Rustic Pathways Reviews

This was a completely new experience for me as it was my first trip traveling by myself. It started off organized once I got to the airport since I could see everyone in their Rustic t-shirts. Like most people, I was nervous to go because I did not know what to expect. However, my trip started out well before I even got to Thailand because I made long lasting friends at the airport. Once we got to Thailand, we took a 4 hour drive to the Children's home. This was not a dreadful drive, however, because the scenery was amazing. We were able to drive through the city and see the different culture right away. Once we got to the Children's Home, my first impression was how beautiful it was. The place itself was urrounded by rice fields and mountains. The Children's Home has bamboo huts which people sleep in and there's a main area where people get to socialize and do many different things like play soccer.
The best part of all was getting a buddy from the Children's Home. I got to spend time with her such as going to the local market or helping her with English. Today, I still keep in touch with her. Not only did we get a buddy but we also taught classes one day which was an incredible experience. It was really fun to see what the schools were like and getting the chance to help the children with English. They all giggled and smiled during their whole lesson. My favorite part was when we taught them games such as "Down by the Banks" or "Duck Duck Goose" because they loved to be able to go outside and play while still learning.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this program because it is an unforgettable experience. The different culture I got to experience and the people I met through this program made it a life-changing trip. I'll never forget all the special memories that I had at the Children's Home in Thailand.

Making the desicion to travel to Fiji by myself into the unknown was difficult but Rustic Pathways gave me the experience of a lifetime on the school leavers program. Living and staying in a unique Fijian village have me an insight into the amazing culture the country has to offer. The support staff were beautiful and did everything to tend to anyone's needs, even travelling a distance away to collect ice every day for my medication. Their Fijian and village background makes them so knowledgable and they were great fun to be around. The 3 days in Nadi was a great way to end the trip, and the activities the company planned were a great way to see another side of Fiji. Cannot recommend this trip enough

Fiji was spectacular to say the least. I had so much fun and made unforgettable memories. My absolute favorite part was swimming in the ocean. The food was yummy. I wish I could go back. I learned how to speak a bit of Fijian. The location was beautiful. Plus, I had such a fun group! I still contact some of my fellow travelers. Being in Fiji was one of the greatest times of my life. The weather was hot, and I loved it! I strongly urge others to go on this.

Going to Morocco was definitely the highlight of my summer. Morocco was exotic to me and fascinating. The most exciting part was seeing and meeting new people. I also brushed up on my Arabic skills! If I had another opportunity to go back to Morocco I would 100% take it! When I was there I ate delicious food like couscous and chicken just thinking about it makes me hungry. I went on the trip with my best friend and had a great time.

Australia. I loved it there! The ocean was clear, warm, and blue... I made friendships there that will last a life time. If anything I would like to go there again. Certainly, I would enjoy taking another Rustic trip! Australia was gorgeous, so many ripe fruits and amazing animals! I definitely suggest this trip to those who want adventure in the outback.

My trip to Costa Rica was SO FUN. The trip was extremely exciting and interesting. My favorite part was seeing a different part of the Americas (in Costa.) The food was delicious, I loved the chicken. My trip was so adventurous and the views were breathtaking, I loved the waterfalls. Also, the people in Costa Rica were welcoming and happy. To anybody that wants a quality trip... Pick Rustic Pathways Costa Rica.

My trip to Thailand was amazing to say the least. The trip was extremely fun and unforgettable. My favorite part was seeing a different part of the world that I am usually not in and experiencing the unique Thai culture. The food was delicious, I even tried eating a cricket, yum! The views were spectacular, I loved the beaches. Also, the children in Thailand were kind and cooperative. Thailand was one of the best experiences of my life. I highly suggest this trip to others!

My service trip to the Dominican Republic, the island of arroz con pollo, fresh-squeezed chinola juice, smiling citizens, and aqua-tinted ocean, comprised of countless new experiences for me. I flew on an airplane independently to a different country, met locals and new friends, and I spent my July days in the lush mountains and salty ocean that the island had to offer.
As I look back, one of my first experiences foreshadowed my entire trip. When I sat down for my first meal there was an assortment of fresh tropical fruits including a chinola, which is the Dominican Spanish term for a passion fruit. My first impression of the round, exotic fruit that I had never tried before with waxy, yellow skin and bright yellow, gelatinous pulp with flecks of black seeds was skepticism. My natural instinct was to assess the flavor before I even tried the fruit. Instead of simply not trying the unique looking fruit based on the unappetizing appearance, I decided that I would try eating it. The chinola ended up being tangy and delicious, therefore becoming my absolute favorite fruit. Whenever I had an opportunity to sip chinola juice or eat an icy chinola popsicle while on the trip, I would eagerly take it.
The process that it took for me to try my new favorite fruit, chinola, proved to directly relate to and symbolize my Dominican Republic trip. Before I boarded the plane to the Santo Domingo airport, I was apprehensive and skeptical about stepping out of my comfort zone and attending a trip to a foreign country. Although, the result of my decision to participate in the service program ended up being beneficial since the Dominican Republic ended up becoming one of my favorite places. The moral of my trip and story is to step out of your comfort zone, and you will discover your favorite things in the entire world.

I fell in love with Costa Rica! It was nonstop adventure and some of the best fun I have ever had. I tried new food, activities and met new people that I will never forget. Costa Rica has a unique jungle that was breathtaking. Both the local people and the other students on my trip were amazing and extremely friendly. By the end I considered my program a family and we were heartbroken to leave each other. I spent two weeks surfing, hiking, swimming in waterfalls, laughing, and falling in love with an entire culture. Rustic Pathways' Heart of the Jungle program is a perfect balance of meaningful service and awesome adventure! I highly recommend this program.

Rustic Pathways is a fantastic company. I learned so much on my trip to New Orleans and it has become one of my favorite cities. Discovering NOLA was definitely my favorite aspect of the trip. It is a vibrant and eclectic city, full of Life and inspiring people. Helping the city recover was extremely rewarding and this trip helped me discover the value of service. However, if I had a choice I would've gone on another Rustic trip outside the US. It definitely was a very rugged or 'rustic' trip, we live in a very comfortable house and had access to any amenities. Some people there seemed to be volunteering only for university applications, something you maybe wouldn't find on more adventurous trips. Also, being able to use your phones took away from Rustic's 'unplug' philosophy. All in all, I had a great time and would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of going.