Mary Rogelstad

Content Writer

Mary is a Content Writer at Rustic Pathways. She has been a writer and editor for nearly 20 years. Prior to covering student travel, Mary created content for the music education company J.W. Pepper & Son. She also was a writer and producer at CNN International and a communications director for a social service agency and a K-12 private school.

Latest

Venice Italy Travel

11 Best Things to Do in Italy in 2025

March 4, 2025 · 13 min read

Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. While in the country, there are certain activities you don't want to miss regardless of where you go in the country. Here are eleven of those things.

Make Friends Abroad In Fiji: 11 Best Travel Tips

May 28, 2024 · 8 min read

Catelin McLoughlin went to Fiji with a couple of friends and came home with many more. Along the way, she saw a side of Fiji few people see. And she came to love the Fijian people she met and their culture.

How a Search and Rescue Doctor Saves Lives in the World’s Most Remote Places

May 28, 2024 · 19 min read

Dr. Will Smith is a search and rescue doctor and wilderness medicine expert, who’s frequently called when emergencies happen in the world’s most remote places. It took years of training for him to become the go-to doctor for wilderness rescues. See how he got to where he is today.

Girl on a swing in the beach in Thailand with other students getting on a boat.

Uncover 11 Hidden Fun Facts About Thailand

April 29, 2024 · 7 min read

Explore 11 fun facts about Thailand to learn why this is a hot travel destination. You’ll see why life elements ranging from elephants to astrology play a large role in Thai society.

18 New Travel Trends in 2025

March 1, 2024 · 14 min read

Travel trends are changing. Now more people are focused on eco-friendly adventures and local immersion in small communities. See what that means for the future of travel.

Safest Places to Travel to in 2025: What are the Best Destinations For Teens This Year

February 15, 2024 · 8 min read

Travel safety is a paramount concern when a teen travels to another country. Here are some of the safest places to travel that are fantastic choices for safe student travel.

22 Best Gift Ideas for Traveling Teens

December 7, 2022 · 8 min read

Before leaving for a travel program, there are many things students need for the journey. Here are suggestions for items that make great gifts.

Picture of a sunset in the beach with 6 people walking along the coast.

Best Spring Break Destinations

December 5, 2022 · 7 min read

Most teens head to Florida or Mexico for Spring Break, but that may not be the best place to go. Farther south, the weather is often ideal in March and April. That gives students plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun, ride some fantastic waves and give back to the local community.

Anya Buyanerdene - Mongolia Country Manager

Nomadic Lifestyle: Tour Mongolia As a Nomad

November 21, 2022 · 8 min read

No Wi-Fi, no Western amenities, but plenty of culture - What students experience when they travel to remote Mongolian regions where few Westerners have tread.