Program Reviews

I really enjoyed going to Costa Rica this summer. I learned a lot about myself and the communities that I was in. I was nervous to travel abroad with people that I didn't know, but Rustic Pathways made me feel safe and welcomed into the group. I had a lot of takeaways from the two trips that I went on. I went on two different programs in Costa Rica. I went to the West Coast for two weeks on the Nicoya Turtle Expedition and got to do a lot of cool things there. I got to catch turtle eggs from a turtle on the beach. I got to go to a women's art group and make bracelets. On my second trip, I was with the BriBri People of Yorkin, Talamanca for a week. I got to learn about their culture and help paint a house for a teacher from the school. I loved my trips and I want to go back!

Let me start by saying that this trip to the Dominican Republic(D.R.) was far and beyond what I was expecting. I started the journey at Miami International Airport, knowing almost nothing, entered a foreign country with little knowledge, and no friends with me. That was changed within hours of arriving in Santo Domingo, with the program leaders leading us through fun, engaging team building activities. We talked in great detail at what we were going to be doing in the D.R., and we talked about the impact we would leave. On this trip, we worked with coral reefs predominantly, in that we did everything in our power to help the corals while we were there. We dove down under the water to see how the coral reefs were doing, and we educated local kids with our little Spanish about how important it is to protect these building blocks of life. We also cleaned beaches, planted mangroves, and ran a summer camp for a day. In addition to this meaningful service work on our trip, we visited many places. Our group visited Santo Domingo's old town, caves with petroglyphs, went looking for turtles at 2 AM, and visited natural pools. We stayed at a variety of locations, all of which enriched the experience. My favorite place was the eco-lodge at Caño Hondo(https://paraisocanohondo.com/en/) in Los Haitses national park. It was a hotel like no other and is built into a mountain with a river running through it. Anyway, to conclude, the program was incredibly enriching; I learned more than anyone could ever learn in a classroom, and I feel that I have had a lasting positive impact on the ecosystem of the Dominican Republic. I would rank this program 10/10, and next year I am embarking on another Rustic trip, this time to Thailand and Laos.

After a long flight to get to Australia I felt close bonds already forming. Right off the runway, the adventure began. Spending the first few nights in the Daintree rainforest showed me Australia's natural beauty; highlighting the breathtaking wildlife. My group and I then ventured to the Great Barrier Reef, and Fitzroy Island. We then had the opportunity to meet the turtles! Our next voyage was in the outback. While hiking through the outback, we saw amazing views. We ended these perfect days filled with new experiences, while we refected while watching the sunset. We then went to Syndey, the last stopping point of the trip. In Sydney, we saw various famous sights; exposing me to the everlasting beauty of Australia. Sadly this epic trip came to an end. As I was leaving Australia, I was also going home with new experiences, cultural exposure, adventure, and everlasting memories. I am happy to say there was never a dull moment. Even through the tiring flights, and the long drives, I never felt a moment of boredom; only excitement. We spent the hours on the plane and in the car jamming to music, and laughing non-stop. Looking back on my experience in the outback, memories of stargazing and group bonding left me wishing I was back in Australia. Reflecting on the immense amount of fun we had picking out new foods in the grocery store, left me forever grateful for the opportunity I received. Rustic Pathways blessed me with the most amazing experience of my life. They gave me the opportunity to form unforgettable bonds with my group-mates and group leaders. Rustic Pathways pushed me out of my comfort zone by challenging me with one of my biggest fear, skydiving. I have nothing bad to say about this trip, and I 100% recommend it to anyone who is looking for a truly unique experience.

This summer I went on a trip to Thailand. I was 14 and incredibly nervous I had never done anything by myself whatsoever. Immediately after leaving my state and meeting up with the traveling group in the airport I made friends, like good friends. Friends who even though we only spent 36 hours together hugged me and asked how my trip was when we were coming home. Never before have I felt so at home and comfortable with people. My trip was honestly the most amazing experience of my life. I fell in love with Thailand and I can’t wait to go back I highly recommended Rustic Pathways. My trip was the Thai elephant conservation and Amazing Thailand which I believe is now one trip. I loved working with the elephants, they’re so human like and you can tell they feel emotions. Amazing Thailand was also incredibly fun focused mostly on traveling g around Northern Thailand visiting temples and site seeing.I think it’s a perfect way to start off your travels.

In the summer of 2019, I attended the Marine Life and Coastal Restoration program in the Dominican Republic. This trip impacted my life in so many ways and because of that, I learned so much more about myself. Not only did a learn in two weeks what many would learn in a classroom throughout the year, but I made some of the most real and genuine connections with other student attending this trip. When working on specific projects, we would split up into different groups each time, giving us the opportunity to get to know everyone attending the trip, including our leaders. I went on this trip alone and it was the best decision I made. It gave me the opportunity to form real connections with others and learn about other kids experiences from around the country. These connections along with learning about the very real effects of climate change on our earth and taking steps ourselves to help this issue, has made me much more of a well-rounded person. I am always open to meeting new people now and finding little things to help better our environment. By meeting new people, I can also teach them what I've learned and inspire them to take little steps like I am to improve and help save our environment.

This program was amazing! I traveled with two friends from home, but it would have been just as fun going alone! There was a lot of in-country travel, which allowed me to get to know my group and bond with them very quickly which was amazing! There were not always hot showers at the places we stayed, but that was very easy to get used to, especially in the Costa Rican heat! The schedule of the program allowed my group to learn a lot about the Costa Rican culture, and for us to have some fun adventures! We toured a farm, a coffee plantation, visited a hot spring, went zip lining, and much more! Being able to create and run a summer camp that the kids loved was a great experience, and it taught me a lot about the value of communication, as the children spoke very little English. I highly recommend this program, the friendships I made were life long and the memories I made will stay with me forever!

Well my rustic trip « the Mekong expedition » was actually my best experience abroad. I still have contacts with all my rustic group and consider them as true friends. To me, during the trip, the most important thing was that we grew up together. Indeed, we matured a lot and we learned much from Thai and Lao people we met, from our program leaders ( who were awesome by the way loved them !! ) but also from each of us. Moreover, I was really amazed to see the everyday cheerfulness of all the Thai and Lao people. It made me realize our fortune to live in developed countries as USA or France. I know it can appear as a paltry act but now I really try to be happy ( and SMILING :) ) and enjoy every moments of my life.
To you, future young rustic travelers, I have one advice : ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY ! If you are open minded, ready to discovering new people ( and culture !) and having fun as never before, the Rustic trips are made for you ;)

This trip has changed my life and I will never forget it. The people who I was lucky enough to accompany on this trip truly had the drive to help others in need and to learn about Thai culture, just as I had. The staff was incredible, as we had teamed up with Thai tour guides to make the trip as authentic as we could. I would literally do anything to go back. No complaints whatsoever! Thai food is great, so many different flavors that I would never be able to find in the u.s. The Thai people are on a whole new level of kindness; I felt welcome the whole time and everyone seemed to be willing to make a friend. The base house was such an amazing place to stay and get to know the workers so I’m very sad it will no longer be in use the next year

I had the best experience of my life in Cambodia this summer! I had the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat and the Tomb Raider Temple where trees grew in and around the temple! I was able to cross Angkor Wat off of my bucket list. To say it was fantastic would be an understatement. I had so so so much fun, and the best part is that I was able to be 100% myself. I never felt as if I was not included or able to be true to who I am. If you are a history buff, love photography, or are interested in trying new foods, Cambodia is definitely a place you should visit. I was challenged to discover the intricacies of another culture so different from my own. I want to study Anthropology in university and this experience was like dipping my feet in. 10/10 would recommend it!

I went to Thailand in 2018 and was exposed to a completely different lifestyle. Not only were these experiences enlightening to what privilege meant, but also that it wasn't necessarily that important. When I visited these rural communities I was greeted with huge grins and helping hands, they were the nicest and most inviting group of people. They helped us build walls for their new school and encouraged us to use their bathrooms, they were welcoming in every aspect. This was something that was so unique for me, especially coming from America where people are hesitant when it comes to helping others. The most important thing to remember while visiting these communities is to be thankful and appreciative of anyone's help because they are not obligated and are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.