Fits between high school and college, a summer break, or the gap before work. See upcoming departures.
For Educational Consultants
A real trip, not another placement
One- to two-week international trips for neurodiverse young adults. The days are full, the group is small, and WanderRock guides provide the plan and support. Think The Amazing Race, not an RTC or wilderness program.
Some young adults do not need another long-term program. They need somewhere real to go and something worth doing when they get there. WanderRock trips fit between high school and college, during a summer break, or before work.
Travelers follow a full itinerary through unfamiliar places. They navigate cities, make everyday decisions, spend time with the group, and get room to experience the destination for themselves. Guides provide the structure, make the arrangements, and help when needed. Some former travelers later train to work as WanderRock guides.
If that sounds like one of your clients, call or text us at (628) 529-1318 or email contact@wanderrock.com.
The program at a glance
On our young adult departures. Family trips are open to all ages. No diagnosis required.
Numbers vary by trip. Every departure is led by WanderRock guides trained in first aid and CPR, with 24/7 U.S. office contact.
Past trips include Japan, Italy, Morocco, Thailand and Zimbabwe. Ask about anywhere else, or take a private trip on your dates.
Cost$6,000–$10,000
Per person for most departures, before international flights, which can be added as a package. Shorter trips start around $2,500. Every trip page lists its own price, dates and payment plan.
What we are not
- ✗Not a residential treatment center or a wilderness program
- ✗Not a clinical intervention, and not therapy
- ✗No one-to-one supervision or medication management
- ✓A real trip, with real independence practiced in the world
- ✓Executive functioning, sensory integration, and self-care addressed on the road
- ✓A path onward: participants can train as guides on future trips
In The Press
What others are saying about WanderRock trips
“Guides are skilled in leading tours and promoting self-confidence while traveling… WanderRock creates unique spaces and life-enriching experiences for those that want to safely step into the unknown.”Read Full Article →
“Choosing simple and predictable accommodations means travelers have a safe place to recharge… The support is the curation.”Read Full Article →
Traveler stories
What Our Travelers Say
The trip I took to Japan with WanderRock was one of the best experiences of my life, I was able to make so many new friends that have similar struggles to me which was so exciting. The guides were great enabling us to experience a new culture which might otherwise be overwhelming, and in a way that made us feel comfortable.
“Unbelievable. I use that word a lot because that describes most of the trip to Europe. It was just unbelievable.
My family goes on vacation about once or twice a year, and I've been suggesting Europe for as long as I can remember, and we've never gone. I never really was confident that I'd be self-sufficient enough to make it over on my own. And now having gone, it was just as amazing as I'd always imagined.”
Wyatt Dunkerly
Novato, California
“All the guides were super helpful and friendly and always willing to answer any questions we had on the trip. It was my first time traveling abroad without my parents. My favorite part was Kinosaki I loved the onsens and it was so relaxing and therapeutic.
I also loved all the different foods, I got to try and experience for the first time. It definitely brought out my confidence in myself I know I can do anything I set my mind to. My biggest lesson I learned is that I need to listen to my body whether it be mentally or physically. I also learned that I can travel on my own. I just need to trust myself.”
Nora Lewis
Concord, California
Doing some of the best things in my life with wonderful people in a stress free environment and getting away from the frustrations of everyday life was amazing.
Having had the best two consecutive weeks literally ever transformed my life and it has made me do a lot of reflecting. This reflection has really made me appreciate how competent and caring all of you guides were.
“I've always had low self-confidence, and never really held any belief in my capabilities. All of that changed after this trip. This trip gave me a peace of mind about myself I'd never known. I learned what I was capable of when put in an environment that fosters growth and learning, and found a place I felt like I belonged.
I found a new sense of confidence in myself that I don't know if I would've found without going on a trip with WanderRock. If you're on the fence about taking this trip, I highly recommend going out of your comfort zone for it. This trip changed my life for the better, and I'm sure it can change yours too if you let it.”
Len Lawler
Millersville, Maryland
“With my trip with WanderRock to Japan I experienced a sense of inner peace and silence even with autism that I had never had before in my life. I learned to see what's in front of me rather than trying to prepare for the next cataclysmic event that was going to be stressful to me. In my opinion, I was given the right amount of freedom to make my own decisions and the right amount of rules and control to not feel overwhelmed.
Help or support was never far away from me on any of the other individuals traveling with me. I'm the kind of person that struggles making any plans without planning it to death. This was the freedom and safety I needed to truly experience and jump right in. The connections and opportunities I was able to be apart of on my trip in Japan was nothing less then stunning.”
Remington Shindel
Monument, Colorado
Going to Japan with WanderRock was perhaps the best decision I ever made. I have saved lives, human and animal. I have inspired and uplifted dozens of children through my work in childcare over the last few summers. I've loved, and laughed, and lived through experiences that many would wish for, and that has been fortunate for me. And of everything I've done, going to Japan with WanderRock is still perhaps the best decision I've ever made.
I got to climb a mountain and feed monkeys, I played at shooting galleries and arcades, put coins in a frankly inadvisable amount of gachapon machines, and ate the most delightful food. Kinosaki is a slower leg, but exploring all the shops in a smaller, more rural town, wearing a rental yukata in the streets, and coming back to enjoy a bath in a private natural hot spring was a level of peace I haven't felt in my entire life, until that trip or since I came home.
While there were plenty of opportunities to engage in modern nerdy culture, and I did partake in my share of that, I much preferred the traditional culture. In Tokyo alone I purchased authentic wood block prints, second hand kimono, and explored quite a few shrines and temples. I keep a good luck charm on me at all times now, at least when I'm out of the house. If you're on the fence about going on this trip, do it. Without hesitation I can vouch that you will love it more than you can possibly imagine. My life is drastically better from having gone on this trip, and I'm sure yours will be too.
Want to ask a traveler directly?
Past travelers regularly answer questions in the WanderRock Discord.
Who your clients travel with
Our experienced team brings together decades of expertise in travel, education, and supporting neurodiverse young adults. With backgrounds in education, international tour guiding, and personal experience navigating the world as neurodiverse individuals, we build and run these trips ourselves.
Danny Raede
Co-Founder / Head of Trip Development
Danny Raede was diagnosed at age 12 with what was then called Asperger's syndrome, as well as ADHD. He is the Executive Director of Offmap, a training and coaching organization for families on the autism spectrum, and co-founded WanderRock. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Danny now lives in London. He has traveled to 19+ countries across five continents and enjoys making Neapolitan pizza in his spare time.
Ted Kempf, MAT
Co-Founder / Head of Curriculum Development
Ted has been designing programs for neurodiverse young adults since 2008. With a master’s in education and extensive travel experience, he brings both academic and practical expertise to our programs.
Eileen Orquiza
Lead WanderRock Guide
Eileen brings extensive experience living in Japan and working as a tour guide. Fluent in Japanese, she has traveled to more than 10 countries and specializes in cultural immersion experiences.
Shane Guerin
Lead WanderRock Guide
As a neurodiverse individual, Shane brings a wealth of international experience, having traveled to dozens of countries across four continents. Speaking conversational Japanese and basic German, he specializes in creating authentic cultural experiences and meaningful connections.
What a day actually looks like
Tell us about a client
Describe the young adult you have in mind and we’ll tell you honestly whether a WanderRock trip is the right fit—or whether it isn’t yet.
We can also provide itineraries, insurance requirements, and documentation ahead of any conversation with a family.
Schedule a CallMailing Address
2443 Fillmore St. #380-2362
San Francisco, CA 94115