Program Reviews

Ever since my older sister first traveled with Rustic Pathways in 2013 and told me of her fun and rewarding experience, I had been eagerly awaiting my turn to make lasting memories in new countries and with new friends. Flash forward to today, and I am a three-time Rustic alum, having traveled to Costa Rica (2016), the Dominican Republic (2017), and Thailand (2018). While I initially chose to travel with Rustic because of my sister's experience, I continue to dedicate my summers to this program because I learn new things each year and always return home a more thoughtful, empathetic, and curious human being. My specific program in Thailand was called "Introduction to Community Service." I spent 11 amazing days in Udon Thani, where I helped build a house for a woman with epilepsy living in the community, construct a preschool playground, and teach swimming lessons to children. We worked alongside locals to collaborate and create meaningful change, which I think makes Rustic Pathways the unique and exceptional travel and community service organization that it is. My leaders were dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and educational space for all students. To this day, some of my closest mentors and friends were program leaders and fellow peers from my Thailand trip. I love Rustic because I get the opportunity to meet other students from around the world and immerse myself in different cultures and ways of life.

I had an amazing time in Fiji with Rustic Pathways this summer. I have traveled with Rustic to other countries like Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Rustic Pathways developed a love and desire for traveling within me. The staff always manages to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the entire trip. Over the summer, I went on the "Pacific Adrenaline" Program with Rustic. This trip was by far one of the best experiences of my life. The way that we are able to see so much culture and lifestyle in only a few weeks is truly one of the best parts. Rustic also encourages not only me, but hundreds of others to get involved and help out the communities and environment as much as possible. Along with the amazing opportunities we get to be involved in to help other people, Rustic also provides an amazing experience to have fun and truly enjoy the beautiful countries we visit. I was accompanied by 5 other girls and 3 boys and we bonded in literally only a few days. We participated in so many memorable activities together like skydiving, bungee jumping, long sunrise hikes, and so many more. I also went onto a connecting trip called "Intro to Community Service". It was only a short week, but I got to participate in helping out the community with community service like building houses for the people who needed it. I really would recommend this trip and to so many people. My trip definitely is full of memories I'll never forget.

Words cannot describe how excited I was for my trip to visit Australia Zoo with Rustic Pathways when I first saw it as a program option. This was my first time traveling with Rustic, but I will definitely be doing it again. Being able to see the Australian East coast was incredible, and I loved staying in the base house and hostels since I felt apart of the community, and experience you don't get by staying in a hotel. Working alongside Australia Zoo's incredible staff and eventually Trish at the WRREA was truly surreal and amazing whether you are an animal lover or not. From start to finish, this trip was incredible, even when we where just exploring a small town. Australians are super friendly, and the country is beautiful. It was amazing

This past summer I went to Thailand for 18 days. This experience expanded my horizons by making me globally aware. I taught English in Locals schools to elementary school children, helped build a school in an under privileged community, and learned the ways of the mahouts my by taking care of an elephant on the elephant conservation center. The service I did on this trip made me feel accomplished knowing that I made an impact on the local communities. I feel so lucky that I got the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Thailand. One of my favorite things on this besides the unless activities was just talking to the local people. This not only improved my communication skills but helped me create new relationships with people who were different than me. Thailand is truly the land of smiles.

One of the most lifechanging experiences a person can have is traveling. Traveling has the ability to open your eyes to the diversity of the world. Traveling gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and revel in the beauty of nature. Traveling allows you to meet new people and discover new ways of life. Traveling lets you explore and have adventures, and escape your ordinary day-to-day life.
My trip to Thailand with Rustic Pathways allowed me to do all of those things, and more. I feel as though I am a more well-rounded person having traveled with Rustic. I feel I am a more globally educated and connected citizen, and a more environmentally conscious human being. Not only that, but I had the time of my life and made new friends whom I still talk to every week, even several months later. There's more to tell, but it's best to discover it yourself by traveling, too!
Rustic Pathways has many different fantastic programs to fit all types of travelers. They do a fantastic job with risk management and safety, hire caring, intelligent staff, and give their students the best of the best experiences. I am so, SO glad I traveled with Rustic to Thailand, and hope to take more Rustic trips soon!

Instead of sitting around on the couch this summer, I wanted to make a difference. My Rustic Pathways trip changed my life and opened my eyes. I found a love in community service and helping others. I see the Earth, not as a thing, but my home that we need to save. I loved working at the kid's camp and creating bonds with the children. I enjoyed learning about different cultures and the history of the Dominican Republic. I really enjoyed working with FUNDEMAR, and organization dedicated to saving the coral reefs. I learned so much on this trip and I grew passionate about saving the ocean and the coral reefs. I can't thank Rustic Pathways and my Program Leaders enough for giving me the experience I got. I want other people to have the same opportunity I had.

On this program we built a kitchen for the primary school and I loved working on one main service project the entire time because we got to see our major progress and impact. We also got to teach English in the school which was amazing. The local children are so fun, kind, and curious. We would play with them for hours upon hours after our service was completed. On this trip you get to participate in so many cultural experiences such as going to the local Church, cooking with the local Mama's, having an interview with the elders of the community, walking to the nearest water source with donkeys, etc. It is such an immersive experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the real side of Tanzania, a truly beautiful country filled with amazing culture and people.

Through my rustic pathways trip to Fiji, I was able to discover a new culture, new people from all around the world, and be part of something bigger than myself. As soon as I got to the eco-lodge my first year, I immediately felt a part of a new community and knew I was not alone in this new adventure I was going to take on. I felt so welcomed by the Fijian community that I even went back the following year! Today, I am still in touch with the friends that I made this summer and two summers ago, even though we all live on the opposite sides of the US. If I could go back in time, I would have loved to know about rustic pathways as a younger student so that I could have gone on more trips before college. Community service has always been something I’ve loved doing, and being able to do it in such a wonderful and special country was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

My name is Madelyn Jenkins and I am 17 years old. I went on the Rustic Pathways “Ultimate Asia” trip when I was 15 years old. I had been on two other trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii with another company, but I had been dying to see different parts of the world and their cultures. My trip took me to China, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. It was the best 3 weeks of my life and the best decision I have ever made. I walked the Great Wall of China, taught students English in Thailand, worked with Elephants in Laos, and biked through the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia. Those are just a few examples of the amazing experiences I had on my Rustic trip. There were only 2 other girls on my trip, and 6 guys. We were a smaller group, but that allowed us to bond so much better. I was the youngest on my trip, which was intimidating at first. But instead of my age being a hinderance, the students on my trip made it seem like it was an advantage. I got to learn from my peers who were older than me, and it allowed me to mature in a way I’m not sure would have been possible in a group of peers my own age. The girls became like my older sister and the guys like my brothers, we all became a big family by the end of the 3 weeks. I also got some of the best trip leaders I’ve ever had. Mary and Josh were my main leaders, and they helped us through every tough time, and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones and try new things. I tried foods I never thought I would, and participated in activities that would have otherwise terrified me. I learned leadership, confidence, and independence. It was such a comfortable and safe space that I could be 100% myself without judgement, which is a huge deal when you are in high school. I urge anyone who is looking for the adventure of a lifetime to seriously consider Rustic Pathways. I will say these trips aren’t for everyone though. I would recommend an open mind, flexibility, and easy going spirit. At the end of the day you are a part of a team and community, so being able to thrive in a group is crucial. If those characteristics fit you, then Rustic Pathways is the place for you.

This past summer I went to the Dominican Republic with Rustic Pathways. It was not only life-changing but probably the most fun I have ever had. I learned so much and found a love of the ocean. Every hour of community service we did I felt so useful. I felt like I was finally doing something important and something that will help many people. I am so happy I got to go on this trip and I recommend this trip to everyone. I loved learning about the Dominican Republics' history and culture because that's something I haven't learned in school yet. A highlight of the trip was running a kids camp and meeting the children. It's crazy how I created special bonds with so many kids and we didn't even speak the same language. It showed me I can be friends with anyone and everyone. I'm so glad I signed up for this trip and found Rustic Pathways. It is an amazing program that I will never forget.