Backpacking Programs Abroad

This trip was honestly so fun. I went with my friend, but I went alone the year before to Greece and Italy and had no problem making friends. I’d say it’s important to remember to be open to meeting new people of you’re thinking of going with a friend. I had the best time ever! Our counselor was the sweetest, and the itinerary is great. Easy to feel supported in the environment, and we even went to a spooky exhibition that wasn’t on the itinerary! Totally recommend

The program has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about Australia, formed a lot of new friends/relationships, and made so many great memories so far. I would 100% recommend it to others, I think everyone should get to experience this beautiful place. My favorite part was the camping trip on Frasier Island, but I have also loved sky diving, snorkeling, and all of the nights out have been a blast. Overall, this has been the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got out of my shell and booked it.

Overall amazing, love using this company every time. Never fails to exceed my expectations. The counselors go above and beyond! Going into my first trip a few years ago, I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but once I found the counselors and met more friends I had bonds that lasted a lifetime. This program creates everlasting friendships and memories that stick with me. Best teen travel company out there. So many places to go, highly trained professionals, amazing views , food, hotels, and more.

This was an amazing experience in which I learnt a lot about the world around me and myself. The trip has the perfect balance of Independence and being led as well as a balance of adventure and chill time, all amazing to bond with team mates. The trip has a nice mix of urban areas and countery side and beautiful views. Would definitely recommend. There are so many awesome opportunities to take part in and range of activities keeping you on your toes.

This was my first travel experience and it was great. Starting in Cusco was a great place to meet everyone and the city is amazing. The Salkantay trek was some of the best days of my life with Machu Picchu capping it off. So the whole trip with Quilatoa,the activities in Baños, the wildlife volunteering and the otovalo market it’s overall a great trip. I would also say though if you are going bring a bit of soap unless you’re ok with 3in1 :) and pack a bit of variety in your clothing as you will be trekking but there are opportunities to go out at night with the others on the trip.

The location was incredible, the access to amazing climbing and hiking areas. Plus easy access to glaciers. Being trusted to use the skills we were taught was very rewarding. The way we were taught skills and then got to keep building on them was very empowering.

The best part was the group of students I got to do this program with. Each person was unique and special and taught me something about friendship, overcoming challenges, appreciating each other's differences, managing stress and fear, the importance of communication, being a good leader, and building confidence to take on new challenges. I definitely couldn't have gotten through as much of the program as I did without their support and friendship. I also would say the level of challenge was excellent and exceeded my expectations, and forced me out of my comfort zone nearly every day and pushed me to grow personally and in my confidence in the outdoors. Also the location of the program in El Chalten, it became like home to us and is truly a trekking and nature lovers paradise.

If you're on the fence about taking the course, do it. It's an incredible experience that will either A) give you a new skillset or B) teach you a lot about yourself. Even if you don't end up working in the industry, the memories and stories you'll have make it worth it.

Getting to learn rock climbing from some of the best climbers in Patagonia, was an invaluable and inspiring experience. Not only did we spend a bunch of time outdoors learning new skills and visiting cool places, we also built a community along the way that really impacted my overall experience in Patagonia.

The location, the best part of this program was getting to spend three months is this amazing town. Our local guides were incredible and I came away from the course with more than just experience, I made amazing friends and got to feel like a part of the El Chaltén community.

The best part of the program for me in particular would be the final expedition. During this time, I realized how much we have all learned individually and as a group to be able to come together and perform the way we did. It solidified that all of our skills (technical and social) came into place

If you are scrolling through the Pure Exploration website and upon just reading about the experience think you’re going to have, makes you excited - then honestly do whatever you need to do and book onto a program. My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books, the people you meet, the in-jokes you'll have, the country culture you get to live and learn about are just some of the things the program offers you. To top if all off with a great support team and gaining real quality outdoor instruction that you can take either into your life or job, I did it and it was one of the best things I've ever done, so why not!

Honestly the best way to explore Aotearoa/New Zealand. You learn so much about the local environment and gain new skills along the way. Met a bunch of amazing people that are now friends for life. I had never rock climbed before this program and now have the confidence to climb myself and skills to take friends out climbing. I came into the program looking for a career change and this has opened up so many doors within the industry.

It's really nice to see New Zealand in an other perspective than the tourist eye. Being able to travel around and do some climbing and tramping as a local. Having great connections with people because you are living all your emotions with them and 24/7.

All the climbing, especially around Wānaka. I got to develop and learn skills I’ve been wanting to know for a while like building anchors and setting up climbs for myself and my friends. Spending time in the outdoors and disconnecting with from social media was also a highlight.

I had only ever been climbing indoors before, this was my first time outdoors and it was amazing, it was definitely a highlight for me. Besides climbing. - Meeting everyone else was amazing! So many different people with a shared “passion” for the outdoors.

I originally did this program because I had no idea of what I could do. I finished school with a degree I came to hate, I started another degree just to try something else. I was unhappy and confused about my future. Then I heard about Pure exploration. I gave it a shot because at this point I just needed to be outside and do some outdoor stuff. Now, with what I learned about myself and the experiences I gained, I have a list of things I want to do to reach my dream job, that is not related to guiding by the way. And I wouldn't know about my dream job if I didn't do the program. Our Nepalese guides are amazing resources and I learned so much from them. I truly hope that all the students or workers who feel stuck or unhappy about their degree or work come to Nepal and try this course.

Pure Exploration was one of the best decisions of my life. Going to Nepal and learning the skills to rock climb, provide outdoor wilderness first aid, participate in a river course and hike and camping all in 3 months was such a whirlwind knowledge and hands-on experience. Meeting the team and all the friends I made along the way was the cultural emersion I was thirsting for. If you are even playing with the idea of doing one of these courses I would say - jump in, do it now

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was supported through physical and mental challenges by a spectacular team that only wanted me to succeed, and I did that and more. I learnt both technical and soft skills to become an outdoor leader, and learnt so much about myself and how I interact with others so I can better communicate and manage group situations, but as a leader and a participant.

My favourite part of the program was meeting and getting to know others from all over the world and watching them grow and succeed at new skills. I loved seeing people be happy in the outdoors and create great memories together, even in challenging times.