Safest Hidden Travel Destinations to Visit
Based on our experience, Costa Rica and Thailand have consistently stood out as not only the most popular travel destinations but also as extremely safe. They’ve had that “hot spot” designation for some time. For years now, Rustic Pathways has hosted more students in Costa Rica than any other country. And Thailand ranks second in the number of enrollments.
![Students at the beach of Thailand as the sun is setting in the background.]()
Students in Thailand.
Why Costa Rica is a Safe Place to Travel
The 2024 Global Peace Index recognized Costa Rica as the most peaceful place in Latin America. Most crimes in the nation are petty crimes, like pickpocketing. Crime also tends to be concentrated in places students don’t go. This includes certain sections of the capital San Jose and the city Limón on the Caribbean coast.
On the healthcare front, Costa Rica is known for having high quality care. The World Health Organization previously ranked Costa Rica as the 36th best country in the world for healthcare.
This has helped boost life expectancy in Costa Rica. It’s higher in this Central American nation than the United States, according to the World Health Organization and the World Bank Group.
Fun fact: Costa Rica is known for its environmental sustainability initiatives. A focus on nature is a plus for travelers. It contributes to cleaner air and water. Unlike some other nations, you can drink the tap water in Costa Rica without fear.
Rustic Pathways helps save endangered sea turtles at this beautiful wildlife refuge in Costa Rica.
The pura vida – pure life – motto in the country creates a warm and welcoming culture. And the stunning landscapes in the nation make it a perfect oasis for travelers. These are among the reasons the Costa Rica regularly attracts student travelers. It’s a perfect choice for middle school, high school and college students who want a safe and adventurous destination.
Why Thailand is a Safe Place to Travel
Thailand also does well in the rankings on a number of fronts. Global Finance places Thailand one rank above the United States in safety. The U.S. State Department also lists Thailand as a country that is “Level-1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” This is the best safety ranking out of four options.
The country’s safety profile reassures travelers who want to head to Thailand for culture and adventure. In fact, Bangkok is now one of the most highly visited cities in the world. Throughout the country, the nation is called the Land of Smiles for a reason. It regularly is noted as being among the friendliest nations our students visit.
Joy is evident in Thailand, the Land of Smiles. Credit: Rustic Pathways
This welcoming nature makes it easier to address any problems that may arise. But there doesn’t seem to be many concerns. The most common safety issue may be hydration. A common mantra is, ”Remember to drink water.”
A hydrated and healthy traveler has a plethora of activity options in Thailand. Students can learn about Buddhism, visit historical sites and immerse in the culture. They can snorkel, hike and enjoy the sweeping landscapes. It’s an unforgettable journey for travelers.
But it takes time to pull together a program like this that’s safe and meaningful. Many factors are considered when fashioning programs for teen travel.
How Are Travel Destinations Selected for Student Travel?
Safety tops the list when considering travel spots for teens. Because of that, only destinations with a good safety rating will be considered. Then having the right staff in place is crucial.
Rustic Pathways will only pick travel destination with strong local connection. Rustic’s country directors and program managers live in the nation where they’re planning trips. Many of them were born and raised in the areas where the students travel.
![Rustic Pathways students get help from local experts who oversee service projects.]()
Rustic Pathways students get help from local experts who oversee service projects.
The local expertise allows Rustic to pick the best partners for both service and adventure. Local communities select service projects that fill a real need. These community partners provide much-needed guidance for students. They also ensure the right experts are on site. This may include plumbers and carpenters or botanists and wildlife technicians.
Our local Rustic staff also know the best vendors for adventure activities. As travel aficionados, they know the best spots for white water rafting, ziplining and other activities a program may include. They vet the vendors who provide these activities for safety and fun.
Once these pieces are in place, then a program may be added to the list. Once that program is added, a host of safety details must be addressed.
>> KEEP READING 4 Best Adventure Travel Programs for Thrill Seekers.
What Safety Factors Are Crucial for a Teen Travel Program
![A person posing for a picture in Japan.]()
Let’s travel safe together.
Safety elements that are essential for a student travel program include:
- Food and water safety:
Rustic Pathways uses trained cooks who can accommodate dietary needs and provide safe, delicious meals. All drinking water is bottled or purified for safety.
- Background checks:
Program leaders are selected for their experience in education and travel. They undergo thorough background checks and specialized training before the travel season begins. Full-time leaders are Wilderness First Responders, while seasonal staff are First Aid and CPR certified.
- Program leader training:
Our leaders are trained to handle various situations, ensuring the students’ safety and well-being throughout the program.
- Communication:
Communication is key. Parents receive an email when their student arrives and regular updates during the program. Leaders share plenty of photos, so parents can stay connected to the experience. Students also have access to their cellphones to reach their parents if needed.
- Incident management:
If a student becomes ill or something goes wrong, parents are contacted immediately. An incident report is created, and parents can decide the course of action, such as the type of medical care they wish their child to receive.
- Emergency access:
An emergency line is available for parents to reach their teen quickly if necessary.
Throughout all of this, the staff’s professional experience is crucial. Most of our country staff members are seasoned travel program experts who have managed everything from minor injuries like twisted ankles to more complex challenges such as anxiety. They’ve also helped with less common issues, like significant travel delays or adjusting the program for students with special needs.
The focus is always on the students. The key to safety is simple: ensuring students have the safest and most memorable experience possible. This passion for student safety fuels everything we do—and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
