Frequently Asked Questions

Rustic Pathways Group Travel works with academic institutions and individual groups from around the world. We help educators like you create the perfect group travel program to meet your needs, drawing on year-round operations in more than 20 countries across the globe and the best international and local staff in the industry. Rustic Pathways Group Travel allows you to create the perfect customized travel program, whether it’s based around intense service, deep local immersion, adventure and exploration, experiential academics, or simply the opportunity to relax and soak up the beauty of far away lands.

Our immersive travel programs lay the groundwork for long-term impact on your students’ cultural competency, and our locally-driven service initiatives meet international development standards. Learn more about how to create the perfect program for your group.

Call 800.321.4353 (USA) or +1 440.975.9691 (international), or email groups@rusticpathways.com to get started. You’ll partner with a Rustic Pathways Program Coordinator (PC) who will help identify the right fit for your group. Think of your PC as a travel concierge who will connect you with our Country Teams to customize the experience for your students, and provide the pre-trip support you’ll need to promote, recruit, and enroll students in your program. Your PC will be with you every step of the way. Learn more about how to create the perfect program for your group.

We employ some of the best staff in the industry. We draw on a pool of all-stars from Ivy League schools to remote jungle villages, each with their own intricate knowledge of the regions they serve, a passion for the programs they lead, and a dedication to enriching the lives of our group participants through service, learning, and travel. Learn more about how we identify Program Leaders, why it takes us four months to hire them, and how we train them to deliver the best possible program experiences for students and educators.

All full-time Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders and all seasonal staff have at least First Aid and CPR certifications. Programs in rural areas are staffed with leaders that have the highest level of training. Additionally, Program Leaders are tested every year on their medical knowledge and perform hands-on skills verification through our customized refresher training.

Groups have traveled with Rustic Pathways from 33 countries around the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific among others.

Students joined us from more than 20 countries in 2017. Of those, 36 percent came from schools in the United States while 64 percent joined Rustic trips from international schools.

Rustic Pathways works with customized groups of all ages, from middle school students to adults. We can easily help you create the perfect program to match your group dynamics to more than 20 fantastic destinations around the world. Learn more about how to create the perfect program for your group.

Contact us! We can’t wait to hear from you and start creating your perfect program! Call 800.321.4353 (USA) or +1 440.975.9691 (international), or email groups@rusticpathways.com to get started.

Rustic Pathways offers flight booking as an optional service. Groups are not required to book flights through Rustic Pathways, though many groups prefer to do so for the sake of ease and simplicity.

Groups of 10 or more participants can travel on a group booking, allowing us to secure your flights with only a program deposit.

Most airlines do not allow group bookings for fewer than 10 travelers. If your group has fewer than 10 participants, Rustic Pathways will still be able to support with flight bookings but will be required to purchase tickets outright. In turn, our policy for groups of 10 or fewer participants is that all travelers be enrolled on the program with their full legal name as it appears on their travel document, and have paid at least half of their total program plus airfare cost before we purchase flights.

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As many schools prefer to work with a local travel agent to book international airfare, we do not include the cost of flights in our program price.

If your school does not have an existing relationship with a local agent, or you would prefer to book your flights through Rustic, we will be more than happy to do so! Simply tell your Program Coordinator during your itinerary planning phase, and they will add airfare to your unique quote.

Rustic Pathways can arrange payment for your program through your school’s billing office, or we can invoice individual participants. For programs booked more than 180 days before travel, we collect a $200 deposit per student upon enrollment.

If your school will pay Rustic Pathways for your group, your subsequent balance will be due in two equal installments. The first of your installments will be due 30 days following your deposit, and your final balance will be due 90 days prior to travel.

If families will pay Rustic Pathways directly, each family will select their preferred payment plan option at enrollment. To review these options, please refer to the “For Students/Families – Administrative Questions” section below.

In almost all cases, Rustic Pathways Group Travel programs include all touring, activities, and admission fees as specified in the trip itinerary. We also cover all internal ground transportation, accommodation, and meals. Some programs offer add-on activities at an additional cost. Your PC will present these options to you when planning your program. Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry, sim cards, and snacks are not included. The cost of international and domestic airfare is also not included in the program price.

Enrollments Less Than 90 Days From Travel Start Date

After enrolling in a Rustic Pathways Group Travel program, each participant (including trip chaperones) will be responsible for correctly completing all required waivers and medical forms prior to departure. These forms can be found in your MyRustic Portal account, and include our onboarding packet, medical and emergency information form, and insurance information, among others.  These documents require an electronic signature from the participant. If the participant is under 22 years old, they also require the signature from a parent or legal guardian. Some programs will have supplementary forms required by our partner organizations as well.

If you have any questions or need help with your forms, please contact us at groups@rusticpathways.com.

Yes. While all participants will receive coverage through our partnership with a leading provider of travel and emergency medical services, that doesn’t include the cost of any medical treatment before, during, or after your trip, nor does it cover the cost of travel disruption, baggage loss, etc.

In the event of injury or illness, we will take care of your student’s well-being; however, the family is responsible for all expenses incurred for medical treatment and services received, as well as any resulting logistical costs such as extended hotel stays, additional transportation, etc.

You can review our suggested insurance policies here. You are welcome to purchase on of these policies, or a policy from another provider, at your preference.

Rustic Pathways will work with you to the best of our ability to refund money to any students who have enrolled. In almost all cases, only program costs are refundable. International airfare, as well as any internal flights within foreign countries, may not be refundable, as is the case with some transportation or accommodation charges. Depending on the number of days prior to the start of your program, the cancellation terms found in the terms and conditions of your order form (for programs paid by schools) or enrollment form (for programs paid by families) apply.

Cooks take advantage of the abundance of fresh foods available in every country we visit. Experiencing local cuisine is a major component of all of our culturally-immersive programs, and should be seen as a key ingredient that makes these programs so unique. That being said, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions in all of our countries of operations as well.

We can cater for almost any dietary requirements, including vegetarianism. It’s very important that you advise us of any allergies or special dietary needs when you enroll.

Rustic Pathways works with groups from a variety of backgrounds who bring a mix of skills and experiences to their programs. Previous exposure to most activities is not necessary. We ask only that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Rustic Pathways Group Travel works with academic institutions and individual groups from around the world. We create group travel programs drawing on year-round operations in more than 20 countries across the globe and the best international and local staff in the industry. Rustic Pathways Group Travel programs include community service, cultural immersion, experiential education, and adventure. They lay the groundwork for long-term impact on your students’ cultural competency, and our locally-driven service initiatives meet international development standards.

We employ some of the best staff in the industry. We draw on a pool of all-stars from Ivy League schools to remote jungle villages, each with their own intricate knowledge of the regions they serve, a passion for the programs they lead, and a dedication to enriching the lives of our group participants through service, learning, and travel. If you’re traveling as part of a school group, your teacher or teachers from your school will also serve as trip chaperones.

Learn more about how we identify Program Leaders, why it takes us four months to hire them, and how we train them to deliver the best possible program experiences for students and educators.

All full-time Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders and all seasonal staff have at least First Aid and CPR certifications. Programs in rural areas are staffed with leaders that have the highest level of training. All Program Leaders also attend annual training to review common medical issues, emergency scenarios, and critical incident protocols.

Rustic Pathways offers flight booking as an optional service. Check with your school to learn whether Rustic is booking flights, whether they’re working with a travel agent, or your responsible for booking your own tickets.

No. international airfare is an additional cost but Rustic Pathways can book international flights for you.

Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment
Payment for your program will be due in full upon enrollment. You may choose to pay by ACH or credit card. If Rustic Pathways is booking your group’s flights, you will only be asked to pay for your program in full at the time of enrollment. Once your flights are booked, you will receive a second invoice from us listing your final flight price for payment within 10 days.

Option 2: Pay in Monthly Installments
A $200 deposit will be due upon enrollment. Your remaining balance will be due in equal monthly installments, payable by ACH. Your first installment will be due 14 days after you enroll, and your final installment will be due by 70 days pre-travel.

Enrollments Less Than 90 Days From Travel Start Date

In almost all cases, Rustic Pathways Group Travel programs include all touring, activities, and admission fees as specified in the trip itinerary. We also cover all internal ground transportation, accommodation, and meals. Some programs offer add-on activities at an additional cost. Your PC will present these options to you when planning your program. Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry, sim cards, and snacks are not included. The cost of international and domestic airfare is also not included in the program price.

Yes. While Rustic Pathways Group Travel programs are quite comprehensive and include almost all necessities, participants will need some spending money for optional expenses, such as souvenirs, personal phone calls, internet access, and laundry.

After enrolling in a Rustic Pathways Group Travel program, each participant (including trip chaperones) will be responsible for correctly completing all required waivers and medical forms prior to departure. These forms can be found in your MyRustic Portal account, and include our onboarding packet, medical and emergency information form, and insurance information, among others.  These documents require an electronic signature from the participant. If the participant is under 22 years old, they also require the signature from a parent or legal guardian. Some programs will have supplementary forms required by our partner organizations as well.

If you have any questions or need help with your forms, please contact us at groups@rusticpathways.com.

Depending on the passport you will use for travel, some countries do require visas. In all such cases, participants will be responsible for obtaining their own visas prior to the start of the program. Rustic Pathways will work with you to make sure the visa application process is clear, and you’ve correctly completed this process prior to departure. Learn more about tourist visas.

Yes. While all participants will receive coverage through our partnership with a leading provider of travel and emergency medical services, that doesn’t include the cost of any medical treatment before, during, or after your trip, nor does it cover the cost of travel disruption, baggage loss, etc.

In the event of injury or illness, we will take care of your student’s well-being; however, the family is responsible for all expenses incurred for medical treatment and services received, as well as any resulting logistical costs such as extended hotel stays, additional transportation, etc.

You can review our suggested insurance policies here. You are welcome to purchase on of these policies, or a policy from another provider, at your preference.

Rustic Pathways endeavors to accommodate any changes to our students’ plans. Should your plans to participate in your program change for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible so we can try to provide an alternate option. If we are not able to provide an alternate option that meets your needs, the cancellation policy listed in the Terms and Conditions signed upon enrollment will apply. If you have travel insurance that covers the reason for your cancellation, we will be happy to support your claim with the relevant documentation. 

Rustic Pathways creates a detailed packing list for each of our group programs for all participants to access on their customized website.  Please bring your passport, airline tickets, clothing, and any other personal items detailed on the packing list for your program.

Rustic Pathways works with customized groups of all ages, from middle school students to adults. We can easily help you create the perfect program to match your group dynamics to more than 20 fantastic destinations around the world.

Cooks take advantage of the abundance of fresh foods available in every country we visit. Experiencing local cuisine is a major component of all of our culturally-immersive programs, and should be seen as a key ingredient that makes these programs so unique. That being said, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions in all of our countries of operations as well.

We can cater for almost any dietary requirements, including vegetarianism. It’s very important that you advise us of any allergies or special dietary needs when you enroll.

Rustic Pathways works with groups from a variety of backgrounds who bring a mix of skills and experiences to their programs. Previous exposure to most activities is not necessary. We ask only that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Participants have limited access to phones during most programs. Internet access is usually available once or twice a week, and most people stay in touch through email. You should not expect to use cell phones during programmed activities or group time on the trip. Limited cell phone use is available during free time, as determined by the trip leaders. Many of our programs travel to remote areas with limited or no cell phone service, and the ability to make calls is not guaranteed.

Our programs are designed for positive and level-headed students with interests in experiential learning and travel. Our programs are not suitable for students with conduct disorders, chemical dependencies, an inability to work constructively in team environments or follow instructions, or an unwillingness to behave in a culturally sensitive manner.