Top-Rated Student Travel Programs for Summer 2026
4.9/5.0 rating from 185,000+ student travelers
Rustic Pathways offers programs for students ages 12–22, and the selections below highlight our highest-rated Summer 2026 options specifically designed for teens ages 14–18. Each program blends immersive cultural learning, hands-on service hours, and expert-guided exploration. Students engage with local communities while contributing to meaningful impact work and building real-world global competencies.
Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles
Explore Northern Italy’s historic centers before flying to the Greek island of Kefalonia, where students join sea-turtle conservation teams, experience local communities, and complete 25 hours of service.
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Japan & Korea: Tokyo to Seoul
Explore Tokyo through martial arts, matcha workshops, and modern tech culture before crossing the sea to Seoul for K-pop, street food, and cross-cultural experiences led by Rustic Pathways local experts.
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Greece: Island Turtle Conservation
Join conservation leaders on a Greek island to help protect endangered sea turtles while exploring coastal beaches and towns and experiencing traditional island culture.
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Find Your Perfect Program
Choose how you want to explore our 80+ programs
Why Choose Rustic Pathways
42 Years of Excellence • 155,829 Student Travelers
Highest-Rated Student Travel Company
Industry-Leading Safety Standards
- Led by Medical Director Dr. Will Smith
- Comprehensive crisis management protocols
- Background-checked, trained leaders
- 24/7 supervision with a verified 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio
- Emergency response procedures
Featured in the World’s Top Media Outlets
Skift says:
"Rustic Pathways designs each travel itinerary with precision, purpose, passion and adventure in order to transform the ordinary teen travel moments into extraordinary memories."
Wall Street Journal says:
"The real growth may be for the parents who let their kids go."
Travel with Purpose: Achieving Academic & Life Goals
Rustic Pathways teen travel programs are designed for fun and built to accelerate personal growth, leadership development, and global understanding. Explore our student travel programs to see how hands-on learning through immersive, experiential travel helps teens grow with confidence and purpose.
Build Real-World Independence & Leadership
Students navigate new environments, manage budgets, and make decisions in real-time. These experiences foster resilience, confidence, and self-reliance that lasts long after the trip is over.
Gain Cultural Fluency Through Immersive Travel
Rustic Pathways goes beyond tourism, prioritizing deep interaction with local communities. Students learn to see the world from new perspectives, developing empathy and powerful cross-cultural communication skills.
Strengthen College Applications with Meaningful Experience
Meaningful service and leadership roles create compelling material for college essays and interviews. Demonstrate a global mindset and a commitment to action that stands out to admissions officers.
Rustic Pathways FAQ: Costs, Safety, Ages, Flights & Travel Logistics
How much do Rustic Pathways programs cost?
Rustic Pathways programs cost from USD $1,995, depending on the destination, season, and travel style (such as service-learning travel, adventure programs, or cultural immersion trips).
Fees include lodging, all meals, 24/7 supervision, in-country transportation, and scheduled youth travel experiences. Some programs include travel insurance during the program dates. Optional add-ons like extra nights or specialty excursions may increase the price.
What’s included in the price of a Rustic Pathways program?
Every Rustic Pathways summer travel program includes core essentials designed to support a safe, structured, high school travel experience:
Included:
- 24/7 trained supervision
- All meals and accommodations
- All standard program activities
- Ground transportation in-country
- Risk-management oversight
- Program equipment (where applicable)
These inclusions apply across most cultural immersion trips and service-learning programs, with variations by region.
What’s not included in the program price?
Most Rustic Pathways programs do not include international airfare to the destination country. Additional exclusions typically include:
Not included:
- Souvenirs/personal spending
- Some visa or entry fees
- Optional excursions
- Early/late arrival nights
- Checked luggage fees
- Passport or renewal costs
This varies slightly by destination and airline.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers flexible installment plans so families can pay over time rather than all at once. Payment schedules differ based on enrollment date and departure timeline. All invoices, due dates, and receipts appear in your secure student portal. Families may contact admissions for personalized guidance, especially for longer youth travel experiences.
⟡ Families often read next: How Rustic Pathways ensures destination-specific safety →
How do flights work on Rustic Pathways programs?
Rustic Pathways offers two flight models for student and teen travel programs:
Flight Options:
- Group-Chaperoned Flight: Guided from check-in to arrival by Rustic Pathways staff.
- Independent Arrival: Families book their own flights; Rustic Pathways provides arrival windows, airport pickup, and transfer instructions.
Both options include safety-check protocols, communication guidelines, and clear meet-up procedures at destination airports.
Do I need to book the flight myself?
If you choose independent arrival, you are responsible for booking the flight. If you choose the group-chaperoned flight, Rustic Pathways can help coordinate arrangements or share recommended routes and airlines. Group flights often fill early for peak destinations like Costa Rica and Thailand, especially during high school summer travel windows.
⟡ Families often read next: Arrival & departure logistics for teens →
What ages can participate in Rustic Pathways programs?
Rustic Pathways offers youth travel programs for students ages 12–22, including middle school, high school, and college-age travelers. Each itinerary is mapped to a specific age band so students participate in activities suited to their interests, maturity, and physical ability. Parents can browse programs by grade level, interests, or travel style (service-learning, immersion, adventure).
Can my child participate with a friend or sibling?
Yes. During enrollment, families may submit a “friend request” to pair travelers. Rustic Pathways typically places friends or siblings in the same group and accommodations whenever capacity allows. Some high school travel programs also offer friends & family discounts, which vary by season and destination.
Are Rustic Pathways programs appropriate for first-time travelers?
Absolutely. A large portion of Rustic Pathways students are first-time international travelers. Programs are designed with guided orientation, highly structured schedules, daily leader briefings, and cultural support. Destinations like Costa Rica, Fiji, and the Dominican Republic are especially popular for first-timers due to balanced adventure, comfort, and approachable cultural immersion.
⟡ Families often read next: How Rustic Pathways prepares students for their first international trip →
How safe is Rustic Pathways?
Rustic Pathways maintains a comprehensive safety and risk-management system built over 40+ years of operating teen travel programs. Safety features include:
Safety features:
- 24/7 supervision
- Country-specific risk assessments
- Emergency response plans in every country
- Trained program leaders & local staff
- Vetted accommodations and transport
- Global support infrastructure
Rustic Pathways has served >130,000+ students with a 4.9/5 rating across destinations worldwide.
Who supervises students on Rustic Pathways trips?
Programs are staffed by trained Rustic Pathways Program Leaders supported by regional teams and local partners. Leader-to-student ratios typically average 6:1, though some cultural immersion trips or adventure programs operate with even tighter ratios. Leaders are trained in first aid, youth management, and destination-specific safety protocols.
Is supervision provided 24/7?
Yes. Students are supervised at all times, during activities, meals, travel, and structured free time. Leaders stay in the same accommodations or designated staff housing close by. Rustic Pathways follows strict accountability, communication, and behavioral safety systems across all youth travel experiences.
⟡ Families often read next: Who are Rustic Pathways Program Leaders? →
What is accommodation like on Rustic Pathways trips?
Lodging varies by region and program style, including guesthouses, lodges, Rustic Pathways basehouses, small hotels, and homestays. All accommodations are vetted for safety, comfort, and suitability for high school travel programs.
What are meals like? Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Meals are included and reflect a blend of local cuisine and familiar options. Rustic Pathways can accommodate most dietary needs: halal, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, keto, and others. Please let us know beforehand. More notice give us more time to prepare.
Programs prioritize balanced nutrition, access to clean water, and hygiene standards suitable for youth travel groups.
How much spending money does my child need?
Most students bring $150–$200 per week for souvenirs or optional snacks. Spending needs vary by destination; higher-cost regions like Japan and Europe may require slightly more, while service-focused programs may require less. All core program activities are already included in the base fee.
⟡ Families often read next: Packing guidance for student travelers →
What is Rustic Pathways’ cancellation and refund policy?
Rustic Pathways allows enrollment changes, cancellations, and program transfers depending on the timeline before departure. Policies cover refund windows, rollover credits, medical exceptions, and force majeure considerations. Families can manage changes through the student portal or directly with admissions support.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes. Rustic Pathways provides multiple scholarship options, including need-based awards, leadership scholarships, and social-impact funding. Applications often require short essays, references, and academic information. Submitting early improves the chance of consideration.
⟡ Families often read next: Fundraising ideas for student travel →
Plan Your Journey
Scholarships Available
Financial aid and scholarship awarded annually to make college and travel accessible.
Apply for scholarships →
Group Flight Options
Chaperoned flights from major US airports with staff support from check-in to arrival.
View flight pricing →
Travel Documents
Step-by-step guides for passports, visas, and international travel requirements.
Passport & visa help →