Fits between high school and college, a summer break, or the gap before work. See upcoming departures.
For Educational Consultants
Short-term, lower cost, and nothing like a placement
A one- to two-week international trip for neurodiverse young adults who can function on their own but are stuck. More akin to The Amazing Race than any traditional RTC or wilderness program.
WanderRock was created to meet the need for shorter-term, lower-cost programming for neurodiverse young adults who could benefit from a transformative travel experience between high school and college, over college summer breaks, or between college and work.
Our program offers intentional opportunities for adventure, self-reflection, cultural exploration, and community service, with the opportunity for trip participants to train as guides on future trips. Our trips empower neurodiverse young adults to build confidence, make new connections, and gain more life experience through adventure and education. Young adults address executive functioning, sensory integration, and deep self-care in a thoughtfully crafted and partially self-guided journey of discovery.
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 →
What travelers report afterward
In their own words.
“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.”
Michael Forbes
DuPont, WA
“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
“This trip to Japan was a masterpiece of an itinerary which provided something that blew me away every single day. Thanks to all of you for caring about me as a person, putting your best foot forward to ensure my happiness, and giving me experiences unlike anything else that I had ever seen or done.”
Will Slocum
Pasadena, California
“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.”
“This was the freedom and safety I needed to truly experience and jump right in. The connections and opportunities I was able to be a part of on my trip in Japan were nothing less than stunning.”
Remington Shindel
Monument, Colorado
“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 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. This trip changed my life for the better.”
Len Lawler
Millersville, Maryland
“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.”
“It definitely brought out my confidence in myself. I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I also learned that I can travel on my own. I just need to trust myself.”
Nora Lewis
Concord, California
“Going to Japan with WanderRock was perhaps the best decision I ever made. I got to climb a mountain and feed monkeys, played at shooting galleries and arcades, and ate the most delightful food.”
“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.”
Katrina Cutrara
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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, diagnosed with Asperger’s & ADHD at age 12, is the Executive Director of Offmap, a training & coaching organization for families on the Autism Spectrum, and the Co-Founder of WanderRock. He has been to 19 countries, bringing his passion for exploration to every trip.
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