Rustic Pathways

From meeting a bunch of new people where I got to make a bunch of new friends with people from all over the country to traveling to this amazing place I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. In the trip getting the experience of staying on a small island where we stayed in tents close to the beach was probably one of the coolest things. I think I liked it so much because that isn’t something I would get the opportunity to do if I just travelled by myself or with my family to Fiji. I think this program also did an amazing job of letting us interact with the locals who were some of the most welcoming people I have ever met. From where we stayed and one of our program leaders being a local, to when we were volunteering and the locals would help us practice the Fijian we had learned, and getting to hang out with the local kids and play games with them it was a really cool experience that I was glad I got to have. Back on the mainland we got to meet another group of locals and kids when we did more service in a local community digging out a spot for a compostable toilet and pouring a walking path all to help with sanitation in the area. I would say if you like meeting new people, experiencing a new culture, talking to the locals, amazing views, good food, fun activities, and doing service work this trip checks all of those boxes perfectly!

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I really have no words for the amount of joy and happiness I felt on this trip to Japan I really enjoyed every second. From the city to the mountains I felt I got to experience all of what Japan had to offer and it still left me wanting more. I made so many friends along the way too it was truly incredible

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My week on Rustic Pathways’s turtle conservation trip was an incredible vessel in exposing me to conservation opportunities. My time in Costa Rica was mainly spent in Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, participating in activities to benefit the turtles who find themselves on their beaches. I have always loved marine conservation, and it was a dream come to to be able to safely interact with sea turtles through night walks. The conversations I had with the refuge guide as well as seeing the impact of the work we did solidified this commitment to conservation.

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My trip to Northern Italy was more than I could ever put into words! From the moment I met my fellow students in the airport, we connected instantly. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard! Rustic Pathways helped me experience the world at such a young age, and I never thought that was possible! The Rustic Team answered all of my questions and concerns and made the pre-trip process smooth! Not to mention the program leaders made the trip even better! There was never a moment where I wasn’t having fun or laughing. I would recommend Rustic Pathways to anyone and everyone who is looking to travel as a teen!

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This trip was truly a wonderful time. I was originally supposed to go on this exact trip, but meant for college aged kids. That trip ended up getting canceled because there weren’t enough people signed up, so rustic pathways offered me to attend the trip meant for younger kids. I was originally very nervous about that, but I had the time of my life!! The trip was amazing. We started in the mountains where we did service and then eventually made our way to the city and spent lots of time shopping. Overall, the trip was organized so perfectly and I’m glad that I was able to go!!

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This trip was truly a wonderful time. I was originally supposed to go on this exact trip, but meant for college aged kids. That trip ended up getting canceled because there weren’t enough people signed up, so rustic pathways offered me to attend the trip meant for younger kids. I was originally very nervous about that, but I had the time of my life!! The trip was amazing. We started in the mountains where we did service and then eventually made our way to the city and spent lots of time shopping. Overall, the trip was organized so perfectly and I’m glad that I was able to go!!

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This trip was truly a wonderful time. I was originally supposed to go on this exact trip, but meant for college aged kids. That trip ended up getting canceled because there weren’t enough people signed up, so rustic pathways offered me to attend the trip meant for younger kids. I was originally very nervous about that, but I had the time of my life!! The trip was amazing. We started in the mountains where we did service and then eventually made our way to the city and spent lots of time shopping. Overall, the trip was organized so perfectly and I’m glad that I was able to go!!

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This trip was truly a wonderful time. I was originally supposed to go on this exact trip, but meant for college aged kids. That trip ended up getting canceled because there weren’t enough people signed up, so rustic pathways offered me to attend the trip meant for younger kids. I was originally very nervous about that, but I had the time of my life!! The trip was amazing. We started in the mountains where we did service and then eventually made our way to the city and spent lots of time shopping. Overall, the trip was organized so perfectly and I’m glad that I was able to go!!

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This trip was truly a wonderful time. I was originally supposed to go on this exact trip, but meant for college aged kids. That trip ended up getting canceled because there weren’t enough people signed up, so rustic pathways offered me to attend the trip meant for younger kids. I was originally very nervous about that, but I had the time of my life!! The trip was amazing. We started in the mountains where we did service and then eventually made our way to the city and spent lots of time shopping. Overall, the trip was organized so perfectly and I’m glad that I was able to go!!

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Honestly I was so scared going into a country thousands of miles away from my family with people I never really met, but Rustic Pathways made the experience feel so safe. First they have group zoom meeting with the other kids going on the same trip, so kids like myself could feel less uncomfortable if we weren’t completely strangers. What stood out to me was that there was another kid who already did the trip, but helped us understand what we could expect making the experience more comfortable. The staff watching over us were so passionate about keeping us safe, educated, and having a fun experience. What also stood out was making sure that the kids with dietary restrictions still had food that was enjoyable. I remember when we ate at a restaurant the staff brought gluten free ingredients like sauces for the chef to cook with just in case they didn’t have a gluten free menu. The experience itself was so much fun that I never really was on my phone besides calling my family before bed. I remember when all us kids missed our pets so much, but couldn’t pet stray dogs or cats; so they somehow managed to fit a cat cafe into our tight schedule. The staff always check on us to make sure we are comfortable and having fun which made the experience so great. And they got to educate us about the kingdom, the religions, the forests/plants, the history of Thailand, the food, the animals, the beliefs, the language, and so much more. Honestly I wished that I found out about this program when I was 13, so I could go on more teen trips. It truly was my favorite memory of all time and I really do hope to have more experiences like I did for the future.

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My son participated in a program with Rustic Pathways in Costa Rica last year, and it was an incredibly positive experience for both him and our family. The counselors updates, looking at the photos and videos gave me a great sense of comfort and connection. He was able to keep his phone, so we stayed in touch throughout the trip. Hearing how happy and even on days focused on community service validated that I chose the right camp. The program was a wonderful balance between meaningful work and fun. He is super excited to go on a trip this year to Belize My son returned home more independent, and inspired to continue to connect with many cultures and see the world.

My son went to Belize with Rustic Pathways summer 2025. He said he had a great time and enjoyed experiencing new things. He said Snorkeling was a favorite. As a parent I felt well informed and I enjoyed the fact they uploaded pictures for us to see

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This past summer I traveled on the Hawaii Surf Snorkel and Service program and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. My group was with 11 other girls and 3 leaders from around the world. We saw an active volcano, sea turtles in the ocean, and many fish with snorkeling off of the catamaran boat... and so much more. We also did service in the farms which allowed me to learn so much about the Hawaiian culture. Not only were there hundreds of opportunities for amazing instagram photos, but most of the time we were so busy living in the moment that we didn't even think to take any photos. And it was okay because our leaders were always taking awesome photos! I met amazing people on this trip, people that taught me lessons about myself that I would have never been able to learn otherwise. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Everyday we did multiple new and exciting things, but if someone wasn't comfortable one of the leaders were always there for help. Now after 2 months, I still talk with the girls I went on the trip with and they have become my best friends. If you are contemplating whether or not to go on this trip I tell you to 100% book the ticket right now, and that you will not regret it!!!

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I really enjoyed the service—teaching English to students and everything that came with it! I loved connecting with locals and learning about their culture. Huge shout out to Chang-Mo, Heeju, Yuri, Annabel, and Amy—they were amazing group leaders and made the whole experience even better!!!!!!!!

Initially, I was scared to go on this trip. Even once we got there I was still nervous. As soon as I met the group leaders and one of the students, I felt right at home. Everyone was so nice, and I genuinely had the best time ever. I loved being immersed in the Korean culture.

On my Korea trip, I met some really cool people, had life changing experiences and made so many new connections. I really bonded with everyone on the trip and the group leaders were so amazing. 10/10 would go on another trip!!

I had a great time there made new friends and had fun experiences. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………:::::::…….:.;.;..;…;………………………:::..:..:.::..::..:::::::..:::…..:….

So fun W trip I had a W time this trip so fun and bussin food I will be returning for the adventure maybe to a more wild location like the wilderness so I had a W time thank you rustic pathways for this

I went on the Rustic Pathways Thailand Adventurer trip, and it was the best experiences of my life. The leaders were absolutely fantastic and always there whenever you need them. The company itself was very well ran and organized. The people were all super nice making my time even more enjoyable! All the activities were super fun and I loved my time traveling, exploring, and immersing myself into the Thailand culture!

It was so much fun! I tried so many new foods and experiences. The counslers were all super fun and easy to talk to. The service we did was fun and hard work. Overall I loved it and would definitely recommend.