There are three ways that we work to achieve our vision of creating a world where travel is a model of sustainable development that has a positive impact in the places where we operate programs: responsible travel, community service, and the Rustic Pathways Foundation.

We are committed to decreasing our environmental footprint, stimulating local economies, supporting community initiatives, and teaching our students responsible travel practices. We travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.   

We believe through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students can gain an understanding of pressing social and environmental challenges at a global level and help combat these challenges at a local level by:

• Identifying and designing long-term projects with local partners  
• Providing students opportunities to engage in meaningful service  
• Working together to achieve community and student goals  
• Monitoring and evaluating the process and impact of ongoing initiatives  
• Ensuring projects are sustainable and have a lasting impact

Read the 2017 Rustic Pathways Impact Report to learn more about how students and their families supported our partner communities around the world.