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How much do student travel programs cost in 2026?
In 2026, student travel programs cost an average of $4,495 for 2–3 weeks. Program prices range from $1,995 to $13,680.0, with financial aid available for up to 85% of the total cost.
Rustic Pathways offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, excluding international airfare.
What’s Included in Student Travel Program Costs?
Student travel program costs include all housing, meals, in-country transportation, activities, and 24/7 supervision. Rustic Pathways also provides, medical support, college prep resources, and emergency evacuation coverage. Pricing excludes only international flights and covers gear, tips, program materials, and a certificate of community service completion.
Accommodation & Meals
- All housing (hotels, homestays, program centers)
- Three meals daily plus snacks
- Bottled water and beverages
- Special dietary accommodations
Program Components
- 24/7 professional supervision (1:7 ratio)
- All activities and entrance fees
- In-country transportation
- Cultural experiences and workshops
- Service project materials and coordination
Safety & Support
- Medical support from Dr. Will Smith, Medical Director
- International SOS emergency evacuation coverage
- Pre-departure preparation and materials
- Parent portal access with real-time updates
- Post-program college application support
Additional Services
- Airport meet and greet
- Group gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Program t-shirt and materials
- Certificate of completion (for community service hours)
What’s NOT Included in Student Travel Program Costs?
Student travel program costs do NOT include international airfare ($600–$2,000), passport and visa fees ($150–$400), personal spending money ($100 – $150 per week), vaccinations ($100–$300), or travel to and from U.S. gateway cities.
These expenses vary by destination and are paid separately by families.
- International airfare: $600-$2,000 depending on destination
- Passport and visa fees: $150-$400
- Personal spending money: $30-$50 per week recommended
- Vaccinations: $100-$300 depending on destination
- Travel to/from US gateway cities: Varies by location
Student Travel Program Costs by Duration
Short Programs (7-10 Days)
Price Range: $1,995 – $3,995
Daily Rate: ~$199-$399
Best For: First-time international travelers, spring break, specific interests
Popular Short Programs:
- Dominican Republic Beachside Service (8 days): $1,995 – View Details
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Service (8 days): $2,495 – View Details
- Spain: Tapas, Service & Sea (8 days): $2,495 – View Details
Standard Programs (14-21 Days)
Price Range: $3,995 – $5,995
Daily Rate: ~$285-$350
Best For: Summer travelers, balanced experience seekers, returning students
Popular Standard Programs:
- Thailand Adventurer (16 days): $5,495 – View Details
- Costa Rica Surf & Service (9 days): $3,495 – View Details
- Fiji Sun, Sand & Island Service (16 days): $3,995 – View Details
- Peru Sacred Valley Service (12 days): $4,495 – View Details
- Thai Elephant Conservation Project (12 days): $3,995 – View Details
Extended Programs (3-6 Weeks)
Price Range: $5,995 – $14,995
Daily Rate: ~$250-$320
Best For: Deep immersion, multiple countries, gap semester students
Popular Extended Programs:
- Thailand Come With Nothing (23 days): $6,995 – View Details
- Ecuador Wild Galápagos Eco-Service (13 days): $6,095 – View Details
- Peru: Andes to Amazon (15 days): $5,995 – View Details
- Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles (16 days): $6,890 – View Details
Gap Year Programs (8-12 Weeks)
Price Range: $15,900 – $17,900
Daily Rate: ~$200-$250
Best For: High school graduates, transformative experiences, college deferrals
Gap Year Options:
- Gap Semester (10 weeks): $17,900
- Mini Gap (8 weeks): $15,900
- Custom Gap Combinations: Varies
Affordable Student Travel Programs Under $3,500 | Best Budget Options
Southeast Asia: Cheap Student Travel Programs with Maximum Value
Southeast Asia offers exceptional value with rich cultural experiences at 30-50% less than other regions.
Thailand Programs Under $3,500
- Northern Thailand Service (School Groups, 9 days): $2,385
- Khao Sok Jungle Wonders (School Groups, 8 days): $2,365
Vietnam & Cambodia Under $3,500
- Cambodia Village Service (School Groups, 10 days): $2,295
- Cambodia Floating Village Service (School Groups, 8 days): $2,495
- Vietnam Northern Service Adventure (School Groups, 9 days): $2,175
Latin America: Affordable Spanish Immersion
Costa Rica Under $3,500
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Service (8 days): $2,495 – View Details
- Costa Rica Surf & Service (8 days): $3,495 – View Details
- Volcano & Rainforest Service (School Groups, 8 days): $2,995
Dominican Republic Under $3,500
- Dominican Republic Beachside Service (8 days): $1,995 – View Details
- Mountain Air & Village Service (School Groups, 8 days): $2,645
How Much Do Trips to Costa Rica, Thailand, and Peru Cost?
Asia Student Travel Program Pricing
| Country | 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $2,995+ | $3,995+ | $5,495+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| Vietnam | $2,995+ | $3,795+ | $5,295+ | Jun-Aug |
| Cambodia | $3,195+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| India | $3,495+ | $4,495+ | $6,295+ | Jun-Jul, Dec |
| Nepal | $3,795+ | $4,995+ | $6,995+ | Jun-Aug, Oct-Nov |
| Japan | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| South Korea | $3,995+ | $5,495+ | $7,295+ | Jun-Aug |
Latin America Program Pricing
| Country | 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $2,995+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Year-round |
| Peru | $3,295+ | $4,995+ | $6,495+ | Jun-Aug |
| Ecuador | $3,195+ | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| Dominican Republic | $3,495+ | $4,495+ | N/A | Year-round |
| Guatemala | $3,295+ | $4,395+ | $5,895+ | Jun-Aug, Dec |
| Mexico | $3,195+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Jun-Aug |
Africa Program Pricing
| Country | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $5,495+ | $6,995+ | $8,495+ | Jun-Sep |
| Ghana | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | $7,295+ | Jun-Aug |
| Morocco | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,495+ | Jun-Aug |
| South Africa | $4,995+ | $6,495+ | $7,995+ | Jun-Aug |
South Pacific Program Pricing
| Country | 10 Days | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | $4,295+ | $5,495+ | $6,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| Australia | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,495+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| New Zealand | $4,795+ | $6,295+ | $7,995+ | Dec-Feb |
Payment Plans & Financial Options
Flexible Payment Plans
Choose from flexible payment options:
Pay in 4 Installments (Most popular)
- Payment 1: 25% of the program fee + application fee
- Payment 2: 25% of the program fee (two weeks later)
- Payment 3: 25% of program fee (two weeks later)
- Payment 4: Final balance (25%) (two weeks later)
- When using Rustic Pathways Air, flight costs are invoiced post-enrollment
Standard Payment
- Pay the program fee & application fee in full upon enrollment
- When using Rustic Air, receive an invoice for flight costs post-enrollment
Payment Methods
- ACH Bank Transfer: No fees, instant confirmation
- Credit Card: Accepted
- Check: Mail to Mentor, OH office
- Wire Transfer: International families (additional fees might apply)
Fundraising Ideas for Student Travel
Proven Fundraising Strategies
Many students raise $1,000-$3,000 toward their programs:
Online Crowdfunding
- GoFundMe campaigns: Average $1,500 raised
- Social media campaigns
- Email to extended family
- Video appeals
Community Fundraisers
- Car washes: $300-$500
- Bake sales: $200-$400
- Restaurant nights: $400-$800
- Silent auctions: $1,000-$3,000
Individual Efforts
- Babysitting/tutoring: $500-$1,500
- Lawn care/snow removal: $500-$1,000
- Online jobs: $1,000-$2,000
- Graduation gift requests
Grant Opportunities
- Rotary Club: $500-$2,000
- Local churches: $250-$1,000
- School PTA: $250-$500
- Community foundations: Varies
Budget Planning Worksheet
Calculate Your Total Student Travel Investment
Program Costs:
- Program tuition: $_______
- Application fee: $100
- Subtotal: $_______
Travel Costs:
- International airfare: $_______
- Domestic connections: $_______
- Passport/visa: $_______
- Subtotal: $_______
Preparation Costs:
- Vaccinations: $_______
- Travel gear: $_______
- Spending money: $_______
- Subtotal: $_______
Total Investment: $_______
Funding Sources:
- Family contribution: $_______
- Student savings: $_______
- Fundraising goal: $_______
- Financial aid: $_______
- Total Funding: $_______
What Do Parents Ask About Rustic Pathways Program Costs?
Why do Rustic Pathways programs cost what they do?
Rustic Pathways programs cost more because pricing includes 24/7 professional supervision at a 1:7 ratio, comprehensive insurance, permanent in-country staff, all meals, activities, and quality housing. The cost also supports extensive safety infrastructure, including a full-time Medical Director.
Are there really no hidden fees?
Yes, there are no hidden fees. Rustic Pathways includes all housing, meals, activities, and local transport in the program price. Unlike competitors who add 20–30% in extras, the only additional costs are international flights and personal spending money.
Which destinations offer the best value?
Southeast Asia—especially Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia—offers the best value, costing 30–50% less than other regions while delivering immersive cultural experiences. Latin America is also a strong value destination, combining affordable pricing with Spanish language immersion.
How do payment plans work?
Payment plans work by spreading program costs over six weeks with no interest, credit checks, or extra fees. Most families pay in four equal installments, allowing access to programs without large upfront payments. This makes budgeting easier and participation more affordable.
Is student travel worth the investment?
Student travel is worth the investment because 87% of alumni use the experience in college essays, 92% cite it in admissions interviews, and 83% credit it with career clarity. The long-term benefits include personal growth, academic advantage, and increased direction in future goals.
Ready to Invest in Your Teen’s Future?
Student travel with Rustic Pathways is an investment that pays dividends in confidence, global perspective, and college readiness. With transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and substantial financial aid available, we make transformative travel accessible to all families.
Questions about costs? Call us at 1-800-321-4353 or 440-975-9691
Our advisors can help you find programs within your budget and explore financial aid options.
Last updated: October 2025 | Prices subject to change | All prices in USD
Rustic Pathways: Transparent, all-inclusive student travel pricing since 1983. No hidden fees, no surprises; just transformative experiences that spread positive energy.