The 7 questions people always ask about Rustic Pathways.
What are the accommodations and bathrooms like on Rustic Pathways programs?
We’ve got you covered with clean, comfortable spaces. They’re not luxury suites, but you’ll have all the essentials you need for a cozy stay.
How old are the kids on the program?
Most kids are 12-19 and are grouped by age to keep things fun and balanced. Our Young Explorers programs are for ages 12-14, the bulk of our travelers are 15-17, and we even have college-age options.
Are most kids traveling with a friend?
Nope — most come solo! You’ll find that friendships form fast, and everyone’s here to connect and explore together.
What’s the girl/boy split on the program?
It’s usually around 60% girls and 40% boys, though this can change a bit depending on the program.
How much independence do the kids have?
Kids don’t have solo time, but we do build in chances for small group exploration. Sometimes, they’ll pair up or break into smaller groups to check out a safe spot like a local market, where they can practice navigating on their own under our guidance.
What are the program leaders like?
Our Program Leaders are a diverse group, including educators, wilderness guides, nurses, and more. Your program leaders are trip leaders, there with you from start to finish, ensuring safety and making the experience engaging and fun.
How does travel to and from the program work? Do I book my kid’s flights or just get them to the gateway airport?
Most families use our chaperoned group flights from major gateway airports like LAX, JFK, or Miami. Just get your kid to the designated airport, and our staff handles the rest of the flights and travel, including customs and baggage.
If you prefer, you can book flights yourself. We’ll give you the specific arrival and departure windows to make sure everything lines up. Just note that only group flights are chaperoned, so self-booked flights are independent.
