Program Reviews

I had been looking at this trip for many years, it was always so intriguing to me as I have already, luckily, been able to explore many asian countries such as: Indonesia, Singapore, Mongolia, China etc. However, the prospect of being able to visit some of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia and the World in this case intrigued me greatly to this trip.
Backroads explores Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand, each country having its own quirks and qualities. On this trip we were able to truly experience some of the most rural villages where we were able to fully immerse ourselves into their culture. To me, it is greatly important that whilst in a new place, experiencing totally new things, my intentions are to experience every moment of every day to the absolute fullest, and this trip for sure allows you to do so.
Having visited Mongolia the year before (also with Rustic) I knew that to fully immerse myself I were to disconnect from my regular life as much as possible and this trip for sure allowed me to do so. There was always something to see or do, so I would highly recommend putting your phones down and just look and listen to what is going on around you because it is such a special experience.
Furthermore, on my trip we had the most amazing trip leaders, I will never forget how great they were. They allowed us to see and do as much as possible every day, as well as that, I have always found it interesting hearing about all the adventures my trip leaders have been on. This proves that you can honestly learn from every aspect of your Rustic Trip.
Overall, the trip was a once in a lifetime experience and something I will never forget. However, I did realise that the trip doesn't exist anymore, which is a shame, it was absolutely incredible.

My experience with Rustic this year was amazing. I was surrounded with some incredible people both Fijians and students. I cannot even put into words how incredible the culture is. Never in my life have I been surrounded by such pure happiness. Flying across the world is terrifying for some, but the kindness and hospitality you feel once you are there is incomparable. I made the choice to travel to the highlands during my stay. I had a mom and dad and siblings, and for the short period of time I was there I truly had a second family. The Fijians are some of the most pure hearted and loving people you will ever meet. They want nothing but the best for you. I highly recommend doing a service trip, there is something special in helping while there. You get to see a side of the world very few will ever get to see. Remember to say Bula (hello) to everyone and drinks lots of Kava!
Sari Goldberg (16) Chicago

When I heard that their were no hot water and that their was no air conditioning I thought I would not make it two days in. But I was wrong. I stayed their the whole time and when it was time to go I didn’t want to go. When they said the night walks were going to be 3 hrs long at would start at 12:00 I thought I was going to loose my mind. It turned out that like what I said in the second sentence of this review I was wrong about my reaction. I loved having those night walks and seeing the sea turtles making their nest and laying their eggs. On our second to last night walk we encountered a dead sea turtle with a fishing line and hook stuck in its throat. Because of that encounter I started a Conservation Club at my high school to prevent these endangered animals from going extinct.

My trip to Morocco with Rustic Pathways was amazing. Even for the nervous traveler, it was just over a week and your constantly doing things. The service was really impactful for me and lasted just a couple days. After the service you do lots of fun activities such as zip lining, riding camels, surfing, and more. I loved how the group size was pretty small because it allowed you to really bond with the whole group and make some great friends. The leaders were great too, they were supportive whenever needed and were just really fun people. Two of the leaders, being from Morocco were very knowledgeable about the culture and history so that was awesome. Overall, this trip had a large impact on my life, helping me build some solid life skills and I was able to better find myself as a person

I did this program because I would like to go into the medical field. This trip showed me the types of health facilities in the Dominican, and how people live and work. This program also helped me get my Wilderness First Aid Certificate. The class was very fun and informational. For a few days we mixed cement and built floors for multiple houses. We also finished working on a latrine. For two days we went to four different villages to weigh children and hand out vitamins to the village residents. For the final two days we went to the beach and hung out. The entire trip is one that I will never forget. I highly recommend this program for anyone wanting to go into the medical field and is not afraid to shovel lots of dirt and mix a lot of cement.

Moroccan wanderers with Rustic Pathways is an amazing experience. Even for the nervous traveler, it’s just over two weeks and your constantly doing things. The service aspect had a huge impact on me, and was definitely my favorite part. Everything after the service project was all fun, riding camels, zip lining, surfing, and more. I also loved that the group size is a little smaller because you really get to bond with the whole group and make some great friends. The leaders were great too, the were really supportive if needed, and just really fun people. Two of them being from Morocco, were very knowledgeable on the culture and history which was pretty awesome. Overall, this trip helped me build up some solid life skills and find myself more as a person in the world.

During the summer of 2019 I traveled to Fiji to live and work for month. I worked with kids, built houses, cooked food, stayed with a host family, snorkeled, hiked and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I saw more stars then i’ve ever seen before, watched countless sunrises and sunsets, jumped out of a plane at 14,000 ft. I danced and sang and drank lots and lots and lots of Kava. This trip changed my life for the better and I’ve fallen in love with Fiji and all the people this trip allowed me to meet. Rustic Pathways was incredible throughout the entire trip. I had the most amazing group leaders and a wonderful group. Without Rustic Pathways, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to live with a Fijian family which is an experience that I am extremely grateful for!

Being able to travel so far alone made me feel independent and really helped me get ready for college and life away from my family. I was able to make decisions on my own and meet new people that have become lasting friends. Both years that I went on Rustic Trips my life was completely changed in so many different ways. The service I completed on these trips made me feel like I was making a difference even in the smallest of ways. Also, the kids I met warmed my heart and they are people that I still think about each and every single day. I also got to try amazing new experiences that I never would have been able to back home. Riding in songtails which are trucks with canopies in the back is one that I very vividly remember because of it fun

Rustic Pathways trip Serengeti to Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience. During the trip, we were able to see all the amazing wildlife Tanzania has to offer. We got to see these magnificent creatures up close. One of my favorite moments from the Serengeti was when a Cheetah jumped on a nearby safari cart and we were able to watch it up close. Then we traveled to Zanzibar I never wanted to leave. The island holds many great experiences for tourists to have. We went on a spice tour and we were able to indulge in many of the delicacies of the island. My favorite day spent in Tanzania was our sailing day on Zanzibar. We were able to snorkel in see the coral reefs. The glorious day we sent on the boat we travel to many of the outer islands of Zanzibar. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had. iI would totally recommend it.

My experience in Fiji was more spectacular than I could have ever imagined. Fiji is a beautiful country and everyone you meet is so kind and welcoming. From this trip I made lifelong friends and many memories. The service projects are community focused and works in partnership with the village on their specified projects.
The most amazing part is the immersion you have in Fijian culture, living in the village you become a part of the community. My host family warmly welcomed me and my host sister and were so generous to us, we shared many laughs and good times while I was there. Like they say you really do “experience the real Fiji”, learning about the culture, history, and traditions of the community. My favorite times were playing tag or dancing with the children, and playing cards each night with my host family. Some of the best parts of the day are tea time and sitting on the ground for delicious meals! This trip is amazing for everyone, you become connected to the community and become very close with your group.