"As many people in their mid/late 20s, I have traveled before to several places around the world. However, I have never been to Europe. The Spain, France and Italy itinerary seemed like a great introduction, so I decided to give it a shot. In addition to the regular itinerary, I decided to add a few other cities I have always wanted to visit, such as Amsterdam. I decided to embark in this new adventure solo, since it was a little challenging to gather friends to join me. I will start with the positive side. The experience itself is invaluable. If like myself, you are from the United States and have never been to the European continent, prepare yourself to be amused. You will have the opportunity to visit Madrid, Barcelona, French Riviera, Florence, Rome (and some others in between). The itinerary itself is amazing. Our tour director was also very nice and responsive to requests. Local guides were absolutely great! For instance, in Florence and Rome, I felt I was revisiting and reliving important college history lessons about the Roman Empire. As a soccer fan, while in Spain, I visited the Real Madrid and Barcelona stadiums and also was able to enjoy the nightlife. The French Riviera beaches are just gorgeous. Nonetheless, there were a few drawbacks. Traveling to Europe during the month of July (or any other summer month per se) can get a little hot and very busy--I only did it due to work schedule. Lines are very long anywhere you go, hostels/hotels are usually full, and as a consequence, people tend to act more desperately than normal. Some days, I did not feel I was on a vacation, since the day would start really early (i.e. 7 a.m. departures) to avoid crowds. The worst part of the trip was having to stay in extremely small, uncomfortable and sometimes dirty hostels rooms. In an effort to respect the privacy of my fellow travelers, I will not provide further details. In my opinion, this is unacceptable. EF should already be aware of this and take the necessary steps to improve lodging! There are enough travelers to these cities and they have the appropriate budget to make it happen. Overall, leaving aside the lodging issues, I can say I had a great experience in Europe and would likely repeat it at a later time. However, not too sure I would pick EF College Break again, unless I can be sure things will be different. I am generously leaving a 4-star rating (although it should be more like a 3.5-star). Happy travels!"

"I was a little apprehensive about traveling solo, partly because I'm a little shy, and partly because I'm not the partier/drinker. But everyone on the group was great and I didn't feel pressured to be someone I was not. That's not to say that I wasn't challenged to step out of my comfort zone, because that's a big part of what traveling abroad is about... experiencing new things that you otherwise wouldn't. The accommodations were nice and most of them were located pretty centrally so that it was easy to navigate and get to the places you wanted to see and experience the culture. In most cities we visited, we got to not only experience a tour with a local guide, but we were also able to visit some important places that were included for us as a group (for example, the Coliseum/Roman Forum and the Vatican in Rome). The stops during our coach travels were well-thought out, diverse, and valuable experiences that I'm sure I would never have thought of when preparing a trip of my own, not to mention the connections to each new local were so easy with the group and I love not having to figure that out on my own! Our tour director had great suggestions for activities, restaurants, and amazing spots with unforgettable views. I'm so glad I went, and I highly recommend it. If you're worried about traveling solo, don't be. Everyone else is probably worried, too, and will understand and be helpful and supportive! "

"I was a bit nervous about the trip but I absolutely loved it! The places we stayed were pretty nice overall, and I got to see basically everything! We hit like 12 different cities and got to see the highlights of all of them, and it was so easy with things like transportation and tickets taken care of already. Fabrice, our tour director was also super helpful with suggestions of things to do in each place. I was really happy with the trip. "

"While I was scared at first of going abroad alone for the first time, it turned out to be absolutely the best 5 weeks of my life. We visited 9 countries and 22 cities all around Europe and I don't think the trip could've been planned any better. My tour guide, Iraklis, was incredible. Not only did he make this trip as smooth as possible, he is the most compassionate human I've ever met. He taught me so much about the cities, and myself. The hotels/hostels honestly were very nice most of the time. We only had one bad experience in Munich, and even then it wasn't that bad. I had such an incredible time on this trip that I'm already planning my next EF trip. I feel like I truly got my money's worth and this is the best way to travel if you are inexperienced abroad, or traveling alone."

"I had been looking at EFcollegebreak for about a year before I took the plunge to book a trip with them. I finally chose the Amsterdam, Paris, and London trip as my first trip over seas and also my first trip anywhere alone. I had expectations that the trip would be great and a new experience but I never expected it to give me all that it did. All the excursions and planned trips were amazing and everything I hoped for, but what really made my trip incredible was my group and my Tour Director Alexandra. I might have just lucked out, but I made some of my best friends on my trip and have made plans to see them again even when they're across the USA. Also, your TD can really make or break your trip. I got lucky with the best TD EF has to offer and even through floods that cancelled some of our plans, cancelled flights, and unexpected happenings Alex found a way to make the trip even more than it originally was. She booked us impossible tickets to the Anne Frank House, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower, and found us amazing hilarious and fun tour guides in each city. AND she became our friend along the way! I'm so grateful for EF for introducing me to so many new friends and for giving me the experiences of a lifetime. "

"I researched for an entire year for travel agencies and tour groups to decide who I would go through. I decided to choose Ireland as my destination because it was where I was originally supposed to go for a study abroad trip that was cancelled. I had a friend that had gone through them for a trip and suggested that I look into EF. At first, it seemed a little too commercialized and corny, but it was the best price for what I wanted to do so I went ahead and signed up.
I never would have imagined that this trip would change me as much as it did. I enjoyed every minute of it and I made a TON of friends. Being surrounded by people with the same ideals as you and the same passion for travel is extremely soul-awakening. Not to mention, we had an amazing tour guide (Darren) and bus driver (Francy), who gave us TONS of tips on places to try food at, where to explore as well as bonding with us and getting to know each and every one of the travelers on our tour. They are truly amazing people!
I could go on for days about how great this company is, but I'll leave it at this: If you're thinking about doing an EF trip, DO IT. You will not regret it! I would 100% recommend these trips to others. "

"I love traveling, and decided to go to Europe with EF for 16 days. This is not my first time traveling, and this is not my first time in Europe. But it is my first time traveling with ef, with all documentations about traveling being in someone else's hands.

My bad experience starts with the visa application. As an international student studying in usa, more steps are needed in order to get the schengen visa. the official letter from EF is not accepted and things such as actual booking confirmation and train ticket is required. This is normal and easy to prepare if I were to have everything in my hands. Turn out, These are documents in EF's possesion. Asking for them returned as a "no, we don't have any of these" or "we don't have official letter from the travel protection"

I understand that EF is not responsible for my visa, but as an advisor, the job is to guide students in the right direction, not just say sorry and did nothing helpful. (Not even providing things that I asked for when it's less than2 months away from traveling)

Therefore, if you're alien residents and traveling with EF, here are some suggestions:

1. For hotel confirmation use booking.com and book the hotels according to EF's itinerary. For those who aren't aware of this website, it allows reserving hotel without paying.

2. Flights: book your own flights. It's at least a couple hundred dollars cheaper and also you have the document in your hand ready for visa at anytime.

3. Other tickets for transportation: I ended up paying an extra train ticket just to show the embassy, but there's always options that is refundable.

4. Travel protection: ef doesn't have a valid letter to state what your travel protection covers. Search for additional issurance in google using 'schengen visa travel issurance'. It's pretty cheap if you only buy for the amount of days traveling, and they have a valid issurance letter to present to the embassy.

The traveling in Europe itself is pretty cool though have to warn that traveling in May-June is basically rainy almost everyday. Lol. Have to say that traveling with ef is a great starts in terms of going back for more details later. "

"This was the first trip I have ever taken internationally and I did it totally solo! It was definitely one of the best decisions I had ever made. At first, I of course wanted at least one of my friends to go with me just to share in the experience, but a lot of my friends either have been to Europe, didn't have the time, or didn't have the money; so I said forget it, I don't have time to wait around and I did it alone. I don't regret one bit of it either. Everything was excellent and it was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life. It's awesome to go on a tour not knowing anyone but having everyone turn out to be awesome people and have a ton of amazing things to do. Our tour director, Jaime, was nothing short of awesome. He had a ton of recommendations for activities and places to eat for us and he took part in our conversations like he'd known us forever. For my first trip internationally, I couldn't have asked for anything better with everything- friends, tour director, tour guides, cities, food, places to stay. EFCollegeBreak is definitely the way to go!"

"I went on the London, Paris, Rome trip by myself in May 2016. I've always wanted to go, but never had friends or family that wanted to go with me. I finally saved up money to go alone! I was nervous because I was afraid I wouldn't get along with anybody else in my group. I was also hesitant because I read that a lot of people under 21 drink like crazy, and I'm not really a big drinker. I just wanted to see the sites, not go out and party.

There were not as many solo travelers as EF made me think there would be, but it ended up not being a big deal because our entire group ended up getting along pretty well. I actually made some pretty awesome friends from all over the country! I'm relieved that I got along with pretty much everybody and that there were others that weren't big drinkers too. I highly recommend going alone! It forced me to make new friends and I didn't feel obligated to hang out with specific people.

Our tour director, Dionisio, was the BEST tour director we could've asked for!!! I thought it was nice that he went out of his way to plan a night out at a French Cabaret and he scheduled a day in Florence even though it wasn't part of our itinerary.

I plan on going on another trip alone when I have the money! The price is pretty good considering everything you get to do and see!"

"Though I loved the trip, which had to do more with the people on the trip and Costa Rica itself; I was a little disappointed with the organization.

I understand there is loads to do in Costa Rica, but I would expect it to be more organized. One of the reasons I signed up for the trip was the natural Hot springs, but we ended up going to a stupid water park with warm water. That was a major disappointment!

Apart form that the rest of the trip is pretty good. Costa rica itself is amazing. Hiking, rain forests, cloud forests, kayaking, zip-lining, rafting, beaches. Manuel Antonio one of the world's top 10 beaches was gorgeous. The city browsing, food, music and nightlife was a lot of fun.

The more riding was spectacular, I hadn't signed up online, I joined in at the end for the horse riding and am glad I did. Worth every cent! The visit to the school, Maleku village and tree planting was super fun.

Marcelo the tour guide was super fun and resourceful, but kind of disorganized. His instructions were limited and he didn't provide adequate information on the 'next day itinerary' and tour structure. It was more like per day basis, which was annoying.

Do stick to the tour guide Marcelle's recommendations. Avoid unsafe places, travel in groups in the night.

All in all I'd say sign up for the trip; you get a mix of physical activities and chilling vacation. Costa Rica is amazing! But do expect a bit of disorganization. If you are a control freak, definitely not your cup of tea. "

"EF College Break was awesome. I went to Australia by myself and made some really great friends and really great memories. I got to see many highlights of the Eastern coast of Australia and it was incredible. Lots of time in the city and some on the beach. I thought it was so worth the price that I paid, as I would have easily spent double to see all of those places by myself. The lodging was pretty good too. I was expecting really dirty hostels, but it was mostly hotels that were pretty good! Two of our hotels had problems with the showers, but besides that they were totally awesome. Got a lot of meals out of it too. They say that only breakfast is provided, but most of the excursions give you food and there are a few dinners included. It was awesome. 10/10 would go again. "

"I took the New Year's European Road Trip through EF College Break and left on December 28th. I have always dreamed of traveling in Europe, but I could never find anyone in my friend group that either had the time or the funds to go. Finally, I decided to go solo via EFCB. I don't regret it! I met so many fabulous people, saw so many phenomenal things. It was amazing. I walked over 115 miles in 18 days there, so you know that I saw a lot. I would definitely suggest that if you are a first time traveller in your early 20s to go via EFCB.

I was a bit hesitant before I went because I did read a few reviews on this website about how people under 21 years of age go a little nuts on the trip. There are definitely people who go on these trips that want to get drunk/high every night of their trip. I was worried I wouldn't find people to fit in with, because I'm not a big drinker or smoker. However, you'll find your people! I found a great group of 10 people that I spent my entire trip with. I'll be staying in contact with them for a very long time and I'm so thankful I met them on my trip."

"My first trip with EF College Break was amazing! I did the Amsterdam, London, and Paris trip that left on 9/18. It was an amazing experience and a great way to get a taste of all countries and see the big highlights! Our tour director Matt was amazing and very helpful when we ran into questions or concerns. The biggest thing travelers with EF need to know is that every day is very scheduled and with little free time to accomplish all the spots you want to see, so prioritize before hand. Also just make sure you know the accommodations are not 4 star hotels. Most are 2 star hostels and hotels. I would love the option to pay a little more so we could have stayed in a nicer hotel being a 3 star in two of the locations. The biggest concern I had was safety in Paris, I believe they will chose not to stay in the same Hotel that we did, but it was a very very bad neighborhood and felt very unsafe there. All of my group felt the same sense of unsafety and I don't think EF will be booking that hotel anymore. Otherwise my trip was absolutely amazing and experience of a lifetime! "

"I had nothing but a pleasant experience with EF for my first trip to Costa Rica. Our tour guide was quiet but humerus, he was extremely knowledgeable about the country and I did not expect to learn so much about the culture, way of life, and history behind it's cities. But each time we visited a new site he filled us with so many fun facts beforehand and I really enjoyed that. It's true when they say your tour guide really makes or breaks your vacation because without him we would have been so lost! Even though he had to rearrange activities due to weather and some wrenches in our itinerary made our tour guide have to wing it at some points, it never stopped us from having a blast and he was always having fun with us. He was there for us when we had questions, needed guidance, etc..but he also gave us space to do our own thing and have fun without many limitations. Even though we had a packed itinerary for the whole 10 days, we surprisingly had a lot of free time to explore and shop as well. As for the other travelers on the tour, I went with 5 best friends and left with about 30 of them! HAHA. Needless to say I bonded with incredible people and it's all thanks to the shared bathrooms with 4 other girls, no room for privacy, and experiencing thrilling excursions with complete strangers. The only downfall of the trip was that a few people from my group reported having money stolen. This was a problem because we were supposed to be able to trust our belongings on the bus with the driver while we did our activities, but apparently some of the group was able to go in and out of the bus unsupervised. I understand that EF isn't responsible for other travelers who feel it necessary to steal even on vacation, however it could have been prevented. I didn't quite know what to expect from the trip when I arrived but it was more than anything I could have expected. The food, the hotel accommodations, the company, the memories...was all worth the money and I WILL be traveling with EF again! Pura Vida!"

"I had such a great time doing the grand tour if Ireland trip, there was barely any problems, the only think was at the Glena house our toilet and bathroom light didn't work and the vent above our shower made the most obnoxious noise but other then that it was fantastic and I met the most amazing people and our td and bus driver were part of our Ireland family. I wish we could spend longer time at the blarney castle and the cliffs of moher, there was so much to look at and walk around it was beautiful.
I can't wait to book my next trip! Thinking maybe London and Paris!!"