Route: Santo Domingo, a transfer to the north coast and Cabarete, then back to Santo Domingo for the flight home
How is safety managed, and where do students stay?
Rustic Pathways prioritizes student safety with a written risk management plan for every program. Students stay in gender-separated rooms with private bathrooms.
Supervision and safety
- Supervision Median 4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio across 2025 and 2026 Student Travel groups. No program exceeds 7:1. Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
- Emergencies Enrolled families receive a 24/7 emergency number for use during programs and travel days. Parent notification averages 27 minutes.
- Updates Families get a Safe Arrival email within 12 hours of arrival and WhatsApp access to the in-country Country Director.
- Medical Director Dr. William R. Smith, a board-certified emergency physician, supports leaders and families.
- Medical facilities Teams keep lists of medical facilities for every major program location. In the Dominican Republic, the main hospitals are Hospiten Santo Domingo and Centro Médico Cabarete, near Sosúa.
- Program Leaders 80+ hours of leader training, Sterling background checks, and CPR and First Aid certification.
Where they stay
Students stay in gender-separated rooms with private bathrooms. Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight, and roommate requests are accepted. Accommodation can change by session and availability, and we confirm where each group stays before departure.
Who leads it, and who went in 2026?
Trained, background-checked Program Leaders run every session. In 2026, 44 students from 4 different countries traveled to the Dominican Republic with Rustic Pathways.
Who runs it
Manuel Del Villar
Country Director
Manuel manages operations in the Dominican Republic and has been with Rustic Pathways since 2018.
2026 Program Leader
Dan Lucassen
The 2027 Program Leaders are confirmed closer to departure.
The 2026 group
Two Rustic Pathways sessions ran in July 2026 with 44 students ages 14 to 18, representing 4 different countries. Most were 15 to 17, and the median age was 16.
“One memory I will always carry with me is cleaning up plastic from a low-income community. This was such a great experience because after we were done, we were all able to see the impact it made on the community and how much it mattered to them. Traveling with Rustic Pathways also lead to me gaining so many new friendships and connections. I am so grateful to have been able to experience all of the things that I did on my trip!”
Valena A., Framingham, MA · takeover on Instagram
Students in their own words
Alumni describe the service, the friendships and the people they met.
“To date, this is the most fulfilling project I have ever been a part of.”
“My group slowly became a family, as late night games of Spike Ball and bilingual Bananagrams became our nightly rituals.”
“I talked to him and his brother about the value of learning English, and after exchanging Whatsapp information, I can say that he is one of my closest friends to date.”
Read Calista’s story
Student takeovers
After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories.
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“Hello! My name is Xiomi and I went on the July 9th-16th trip to the Dominican Republic! At first I was nervous about meeting new people and being so far away from home, but the Program Leaders and other people on the trip made me feel so welcome immediately!
I met so many amazing people inside of the program and out. One of my favorite memories from the trip was meeting kids through one of our service trips and being able to connect with them even with the language barrier.
Thank you so much to the Program Leaders for making this trip so memorable for me and to all the new friendships I hatched from my trip to the DR!”
Xiomi S., Washington, DC
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“Hi! My name is Samantha Manes, and I went on the Dominican Republic: Beachside Service Rustic Pathways trip this summer!
I cannot express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to go on this once in a lifetime adventure! This trip will stay with me forever. All the memories, amazing friends I’ve made, the perfect leaders (Tara, Gipsy, Kenzie), and welcoming locals.
We spent time helping Dominican communities as well as surfing, snorkeling, shopping, and so much more. Some of my favorite memories were pool nights, beach days, long bus rides, sunrise yoga, and interacting with Dominican kids.
I strongly suggest this trip to anyone looking to create lasting, unforgettable memories.”
Samantha M., Woodland Hills, CA
Before you enroll: what parents ask
Most asked
What is the student-to-staff ratio?
Rustic Pathways maintains a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1).
New Program Leaders go through a four-month selection process, and every Program Leader holds current CPR and First Aid certification.
How can I stay in touch with my child?
The Dominican Republic is on the same time as New York in summer.
- After the final scheduled activity of the day, students have their phones.
- Routine help: call +1 440-975-9691, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- Emergencies: use the 24/7 number in your pre-departure materials.
Do students come alone or with friends?
Most students join on their own, and some join with friends or siblings. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment for students coming together. Program Leaders run icebreakers on day one, and friendships form quickly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 24 hours of enrollment receive a refund of all amounts paid to Rustic Pathways.
Cancellations before midnight ET on March 31, 2027, receive a full refund of the program tuition. The enrollment fee and any airfare already booked become non-refundable.
For cancellations after March 31, 2027, see the enrollment terms.
If your family experiences a serious, documented emergency, contact us. We review these situations on a case-by-case basis.
Flights
How do flights work?
U.S. students can join a chaperoned group flight from Miami (MIA) to Santo Domingo (SDQ) with a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader. Families can also book their own flights into and out of Santo Domingo. International students fly independently, and staff meet them in Santo Domingo.
Flights to and from the Dominican Republic, including the group flight, are not included in tuition.
Flying independently? See the arrival and departure dates below.
Who books each flight?
Whichever option you choose, Rustic Pathways staff meet every student at Santo Domingo airport on the arrival date and see them off on the departure date.
Option 1: the chaperoned group flight
Cost: Chaperoned group flight fee, plus airfare.
- A Rustic Pathways chaperone meets students at Miami (MIA) and flies with the group to Santo Domingo (SDQ), and home from Santo Domingo (SDQ) to Miami (MIA) on the departure date.
- Getting to and from Miami (MIA): Rustic Pathways can book the connecting flights between your home airport and Miami (MIA), or your family can. Students fly that leg on their own, with an airline unaccompanied-minor service if the airline requires one.
- Every student on the group flight pays the chaperoned group flight fee, even if your family books the connecting flights.
Option 2: independent flights with support
Cost: Flight Support Fee, plus airfare.
- You choose the flights and Rustic Pathways books them, into and out of Santo Domingo (SDQ).
- Students fly on their own, and you get 24/7 travel support if plans change.
Option 3: book your own flights
Cost: No Rustic Pathways fee, just airfare (for students not on the group flight).
- Your family books and manages the flights, into and out of Santo Domingo (SDQ).
- Students fly on their own. Changes and rebooking are between your family and the airline.
Arrival and departure windows
Students who are not on the group flight land within the arrival window and leave within the departure window, about four hours each. Your Personal Travel Advisor shares the exact times before you book. Flights outside the windows carry an additional fee.
What are the arrival and departure dates for students flying independently?
Independent travelers must arrive in Santo Domingo (SDQ) and depart from Santo Domingo (SDQ) on these dates. Flight times can change, so confirm with your Personal Travel Advisor.
| Session dates | Arrive at Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Leave from Santo Domingo (SDQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 22 – Jun 29, 2027 | June 22 | June 29 |
| Jul 20 – Jul 27, 2027 | July 20 | July 27 |
Two things to get right before you book
- Fly into and out of Santo Domingo (SDQ). Rustic Pathways staff meet students in Santo Domingo. Double-check the airport code before you pay.
- Stay within the arrival and departure dates and times. Your Personal Travel Advisor shares the exact windows. Flights outside them carry an additional fee.
Where does the program start and end?
In Santo Domingo, at the airport. Nights 1 and 7 are spent in Santo Domingo. Nights 2 to 6 are on the north coast in Cabarete, a morning’s drive away, and the group returns to Santo Domingo for the flight home.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for the Dominican Republic?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for the Dominican Republic. Other passports may need one: check yours on the IATA Travel Centre, the airline industry’s entry-rules checker.
Safety & wellbeing
How is my child supervised during the program?
Rustic Pathways Program Leaders supervise students from the moment staff meet them at Santo Domingo airport until they depart for their flight home.
- A median student-to-staff ratio of 1 staff member for every 4.37 students, never exceeding 7:1.
- Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
- Two-Deep Leadership: No staff member is ever alone one-on-one with a student.
- Each student has a personal check-in with a Program Leader within 24 hours of arrival.
- Families receive a Safe Arrival email within 12 hours of arrival in the Dominican Republic.
Are rooms gender-separated?
Yes. Students room with same-gender peers, with private bathrooms. Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
How are medical needs handled?
Personal Travel Advisors review all medical forms and plan with families to manage medication, allergies, and dietary requirements on the program.
Program Leaders are first-aid and CPR certified, and teams keep lists of medical facilities for every major program location.
Will my child have any unsupervised time?
Students do not have unsupervised time in public areas. Free time is structured, with Program Leaders always nearby. At night, students stay in their rooms with their roommates. Program Leaders are housed on site and conduct nightly room checks.
What is the phone and smart device policy?
Rustic Pathways follows Trip Before Scroll: staff store phones and connected devices securely during daytime programming and hand them back after the final scheduled activity.
Students keep them overnight, subject to quiet-hours and lights-out rules. Travel-day, medical, and accessibility exceptions apply.
Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?
Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ inclusion policy.
Cost & enrollment
What is the enrollment fee?
The enrollment fee is a one-time fee, separate from tuition, covering enrollment, pre-departure advising, and trip planning. It begins at $100 and increases closer to the departure date.
The enrollment fee is refundable for cancellations within 24 hours.
What insurance do we need?
Medical insurance with coverage in the Dominican Republic is required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, not required.
Neither is included in program tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends Arch RoamRight: get a quote.
Does Rustic Pathways offer payment plans?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers a 4-Pay payment plan that splits program tuition into four payments over six weeks. This plan is only available for enrollments more than 90 days before departure and only for U.S. bank accounts.
Need-based financial aid and merit scholarships are also available. Explore scholarships and financial aid.
How much spending money does my child need?
$150 to $200 per week is recommended for shopping, snacks, or souvenirs. Meals, scheduled activities, and gratuities are included in program tuition.
The group
What is the group size and age range?
Each session is limited to 18 students, ages 14 to 18.
Can non-U.S. students join this program?
Yes. Non-U.S. students can join this program. International students fly to Santo Domingo to arrive within the designated arrival window for their session.
Rustic Pathways staff meet them at the airport and ensure safe departure within the designated window at the end of the program.
Visa requirements depend on the passport, so ask an advisor.
Day to day
What service work do students do?
Students work with the Kerolle Initiative and local community leaders on health and wellness projects in batey communities near Bella Vista. Service activities include participating in health education workshops and supporting community projects.
What will students do each day?
Days 3 and 4 are community service with the Kerolle Initiative in Bella Vista: health education workshops and community projects, morning and afternoon. The rest of the week adds a tour of Fortaleza San Felipe and the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata, snorkeling at Sosúa Bay, beach time at Playa Alicia, a surf lesson at Playa El Encuentro, a visit to the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, and a farewell dinner with dancing.
How physically demanding is the program?
Moderate. Expect warm, humid weather, swimming and snorkeling, and walking in communities and cities.
Can dietary needs and allergies be accommodated on program?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other diets, plus common food allergies can be accommodated. Dietary needs and allergy information are collected after enrollment and shared with meal providers and project partners in advance.
Does my child need to speak Spanish?
No. The program runs in English and Program Leaders accompany students. Spanish is spoken locally, so a few phrases help.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The itinerary may change due to weather, safety concerns, transportation issues, or site availability. Program Leaders may adjust activities and schedules to keep students safe and ensure a positive program experience.
Ready, or one question first?
$1,995 tuition, plus an enrollment fee that begins at $100 and rises closer to departure. Lodging, all meals and ground transport are included. Full refund within 24 hours.
What happens after you enroll
- You have 24 hours to change your mind for a full refund, including the enrollment fee.
- Fill in the traveler details form. That opens your MyRustic family portal, with your payment schedule, forms to complete, the full itinerary and the packing list.
- Before departure, MyRustic adds the flight itineraries and the Wheels Up packet: arrival instructions, contacts and the program emergency number.
- During the program, you get daily photo updates. After it, Rustic Pathways calls every family.
Rather talk first? Call Scott Ingram at +1 (440) 975-9691, schedule a call, or ask an advisor.
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