Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has been empowering teens to create positive energy, great friendships, and meaningful impact through inspired student travel programs. Our range of travel adventures are designed for animal lovers, environmental activists, and explorers of all kinds between the ages of 12 and 22. Rustic Pathways students are a community of globally-minded, self-aware young people able to identify their passions, grow in confidence, and create positive impact at a local and global level.

1. Can you elaborate a little more on who you are and how Rustic Pathways started?

Rustic Pathways is the leader in providing superior-quality international programs for students. Founded in Australia in 1983, Rustic Pathways is imbued with the ambition and vision of the explorer in the outback. This legendary history built around adventure, energy and service continues to place Rustic Pathways at the cutting edge of helping students discover the global citizen within themselves. We offer spring break and summer experiences, and custom group trips in 20 different countries. Across the globe, we employ local staff and foster lasting relationships with the communities in which we work, enabling our students to have immersive and authentic travel and service experiences.

2. What excites you the most about sending students abroad on your travel programmes? 

What ignites our passion is witnessing the transformative power of travel. Sending students abroad with Rustic Pathways means witnessing their journey of self-discovery, as they immerse themselves in new cultures, partake in meaningful service projects, and forge enduring friendships. It’s a joy to see them gain a deeper understanding of themselves, the world, and emerge as empowered global citizens.

3. You have been in business for a few years now; how have you had to adapt to changing trends to stay relevant in the youth travel industry?

Navigating the dynamic landscape of youth travel, Rustic Pathways has continuously evolved while staying true to our core offering: authentic connections and immersive experiences. As travel trends shift, we adapt by fostering deep connections with communities worldwide, pushing boundaries, and breaking norms in student travel. Our programs prioritize meaningful engagement with local cultures and people, enabling students to forge genuine relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the world. By staying attuned to global issues, embracing sustainability, and leveraging technology for safety and communication, we ensure our programs remain relevant and impactful.

4. When organising student trips, it is vital to ensure safety and prioritise their wellbeing throughout the trip. Can you share with us the specific measures you’ve put in place to ensure student safety?

At Rustic Pathways, the safety and well-being of our students are paramount. For 40 years, we’ve refined our safety and security protocols to become a leader among providers of teen travel programs. We have a robust framework of safety measures, including rigorous staff vetting and training, thorough audits of vendors and partners, personalized medical and emergency support, and adherence to international health and security guidelines. Our proactive risk management approach and swift emergency response procedures ensure that students can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.