Experiences make us happier than things, according to science. "The good life, in words, may be better lived by doing things than by having things," psychologists Leaf Van Boven and Thomas Gilovich first wrote in their research paper titled To Do or To Have? That Is the Question. It's not a new concept. The New…
Resources: Why You Should Spend Your Money on Experiences, Not Things Hill Tribes of the Golden Triangle Intro to Photography in Cuba The Refugee Youth Project Spanish Language Immersion Pacific Adrenaline To give the gift on an experience, start with Rustic's 2017 catalog.
Three schools co-created their school group travel programs with Rustic Pathways. Learn more about it here.
Together we're building a world that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, acceptance, and peace. These photos remind us that we live in an amazing world where diversity and a connected humanity should be celebrated.
The following photo series from Rustic Pathways staff member, Mary O'Connor, depicts life in the Prek Toal floating village in Cambodia. The friendly faces of the villagers, the vibrant colors of the produce, and the majesty of Angkor Wat at sunrise will make you feel completely at home. [caption id="attachment_11541" align="alignnone" width="640"] A woman paddles through Prek…
Discover effective tips for fundraising for a service learning trip. Learn proven strategies to raise funds and support your educational journey.
What you can expect from partnering with Rustic Pathways Group Travel. We understand that by planning a trip for your students you’re taking on extra responsibilities to provide an incredible learning experience beyond the classroom. Rustic Pathways will take all of the work off your plate so that you can focus on what truly matters,…
If you check out #traveldeeper on Instagram, you’ll find a slew of beautiful, vibrant travel photos. But what does it mean to “travel deep”? What’s the difference between capturing a well “liked” photo and having an authentic, culturally immersive experience? We can tell you it has nothing to do with the filter you choose. Actually,…
Supporting your child in their choice to take a gap year isn’t always easy. You might be worried they won’t return to school, nervous about them traveling abroad, or wondering if the investment is really worth it. We understand taking a gap year is a big decision for both our students and our parents. However,…
Name: Max Veenema Gap Year Program Leader: South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills How did you begin working for Rustic Pathways? I started working with Rustic in the Fiji Islands. I had come from California, where I spent much of my time in the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to experience a new culture while still…
Want the best summer ideas for teens? Summer’s finally here and that means almost three whole months to get outside, dive into a good book, hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime, and explore! Check out this list of 100+ must-dos and get excited for our favorite season.
A collection of Peruvian quirks and attractions from A to Z to give you a window into life in Peru.... Alpaca. Alpaca everything, everywhere. Alpaca socks? You bet. Alpaca leggings? Of course. Alpaca steak? Even better. A common cuisine in the High Andes, alpaca is similar to buffalo in taste. Backpacking. A backpacker’s destination, Peru…
Get tips and insights from a Rustic Pathways alum on how to manage common student travel concerns and make the most of your transformational experience.
Rustic Pathways supports sustainable development. We work with community partners to develop projects that address important social, health, and environmental needs, enabling our students to take a hands-on role in creating change. If you are traveling with us this summer, we ask that you do not bring general donations for the communities you are visiting…
Being rustic is being your authentic self, putting cliques and stereotypes aside, trying new foods (and toilets!), and having an absolute blast while doing so. Being rustic is not being afraid to get dirty. It’s laughing until your face hurts. It’s putting down your phone and taking in the most stunning views with a mental…
Aam: The Hindi word for mango—also called the “King of Fruits.” Summer is mango season, bringing with it roadside stands overflowing with these sweet, juicy delights and offering fresh juice to beat the grueling heat. Bollywood: It may be named after America’s Hollywood, but Indian cinema has been around since 1913 and has its own…
Learn our secret to creating transformational travel experiences through dedicated program leaders. Explore our hiring process and what sets our program leaders apart.
The holidays are quickly approaching and if you're not done with your holiday shopping, you certainly aren't alone. But don’t panic—we have all the travelers on your list covered. Be a gift-giving hero this year with a curated list from Rustic staff with travel gift ideas from their own holiday wish lists.
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,…