Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from our destinations. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Las Vegas, Nevada (3 Days)

The desert landscapes surrounding Las Vegas offer an exciting introduction to the natural wonders of the American West. Hike through Red Rock Canyon, where colorful sandstone formations, rugged cliffs, and sweeping desert views create an incredible setting for outdoor exploration. Take in the distinctive beauty of the Mojave Desert while getting to know your fellow travelers and preparing for the adventures ahead.

Beyond Nevada's desert scenery, experience the spectacular landscapes of nearby Zion National Park in southern Utah. Surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyon walls, explore one of America's most beautiful national parks through scenic hikes and opportunities to experience its remarkable natural features. Depending on conditions, adventures may include hiking through the Narrows, where the Virgin River winds between massive canyon walls.

Las Vegas also offers opportunities to experience the energy and entertainment of one of America's most recognizable cities. From its famous sights and attractions to the possibility of attending a live performance, this portion of the trek brings together outdoor adventure and city excitement.

Sedona, Arizona (3 Days)

Arizona is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the country, and few are more recognizable than the Grand Canyon. Stand along the South Rim and take in sweeping views of the massive canyon, where layers of colorful rock reveal millions of years of natural history. Enjoy opportunities to hike along scenic viewpoints and see the Colorado River winding through the landscape far below.

In Sedona, towering red rock formations and beautiful desert scenery set the stage for more outdoor adventures. Hop aboard one of the region's famous Pink Jeep Tours for an off-road experience through rugged sandstone landscapes, learning about the area's geology and history along the way. Explore the trails around Bell Rock, where spectacular views and distinctive rock formations make for a memorable hiking experience.

There's also time to cool off with a tubing adventure on the Salt River, enjoying the Arizona landscape from the water. Celebrate Shabbat with your group surrounded by the beauty of the Southwest, sharing familiar Jewish traditions and meaningful moments together in a setting unlike home.

San Diego, California (3 Days)

Sunshine, ocean waves, and laid-back coastal culture make San Diego a favorite stop along the California coast. Try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding with lessons along Pacific Beach, learning to catch waves and enjoy the excitement of the Pacific Ocean. Spend time at Mission Beach's Belmont Park, a classic beachfront amusement park known for its rides, lively boardwalk, and beautiful ocean views.

Get a closer look at wildlife from around the world at the famous San Diego Zoo, located in beautiful Balboa Park. Wander through its remarkable animal habitats and enjoy opportunities to learn about wildlife and conservation. With everything from giant pandas to elephants, giraffes, and gorillas, the zoo offers plenty to see and experience.

Beyond the beach and zoo, explore the historic streets of Old Town San Diego, where colorful shops, architecture, and cultural traditions offer a glimpse into the city's past. Whether you're catching your first wave or enjoying an evening along the waterfront, San Diego offers plenty of opportunities to experience Southern California's coastal lifestyle.

Los Angeles, California (4 Days)

Los Angeles brings together the excitement of California's famous attractions with opportunities to connect with the local Jewish community. Experience the energy of Santa Monica Pier, stroll along Rodeo Drive, and spend time exploring popular shopping and entertainment destinations like The Grove. From its beaches and neighborhoods to its recognizable landmarks, there's plenty to enjoy across the City of Angels.

Spend an exciting day at Disneyland, where thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and familiar characters create a chance to have fun together. Whether you're tackling roller coasters or exploring the park's themed worlds, it's an opportunity to share some laughs and enjoy a different kind of adventure with your group.

Jewish values also come to life through meaningful community service experiences in Los Angeles. Work alongside organizations such as Our Big Kitchen LA to prepare meals for people facing food insecurity, and learn how local organizations support vulnerable populations. At the Museum of Tolerance, engage with powerful exhibits and personal stories that encourage reflection on history, prejudice, and the responsibility we share to stand up for others.

Celebrate Shabbat with your group, with opportunities to connect with local Jewish life and experience the traditions of one of America's largest Jewish communities. Through service, conversation, and shared experiences, discover how the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) can make a difference close to home.

Yosemite National Park, California (2 Days)

Few places capture the natural beauty of California quite like Yosemite National Park. Surrounded by towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful forests, experience one of America's most celebrated national parks through scenic hikes and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Visit Lower Yosemite Falls, where cascading water and impressive rock formations create some of the park's most memorable views.

Walk among the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, home to some of the largest and oldest living trees on Earth. These towering trees offer a remarkable perspective on the natural world and the importance of protecting these extraordinary landscapes. With opportunities to explore Yosemite's trails and enjoy time outdoors, this portion of the trek offers plenty of chances to appreciate California's natural wonders together.

Monterey Bay, California (1 Day)

California's central coast offers a change of scenery, where towering redwood forests meet the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Walk among ancient coast redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, exploring forest trails beneath trees that have stood for generations. The peaceful surroundings provide a striking contrast to the desert canyons and mountain landscapes found elsewhere on the trek.

Along Monterey Bay, enjoy the coastal atmosphere of Cannery Row and the area's waterfront, with opportunities to spend time by the ocean and take in beautiful views of California's shoreline. Between the impressive redwood forests and picturesque seaside communities, Monterey offers another memorable way to experience the West Coast.

San Francisco, California (5 Days)

San Francisco offers a mix of iconic landmarks, beautiful waterfront scenery, and lively neighborhoods. Walk across the famous Golden Gate Bridge for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, the surrounding hills, and the Pacific Ocean. Experience the city's distinctive charm aboard one of its historic cable cars, visit Fisherman's Wharf, and enjoy time at Ghirardelli Square, known for its famous chocolate treats.

Take in the city's beautiful architecture and outdoor spaces with visits to landmarks such as the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field. Spend time exploring the waterfront and experiencing the different neighborhoods that give San Francisco its unique character. Across the bay, Berkeley offers another opportunity to experience Northern California's culture and atmosphere.

Community service continues to be an important part of the experience. Partner with organizations such as Repair the World to assemble hygiene kits and support neighbors experiencing homelessness, learning how small acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact. Celebrate Shabbat together in the Bay Area, taking time to reflect on the places you've explored, the people you've met, and the experiences you've shared.

From the red rocks of the Southwest to California's towering forests and Pacific coastline, Western USA Trek offers three weeks of adventure, Jewish connection, and friendships that stretch far beyond the road trip itself.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program .

What if my teen is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own rules for mandatory unaccompanied minors and additional fees do apply. If your teen is 15 years or younger, then please refer to your chosen airline for information. If your chosen airline requires your teen to fly as an unaccompanied minor, please make sure that this is noted on your Domestic Travel Form, and contact us at least a month in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local tour leader, and a bus driver. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
Summer weather across the Western United States can vary significantly depending on the destination. In Nevada, Arizona, and southern Utah, daytime temperatures can reach the 90s and 100s, with strong sunshine and generally dry conditions. Higher elevations and national parks may experience cooler temperatures, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Along the California coast, temperatures are typically milder, with San Diego and Los Angeles offering warm, sunny days and San Francisco often experiencing cooler weather, coastal breezes, and occasional fog. Yosemite and other mountain destinations can experience changing weather conditions throughout the day.

We recommend packing lightweight clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings. A lightweight jacket or sweatshirt is particularly helpful for coastal and mountain destinations.

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security.

What's the typical group size?
Group sizes vary by departure and program enrollment. Western USA Trek typically includes one to two buses, with approximately 34–42 teens per bus.

Some teens may also be participating in connecting programs that combine two separate BBYO Passport experiences. For more information about group assignments and friend requests, please visit our General Travel FAQs.

What's the food like?
The Western United States offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, from Southwestern and Mexican-inspired cuisine to California's diverse food scene. Teens will have opportunities to enjoy familiar favorites as well as regional specialties throughout the trip.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.