Rustic Pathways student laughing with local woman in Morocco

Teen Travel Programs for Summer 2026  ▶ School & group trips

They Come Home Different

Rustic Pathways offers supervised student travel programs in 38 countries for students ages 12 to 22. Programs from $1,995. Verified 4.37:1 staff ratio. 43 years running. 4.9/5 from 1,269 families. And every student has a peer by Day 2.

Parents who've been here before know. Something shifts when a teenager spends real time in the world, away from the bubble, alongside people whose lives look nothing like theirs.

Explore Summer 2026 Programs

Ages 12–22 · 29 programs for Summer 2026 · No signup required

Take the 60-second quiz
27-Min Avg. Notification
43 Years Running
4.9/5 Rating
$3.6M in Scholarships
Full Refund Before Mar 31*

Is Rustic Right for Your Teen?

Ages 12–22 · 8 to 30-day programs
4.37:1 staff ratio, 83% better than ACA standards
Service, conservation, adventure, and gap year tracks
Programs from $1,995 · airfare not included
29 Summer 2026 programs · spots filling now
Need-based scholarships available · $3.6M awarded since 2013
43 Years
Operating Since 1983
4.37:1
Student-to-Staff Ratio
38
Countries Worldwide
4.9 ★
From 1,269 Families
$3.6M
Scholarships Awarded

Before you scroll further

Rustic Pathways read inquiries from 5,713 families researching teen travel programs. These are the questions that kept appearing. Pick where you are. Get what you need.

What Happens After the Trip

4.9 aggregate rating across Google (4.8/5), GoOverseas (4.9/5), Trustpilot (4.9/5), and GoAbroad (9.56/10) from 1,269 verified reviews.

She came home thinking about big ideas. The importance of hard work, what is truly necessary for happiness. She was aware of needs versus wants in a way she never was before.
Sarah M. Parent, Costa Rica 2024
My son came back with a calmness and maturity I hadn't seen before. He's getting ready to apply for colleges and for the first time I feel like he knows who he is.
David R. Parent, Thailand 2025
She felt like she had been a leader. Not something she usually seeks out. She never wanted to leave. This is her third trip with Rustic and I can't imagine our summers without it.
Jennifer T. Parent, Morocco 2024, third trip
Parents, unscripted
Rustic Pathways parent testimonial
Rustic Pathways parent testimonial
Rustic Pathways parent testimonial
Rustic Pathways parent testimonial

Questions to Ask Any Teen Travel Company

And what to do when they can't answer.

The Question Most Summer Programs Rustic Pathways
What is your exact staff-to-student ratio? Not published 4.37:1, verified every program
How fast will you notify me if something goes wrong? No stated commitment 27 minutes average, published
Who is your Medical Director? Not named publicly Dr. Will Smith, board-certified ER physician
What percentage of incidents are serious? Not disclosed 87.7% classified GREEN, minor or below
Do you publish safety data publicly? No Yes. Full transparency report online
How many verified service hours per program? Approximate or unstated Up to 60 hours, verified per program
What is your evacuation provider? Not named HX Global, every program worldwide

Ask these questions of any company you're considering. If they can't answer, that's an answer. Read Rustic Pathways' full safety data →

The Details Other "Summer Programs"
Hope You Don't Ask About

43 Years · 155,829 Alumni · 38 Countries · $14.5M Invested in Communities

The People Leading the Experience

4.37:1
Student-to-Staff Ratio
Industry standard 8:1 to 12:1
ACA standard 6:1
Rustic Pathways 4.37:1 verified
83% better than ACA every program

Safety You Can Actually Verify

Dr. Will Smith, a board-certified emergency physician, serves as Medical Director across all programs.

The average parent notification time for any incident is 27 minutes. 87.7% of all incidents are classified GREEN, meaning minor only.

Every program runs with 24/7 supervision and HX Global evacuation coverage. All leaders are background-checked and wilderness first aid certified.

Highest-Rated by Families Worldwide

4.9
Average Rating
Google ★★★★★ 4.8/5
GoOverseas ★★★★★ 4.9/5
Trustpilot ★★★★★ 4.9/5
GoAbroad 9.56/10

"The real growth may be for the parents who let their kids go."

Wall Street Journal

The People Behind Every Trip

Before you trust us with your kid, you should know who you're talking to. These are the people parents reach when they call.

Dr. Will Smith Medical Director
Scott Ingram Director of Admissions
Emily Green Admissions Counselor
Kayla Anzalone Director, Parent Experience
Anna Beckerman Head of School Group Travel

Tell Scott About Your Teen.
He’ll Tell You Which Program.

Scott Ingram has matched thousands of families to the right program. Send him 60 seconds of information and he’ll send back a specific recommendation, not a catalog.

  • One specific program recommendation for your teen's age and interests
  • Transparent pricing, all fees, no surprises
  • Full safety documentation, not a summary
  • Scholarship eligibility check included

No sales calls unless you ask for one.

Scott Ingram Director of Admissions, Rustic Pathways "Every family gets a real answer, not a brochure."

Optional - helps Scott give a better recommendation

You're submitting a request. Scott replies within 24 hours.

Family Resources

Questions About Teen Travel Programs


Rustic Pathways read 5,713 inquiries from families researching teen travel programs. These are the questions that kept appearing. Pick where you are. Get what you need.

I am
No. 01

Am I going to be babysat the whole time, or do I actually get some freedom?

4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio

Not babysat. 4.37:1 staff ratio — close enough to be safe, not so close someone watches every move. Programs are designed so students make real decisions. Rotating leadership roles, real free time, genuine independence inside a structured container.

What the experience actually feels like
No. 01

Will my teenager be supervised at all times, and by whom?

4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio

Yes. Every student is with a credentialed, background-checked leader every hour. 27-minute average parent notification after any incident. Medical Director Dr. William R. Smith (board-certified ER physician) since 2015. 87.7% of incidents classified GREEN (minor). Data published quarterly.

Phones not confiscated — programs are designed so students put them down. Family contact 1–2 times per week. Most medical conditions accommodated with advance documentation.

Read the Full Safety Data
No. 02

Will the service hours count for school, college applications, or Duke of Edinburgh?

339 families asked this

Yes. Verified service hour certificates issued for every program. 91% of alumni say it enhanced their college applications. Certified to award the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). Duke of Edinburgh credit available. Leader recommendation letters on request.

College credit is not offered. Service hour documentation and PVSA certification are.

Service Hours and Documentation
No. 03

What does a teen travel program actually cost, and what happens if plans change?

$1,995 to $13,680 depending on destination and length. Meals, lodging, activities, supervision, and travel medical insurance included. Airfare not included.

Full refund before March 31 (summer) or November 30 (spring break). Terms published in full, not buried. Alumni and sibling discounts available. Payment plans up to 23 months out.

529 plan distributions may apply. Consult your plan administrator.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy
No. 04

Do students fly alone? Do international families have to fly to the US first?

Group flights include a Rustic Pathways flight leader from the US gateway city. Students can also fly independently.

International families fly directly to the destination — no US stopover. In-country connection coordinated. Visa invitation letters provided.

Flight Details and Visa Support
No. 05

We are not from the United States. Is a Rustic Pathways program actually open to us?

38 countries represented

Yes. Students from 38 countries join every year. Visa letters, flight coordination, and country-specific onboarding provided for every international family.

English is the program language. No fluency required — non-English-speaking students join regularly.

International Family Guide
No. 06

What does a typical day on a Rustic Pathways program actually look like?

Hour-by-hour sample schedules for service, adventure, and conservation programs. Leader bios and qualifications for each program type. Photos from actual mornings, worksites, and evening reflections.

Accommodations vary: base houses, homestays, or camping. Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, religious) accommodated with advance notice.

See a Sample Day
No. 07

Will a teenager be grouped with much older students? And is this actually fun or just work?

Students grouped by age — most programs span a 3-year range. A 14-year-old travels with peers 14–17, not 18-year-olds. Groups of 8–14 students.

For first-timers: the First Friend Method ensures every student has a peer connection by Day 2. Every program balances structured service with real exploration and free time.

Find the right program
No. 08

Can a family actually afford a Rustic Pathways program?

$3.6M awarded since 2013

$3.6 million awarded since 2013 — need-based awards, leadership grants, and payment plans.

Students can apply directly — no parent required. Apply early. Funds are limited and go to families who ask first.

529 plan distributions may apply.

Check Eligibility and Apply
1Pick a program 2Reserve your spot by enrolling 3Rustic Pathways handles the rest
How enrollment works

Still not sure? Some questions do not fit a card. Rustic Pathways program specialists have answered all of them.

Talk to a Program Specialist

Planning a school or group trip? Rustic Pathways builds custom programs for schools, IB coordinators, scouting organizations, and youth groups.

Get Started

Scholarships & Financial Aid Available

Need-based awards, leadership scholarships, and payment plans. Apply early; funds are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe are Rustic Pathways programs?

Rustic Pathways programs are safe, structured, and supervised, with trained chaperones who provide continuous oversight and balance student independence with clear supervision.

How much do programs cost?

Rustic Pathways programs cost $1,995 to $13,680, depending on destination, duration, and program type. Tuition includes accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, activities, and 24/7 supervision. International airfare is not included.

Since 2013, Rustic Pathways has awarded over $3.6 million in financial aid through need-based scholarships, leadership awards, and payment plans.

What ages are eligible?

Rustic Pathways travel programs serve students ages 12 to 22. Programs group students by age: middle school (12–14), high school (14–18), and gap year or college (18–22). Each program lists a specific age range. First-time traveler programs support younger students and those new to independent travel.

What is the application process?

Enrollment starts with selecting a program online or with the help of an admissions advisor. Enrolling secures the spot, and payment plans are available. Rustic Pathways then coordinates pre-trip preparation including medical forms, travel documents, group flight options, and packing guidance.

No essay or academic transcript is required. The admissions team is available by phone, email, or video call to answer questions at every step.

How often will I hear from my teen during the program?

Rustic Pathways provides regular parent updates with photos and program summaries throughout the trip. Students receive designated communication times to call or message home. This structure ensures consistent updates while allowing teens to stay fully engaged in their experience. Many parents identify this communication balance as a key benefit.

Do programs count toward college applications?

Rustic Pathways programs deliver verified service hours, global perspective, and experiences that translate directly into college application essays and interviews.

Programs have been developed in partnership with Stanford University and Boston College. Over 321 institutional partners recommend Rustic Pathways.

★★★★★
4.9/5 from 1,269 families Summer 2026 programs · spots filling nowSummer 2026 · spots filling
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