Teen Travel Camps | Overseas Adventures for Ages 12-18
Adventure camps, service programs, and cultural immersion in 38 countries. 43 years trusted. 155,829 alumni. Students from 50+ countries have traveled with us. This is the summer that changes everything.
No commitment required. See programs in 2 minutes.
See What a Travel Camp Looks Like
90 seconds of real students on real programs
Featured Travel Camps for Summer 2026
Service, adventure, and cultural immersion programs in 38 countries
Travel Camps vs. Traditional Summer Camps
Why more families are choosing travel camps for their teens
| Traditional Camp | Rustic Pathways Travel Camp | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Local or regional | 38 countries worldwide |
| Cultural Immersion | Limited | Homestays, local guides, authentic experiences |
| Staff Ratio | 8:1 to 12:1 typical | 4.37:1 verified (83% better than ACA) |
| College Application Value | Moderate | 91% say it enhanced their applications |
| Independence Building | Familiar environment | Navigate new cultures, languages, challenges |
| Community Service | Optional, local | 1.3M hours since 2013, real global impact |
| Lasting Friendships | Same region | 89% maintain program friendships for years |
| 24/7 Emergency Support | Varies | Full-time Medical Director, HX Global evacuation |
What Your Teen Gains
Beyond memories: tangible skills and credentials for life
Community Service Hours
Up to 40 verified service hours (Fiji program). Accepted by schools, colleges, and honor societies. Official documentation provided.
Language Immersion
Daily practice with native speakers. Conversational confidence in real-world settings. Optional language-focused programs available.
Wilderness & Safety Skills
CPR/First Aid awareness on select programs. Water safety training on marine programs. Leave No Trace environmental ethics.
College Application Edge
91% of alumni say it enhanced their college applications. Personal essay material that stands out. Demonstrated independence and global awareness.
Global Network
89% maintain program friendships for years. Alumni community across 50+ countries. Connections that last a lifetime.
Your Teen's Safety Is Our Foundation
Industry-leading protocols, transparent reporting, and peace of mind for parents
Staff-to-Student Ratio
We promise 7:1 and deliver 4.37:1. That's 83% better than American Camp Association standards.
Parent Notification
Average time to notify parents after any incident. Updates every 3 hours during active situations.
Medical Director
Dr. William R. Smith, board-certified emergency physician with 20+ years wilderness medicine experience.
Staff Training
Every leader completes 80+ hours of training. 100% CPR/First Aid certified. 4-month vetting process.
Emergency Evacuation
Partnership with HX Global for medical evacuation anywhere in the world. 8-minute crisis team activation.
Incidents Are Minor
82% of logged incidents are GREEN severity (scrapes, headaches, GI issues). We report everything transparently.
What Parents and Students Say
92% parent satisfaction. 4.9 stars on Trustpilot. Hear from real families.
"Sending my 13 year old for the first time to travel alone was kind of scary...he not only went, had an amazing time, and made so many new friends."
"My daughter went on her 3rd trip with Rustic Pathways and once again had a great time! She loves the large amount of community service hours."
"Great communication throughout. If my son was new to international travel or experiences, I would feel very assured having so much interaction with Rustic Pathways before, during and after the program."
"He made an impact on my son...making them feel safe. I cannot express how much he impacted my son with his connection. As a parent, hearing this was the bonus to an amazing once in a lifetime experience."
"This was our third Rustic Pathways experience. Our older daughter (now a senior in college) went to Tanzania in 2019 and the daughter who was just on the Vietnam trip also went to Fiji last year. Each experience was amazing for them!"
What's Included in Every Program
All-inclusive pricing. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Program Leaders & Guides
Rustic Pathways international and local staff fluent in English and local languages
Airport Transfers
Private transportation to and from the international airport
Accommodations
All lodging throughout the program
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily, featuring local and international cuisine
Ground Transportation
All in-country travel between locations and activities
Activities & Excursions
Cultural exchanges and guided adventure experiences
24/7 Support
Full-time Rustic Pathways staff available throughout the program
Emergency Coverage
Medical evacuation and assurance plan included
Fees & Tips
All local tips, taxes, and community project donations covered
Programs range from $1,995 to $14,995 depending on duration and destination. Flights additional unless specified.
Financial Aid Available
We believe transformative travel shouldn't require a trust fund. Rustic Pathways has awarded $3.6M in scholarships since 2013.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions parents ask most
What if my teen gets homesick?
Homesickness is completely normal—and expected. Our staff are specifically trained to support students through it using our First Friend Method, which ensures every student builds at least one strong connection within the first 48 hours. Most students adjust within 2-3 days. We teach them to see homesickness as part of growth, not a reason to leave. You'll receive daily updates so you know exactly how your teen is doing.
What's your cancellation policy?
Full refund within 24 hours of enrollment, no questions asked. For summer programs: full refund (less enrollment fee and airfare) before March 31. April 1-30: 50% refund. After May 1: no refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance for unexpected circumstances. All cancellations must be in writing to rustic@rusticpathways.com.
How do you handle medical emergencies abroad?
We have a full-time Medical Director, Dr. William R. Smith (board-certified emergency physician with 20+ years wilderness medicine experience). Our 24/7 emergency hotline activates our crisis team in 8 minutes. We partner with HX Global for medical evacuation anywhere in the world. 100% of our staff are CPR/First Aid certified, and 40% are Wilderness First Responders. Parents are notified within 27 minutes of any incident, with updates every 3 hours during active situations.
Can my teen contact me during the trip?
Yes. We schedule 1-2 designated family contact windows per week (timing varies by location and connectivity). You'll also receive daily photo updates through our parent portal. For non-emergency questions, you can reach our Country Directors via WhatsApp. We encourage brief daily texts and one weekly video call—enough to stay connected without interfering with your teen's immersion in the experience.
What's the staff-to-student ratio?
We promise 7:1 and consistently deliver 4.37:1 (verified 12-month median). That's 83% better than American Camp Association elementary standards (8:1) and 2.75x more coverage than ACA teen standards (12:1). Standard group size is 12-18 students, maximum 24. For water activities, the ratio is 1:5. For younger students (12-13), we maintain enhanced 1:5 supervision.
Is this safe for first-time travelers?
Absolutely. 75% of our teens join solo without knowing anyone else on the program. Our programs are specifically designed for first-time international travelers, with structured orientation in the first 24 hours, 24/7 supervision, and staff trained to support students who've never been abroad. The structured environment provides independence in a safe container— what we call "training wheels" for global citizenship.
What's included in the price?
All-inclusive: accommodations (hotels, homestays, or eco-lodges), all meals (dietary restrictions accommodated), all activities and excursions, in-country transportation, travel medical insurance, visa support, 24/7 staff supervision, and program materials. Flights to the destination are additional unless specified in the program listing. There are no hidden fees or "optional" add-ons.
Give Your Teen a Summer That Changes Everything
The path to confidence, independence, and global perspective doesn't start with a lecture. It starts with a journey. 43 years. 155,829 alumni. Your teen could be next.