Rustic Pathways program tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals and transportation during the program, scheduled activities, gratuities, Program Leader supervision, and 24/7 emergency support.
Rustic Pathways program tuition does not include flights to and from the program, the enrollment fee, travel insurance, medical insurance, health costs, personal expenses, or costs arising from a change to a student’s participation.
Rustic Pathways program tuition ranges from $1,995 to $13,680, and program tuition varies by destination and duration.
What is included in the Rustic Pathways program tuition?
Accommodation and meals
- Program tuition includes accommodation for all scheduled program nights in shared, gender-separated accommodations.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off.
- Drinking water is provided throughout the program.
Travel and transportation
- Airport transfers are included for arrivals and departures within the session’s published arrival and departure windows.
- All scheduled transportation during the program is included.
- On-program flights listed on the program page are included.
Program activities
- All scheduled activities, excursions, and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary are included.
- Equipment and gear listed as provided on the program page are included.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and restaurants are included. Program Leaders do not accept personal tips.
Supervision and support
- Program Leader supervision is provided throughout the program, with Program Leaders staying on site overnight.
- Parents and guardians receive access to a 24/7 emergency support line.
What is not included in the Rustic Pathways program tuition?
Travel and transportation
- Flights to and from the program are not included, including the chaperoned group flight where offered and its service fee.
- Baggage fees are not included.
- Airline unaccompanied minor fees are not included where the airline requires the service.
- Transportation to and from the participant’s departure airport is not included.
- Airport transfers outside the session’s published arrival and departure windows are not included and carry an out-of-window fee.
Accommodation and meals
- Accommodation before or after the scheduled program dates is not included, including nights caused by early arrival, late departure, or flight disruption.
- Meals during travel to and from the program are not included.
Program activities
- Optional and free-time activities are not included, including transportation and entrance fees for activities not listed in the program itinerary.
Health and insurance
- Vaccinations, immunizations, and health preparation costs are not included.
- Medical treatment and related costs are not included. Rustic Pathways bills the family for costs it advances.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation costs are not included. Rustic Pathways bills the family for costs it advances.
- Medical insurance with coverage in the destination country is not included and is required for every participant.
- Travel insurance is not included. It is recommended but not required.
Personal expenses
- Personal clothing, footwear, luggage, and packing-list items not listed as provided on the program page are not included.
- Laundry is not included.
- Phone, SIM, and data costs are not included.
- Personal purchases, including souvenirs, snacks, and other incidental expenses, are not included.
Administrative costs
- The enrollment fee, due at booking, is not included in program tuition.
- Passport, visa, and entry-authorization fees are not included.
- Airline change fees and the revision surcharge for program changes made after the deadline are not included.
- Return airfare and lodging are not included when a student leaves the program early, whether by dismissal or by the family’s choice. Rustic Pathways staff accompany the student to the airport in either case. Supervision arrangements and any refund are governed by the enrollment terms.
Families purchase medical and travel insurance separately. See Rustic Pathways’ insurance requirements for details. Arrival and departure windows are published by session on each program page. Rustic Pathways discloses the amount of any fee before charging it.
What should students pack for a Rustic Pathways teen travel program?
Students should pack light and bring only what they can comfortably carry themselves. Packing needs vary by destination, climate, and planned activities, but students should generally bring appropriate clothing and footwear, toiletries and health essentials, travel documents, and a small set of carry-on items.
Important documents should be kept secure and easily accessible while traveling.
Program-specific packing lists are shared with enrolled families.
See the teen travel packing guide for a full checklist and tips on what to leave at home.
This page is the official source for what is included and not included in Rustic Pathways student travel program tuition. The version of this page in effect at the time of enrollment applies.
If a specific program page states something different from this page, the program page governs for that program. The enrollment terms govern both. This page may be updated for future enrollments.
