Your Child’s Safety is Our Highest Priority
Rustic Pathways understands that entrusting your child to travel internationally requires complete confidence in safety measures. For over 40 years, Rustic has maintained an exceptional safety record through comprehensive planning, professional training, and unwavering commitment to student wellbeing.
Before Your Child Travels
Medical Screening Process
Every student undergoes thorough medical screening:
- Licensed healthcare professionals review all medical forms
- Direct consultation for complex medical conditions
- Prescription medication protocols established
- Emergency action plans created for allergies and chronic conditions
- Mental health considerations addressed proactively
- Individual check-ins within 24 hours of arrival to verify all medical information
Travel Preparation Support
Rustic provides comprehensive pre-departure resources:
- Detailed packing lists with safety equipment requirements
- Country-specific health advisories and vaccination recommendations
- Travel insurance included in all programs (no additional cost)
- Emergency contact cards with all critical phone numbers
- 24-hour emergency hotline: +1 440.220.4565
Communication with Parents: What to Expect
Before Departure
- Emergency contact information provided
- Program itinerary and leader information shared
- Direct access to Country Directors for questions
During Program
- Daily photo updates with captions showing activities
- Regular group wellness updates
- Individual student photos throughout program
- Direct communication for any medical treatment or incidents
For Urgent Needs
- 24/7 Emergency Hotline: +1 440.220.4565
- Direct calls within 30 minutes for any incident
- Ongoing updates until situation resolved
During the Program
Daily Safety Protocols
Morning Routine
- Wellness check and temperature monitoring
- Supervised medication administration
- Sunscreen and insect repellent application
- Hydration reminder and water bottle check
- Review of day’s safety considerations
Throughout the Day
- Constant supervision with 1:8 leader-to-student ratio minimum
- Safety briefings before every activity
- Medical forms and fully stocked med kit brought on all activities and outings
- Buddy system enforcement
- Regular hydration and rest breaks
- Immediate response to any health concerns
Evening Protocols
- Room checks and lights-out supervision
- Medication administration for evening doses
- Next-day preparation and safety preview
- Leader team debrief on student wellbeing
Daily Updates
- Photo updates showing program activities (sent to hello+[countryname]@rusticpathways.com)
- Photos include variety of activities and all students over course of program
- Captions provide context about activities, learning, and student engagement
- Email summaries of group wellbeing
- Access to Program Managers during business hours
Incident Communication
- Immediate: Text/WhatsApp to emergency contact for urgent situations
- Within 30 minutes: Direct phone call with full details
- Within 2 hours: Written update with action plan
- Ongoing: Updates every 2-4 hours until resolved
How to Reach Your Child
- 24/7 Emergency Hotline: +1 440.220.4565
- Email: rustic@rusticpathways.com
- Business Hours: 440-975-9691
- Program Leaders facilitate scheduled calls home
Emergency Preparedness
Three-Tier Response System
- Immediate Ground Response: Trained Program Leader provides care
- Management Support: Country Director and medical consultation
- Emergency Services: Healix International and local medical facilities
Real Parent Experiences
“When my daughter had an allergic reaction in Costa Rica, the Program Leader administered her EpiPen immediately while another leader called us. Within an hour, she was at a modern medical facility with an English-speaking doctor. The team handled everything perfectly.” – New Jersey parent
“Our son sprained his ankle hiking in Thailand. The Rustic team had him at the hospital within 30 minutes, stayed with him throughout treatment, and modified activities so he could still participate. We were kept informed every step.” – California parent
Insurance and Medical Coverage
Comprehensive Protection Included
Every Rustic Pathways program includes travel insurance at no additional cost:
- Medical expense coverage up to policy limits
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation coverage
- Trip interruption protection
- Prescription medication replacement
- 24/7 assistance services through Healix International
What This Means for You
- No out-of-pocket expenses for covered medical care
- Direct billing to insurance when possible
- Assistance with claim filing
- Coverage for adventure activities
- Pre-existing condition considerations
Healix International Partnership
Rustic partners with Healix International (formerly International SOS) for:
- 24/7 medical consultation and support
- Global medical provider network
- Emergency evacuation coordination
- Prescription replacement assistance
- Direct billing arrangements when needed
- Travel Assistance Helpline: +1 646.893.5275
Managing Specific Concerns
Prescription Medications
- Individual review with Program Leader on Day 1
- Secure storage and supervised administration
- Documentation of all doses given
- Backup supplies for critical medications
- Clear protocols for missed doses or side effects
Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
- Confirmed before departure and upon arrival
- Communicated to all food vendors in local language
- Allergy cards in 6 languages for student use
- Epi-pens and antihistamines immediately accessible
- Separate meal preparation when needed
Mental Health Support
- All Program Leaders trained in Mental Health First Aid
- Daily check-ins to monitor adjustment
- Established protocols for anxiety and homesickness
- Access to English-speaking counselors in major destinations
- Clear escalation procedures for serious concerns
Illness Prevention
- Mandatory hand hygiene at all meals
- Only bottled or purified water provided
- Food vendor safety audits
- Required insect repellent use in disease areas
- Rest days built into itineraries
Adventure Activities & Optional Experiences
- All activity vendors pre-vetted and approved
- Parents can prohibit specific activities via medical forms
- Safety equipment inspections before every activity
- Maximum participant ratios enforced
- Weather conditions monitored continuously
- Alternative activities always available
Safety Record and Standards
Our Track Record
- 40+ years of safe student travel operations
- Comprehensive incident tracking and improvement
- External safety audits conducted annually
- Member of student travel safety associations
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
How We Exceed Industry Standards
- Mental Health First Aid training for ALL leaders (not just some)
- 80-hour medical training for lead staff (vs. 8-hour industry norm)
- Pre-vetted medical facilities in every location
- Redundant communication systems
- Higher leader-to-student ratios than required
Your Safety Questions Answered
What if my child gets homesick or anxious?
Program Leaders are trained to recognize and support emotional challenges. We use proven techniques including peer support, structured activities, and scheduled communication home. In severe cases, we connect students with English-speaking counselors.
How do you prevent students from risky behavior?
Clear rules established on Day 1, constant supervision, structured free time with boundaries, room checks, and immediate consequences for violations. Our policies on alcohol, drugs, and other risks are zero-tolerance.
What about local transportation safety?
Every vehicle undergoes a 23-point safety inspection. Seatbelts are mandatory where available. Professional drivers only. GPS tracking on program vehicles. Alternative transportation plans always available.
Can my child call home whenever they want?
We facilitate regular communication home while encouraging presence and engagement. Emergency contact is always available through our 24/7 hotline. Program Leaders help students balance connection with immersion.
What happens if my child needs medical care?
Trained Program Leaders provide immediate assessment and first aid. Medical professionals are consulted within 15 minutes for serious concerns. Pre-vetted medical facilities are identified for every location. Parents are contacted within 30 minutes of any treatment, with ongoing updates until resolved.
How do you handle students with special medical needs?
We work directly with families and medical providers before departure to create detailed care plans. This includes medication protocols, emergency action plans, dietary accommodations, and any necessary equipment or modifications to activities.
Still Have Safety Questions?
We’re here 24/7 to support you before, during, and after your child’s journey. Contact our Safety Advisors directly:
- Phone: 440-975-9691
- Email: rustic@rusticpathways.com
- 24/7 Emergency: +1 440.220.4565
- Address: 6082 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH 44060
Additional Resources
- Country-specific safety information available upon enrollment
- Detailed travel insurance policy documents
- Complete packing lists with safety items
- Pre-departure health checklists
View medical protocols and training
The Rustic Safety Commitment
Every policy, every training hour, every piece of equipment exists because your child’s safety is the foundation of their transformative experience. We don’t just meet industry standards – we set them.
From the moment you enroll through your child’s safe return home, our comprehensive safety infrastructure operates continuously. Real leaders, real training, real protocols, and real commitment to bringing your child home safely with stories that last a lifetime.
Ready to discuss your specific safety questions?
Call us at 440-975-9691 or email rustic@rusticpathways.com
Learn More About Safety and Teen Travel