Embark on an adventure with Rustic Pathways and experience the thrill of discovering new places, cultures, and passions! Dive into unforgettable journeys filled with excitement, connection, and fun. Whether viewing breathtaking views, exploring vibrant cities, or bonding with locals, every moment is packed with opportunities to learn about yourself and the world in ways you never imagined. Let us guide you on the trip of a lifetime and help you discover your passions!
Rustic Pathways is a premier student travel company specializing in educational, cultural, and adventure travel for teens worldwide. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways helps students build real-world skills and discover a deeper sense of purpose.
What Rustic Pathways Does
Rustic Pathways offers student travel programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and social impact. Our transformative experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves through:
- Student Travel Programs – Adventure, service, and cultural immersion trips for middle school, high school, and college students.
- Teen Tours – International travel experiences focused on learning and personal growth.
- School Group Travel – Custom-designed educational trips for schools and teachers.
- Gap Year Programs – Quarter, semester, or year-long structured travel experiences for recent graduates.
- Critical Issues Programs – In-depth explorations of global challenges like sustainability, conservation, and human rights.
- Emerging Leader Fellowships (ELF) – Leadership training for young changemakers, culminating in live summits and real-world impact projects.Our Impact
Rustic Pathways goes beyond teen travel by creating lasting change in the communities we visit.
- 1.2 million+ service hours contributed annually to global initiatives.
- $800,000+ raised through the Rustic Pathways Foundation for local projects and scholarships.
- Long-term community partnerships ensure sustainable development and ethical tourism.
- Wildlife and environmental conservation efforts span multiple continents.
Safety & Expertise You Can Trust
Student safety is our top priority. Led by Medical Director Dr. Will Smith, we implement industry-leading safety protocols, including:
- Pre-travel risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Annual staff safety certifications ensure team preparedness.
- 24/7 on-the-ground support in every destination.
- Adherence to international health guidelines for global safety standards.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Rustic Pathways History
Founded in Australia in 1983, Rustic Pathways began with students exploring the Australian Outback, learning by doing, and immersing in Indigenous cultures.
- 40+ years of evolution into a global leader in student travel.
- Adventure-driven spirit and commitment to community impact remain core values.
- Operating in 20+ countries, leading experiential education worldwide.
- Inspiring the next generation of global leaders through immersive experiences.
Join the Rustic Pathways Community
Rustic Pathways helps students, teachers, and parents create life-changing travel experiences.
- Students – Embark on unforgettable adventures.
- Teachers – Plan meaningful educational trips.
- Parents – Choose safe and enriching programs for your child.
Programs vary from 8 days to 25 days. All 2025 program dates, ages, costs and locations can be found on our website!
I was part of the Costa Rica Leadership program and there was nothing more heart felt from the realationships you make with not only the young Tico students, but also with your teammates, and leaders.
Going into this program I didn't make my plane. Rustic Pathways was very accommodating and helped me through the process of getting to Costa Rica. When I finally arrived they treated me to a wonderful day at a beautiful waterfall while my team was white water rafting.
During the first week we started to build a strong team relationships. We went through a process of how to work with others and discussed what culture means to us. We planned the camp for the Tico students. This trip also included many unforgettable adventures.