Expert-led middle school, high school, and college travel programs with 24/7 supervision and proven safety systems worldwide.
Rustic Pathways is a student travel company providing supervised teen travel programs that help students ages 12–22 build friendships, independence, global awareness, and leadership skills. Programs include teen tours with expert-led itineraries, educational travel designed around learning outcomes, service learning programs combining community impact with cultural immersion, and school group travel for 321+ institutional partners. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways has guided 155,829 students from 53 countries across 38 destinations worldwide.
Rustic Pathways programs are designed for middle school, high school, and college students from any country who want structured, educational international travel with strong supervision and support. Families from more than 53 countries choose Rustic Pathways for college preparation, leadership development, service learning, cultural immersion, and guided adventure travel.
For Summer 2026, families are choosing Costa Rica, Japan & Korea, and Greece Turtle Conservation most often; all are rated 4.9/5 or higher. Filter by interest or browse all programs below.
Explore Northern Italy’s historic centers before flying to the Greek island of Kefalonia, where students join sea-turtle conservation teams, experience local communities, and complete 25 hours of service.
Explore Tokyo through martial arts, matcha workshops, and modern tech culture before crossing the sea to Seoul for K-pop, street food, and cross-cultural experiences led by Rustic Pathways local experts.
Discover Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda while staying at a countryside base house. Students learn pasta-making with local farmers, complete 5 hours of eco-conservation service in the Euganean Hills, and experience authentic Italian culture.
Rustic Pathways programs are designed to accelerate personal growth, leadership, and global understanding, critical skills for college readiness.
Students navigate new environments and learn more about themselves and connect with a group of like minded global travelers. We can't promise you'll meet your college roommate, but many students do.
Rustic Pathways prioritizes deep interaction with local communities. Students learn to see the world from new perspectives, developing empathy and cross-cultural skills.
Rustic Pathways partnerships with Stanford and Boston College enhance programs to help teens display a global mindset and commitment to action.
Everything you need to choose the right trip from safety to flights to scholarships. Dive into the details below.
Match your interests and age to the perfect trip in 60 seconds. Take a 60-second quiz.
Start the Program Quiz →View available financial aid and scholarships awarded annually to make travel accessible. See travel scholarships.
Apply for scholarships →Secure chaperoned group flights from major US airports with staff support. See group flight options.
View flight pricing →Rustic Pathways 24/7 supervision, emergency protocols, and safety strategies. Review safety standards.
View Rustic Pathways safety protocols →Clear, step-by-step guides for passports, visas, and international travel requirements. Guides for passports & visas.
Passport & visa help →Explore semester and year-long adventures designed for travel before or during college. See gap year programs.
View Gap Year options →43 Years of Excellence • 155,829 Student Travelers • Travelers from 53 Countries
Skift says:
"Rustic Pathways designs each travel itinerary with precision, purpose, passion and adventure in order to transform the ordinary teen travel moments into extraordinary memories."
Wall Street Journal says:
"The real growth may be for the parents who let their kids go."
Rustic Pathways programs start at $1,995 USD. Prices vary based on destination, season, and travel style, such as service-learning, adventure, or cultural immersion. Program fees include lodging, meals, supervision, in-country transport, and scheduled activities.
⟡ Compare program pricing →
Students do not have to be from the United States to travel with Rustic Pathways. Students from many countries participate each year. All programs are conducted in English, and international students meet staff at the designated arrival airport for each trip.
Students ages 12 to 22 can participate in Rustic Pathways programs. The programs are designed for middle school, high school, and college-age travelers. Each itinerary is tailored to an age band to match maturity, interests, and physical ability, with options sorted by grade level, interest, or travel style.
⟡ See programs by age →
Rustic Pathways programs are appropriate for first-time travelers. Many students travel internationally for the first time through these programs. Each trip includes guided orientation, structured schedules, leader briefings, and cultural support. Destinations like Costa Rica and Fiji offer a balance of comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion.
⟡ Families often read next: How Rustic Pathways prepares students for their first international trip →
Rustic Pathways is highly safe, with over 43 years of experience in teen travel and a 4.9/5 global rating. Safety measures include 24/7 supervision, emergency response plans, vetted transport and lodging, trained staff, and country-specific risk assessments. The program has served 155,829 students from 53 countries.
⟡ See full safety standards →
Rustic Pathways offers scholarships and financial aid through need-based awards, leadership scholarships, and social-impact funding. Applications typically require essays, references, and academic details. Applying early increases the chances of receiving aid.
⟡ Apply for scholarships →
⟡ Families often read next: Fundraising ideas for student travel →
