Beginner-friendly trips designed for students new to international travel
Programs offering 15+ service hours through immersive, on-the-ground projects
High-demand programs with limited spots for early applicants
Browse the full collection of travel programs
Start with our three most-loved regions for first-time travelers. Perfect for high schoolers and parents who want a balance of adventure, safety, and meaningful impact.
Hands-on service programs focused on meaningful community impact
Deep-dive travel experiences centered on language, culture, and local connection
Programs that build global leadership, confidence, and real-world skills
Browse the full collection of Rustic Pathways travel programs.
While the data on students taking a Gap year is sparse, one thing is clear—more students are choosing to take a Gap experience, and the number grows every year. It allows students to explore their options and find their focus before committing to four years of university, setting them up for success. Students can tell…
Volunteering abroad with Rustic Pathways focuses on responsible and impactful service. Our approach ensures meaningful experiences and sustainable community development. Gain insights and tips on how to make a real difference through volunteer travel
Even though summer trips don’t depart for another 200 days or so, it isn’t too early to get excited and start collecting the things you’ll need for your program, especially with the holidays around the corner. Travelers, show this list to relatives and friends who are looking for birthday or holiday gift ideas. This is…
Hear from Mark Pim, a teacher at Springbrook High School, about the transformative benefits of service learning trips. Discover how these experiences shape students' futures.
We don’t want to brag, but we’ve been traveling to Burma for years, before it was the cool thing to do. Since the '90s, we’ve been bringing travelers to this hidden gem, and both students and staff will tell you that Burma is an incredible country and a truly unique travel destination. There are thousands…
It's been a month since our 2015 programs wrapped and we are still going through the thousands of images our photographer guides shot over the course of the summer. While we can't officially say these are the absolute best photos of the summer since there are still plenty to go through, these pictures are too good…
Please put your phone away. Your program leaders are going to tell you this on your program, not because they want to be controlling, but because they want you to fully experience and appreciate your Rustic adventure. The spectacular sunset over the highlands of Fiji is not going to wait while you post on Instagram,…
