Rustic Pathways Reviews

I went to Peru this summer as my first trip with Rustic Pathways and everything was amazing. We did a service project that was so great and meaningful. We worked on building a new water pipeline to bring potable water to different communities in the area. Tthere was also a lot of exploring and learning about Peru and the culture. We spent time in multiple different towns and communities and we went to Machu Picchu. All the kids on the trip were amazing and we all got along so well. The trip leaders were also extremely nice and helpful. They really knew what they were doing and made the trip so much better. I would recommend this trip to any teenager whether you've never done a trip like this or you're more experienced.

My trip to the DR with Rustic last summer was so incredible. By far the best week of my life. I met so many amazing people, did some great community service and had the best time ever! Thank you so much to Rustic and I highly recommend going to the DR with rustic! I loved it so much I am going back next summer on a different program :)

With Rustic Pathwyas, I chose the Elephants and Amazing Thailand Program. Working with the elephants each day was the most amazing experience I ever had; they're peaceful and loving, let alone gentle and amazing. I bonded with my elephant, Tantawan. Waking up early every morning with her was a blessing and I'm humbled to have had this experience.

Amazing trip - often reminisced and perfect for first time overseas travellers.
The school leavers trip was perfect for a celebration after exams and a stressful year of study where you have the support of a local and a group leader and get to both relax and give back to the community.
Despite the hot weather in Fiji at the time the projects in Fiji by Rustic Pathways are fantastic because they take you to place you would not be able to see as a tourist and meet local people and eat with them. And I'm not going to lie. The food was to die for, which in my case was possible as I'm allergic to nuts. Which is also going to say was easily avoided with help in Fiji!
Helping on the farm and in the school was great fun although exhausting and very hot t really did seem that most of our time was spent drinking water and sitting in the shade.
If I had one tip for someone taking a trip with Rustic Pathways its that taking the long way is always worth it - if you can walk instead of drive, do, you'll see some pretty awesome stuff BUT make sure you drink a ton of water because most people for sick from dehydration!!
Also, packs are always more convenient than suitcases!

The program was a very good experience for first time travelers in high school. It has amazing service opportunities and allows you to work with a big group of students. I remember building a sidewalk in the pouring rain and not even being bothered by it because of the impact we were having on the community. I would suggest this program to anyone who is looking to travel alone for the first time and is very interested in service learning.

We sent two of our daughters on the trip to India with Rustic Pathways. We have used this company before and plan to use them again next year as well! As a parent I have been completely satisfied and my children have come home with wonderful stories and memories. I have total confidence in this organization!

My daughter went to the Dominican Republic with Rustic Pathways and we could not have been more happy. She loved it and I felt like she was in good hands. Would totally recommend this company to anyone interested in sending their child on a trip abroad.

The kids at the children's home were all amazing. They were eager to meet you, talk to you, and get to know you. Every night we would have dinner with them, and it was great time to get an idea of their lifestyles. The counselors as well were all amazing. Some were fresh out of college, but this just meant they were that much more excited to be there. I saw the counselors more as fellow camp members, but when it came to travel somewhere or do something, they were authoritative and proper. Overall the entire experience was memorable and humbling: Memorable because of all the new people I met, and humbling because of the kids I met at the home.

Overall this program was amazing. The staff was very aware of safety while at the same time letting us explore. In all honesty, the DR ended up not being my favorite place. But my experience with Rustic Pathways was near flawless. I didn't sign up for the trip with friends, I choose to go alone and I was so glad that I did. The program was set up in a way that everyone got to know each other quickly and deeply. I met some great people on my trip.

I found the service on this trip to have been very meaningful. Rustic really emphasized the importance of making a lasting difference, instead of participating in voluntourism.

I'm signed up for another one of their Australia programs in summer 2016, because I love how Rustic runs them.

I was so nervous with the days leading up to the trip but I cannot stress enough how much of an eye opener this trip was for me. I traveled with my sister which was huge plus but we both our own separate friends so when I got home sick I had her, but my new family was so welcoming. The staff was so friendly and welcoming and encouraged each of us to go beyond our comfort zone. We rode bikes through the temples of Old Bagan, and swam in waterfalls in Pinn Oo Lynn. Best experience of my life and I cannot wait for my next trip. I signed up 2 weeks after I got home. The friends I made are ones I will never forget and the memories are ones I will always cherish.