At Rustic Pathways, we believe a safe, comfortable home base is essential to any meaningful student travel experience. This page provides detailed information about the accommodations our students stay in during service and adventure programs across the globe. From eco-lodges in Fiji to mountain bases in the Dominican Republic, each location is designed to support cultural immersion, student safety, and daily comfort.
What is a “Base House”?
A Rustic Pathways base house is the main accommodation where students stay during a program. Depending on the destination, this could be a hotel, guesthouse, lodge, or private villa. The term “base house” refers to the place that serves as home during the trip, where students sleep, eat meals, and become best friends.
Parents, educators, and students can explore the housing, amenities, safety features, and service context of each base house. We aim for full transparency so you feel confident and informed before joining one of our programs.
Note for Parents: The photos and descriptions on this page show examples of accommodations we have used in the past. They are intended to give you a clear idea of the typical standards, style, and comfort level of the places where students stay during our programs. While your child’s actual accommodation may differ from what is pictured, it will meet the same Rustic Pathways standards for safety, cleanliness, and student comfort.
Note for Educators: When Rustic Pathways partners with schools for group travel programs, we work directly with educators to select accommodations that meet each school’s needs and preferences. Options may vary by destination and program type, but all base houses meet our safety, cleanliness, and comfort standards.
General Accommodation Information
Safety & Supervision
- Rustic Pathways staff supervise students 24/7.
- Student-to-leader ratio averages 5:1–7:1 (Rustic Pathways promises 7:1 but delivers a verified 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio).
- Staff live on-site for the entire program.
- All staff are certified in CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder.
- Nearest hospitals and clinics are pre-identified for each base house.
- Accommodations are locked at night, and staff remain on property at all times.
Rooming
- Students share rooms with other Rustic Pathways participants.
- In homestay programs, students stay with local host families.
- Rooms are always gender-separated unless noted otherwise for a homestay.
Health & Hygiene
- Rooms and linens are cleaned before arrival and after departure.
- Bathrooms and common spaces are maintained regularly during the program.
- Pest control is standard at all base houses.
Laundry
- Laundry access and costs vary by country and base house.
- Check your specific program page or contact us for details.
Wi‑Fi & Communication
- Wi‑Fi availability varies by location.
- Check your program page or contact us for the most accurate connectivity information.
Quick Navigation: Student Accommodations by Country
- 🇨🇷 Accommodations in Costa Rica
- 🇩🇴 Accommodations in the Dominican Republic
- 🇫🇯 Accommodations in Fiji
- 🇹🇭 Accommodations in Thailand
- 🇺🇸 Accommodations in the United States
- 🇧🇿 Accommodations in Belize
- 🇯🇵 Accommodations in Japan
- 🇬🇷 Accommodations in Greece
- 🇰🇷 Accommodations in South Korea
- 🇮🇹 Accommodations in Italy
- 🇪🇨 Accommodations in Ecuador
Base Houses in Costa Rica
Student Travel Programs in Costa Rica:
- Pura Vida Service
- Surf and Service
- Turtle Conservation Project
- Turtle Conservation Project (17 and older)
Volcano and Rainforest Base
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Beds: Bunk beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Surf and Service Base
Playa Grande, Costa Rica
- Beds: Bunk beds
- Showers: Freshwater (cold)
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Base Houses in the Dominican Republic
Student Travel Programs in the Dominican Republic:
Mountain Air Service Base
Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
- Beds: Bunk beds
- Showers: Hot water is available, though temperature may occasionally vary based on local infrastructure.
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Base Houses in Fiji
Student Travel Programs in Fiji:
Eco-Lodge Service Base
Momi Bay, Fiji
- Beds: Bunk beds
- Showers: Hot, solar-powered
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Highlands Service Base
Nausori Highlands, Fiji
- Beds: Sleeping mats with mosquito nets
- Showers: Cold
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Islands Service Base
Somosomo Village, Fiji
- Beds: Cots with sleeping bags
- Showers: Cold
- Toilets: Self-composting outhouse
- Air Conditioning: No
Base Houses in Thailand
Student Travel Programs in Thailand:
Lanna Highlands Service Base
Chiang Dao, Thailand
- Beds: Mattresses with mosquito nets
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Rural Isan Service Base
Udon Thani, Thailand
- Beds: Single beds or bunk beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
Base Houses in the United States
Student Travel Programs in the United States:
New Orleans Service Base
Louisiana, United States
- Beds: Bunk beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
Base Houses in Belize
Student Travel Programs in Belize:
Caye Caulker
- Beds: Bunk beds or double occupancy room
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
T.R.E.E.S
- Beds: Wooden bunk house
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet. Detached from the cabin.
- Air Conditioning: Fans help ventilate and keep the temperature down
Base House in Japan
Student Travel Programs in Japan:
Tokyo Fusion Service Base
Tokyo, Japan
- Beds: Single beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
Base Houses in Greece
Student Travel Programs in Greece:
Greece Service Base
Kefalonia, Greece
- Beds: Single beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
Base House in South Korea
Student Travel Programs in South Korea:
South Korea Naru Guesthouse
Seoul, South Korea
- Beds: Single beds or bunk beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: Yes
Base House in Italy
Student Travel Programs in Italy:
Italy Service Base
- Beds: Single beds
- Showers: Hot
- Toilets: Modern seated toilet
- Air Conditioning: No
Base Houses in Ecuador
Student Travel Programs in Ecuador:
Accommodations During the Program
The Wild Galápagos Eco-Service Teen Travel program includes several types of accommodations:
- Hotel in Quito (2 nights): Peaceful ranch-style hotel in a quiet village near the airport. Gender-separated rooms with hot-water bathrooms.
- Homestay in Yunguilla (2 nights): Stay with local families in the rural Andean community of Yunguilla. 2–3 students per home, cozy and welcoming.
- Hotel on Santa Cruz Island (2 nights): Comfortable hotel with beautiful views in the heart of Galápagos.
- Eco-Lodge Stay on Isabela Island (1 night): Glamping in a volcanic landscape with the chance to see giant tortoises.
- Beachside Hotel on Isabela Island (2 nights): Laid-back hotel just minutes from the beach, shared rooms for 2–3 students.
Interested in staying at a Rustic Pathways base house during an immersive spring break or summer travel program? Click below to explore all Rustic student travel programs.
FAQ: Base Houses, Safety, and Accommodations for Parents and Educators
How closely are students supervised at night?
Rustic Pathways staff live on-site with students and are available 24/7, including overnight. All accommodations are supervised by trained staff for the entire duration of the program.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
All staff are certified in first aid and CPR. Each base is pre-scouted for the nearest hospital or clinic. Students, parents, and educators receive emergency contact details for local and U.S. support.
Can you accommodate allergies or dietary needs?
Yes. We routinely accommodate common dietary needs and allergies. Share requirements in advance and we will confirm what is possible for your program and base. Specific options vary by country and base.
Are accommodations clean and safe?
Yes. Rooms and linens are cleaned before arrival and after departure. Bathrooms and common spaces are regularly maintained. Pest control is standard. All accommodations are locked and supervised every night by staff living on site.
Will students be able to contact home?
Students can contact home during the trip. We encourage in-person connection, but students may use their phones to stay in touch with family. Connectivity varies by base; check your program page or contact us for details.
Can students do laundry?
Laundry facilities or services vary by country and accommodation. Review your program information or contact us for specifics.
Are boys and girls housed together?
No. Student housing is gender-separated.
Can students leave the base house on their own?
No. Students are accompanied by staff when off property. Curfews are in place for safety.
How do schools select accommodations for group travel (educators)?
For school groups, we collaborate with educators to choose accommodations that meet school requirements, budget, and itinerary. Options are presented in advance and finalized with your approval.
What rooming configurations are available for school groups?
Typical student rooms are 2–6 beds depending on the base. Private rooms for adult chaperones are available in most locations. Final rooming is confirmed during pre-departure planning.
Can you address accessibility needs or special requests for schools?
Yes. Tell us about mobility, medical, sensory, or housing needs early in planning. We will confirm what is feasible at your chosen base or propose alternatives that meet your criteria.
What safety and vetting standards apply to staff and partners?
Staff receive background checks where legally applicable, first aid and CPR certifications, and destination-specific training. Vendors are vetted for safety, licensing, and reliability.
Do bases have Wi-Fi suitable for schools?
Many bases have Wi-Fi, but speed and availability vary by region.
How are risk assessments and emergency plans handled for schools?
Each base has a written risk assessment, emergency action plan, and medical facility mapping. We provide documentation to schools upon request during the planning process.
Where can I get more details or ask unique questions?
Contact us any time for country- or program-specific information, or visit our Health and Safety page.
Next Steps for Parents and Educators
For more on supervision, health, and emergency protocols, see our Health & Safety page.
For program schedules, housing, and meal details, visit your specific student program page.
If you are an educator planning group travel, you can customize your trip here.