Our family travel programs combine the award-winning aspects of Rustic Pathways student travel with the comforts and seamlessness of full-service travel. Enjoy quality time with your children while immersing yourselves in an exotic culture, participating in meaningful service projects, and enjoying challenging adventure activities.
Learn to cook local food, help build a home for a family in need, participate in adventure sports, and enjoy “behind the scenes” visits in a variety of locations. Each family travel experience is designed to enrich your children’s lives and bring your family closer together.
The Rustic Difference
We’ll handle every detail, from designing the perfect itinerary for your family to booking your travel. In addition to planning and customizing the trip for your family, there are three ways Rustic Pathways Family Travel separates itself from the competition.
- Our local staff will share with you what it’s like to live in their communities. They are experts who enable you to have a truly authentic experience.
- Our health and safety measures ensure families have food that meets their dietary needs and clean water to drink, stay in secure accommodations and travel in vehicles checked daily, and participate in activities with trusted vendors and partners.
- We’ve built long-term partnerships with the communities where our families visit to create sustainable service projects that satisfy the community’s vision and have a lasting impact.
Sample Trips
Thailand Service Adventure
Temples, elephants, Thai cooking and beaches are all in the mix in this fun-filled 2-week family adventure! Learn about the rich heritage of ancient kingdoms that shapes modern Thai culture, treat yourselves to the world-renowned art of Thai massage, indulge in as much Thai food as you can possibly eat, and give back by participating in important service initiatives including elephant conservation and community development projects.
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Explore Costa Rica’s rich South Pacific coast, learn to surf, and visit a National Park in Bahia Ballena in just one week. Then head inland for jungle hikes, waterfall rappelling, and animal spotting. This program is a way to explore Costa Rica’s biodiverse ecosystems and see the wildlife that this beautiful Central American nation is famous for.
Included in every Rustic Pathways Family Trip
- Fully customized itinerary to fit the needs of your family
- An expert local guide who speaks English
- A private van and driver
- 24/7 personalized support
- A local cell phone and / or SIM card
- Emergency support and services
- All transportation and accommodations
- Daily breakfasts, select lunches, and dinners
- Airport fees, taxes, and entry fees
Transform Your Next Vacation into a Shared Adventure
Rustic Pathways transforms family vacations by combining cultural immersion, adventure, and service into age-appropriate itineraries.
Each family trip engages young kids, older kids and grandparents alike with activities co-designed for families. Skip the ordinary travel agent, Rustic Pathways puts you within walking distance of meaningful multi-generational travel experiences across 38 countries.
Why Families Choose Rustic Pathways for a Multi-Generational Family Trip
Safety Built for Every Family Member
- 24/7 support from our global operations team
- See charming small towns, most beautiful places, the most beautiful beaches and enjoy great food in the perfect destination, for a kid friendly family vacation
- Medical Director on staff since 2015 with pediatric and senior care protocols
- Age-appropriate accommodations at our base houses
Family-Focused Experiences That Matter
- Multi-generational activities designed for ages 8-80 to participate together
- Community partnerships through our global network
- Ethical family volunteering with age-appropriate service
- Cultural immersion that creates lasting family memories
- Educational value aligned with school curricula for student participants
Flexibility for Family Dynamics
- Parallel activities for different energy levels within families
- Optional rest days for grandparents while others adventure
- Private family departures available for groups of 8+
- Custom family itineraries through our education team
Popular Family Vacations for All Ages
Peru — Sacred Valley Service (10 Days)
Ages 8+ | June-August | From $3,495
Families explore ancient Incan sites while supporting Quechua education initiatives. Work alongside local communities on potable water projects, trek to rural villages, mountain bike through valleys, and visit Machu Picchu. Includes homestay options or hotels, chocolate-making in Cusco, and Pisac market exploration. Perfect for families seeking cultural depth with moderate activity.
Dominican Republic — Beyond the Beach (8 Days)
Ages 6+ | Year-round | From $2,795
Families experience authentic Dominican culture through mountain community service and coastal adventures. Work on water infrastructure projects in Jarabacoa, jump 27 waterfalls, enjoy catamaran snorkeling excursions, and relax in Cabarete. Ideal for younger children with its mix of gentle service and exciting activities.
View Family Dominican Republic Program →
Tanzania — Climbing Kilimanjaro National Park (9 Days)
Ages 12+ | July-August | From $4,995
Active families summit Africa’s highest peak together on this bonding challenge. The 7-day Machame route includes full acclimatization, experienced guides, camping equipment, and celebration at Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet). Features gear check, porter support, and Moshi recovery day. For families seeking the ultimate shared achievement.
View Family Tanzania Program →
Cuba — Family Cultural Journey (8 Days)
Ages 10+ | December-March | From $3,195
Experience Cuba’s vibrant culture through historic exploration and community engagement. Visit Hemingway’s Finca La Vigia, explore the Valle de Viñales, tour the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, and discover colonial Trinidad. Includes salsa dance lessons, classic car tours of Havana, beach time at Playa Ancón, and the traditional cannon ceremony at San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress.
What Makes Our Family Programs Different
Age-Appropriate Activities
Every program includes options for different ages and abilities:
- Kids (6-11): Hands-on learning, wildlife encounters, cultural games
- Teens (12-17): Leadership opportunities, peer connections, adventure challenges
- Adults: Cultural discussions, community partnerships, optional relaxation
Educational Value
Programs align with school curricula and include:
- Pre-departure learning materials for all ages
- On-trip education facilitated by industry experts
- Post-trip resources for continued learning
- Certificate of completion for students
Community Impact
Through our sister programs and Foundation:
- $750,000+ annually invested in communities
- 125+ local partners ensuring authentic experiences
- Long-term projects your family can revisit and support
Plan Your Family Adventure
When to Travel
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with most program options
- Winter Break (December-January): Warm-weather escapes
- Spring Break (March-April): Smaller groups, special pricing
- Custom Dates: Private departures for 8+ family members
Investment & Value
- Family travel programs start at $2,795-$4,995 per person, fully customized
- Family discounts available for 4+ travelers
- All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, activities, and in-country transport
- Payment plans and fundraising support available
Next Steps
- Browse programs by destination or date
- Contact our family travel specialists for personalized recommendations
- Reserve spots with flexible booking (free cancellation up to 95 days)
- Prepare together with our family travel resources
Explore Family Volunteer Abroad →