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Life happens. We understand that plans can change, which is why we’ve created transparent Rustic Pathways cancellation terms that protect both your investment and your teen’s opportunity to travel. This refund policy for teen travel programs ensures clarity and fairness for all families.

At-a-Glance Cancellation Deadlines

*Minus enrollment fee and airfare

Questions about your specific situation? Contact our team to discuss options before canceling.

How to Cancel Your Enrollment

1. Email: Send written cancellation to cancel@rusticpathways.com
2. Include: Student name, program name, and reason (optional)
3. Confirmation: We send acknowledgment within 24 hours
4. Refund Timeline: We process refunds within 4-6 weeks

Note: We cannot accept cancellations by phone. Written documentation protects both parties.

Cancellation Deadlines by Season

Summer Programs

• Before March 31: Full refund (minus enrollment fee & airfare)
• April 1-30: 50% of program price non-refundable
• After May 1: No refunds available

Spring Break Programs

• Before November 30: Full refund (minus enrollment fee & airfare)
• December 1-31: 50% of program price non-refundable
• After January 1: No refunds available

Winter Programs

• Before September 30: Full refund (minus enrollment fee & airfare)
• October 1-31: 50% of program price non-refundable
• After November 1: No refunds available

Group Travel Refund Tiers

• 70+ days before departure: Full refund minus deposit and airfare
• 41-70 days before: 50% of per-traveler cost non-refundable
• 40 days or less: No refunds available

What’s Always Non-Refundable

• Enrollment fee (administrative costs)
• Paid airfare costs
• Paid visa fees
• Third-party permits or licenses purchased

Rebooking Options

Program Changes Without Penalty

Make changes before the cancellation deadline at no extra cost. Switch destinations, dates, or program types freely.

After Deadline Changes

• $750 change surcharge applies
• Full payment transfers as credit
• Valid for any program within 18 months

Is Airfare Refundable If I Cancel My Teen’s Trip?

Self-Managed Airfare

If you booked flights directly with an airline, their cancellation terms apply—not ours. Most airlines offer various fare classes with different refund policies. We recommend booking refundable tickets or adding trip insurance to protect your airfare investment.

Chaperoned Group Flights

For flights booked through Rustic Pathways, refunds depend on the airline’s policies. Once tickets are issued (typically 30-45 days before departure), most group fares become non-refundable. Any airline credits issued remain in the student’s name for future use.

What Happens If Rustic Cancels the Program?

If we cancel your program before departure, you have two options:

• Full refund of all payments made (minus the enrollment fee)
• Full credit toward any other Rustic Pathways program

If we cancel after the program starts, we provide a pro-rated refund or credit based on the unused portion. You incur no penalties for our cancellations—we take full responsibility for changes on our end.

Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel After the Deadline?

After the cancellation deadlines, refunds are generally not available. However, we understand that extraordinary circumstances occur. In cases of documented medical emergencies or other extreme situations, contact our admissions team to discuss potential options. While we cannot guarantee exceptions, we review each case individually.

Compare programs by start date and region → to avoid high-risk cancellation windows.

Special Circumstances

Within 24 Hours of Enrollment

Full refund of all amounts paid, including enrollment fee—no questions asked.

Program Cancellation by Rustic Pathways

If we cancel your program:

• Option 1: Full credit toward any other program
• Option 2: Full refund minus enrollment fee
• No penalty to you for our cancellation

Force Majeure Events

For circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions):

• Full credit for future travel
• Partial credits for interrupted programs
• Credits valid for 24 months

Flight Refund Policy

Chaperoned Group Flights

Flights booked by Rustic Pathways follow airline cancellation policies. Most are non-refundable once ticketed.

Self-Managed Airfare

You’re responsible for cancellation with your airline. We recommend booking refundable tickets or purchasing travel insurance.

Flight Credits

If airlines issue credits instead of refunds, these remain in the student’s name for future use per airline policy.

What Happens If My Teen Gets Sick During the Program?

If your teen becomes ill during the program and cannot continue, our medical team will coordinate care and, if necessary, arrange for early return home. While program fees are non-refundable for medical departures, comprehensive travel insurance typically covers these situations. Parents are responsible for any additional return flight costs not covered by insurance. Our 24/7 support team assists with all logistics during medical emergencies.

How to Cancel Your Enrollment

1. Email: Send written cancellation to cancel@rusticpathways.com
2. Include: Student name, program name, and reason (optional)
3. Confirmation: Receive acknowledgment within 24 hours
4. Refund Timeline: Processed within 4-6 weeks

Note: We cannot accept cancellations by phone. Written documentation protects both parties.

Protecting Your Investment

📌 Highly Recommended: Trip Insurance

We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance to protect against:

• Medical emergencies
• Family emergencies
• Unexpected events
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage

Remember: Early enrollment incentives (up to $200 off) are forfeited with cancellation. Protect your savings with insurance.

Early Departure Policy

No refunds for students who:

• Leave programs early voluntarily
• Are dismissed for rule violations
• Cannot complete the program due to illness/injury

Parents are responsible for return flight costs in these situations.