal to travel ..... As a kid nothing was more exciting or special to me than Nat Geo.
I have spoken with people who did the Nat Geo tour to Galapagos fairly recently and it sure sounded like a gold standard for educational travel.
I hope the young folks are in good hands and have a mind blowingly positive experience!!

Thank you Diane. I agree and it's good to hear the Galapagos one was such a great experience, I'll pass that onto her.

When our youngest was 16 (now 26)......We opted one of these trips for her....I actually found it in a magazine back then.....However it was quite affordable, chaperoned and they did as much of Europe as they could in 20 days.......My nephews did the backpacking/hostel thing.....I was a bit overprotective and did not want my baby walking through Europe...... (American Werewolf in London)