- Author:
- Mary Rogelstad
- Published:
- February 25, 2023
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- Student Travel
Many families have now made their plans for the summer. Therefore, our availability is thinning as choices are made and spots are filling.
If you are looking for a travel program, now is a great time to get registered and save your spot. Here is an update on some of the hottest programs of 2023 to date:
Fewest Seats Remaining
Croatia
Mediterranean Paradise
Ages 14-18 ~ 9 Days
Only two seats left – 6/20 session
This popular program was added last year and is back for 2023! It takes students on a journey along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. They visit several quaint and historical locations, snorkel in the deep blue waters, and see places made famous by the show The Games of Thrones. More details are available in our article:
Traveling Through a Mediterranean Paradise
Morocco
Moroccan Wanderer
Ages 14-18 ~ 15 Days ~ 10 Service Hours
Very limited space – 7/11 session
Students travel across the mighty desert, over the mountains, and into the sea during this one-of-a-kind program. Along the way, they’re immersed in a culture that is often quite different from home. More details are here:
The Morocco Experience: What Students Can Expect During Their Travel Journey
France
France: City of Light to Coastal Delight
Ages 14-17 ~ 15 Days ~ 12 Service Hours
This brand new program will take students from the streets of Paris to the French countryside. They’ll learn about sustainable food practices and explore all the reasons why France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
South Korea
Seoul Searching: Modern Korea
Ages 14-18 ~ 9 Days ~ 10 Service Hours
The new program takes students from the historical districts of Seoul to one of South Korea’s most famous beach destinations. Along the way, they’ll hike, explore both the modern and traditional culture, and mental cleanse themselves at a mountaintop Buddhist retreat.
Thailand
Marine and Rainforest Conservation in Thailand
Ages 14-18 ~ 16 Days ~ 26 Service Hours
Very limited space – 6/13 & 6/27 sessions
Thailand programs are popular this year, and this is one of the best options for students interested in marine life. They’ll snorkel amid the reefs and explore one of the world’s oldest rainforests. More details are available in this article:
Why Students Who Love Marine Conservation Will Want to Take This Trip
Costa Rica
Turtle Conservation Program (College)
Ages 18-21 ~ 9 Days ~ 35 Service Hours
Seats in our college programs go fast, and the Turtle Conservation Project is certainly one of the favorites. Students do hands-on work with wildlife experts during this program, saving threatened and endangered sea turtles, cleaning up beaches and absorbing the picturesque landscape. More details are found here:
How Rustic Students Have Saved Endangered Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Hot Programs That Are Filling Fast
Thailand
Thai Elephant Conservation Project
Ages 14-18 ~ 9 Days ~ 20 Service Hours
This new program is similar to elephant conservation programs from the past but with some new twists. At an elephant sanctuary, students learn about elephant behavior, animal care, and the unique lifestyle of the elephant caretakers called mahouts. Read this article for more details:
The Ultimate Animal Conservation Program: Saving Elephants in Thailand
Costa Rica
Pura Vida Service
Ages 12-18 ~ 9 Days ~ 22 Service Hours
This program has the highest enrollment so far. It’s the perfect option for first-time travelers. It takes students to the beautiful region of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. There they do service in the local community, go white water rafting and ziplining and learn about the local culture. Read more here:
Countdown to Summer: Pura Vida Service in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Heart of the Jungle
Ages 14-18 ~ 16 Days ~ 25 Service Hours
3 seats left – 6/27 session
This program takes students on an adventurous journey through the jungles of the Osa Peninsula – kayaking, rappelling, whitewater rafting, camping and more. Along the way, they take part in meaningful service projects to benefit the local community. Learn more about the service projects here:
Ecuador
Wild Galápagos: Eco-Service in Ecuador
Ages 15-21 ~ 15 Days ~ 20 Service Hours
This program provides the ultimate opportunity to explore animal conservation in the Galápagos Islands. It includes snorkeling, hiking and surfing. Plus, the students stay with a host family on the mainland as they engage in service projects benefiting the local community. View more details here:
Dominican Republic
Public Health in the Caribbean
Ages 15-19 ~ 16 Days ~ 30 Service Hours
Very limited space – 6/20 session
Students interested in the medical field will love this program. They will receive hands-on learning and earn their Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification.
Costa Rica
Summer Camp Leadership in Costa Rica
Ages 14-18 ~ 16 Days ~ 60 Service Hours
Very limited space – 6/13 session
This program is the ultimate service experience for students who are interested in education or who’d like to interact with local children in Costa Rica. The program includes plenty of time for language and cultural immersion, along with lots of adventure while white water rafting and snorkeling.
View more info here:
As in the past, our programs in Costa Rica are popular again this year. There’s also been an uptick in interest in programs in Thailand. Across the board, we are seeing an increase in interest and registrations, so now is the time to make plans! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at rustic@rusticpathways.com.
Mary Rogelstad
Lead Editor
Mary is the Lead Editor at Rustic Pathways. She has been a writer and editor for nearly 20 years. Prior to covering student travel, Mary created content for the music education company J.W. Pepper & Son. She also was a writer and producer at CNN International and a communications director for a social service agency and a K-12 private school.