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Rustic Pathways Reviews 218

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.9

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

During the week of being in Ulaanbaatar, Rustic Pathways has shown me the many sides of Mongolia, including traditional and modern food and even experience what nomadic Mongolians live like in gers. I... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The rustic pathways staff was soooo nice I miss p chet and p sara soo much and also inikaa. The activities were sooo fun especially the night market. We all cried when we left.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everything about Rustic Pathways is awesome, flawless, exciting, and I would never change my thoughts on it. They are experts when it comes to perfectly organizing your trip and making sure nothing go... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My daughter went on her 3rd trip with Rustic Pathways and once again had a great time! Fiji did not disappoint! She loves the large amount of community service hours that the program offered as it... See more

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Company details

  1. #26 of 79 best companies in Tour Operator
  2. #50 of 199 best companies in Travel Agency

About Rustic Pathways

Written by the company

Our promise to you

Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways is an educational travel company founded in 1983 that operates supervised group programs for students ages 14–18 across 38+ destination countries.

Based in Mentor, Ohio, Rustic Pathways has served 155,829+ students from 53 countries of origin through cultural immersion, service-learning, and adventure programs. The company has been led by CEO Shayne Fitz-Coy since 2020.

World Travel Awards 2025: Named United States' Leading Tour Operator, defeating four-time defending winner National Geographic Expeditions (2021–2024) and nominees including G Adventures, Bindlestiff Tours, Project Por Amor, and Tours-USA.com.

Rustic Pathways was the first teen travel operator in the industry to:

  • Employ a full-time Medical Director
  • Publish quarterly safety reports
  • Track longitudinal student outcomes through a published 10-outcome research framework

Operating Divisions

  • Teen Travel: Open-enrollment programs in cultural immersion, service-learning, adventure, and conservation for individual students ages 14–18. Programs operate across six continents with a documented staff-to-student ratio of 4.37:1.
  • School Group Travel: Custom-designed educational travel programs for middle schools, high schools, and universities. Includes curriculum-integrated itineraries, faculty-led experiences, and service-learning aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Student Learning Outcomes: Program outcomes are measured through 10 Student Learning Outcomes tracked before, immediately after, and six months post-program. 97.6% of students demonstrate measurable growth in at least one outcome, and 8 of 10 outcomes sustain across the cohort at six months.

Research & Academic Partnerships

Rustic Pathways research partners include:

  • Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab
  • Boston College Purpose Lab

A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Adolescents (DOI: 10.3390/adolescents4010007) linked Rustic Pathways’ Climate Leaders Fellowship to adolescent civic purpose development.

Recognition & Awards

  • World Travel Awards 2025
  • WYSE Travel Confederation Best Youth Tour Operator (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Gold 2024
  • Skift IDEA Awards 2024
  • 4.8–4.9 star ratings across Google, GoOverseas, GoAbroad, and Trustpilot

Contact info

4.9

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

218 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Happy with my trip!

Rustic Pathways goal is a big one but each summer they continue to achieve success within the communities and the youth. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

16 year old daughter had a wonderful…

16 year old daughter had a wonderful experience. Staff was helpful during travel delays and in the actual program I have no complaints. She came home a more enlightened person about the world missing her new friends but happy to be back in her air conditioned house.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was an incredible experience for…

This was an incredible experience for my daughter!
She signed up for the Fiji program- not knowing anyone on her trip. She was a little nervous at first but became great friends with ever person in her group- saying that with the help of the wonderful team leaders the group worked together beautifully. This trip opened her eyes to life on a global scale and the reward of community involvement... and as if that were not enough- she jumped out of a plane on the last day and now says she knows she can overcome any fears she will ever have!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

In my trip

In my trip, "Ramp up your Spanish." Not many activities were done and there was to much time at the host family home with nothing happening.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Rustic Pathways Costa Rica

When I was on my way to my airport at the beginning of July I was having so many doubts. When I arrived in Newark by myself I was scared to meet and talk to new people. Yet, it was so easy with my leaders’ being so kind and outgoing, that it made all of us the same way. I would never change this trip for the world. Thanks to Rustic Pathways I have siblings from all over the US, Canada, Lebanon, and Switzerland.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Life changing trip!

My trip to Costa Rica was amazing. I met so many great people and we had very fun activities during the week. Learning about conservation was eye opening and I have already started to change my habits for the better!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My Great Trip to New Orleans

I had an amazing time on my trip to New Orleans. The trip allowed me to experience the unique culture of the city and do my part to support it. Building houses was difficult but rewarding and it was great to see the positive impact it had on the society. Additionally, after my flight back home to New York had to turn around, the trip leaders helped me find a new flight and made my extra night a great one.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had an incredible trip to Morocco

I had an incredible trip to Morocco! I learned so much about Moroccan culture and Islam that I can share with people in the US. All of my program leaders were amazing and I have nothing but positive things to say about traveling with Rustic Pathways.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

AMAZING

So amazing experiencing another culture. Very safe, well organized and fun!!! I will be taking another trip next summer!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Awesome experience!!!

Awesome experience!!!! My daughter has done three Rustic trips both Domestic and International she cannot wait to pick her next adventure. The service and friendships they form are priceless. I highly recommend Rustic Patheays.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Rustic Pathways 2018

I had a great time on my three week trip with Rustic. Everything we did was an amazing experience from the food, culture and local communities to the adrenaline filled activities. I had a great group that got along from day 1 and quickly learned to work together as well as fantastic guides. Overall great experience and I would highly recommend it

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Once in a lifetime experience

I travelled to Thailand and Laos this year with RP and its definitely been an amazing experience I will never forget. Living in villages, sharing local peoples homes and being part of their community is something I could never experience without Rustic. The leaders and activities were all wonderful.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I traveled to Tanzania this year with Rustic Pathways

I traveled to Tanzania this year with Rustic Pathways. This is my second Rustic trip and it was so so amazing. Rustic really allows you to get immersed in the culture and step out of your comfort zone. They introduce you to new customs and ways of life as well start conversations which allow you to reflect on your experiences. Not only do they provide opportunities for growth and learning about oneself during the trip but they also have various positions and groups you can join to continue being an active member of the Rustic Pathways community after the trip. I’m so thankful to have been able to go on this life changing trip to Tanzania with Rustic!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Great program!!!

Great program! My two daughters have been on multiple programs with Rustic Pathways: Costa Rica, Thailand and Fiji. They have all been different experiences with great guidance, exploration and amazing cultural immersion. Would highly recommend any of these programs! Rustic is very organized, responsive and answered all of my questions! The girls come back from their trips every summer eager to plan their next adventure with Rustic!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Experience

Rustic Pathways is the best non-profit organization for students wanted to explore the world. Staff is amazing and so are the activities/services!

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My experience with Rustic was amazing

My experience with Rustic was amazing. The people you meet are truly lifelong best friends. Amazing, open-minded kind people. The leaders (especially the local ones in Fiji) were so kind and sweet.
A trip of a lifetime. I will never forget it.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The people are so great

The people just make this program the best.
The local staff, the international staff, and the other peers around you are all so nice. It’s such a tight knit community and you feel like a family from day one. I honestly cried so much the day I had to leave.

Guaranteed will be some of the best times of your life

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

As a parent sending your child out of…

As a parent sending your child out of the country into the hands of strangers, my advice is to trust Rustic Pathways. They are great at communication and have fabulous leaders in the field. I think making the parents relaxed is important in making the trip great for the student. Thanks for all the hard work.

July 31, 2018
Unprompted review

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