Rustic Pathways Sarapiqui

If you are deciding between Rustic or any other teenage travel program, choose Rustic. Although I've never traveled with any other programs, I've heard stories about other programs that were not so impressive. Rustic has to be the most organized and well thought out travel program out there. From people greeting you at your home airport, to flight leaders, to someone greeting you when you land at your destination, Rustic Pathways values safety above all. Although it is total chaos trying to move over 100 other rustic kids through airports, customs, and baggage claim, Rustic really makes every effort to make sure no one gets left behind and everything is in order. Which is pretty impressive. So after you choose Rustic, you start looking at prices and program lengths. As a first time traveler, I knew I wanted a community service and adventure component, without spending a month in a foreign country. For what you are getting with rustic, paying $3,000ish dollars sounds like a lot, but for what you are getting, its an amazing deal. If you want to save money, book your trip early and pay in full (I think it's like a 15% discount). For me, I ended up choosing Sarapiqui, which ended up being one of the best choices of my life. I traveled alone (which I recommend if you really want to have a new exciting experience) and I met some of the best friends I will ever meet. Our program leaders all were amazing and we made such strong bonds with them as well. What is really cool about Rustic is that they have connections with local people and tribes all over the world, so one of our team leaders was actually a local that got us the coolest "ins" such as taking us to a hidden waterfall, arranging soccer matches with the locals, and showing us to the best shoppes in town. You won't follow the iternary necessarily because Costa Rica weather will be unpredictable, but don't worry! Your team leaders do their best to make sure you are having a blast, and if you want to do something, just let them know and they will do everything to make sure its arranged. As for lodging for this trip, you stay in "eco-tents" If you want to learn more, you can just go on their website and look at the tents and their bathrooms. For being immersed in the rainforest, it is the perfect balance of luxury and rustic (which is what your trip should be based around). This will seriously be the best week of your life if you willingly let go and enjoy being in such an amazing country. I found that everyone on our trip was being super real with each other, which only made our bonds stronger. Don't be afraid of getting wet, making new friends, or speaking spanish, because I promise that if you step out of your comfort zone you will have some great benefits! If you have any questions about Rustic or specifically about Sarapiqui, please email me at kkunkle4@gmail.com because I would love to tell future Rustics about my trip or help them find a trip to suit them!