2019 Student Travel Planning Guide

12 2019 EDITION

INTERNATIONAL STEM DESTINATIONS Science Adventure hotspots from England to Indonesia

5

UNIQUE STUDENT COMPETITIONS One-of-a-kind global events

A Premier Travel Media publication / StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com

TOP STUDENTFRIENDLY CITIES RELIGIOUS STUDENT TRAVEL Organize a life-changing religious retreat for private school students

YOU WANT TO SHOW THEM AMERICA.

START AT THE BEGINNING.

Williamsburg, VA was ranked in the Top 10 Student Travel Destinations by SYTA

The past comes alive at the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg. Travel back in time with your students to the 18th century, and experience the dawn of America. Learn how things were made, discover what the culture was all about and feel the passion of the people who turned a colony into a country.

SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE.

TAKE TIME TO GO BACK

© 2018 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

To begin planning your journey to the past, call 1-800-228-8878, groupsales@cwf.org, or colonialwilliamsburg.com/grouptours

TIS-4/17 12821738

contents 6

FEATURES

SPECIAL SECTION

5 Unique Student Competitions Across the Country

Big 12

From the Solar Car Challenge to Kids Philosophy Slam, these competitions go beyond the usual debate team or Model UN.

10

2019’s Top International Student STEM Destinations

Allow your students to venture beyond U.S. borders and experience science and technology in locations as diverse as London and Bali.

14

Premier Religious Retreat Destinations for Private School Students

Private religious school administrators should consider these sites for exposing students to new faiths or reflecting on their own.

18

We spotlight 12 domestic and international cities ideal for student travel

Why Principals and Schools Should Develop a Student Travel Program

Student travel expert Lisa Curtin breaks down the benefits of exposing young people to new destinations and experiences.

22 26 28 30 35 38 40 42 44 48

50 52

New York City San Francisco Boston Chicago Washington, D.C. Atlanta Los Angeles Orlando Philadelphia Colonial Williamsburg/ Richmond Rome San Jose, Costa Rica

20 Building Leadership Skills through Travel

These fun and innovative approaches will allow your students to develop leadership skills without intruding on the fun of their trip.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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A

S A TEACHER or administrator, the last thing

on your mind after a summer of relaxation and lesson-planning is the added stress of organizing an out-of-town adventure for your students this school year. As our contributor Lisa Curtin notes numerous times in this issue, a student trip can help develop unexpected friendships, expose students to new cultures and foster leadership skills outside of the classroom setting. If you’re attempting this while maintaining your usual academic workload—don’t worry. Student Travel Planning Guide’s mission is to provide insider tips, itinerary ideas and city profiles that make planning your next student group outing a breeze. Student travel experts, group travel gurus and students themselves have all contributed to this 2019 edition, which comprehensively profiles student-friendly destinations both domestic and abroad and provides invaluable tips to specialized student groups.

This edition’s five features both elaborate on the virtues of student travel and explore locations and events off the beaten path. Student travel expert Lisa Curtin enumerates the virtues of student travel among teenagers, which include assistance with teen depression and the development of leaderships qualities among young adults. We also profile unique student competitions for groups looking beyond the typical Model UN or band camp weekend. These competitions challenge students to use their STEM skills and ability to philosophize, granting them memories that will last a lifetime. If your students attend a private or religious school, we also highlight several international locations ideal for faith-based excursions. From adventures in Israel to reflection in a Himalayan Buddhist temple, these sites can bring a spiritual dimension to your school year.

The meat of our 2019 edition showcases 12 exceptional sites for student travel both domestic and abroad, including historic hotspots such as Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg in addition to hubs for the performing arts such as New York City and Los Angeles. Each profile is conveniently divided into the sections that explore five key areas a student travel planner must consider. The Accommodations section profiles hotels that are both budget-friendly and geographically convenient for students to explore the heart of the city. The Attractions section covers each city’s famous museums and historic areas, while Dining suggests restaurants that highlight each city’s signature cuisine. Bands, chorus groups and theater students will want to read the Performance Venues section, which profiles every city’s historic stages and opportunities to catch a world-class production in person. Finally, the Up-and-Coming section shines a spotlight on the city’s new exhibits and less-celebrated oddities.

This impressive edition would not be possible without the work of our excellent contributing writers and editorial interns, students themselves who have provided invaluable insight during the writing and production of this magazine. Most importantly, we would like to thank you, the reader, for planning educational trips that will have a lifelong impact on our young people. Knowing that committed educators like you are consistently bettering the lives of your students has driven us to make this the most comprehensive Student Travel Planning Guide yet.

Happy Travels, Miles Dobis

2019 EDITION Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com Contributing Writers – Lisa Curtin, Kaitlyn Johnson, Ben Lashar, Sarah Lewis, Katrina McGowan, Rebecca Sippel Director, Design & Production – Martha Gazella-Taylor mgazella@austin.rr.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information is published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Student Travel Planning Guide (ISSN 2154-4905) is published annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527.

Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. This publication is distributed free to youth group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95.

Send Address Change To: Premier Travel Media, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

12 2019 EDITION

INTERNATIONAL STEM DESTINATIONS Science Adventure hotspots from England to Indonesia

5

UNIQUE STUDENT COMPETITIONS One-of-a-kind global events

TOP STUDENTFRIENDLY CITIES RELIGIOUS STUDENT TRAVEL Organize a life-changing religious retreat for private school students

A Premier Travel Media publication / StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com

STPG 2019 -printers pages.indd 1

cover image: iStock

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

9/8/18 12:18:53 AM

LANGUAGE IMMERSION TOURS

STEM TOURS

NORTH AMERICAN TOURS

Hundreds of destinations.

Endless possibilities.

SERVICE TOURS

INTERNATIONAL TOURS

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMITS

Whether we’re sending students to explore the role of government in D.C. or to get handson during a STEM workshop in Germany, our educational tours are designed to challenge assumptions, spark connections, and inspire curiosity—all at the lowest price, guaranteed.

Discover more at eftours.com or call 800-637-8222

OUR TOP

5

UNIQUE

Student Competitions

ACROSS THE COUNTRY Aside from the plethora of speech and debate, model United Nations and math contests, there is a host of unique student competitions across the nation that often go undiscovered.

A

S THE COACH of a school’s academic team, perhaps your

students are growing weary of the usual competitions, and are looking for more of a challenge that is still fun and educational. Fortunately, there are several lesser known, unique student competitions that will be sure to entertain your students and tickle their brains in new ways.

From Lego tournaments to philosophy slams to linguistics olympiads, there is a plethora of remarkable, noteworthy competitions that will allow students to flex their brains’ muscles in new ways. With that, here are our top five unique student competitions across the country.

6

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

1

FIRST Lego League

The FIRST Lego League competition creatively tests students’ abilities to solve reallife problems and communicate solutions effectively to an audience. Established in 1989 to inspire young people’s investment in science, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) hosts several Lego-centric competitions throughout the United States every year.

With real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles, the contest releases a challenge every year containing three parts: the Robot

Game, the Project and the Core Values.

Along with two adult coaches, teams of up to 10 students design and construct a selfautomated robot to obtain points. Students build a robot for a themed playing field (Robot Game) and find a solution to the pinpointed problem (Project), tasks that are piloted by the FIRST Core Values. After, teams may participate in an official tournament held by FIRST Lego League Partners. Challenges are planned to put forward career ideas towards aspiring students, as some past challenges have revolved around climate change, quality of life for the disabled and transportation.

2

Kids Philosophy Slam

What do Socrates, Plato and Aristotle all have in common? They are highly regarded as some of the greatest philosophers known to mankind. Designed to challenge students’ philosophical capabilities, the Kids Philosophy Slam is a yearly program intended to encourage critical thinking in conversation with young adults. Each year, a different theme is chosen that encompasses a theoretical question, promoting philosophical dialogue among students. For 2018, the question for students to consider is, “Truth or Deceit: Which has a greater impact on

society?” Students are asked to convey their answers in varying forms such as in words, artwork, poetry or song, depending on age.

As students compete to be crowned “The Most Philosophical Student in America,” they aid in the movement to make fields like philosophy attainable for students of all backgrounds. Each grade has its own national winner, and from here the top four high school finishers will debate the question at the national finals in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

While students compete to be the most philosophical student, schools also have the opportunity to compete for the title of “The Most Philosophical School in America.”

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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3

NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore space? The NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge provides students with the opportunity to create and try out innovative transportation technologies for extraterrestrial use. The annual event continues the historical conventions of the previous NASA Great Moonbuggy Race, which ran for 20 years.

The competition is open for teams of high school students, grades nine through 12, who then compete with other teams at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. In preceding contests, the goal was to race against challenging terrains, but has now evolved into a more difficult task of making real-time decisions about which mission objectives to take on and which to forego.

Teams gain points by building a suitable rover in the given time and then successfully completing obstacle courses simulating the harsh geography of space. The prizes for the first-, second- and third-place teams are $3,000, $1,000 and $500, respectively.

4

North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO)

High school students will appreciate the chance to show off their budding skills in linguistics and languages at the North

American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO). Established in 2006, this competition puts to the test students’ talents in solving linguistic puzzles. In the process, competitors learn more about the mÊlange of languages as well as patterns of speech. Professionals in the field utilize many

Pigeon Forge brings the right balance of competition and fun.

Pigeon Forge offers the best of all worlds for our traveling student groups. From a variety of hospitable venues, to hundreds of attractions that can be enjoyed once the competition ends. Pigeon Forge features Dollywood, go-carts, roller coasters, water parks, interactive museums, the Great Smoky Mountains, and so much more.

Contact us today to learn more about Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Joy McNealy - jmcnealy@mypigeonforge.com

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languages to demonstrate gaping questions in their areas of expertise. With no prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages required, the competition has introduced students to the realm of linguistics. While exercising skills in logic and problem solving, students have the chance to showcase their talents in the hopes that they make it on to the International Linguistics Olympiad (ILO).

They can also travel to several coordination sites to participate in the contest, including vast high schools and picturesque university campuses, allowing students to simulate college life.

5

Solar Car Challenge

With the proliferation of solarpowered technology to save nonrenewable energy, the Solar Car Challenge (SCC) presents students with the possibility of racing street-worthy solar automobiles on the open tracks of the Texas Motor Speedway. Originally established in 1993, the SCC Education Program previously served as a high school extracurricular program, and later developed into the Solar Car Challenge Foundation. In 2018, the NBCUniversal Foundation, NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 acknowledged the SCC as one of the winners of the 2018 Project Innovation Grant Challenge. Recipients of the prestigious grant are elected for Igniting Civic Engagement, Skills for the Digital Economy and STEM/STEAM Youth Programming. Participants in the SCC all share a deep commitment to developing and improving their communities and inspiring the next generation of innovators to come.

CONTACT INFORMATION

r w ld c ng y rs

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (603) 666-3906 or (800) 871-8326 Firstlegoleague.org KIDS PHILOSOPHY SLAM info@philosophyslam.org PhilosophySlam.org NASA HUMAN EXPLORATION ROVER CHALLENGE (256) 544-0034 Nasa.gov/RoverChallenge/home/ index.html NORTH AMERICAN COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD naclo18org@umich.edu Nacloweb.org SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE LehmanM743@aol.com SolarCarChallenge.org/challenge

July 27, 2018 - April 30, 2019

audubО Z , Aqu ium e icа, t gy gi t sc T‍ה‏at , bu f g n & Insect ium AudubonNatureInstitute.org 800-774-7394 | air@auduboninstitute.org New Orleans, LA

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Book your trip to AMT and see why we get a standing ovation from a quarter million guests each year.

The 2019 AMT Show: Ovation l May 1- October 4, 2019 The 2019 Christmas Show: Joy To The World l November 1-December 30, 2019 800-648-4102 | Sales@AMTshows.com 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA | AMTshows.com/Groups STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

9

2019’s

TOP

INTERNATIONAL Student STEM

DESTINATIONS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are hot topics now.

These exciting destinations combine international culture with immersive science experiences.

T

HE TRAVEL experience is part of scholastic culture. Whether

it’s a middle school weekend in Washington, D.C. or a college semester spent studying in Barcelona, these excursions are as unforgettable as they are educational.

There’s a new trend developing, though. Many previous student travel itineraries centered around art, history or culture. Today, though, STEM-fueled trips are emerging. These give students the opportunity to learn about a new culture while they simultaneously expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math. Let’s focus in on the science aspects of STEM travel. What destinations are going to be hot in 2019?

The following destinations are not glorified laboratories – they’re real places where students can get some hands-on experience while immersing themselves in another way of existing. In other words, they are a supreme STEM-related student travel experience.

10

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Australia

Why Australia? In many ways, Australia is an ideal middle ground for student travel.

There are adventures to be had, but the culture and food are similar enough to be non-threatening to less well-traveled pupils.

And there’s no language barrier. However, this isn’t to say that a trip to Australia is one homogenous experience; the country boasts a mix of natural environments, adrenalinefilled activities and cultural heritage.

Top Science Destinations: First, foremost, and by far the most popular is the Great Barrier Reef. This 1,400-mile-long reef system is home to over 600 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, hundreds of bird species and dozens of kinds of dolphins and whales.

However, it’s a protected area, so group visits

are subject to certain requirements.

Sydney’s Australian Museum is another must-see. With exhibitions that range from natural history to indigenous culture — and Australia’s biggest science festival — it’s a great way to experience quite a lot in just one place.

Sample Tour: Appleseed Expeditions Australia: Adventure to Down Under

Bali

Why Bali? Bali’s tropical waters, sandy beaches and near-perfect climate make it popular with honeymooners, but this Indonesian island can teach kids a lot of science — especially when it comes to sustainability. The water around Bali supports the world’s most diverse marine ecosystem. Once the science is done, it’s

good to remember that Bali has some of the best surfing and water sports in the world.

Top Science Destinations: The big science draw here is the Indonesian Biodiversity

Research Center. A collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution, UCLA and other universities, it does more than further research or teach kids the basics of marine ecology. In the tour package mentioned below, students are given the chance to participate, working with researchers to help rebuild a coral reef or study the reef inhabitants.

Similarly, the Biosphere Foundation focuses on creating a healthy and sustainable environment that works with human activities rather than independently of them. It’s a hands-on place, where kids get to spend several weeks learning with their Indonesian classmates.

Sample Tours: Go Overseas: Biosphere Foundation; National Geographic Expeditions: Bali Expedition STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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The Azores Islands

Why the Azores? Iceland might be getting all the love when it comes to being unique, but the Azores are going to give it a run for its money. Set well off the coast of Portugal — as in 850 miles, or in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean — these volcanic islands offer a mild climate and a varied geography. Like Iceland, there are thermal springs and breathtaking scenery.

But the Azores are really quite different.

Top Science Destinations: The Azores are very remote, and they are considered somewhat off the beaten path of student tourism, but their very remoteness is what makes them a great destination. You can still score memorable activities such as going whale watching or visiting the underground Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre.

The slightly gory but fan-favorite Museu da Industria Baleeira gives students a look into the history of whaling, which can lead to lively discussions about how humans’ perception of their environmental rights and duties has changed.

Sample Tour: ACIS: Discovering STEM in the Azores

London

Why London?: Okay, the UK might not rank high on the list of exotic places for students to visit, but there’s a long history of scientific endeavor here — depending on who you ask, it dates back to Stonehenge.

Even more importantly, London continues to innovate. Plus, as a destination, London has a tremendous number of tours, museums and other activities to choose from. Note: Like New York, London destinations are often referred to by neighborhood names, such as Greenwich or Hammersmith., but these are still part of the Greater London Area.

Top Science Destinations: South Kensington’s Science Museum is one of the country’s largest and most popular museums; among its 300,000 items are the first jet engine and a reproduction of the Crick and Watson DNA model. It also offers interactive exhibits, a 3D theatre and an area dedicated to digital technology. If you want

to go a bit further afield, head over to its sister museum in Manchester: the Museum of Science and Industry.

You cannot take future scientists to London without touring the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. After visiting the Planetarium, students can straddle two hemispheres by standing over the Prime Meridian. The history of timekeeping is also explored here, and many other STEM activities are within easy reach.

Sample Tour: EF Tours: STEM Discovery: London Other international locations to consider are Stockholm, for being Europe’s Silicon Valley; Botswana, Zimbabwe, and their neighbors for their wildlife conservation efforts; Iceland and the Galapagos Islands for their individuality and approach to sustainable tourism. STEM tourism is definitely a trend, and it will continue to be one of the most popular (and fulfilling) student travel experiences for the foreseeable future.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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PREMIER

Religious Retreat

DESTINATIONS

FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL

STUDENTS

Did you know that there are over 4,000 religions in the world? Just as there are thousands of fascinating religions to learn about, there are just as many dazzling religious travel locations to consider for your school’s next religious retreat.

O

RGANIZING a religious retreat can be a stressful time, as religious planners must select a venue that accommodates all students’ needs. Fortunately, there are several sites that offer convenient accommodations and guest guidelines to ensure visitors’ comfort and safety. Such locations have places for meditation and prayer and prompt students to leave their troubles behind, rest and be present in the moment. With that, here are our top five travel locations for religious retreats.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Bring Birthright Trips to Israel

Jewish college students all around the world are excitedly gearing up for their long-awaited young adult retreat in Israel: Birthright. Maybe their older siblings have attended the retreat and told tales of lifealtering experiences, and now these young adults are ready to make their own lasting memories. So what should you expect on your Birthright trip to Israel? Israel is geographically small, so trips allow you to truly engage in all of its beauty on nature walks and hiking excursions. Visit the big cities like Tel Aviv and the resort city of Eilat to soak up the rich culture and experience firsthand the famous sites. Of course, you’ll have the chance to engage with your own spirituality and make personal connections with those on your retreat. While strolling through the Old City of Jerusalem or experiencing Shabbat in the religion’s homeland, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from other Jewish participants on the trip and improve your own interpersonal relationships through meditation and discourse.

facilities situated in gorgeous garden areas that provide comfortable, reasonably-priced accommodations. A dining room with a modern kitchen is also available. On the premises, there are several things for school groups to do, including praying at the morning puja with monks in the main prayer hall, meditating in the lush gardens, walking

around the stupas, spinning prayer wheels, browsing through books at the library, studying in the cyber cafe or just simply enjoying the view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse your group in the thoughtful, relaxing atmosphere of the warm and welcoming Kopan Monastery.

Journey to a Jesuit Retreat House

Located approximately 35 minutes from O’Hare International Airport in Barrington, Illinois, the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House generously extends hospitable services and cozy lodging to parochial schools, churches and other partners in ministry. According to their website, Bellarmine’s mission is “to foster the spiritual development of Catholics and other people of faith through a variety of retreats and contemporary programs that are grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” Bellarmine offers a variety of spiritual experiences, such as Kairos retreats for young adults and privately-led religious outings. Consisting of 80 acres of breathtaking meadows and wooded lands, Bellarmine hosted its first retreat in 1948.

Since then, the religious home has been the source of unforgettable spiritual memories.

The retreat house is furnished with several sacred spaces, meeting rooms and lodging areas and supplies a wide range of menu options for its student guests. Bellarmine guarantees spaces of quiet reflection and meditation along with many spirituality programs that will surely fit the plans for your retreat.

Tour Sacred Tibetan Temples in Nepal

Enjoy a guided tour of the Kopan Monastery, a peaceful religious community located north of the historical Buddhist town of Boudhanath in Nepal. Students can revel in the spiritual, contemplative nature of the monastery and relish in the group and private retreats that the venue supplies annually as part of its course program.

Whether you wish to book a day visit or retreat, the monastery provides visitors with specific and general course and retreat guidelines to maximize their time at the site while remaining respectful of those who live there. Kopan Monastery offers residential

Explore Above & Below to Historic Corydon & Harrison County, IN

Underground adventure, glassblowing demonstrations, ziplines, history and more!

For a sample itinerary, contact Stacy at 888-738-2137 or stacyp@thisisindiana.org.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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A Pilgrimage to Mecca

Visit the holy city of Islam and find that the city isn’t just for those on this pilgrimage; Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a magnificent city for embarking on a spiritual journey. Students of all faiths have the chance to soak up the majestic edifices and moving points of interest on this trip, even if you’re not officially part of a Hajj—the annual pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site. Be amazed by the impressive architecture of the city and go sightseeing at the Kaaba, Black Stone or Station of Ibrahim. Revel in the spiritual atmosphere of these sites and clear your mind of troubles, allowing yourself to be present and mindful of the religious significance of these attractions. Learn more about the architectural development and advancement of the city and tour places like the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, which are filled with restaurants, malls, cafes and shops right next to the Grand Mosque. Here’s your chance to venture on a journey of spiritual awareness and growth in the awe-inspiring city of Mecca.

Experience Holi Along the Holy Ganges

Have you ever considered teaching students

about the festival of Holi or any other religious festival in Hinduism’s homeland?

Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with the religion by traveling to the sacred banks of the Ganges River. A tour down the Ganges provides a paradox for India’s bustling streets and busy marketplaces, as its calming and tranquil atmosphere puts your mind at ease. Several of the historical monuments and sites that are of particular importance to Hinduism often go overlooked in guidebooks, as they may be small, hidden sights that only locals know of. Fortunately, with a docent-led tour

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Students will love experiencing our region’s adventure attractions and teachers will love the educational spin that can take a fun activity and turn it into a learning experience.

Team building, history, performance opportunities and our natural landscape await your group. Let us connect you with activities and lodging to create diverse itineraries.

Experience

of the river and its surroundings, you won’t miss a beat of the fun, festivities and religious hotspots right off the river. For instance, Murshidabad, home of the Hazarduari Palace and Katra Mosque, is a tiny village of the Bengali Nawabs and one of the many charming, compact townships along the river. In the hectic streets of India by yourself, you might not have the opportunity to fully appreciate important edifices of Hinduism such as these. However, a guided tour down the Ganges will surely allow you to soak up the spiritual relevance of the majestic river and its surroundings.

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Group Travel Videos™ CONNECTS

R

Students, Faculty and Parents

Integrate your school community with this innovative photo-sharing app ECEIVNG

RAVE REVIEWS from educators around the country, Group Travel Videos™ is an innovative, intuitive app that allows teachers and students alike to share the memories of their group trip.

Created by North Carolina-based PhotoVision, the app deploys smartphone technology to make connections easier for all involved.

Students can take and share photos through the app, educators to keep track of their pupils’ using GPS and parents back home can experience their child’s adventure from the comfort of home.

Before their journey, participants can download the app on either their mobile device or tablet. Passwords ensure privacy for your students, and reminders from the app seamlessly integrate it with the rest of their phone interface. Users receive the option to join as an administrator, trip participant or well-

wisher back home, which will lead to three different experiences. These “passengers” then have the ability to chat using the app’s updated messenger feature.

Once they’ve logged on, students can immediately begin taking photographs and videos through the app and posting them on the account. The assets can be posted on other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook as well as downloaded onto the student’s phone to be saved permanently.

The app is equally engaging for teachers and chaperones who can use the surplus of features to ensure a smooth and well-documented school trip experience. Administrators consistently cite the app’s GPS capabilities as their favorite feature, which allows them to keep track of pupils as well as send a group message in case of an emergency or change of plans.

“We always get lots of positive feedback about the geo-tracking feature,” says Photovision founder and president Dave Martinson. “It really enhances the value of the product, and adds a very important safety feature for a school trip administrators really like.”

In addition, a passenger list allows planners to keep track of group members on the platform, and a documents storage folder can secure itineraries, lesson plans and other digital assets from an administrator’s mobile device without the use of a laptop or desktop computer.

Student group travel is all about creating and preserving once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

With PhotoVision’s Group Travel Videos™ app, you can truly capture and share these moments with everyone an educational trip can touch, from students and administrators to friends and family.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

17

WHY PRINCIPALS AND SCHOOLS

SHOULD DEVELOP a Student Travel

PROGRAM Student travel programs develop positive social relationship skills

BY LISA CURTIN

18

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Student Travel Programs Develop Positive Social Relationship Skills

Students in today’s world are tied to social media, and often their exposure to the world outside their hometown boundaries is gained through social media searches. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have students put their phones down and walk side-by-side with each other in a physical rather than virtual world? Travel programs for students provide this opportunity.

School principals and school boards, especially in the public school sector, should strongly consider travel programs as part of the core curriculum. Travel programs go far beyond the classroom. A world where an elective course on travel is offered to every junior and high school student would surely be a popular choice. Imagine a group of highly motivated students sitting side by side in a class, learning about the world of travel and gaining insight and emotional connections to not only places but each other.

Depression in Teens

Statistically, 20 percent of all teens will experience depression before adulthood.

The causes of teen depression are many, but one area that continues to gain attention is a perceived lack of opportunity, which is fed by social media.

Some teens today see other teens experiencing a world they cannot reach.

They are viewing clips of teens attending a concert, riding a roller coaster in an amusement park or taking a picture in front of Ellis Island. Teens may lay awake in bed at night seeking solace and thinking of ways to bring attention to themselves. Now think of that same teen dreaming of the trip in which they are about to embark.

Travel experiences have a way of equalizing opportunity. It levels the playing field between those who have opportunity at their fingertips and those who do not. The student travel itinerary allows all to experience the same destination, at the same time.

friendship doesn’t develop, awareness does.

Students become aware of each other, learn a bit about someone that was unknown and develop empathy and compassion for fellow human beings.

Equalizing the Playing Field: Sports in Schools vs.

School Travel Programs

Travel programs cost money. This fact, along

with concerns over liability and inclusion, prevent many school principals or school boards from developing or condoning travel programs. But think about this: school sports programs are sponsored and condoned by most schools. Travel is part of these programs, whether it’s the team on a bus traveling for an away game or an overnight trip when the team is competing for a state championship. These types of trips are celebrated in schools and often funded by schools. How are these trips any different than an educational or performance trip?

Sports programs are fantastic opportunities for students, but they touch only those few who have the talent in their particular sport. Educational or performance trips potentially would touch every student.

Shouldn’t schools retool their thinking about equalizing (pardon the pun) the playing field?

Perhaps one day schools will develop a course on travel, and every student will have equal access to exploring the world outside their hometown. Until then, school trips can equalize opportunity, help develop positive social opportunities and maybe, just maybe, help fight one cause of teen depression.

I Didn’t Know You

Students pass by one another in school hallways, in the cafeteria or in class. But how many really get to know one another? Day after day they see the same faces, without ever knowing many of the names or anything outside of what they see. Judgments take place based on dress, how someone carries themselves or physical attributes.

Travel programs push past anonymity and develop social interaction. I’ve seen this happen time and time again on student travel programs. Students who never knew each other are now on a bus, traveling together, and talking to students they passed every day in the hall but never knew! Even if a STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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BUILDING

Leadership Skills THROUGH TRAVEL How to introduce leadership skill-building opportunities on a student tour

BY LISA CURTIN

E

consider adding an additional component to your student travel experience by offering students opportunities that build leadership skills. The possibilities are endless, and any opportunity that positively empowers a young adult helps build leadership skills. What better way to build these skills than with a captive audience under the direct supervision, guidance and support of the tour leader and chaperones?

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DUCATORS,

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Educators can take leadership skill-building up a notch by supplementing their tour with a leadership workshop. If worried about squeezing yet another activity into a tour, turn evening time at the hotel into a learning experience. Rather than supervising students who are wandering the hotel halls, visiting vending machines or swimming in the pool, offer a workshop that builds leadership skills.

In the Washington, D.C. area, several university professors have developed workshops that can be brought to a group’s hotel. Such workshops, often just 90-minute vignettes, introduce students to topics like debate in everyday life, how legislation is truly developed and how small gestures of kindness can touch many lives.

A simple Google search results in a wide variety of organized leadership conferences for students. Ranging from three-day conferences to week-long camps, the choices are varied.

Some conferences are by invite only and at times those invites are the results of marketing efforts. However, a simple invite received in the mail can be a real confidence booster to a young adult. Cost can be a factor in attending a conference or camp, but costs can be offset by fundraising or possibly grants.

Educators may want to start by organizing a leadership conference at the local level, reaching out to vendors in their hometown to supplement the conference, such as a visit to a local town meeting or a meeting with a local government official. Recently, a township supervisor in Wauconda, Illinois spoke at the town high school on local government policies.

His well-rounded presentation inspired students to ask questions and no doubt formulated thoughts for some students on how they could get involved and make an impact on their local community. Efforts such as this build student interest and may lead educators to seek out formalized leadership conferences.

It’s obvious to all that today’s young adults are tomorrow’s leaders, and educators certainly agree. Those educators who offer students travel opportunities are forward-thinking and understand travel exposes students to the larger world. The challenge posed by this article is to take a student tour and step it up one notch by offering leadership skill-building opportunities.

Whether it’s a small effort such as having a student in charge of leading the group into a site, offering a leadership workshop or developing and attending a leadership conference, such opportunities no doubt build confidence. And leaders are confident.

Columbus group tours are designed to be as fun as they are intriguing. Choose from a variety of guided tours and only-in-Columbus experiences. For your groups next memorable getaway, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

New York City The nation’s premier center for culture and theater welcomes student groups of every interest.

Accommodations

Attractions

Affordable and suitable accommodations are available while visiting the Big Apple.

The Hotel @ Times Square: Walking distance from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden, this hotel makes transportation a breeze. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs (with movies on demand) and Bluetooth speakers that will entertain student travelers. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast will prepare the students before starting a day of rehearsals or sightseeing.

The Wellington Hotel: The Wellington is a short walk away from Radio City Music Hall, the Museum of Modern Art and Broadway, making this ideal for performance groups. There are a 24-hour reception desk and a helpful concierge desk offering sightseeing tours, theatre tickets and transportation options. Groups also receive a personal welcome upon arrival as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner prices at local eateries such as Molyvos and Park Café.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

New York City’s blend of historic and cultural monuments will educate students on how it shapes America today.

£ HI New York City Hostel: Located

in the Upper West Side near Columbia University, this student-friendly hostel is Manhattan’s largest privately owned green space. An in-house theater and pool table keep student travelers preoccupied, and a variety of dorm types can sleep up to 12 students of single or mixed genders. In addition, each room has heating/air conditioning and private lockers. A large kitchen is available for use, and the 24-hour desk will give information about free daily tours and activities.

Ellis Island: Nearly half of Americans are descendants of the 12 million immigrants who entered through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. The museum offers a timeline of immigration and the development of Ellis Island. Learn about the different types of employees at the immigration station and what their duties entailed. The museum also offers immigrants’ personal stories, which illustrate the “American Dream” mentality.

After a guided tour through the museum, take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and climb up to the crown if you’ve made a reservation. Explore the democratic principles America was founded in the new Statue of Liberty Museum, which opens in 2019.

9/11 Memorial & Museum: A tribute to those killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the museum tells the story of

Earth and Space. Students can take pictures sitting next to the nation’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, in the Roosevelt Memorial Hall, which recognizes his role in environmental conservation.

Dining

New York City has some of the best international and local cuisine ideal for student groups.

the tragedy through artifacts and dramatic video accounts. It also shows personal stories of victims and families who have been impacted by the attack. The memorial’s website gives a free downloadable document with tips on how to talk about terrorism with children.

£ American Museum of Natural

History: One of the nation’s most famous museums houses interactive exhibits showcasing mammals, birds, reptiles, fossils and ocean life. Other permanent exhibits focus on human and cultural origins and space exploration at the Rose Center for

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: This 1950’sstyle Americana diner is located on 51st Street and Broadway. Before going to the theatre, get a pre-performance from the singing and dancing waiting staff in a space that comfortably seats over 450 people.

There are three dinner package options at various prices, with each one including appetizers, entrees, dessert and various beverages with classic diner fare such as hamburgers, chicken fingers, fries and ice cream sundaes also represented.

Bagel Café: Good for a quick lunch and located near the Empire State Building, this eatery serves authentic New York City-

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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style bagels. Get an original New York bagel with a funky variety of cream cheeses (including gluten-free bagel options). Bagel Café also has specialty sandwiches, paninis, smoked fish platters, salads and fresh fruit.

A takeout menu and carryout options are also available.

£ Carmine’s: Located on 42nd Street near Times Square, this is the perfect stop for authentic Italian cuisine. Private seating can accommodate up to 200 guests, and family-style dinners include chicken, veal, seafood, beef and a large list of pasta. The available vegetarian options and separate allergy menu make it suitable for any group.

Performance Venues

Performance venues in New York City offer advanced production technology and iconic stages. ¢ Carnegie Hall: Since its opening in

1891, Carnegie Hall has been a landmark, hosting world-famous performers from Tchaikovsky to the Beatles. There are three venues available for rent that vary in size.

The Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage provides a traditional atmosphere and seats 2,804. The red seats, five curvilinear levels and outstanding acoustics provide a classical New York theater experience. A more modern, intimate venue is Zankel Hall, which seats 599. Its slender, contemporary design draws eyes to the stage. Carnegie’s smallest venue, Weill Recital Hall, seats 268, but its size does not deter from its elegance. The 19th century jewel box design includes intricate chandeliers and refined architectural ornamentation.

Lincoln Center: The world’s largest performing arts center is a 16-acre complex consisting of 30 facilities showcasing dance, music, film and theater. There are three indoor venues available for public use. The Al-

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

ice Tully Hall seats 1,085 and provides space for performances by the Julliard School and Chamber Music Society. Built in 1969, it has state-of-the-art production capabilities such as two Christie digital cinema projectors, a built-in Swiss Kuhn organ and adjustable acoustic banner blankets for the walls that adjust for stage configuration to suit a variety of performance sizes. The David Geffen Hall Theater is the largest concert hall on the Lincoln Center campus with a 2,732 maximum capacity. The hall has mid-century design with wraparound views of the Lincoln Center. The smaller, less-conventional indoor facility is the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows and wraparound balcony provide an outstanding view of the New York skyline and Hudson River.

Up-and-Coming

View some of the most riveting up-andcoming attractions in New York City. ¢ The Met Breuer: The Metropolitan

Museum of Art’s newest location opened in 2016 and features over 5,000 years of inspiring modern and contemporary artwork. An upcoming exhibition running through January, Armenia!, will be the first if its kind to highlight the noteworthy artistic and cultural masterpieces of Armenians over 14 centuries. The exhibition uses around 140 objects including rare textiles, lavish gilded reliquaries, informative manuscripts, precious church models and more to tell the story of how Armenians created their own distinct Christian identity.

Victorian Gardens: Do you have any aspiring engineers in your student group? Luckily, Victorian Gardens Amusement Park’s new attraction, the Rainbow Wheel, features a vibrant “Fiesta Balloon” ferris wheel. The style emphasizes the physical beauty of the carefully crafted gondolas, which are themed as multicolored hot-air balloons. This premier attraction is a classic Panoramic Wheel with six gondolas equipped with four seats each.

Coney Island: Coney Island is preparing for some future imaginative attractions, such as a new large-scale water ride, a public plaza with a restaurant and arcade area and an adventure park, utilizing 150,000 square feet of city-owned land. The developing area will be run by Additional Luna Park and will feaTips ture the up-and-coming For full-length articles log flume and adven- and further New York City ture park with a ropes coverage, visit https://tinyurl.com/ course and boardwalk yajlvohh. overlooking the breathtaking ocean.

New York City Cultural Collection Enjoy unforgettable experiences at New York’s best museums and performing arts institutions.

The Museum of Modern Art

New York City Ballet

The Whitney Museum of American Art

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

212.708.9685 groupservices@moma.org

212.870.4200 groupsales@nycballet.com

646.321.5569 tourism@whitney.org

212.875.5351 tour_desk@lincolncenter.org

Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Metropolitan Opera

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Carnegie Hall

212.258.9875 groups@jazz.org

212.501.3410 groupsales@metopera.org

212.570.3711 mettours@metmuseum.org

212.903.9705 groupsales@carnegiehall.org

San Francisco Known for its political communities, diverse culture, hilly terrain and scenic beauty, San Francisco persists in enticing visitors from around the world.

Accommodations

Budget hostels, swanky hotels and unique historical lodging sites provide directors a plethora of accommodation options for band and choir groups heading to San Francisco.

HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf: Located in northern San Francisco and within walking distance to Pier 39, North Beach, Marina District and Chinatown.

With bunk-bed style dorm rooms, the hostel serves complimentary breakfast and a variety of group catering options, including dinner for 8 to 40 students, a pizza party from a local pizza parlor for 41 to 75 guests, sack lunches and flight packs.

AC Hotel by Marriott San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront: Located adjacent to the San Francisco Bay Trail, the hotel has convenient access to Pier 39, the Embarcadero and Golden Gate Bridge; band and choir groups can even take a day off and enjoy a Giants ballgame at AT&T Park. The hotel also boasts waterfront views, a fitness center and about 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

 Music City Hotel: A musical incubator

for the performing arts, Music City includes the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame, a venue, restaurant and cafe, a recording studio, an internet/TV station, 50 plug-and-play rehearsal studios, educational facilities and a hotel for traveling musicians, all while maintaining affordable costs for group travelers.

Chancellor Hotel: Originally built for the Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915, the Chancellor Hotel provides guests a charming and quaint lodging experience with a number of modern day amenities.

Attractions

From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge: It wouldn’t be a trip to San Francisco without a stroll across the pedestrian sidewalks of this illustrious bridge. Once taller than any building in San Francisco, the bridge stretches 1.7 miles from San Francisco to the Marin Headlands. Student groups can enjoy supreme vistas on both north and south sides of the bridge during daylight hours, with pedestrian walkways being accessible to both wheelchair users and bicyclists.

Alcatraz Island: This former prison now offers a behind-the-scenes tour where students can discover areas previously unavailable to the public, with a chance to explore tunnels, underground jails, historical artifacts and hidden doorways. Groups can also continue their Alcatraz experience through the cell house audio tour accompanied by the award-winning audio presentation Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music: These world-class facilities include the Civic Center, equipped with practice rooms, teaching studios and three performance halls. Accommodating an audience of 450, Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall was created in a renovated historic grand ballroom, hosts internationally renowned visiting artists and serves as the master class hall.

Up-and-Coming

Hip neighborhoods, unusual science museums and innovative public art define this famously eclectic city.

Golden Gate Park: This is a great place for large groups to sit down, enjoy a picnic and take a leisurely break from activities or band practices. Groups can partake in Golden Gate Park Segway tours, visit the Japanese Tea House and Garden, gaze upon buffalo or wander through the Conservatory of Flowers.

Dining

Bottomless guacamole, hybrid movie theater restaurants, historical German breweries and classic Californian cuisine tantalize student groups’ taste buds in San Francisco.

vorite for locals. Furthermore, the restaurant features long, beer-hall-style tables ideal for large student groups.

Starbelly: The laidback Starbelly specializes in locally sourced California comfort food, offering seasonal menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Some fan favorites include Starbelly’s Challah French toast, fried chicken po’boy, homemade chicken liver pâté and butternut squash dumplings.

Performance Venues Historic landmarks, renowned conservatories and state-of-the-art concert venues offer incomparable experiences for student performance groups visiting San Francisco.

 Geary Theater: Boasting stunning

£ Rosa Mexicano: This eclectic restaurant offers a variety of set menus, including Fiesta de Rosa, a four-course, family-style lunch and dinner menu featuring their signature Guacamole en Molcajete, appetizers, entrees and piping hot Mexican churros. The Stations and Passed Antojitos option allows groups to choose between various bottomless guacamole, ceviche, taco and quesadilla stations.

Schroeder’s: Established in 1893, Schroeder’s combines history with a friendly atmosphere and convenient downtown location. This Bavarian-inspired beer hall has been hosting San Francisco residents for over 120 years, making it a well-known fa-

 Mission District: This lively Latinobased neighborhood with a hipster vibe is a must-see for young teens in band and choir groups. A haven for food, nightlife and art, Mission District boasts more murals than any other neighborhood in San Francisco.

Classical Revival and Late Victorian style architecture, Geary Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the only performance venue to survive the Earthquake of 1906. Featuring full theatrical lighting and sound equipment, a trap room, orchestra pit, dressing rooms and a backstage green room, the theater seats up to 1,025, with 495 orchestra seats, 290 mezzanine seats and 240 balcony seats.

Audium: For a truly unique musical experience not to be found anywhere else in the world, visit Audium, a one-of-a-kind, sound-space continuum. A theater of soundsculptured space, Audium consists of 176 speakers, a foyer, sound labyrinth and main performance space.

Wave Organ: Located Additional on a jetty in the Marina Tips District of San Francisco For full-length articles Bay, the Wave Organ is and further San Francisco a wave-activated acouscoverage, visit https://tinyurl.com/ tic sculpture developed y9dg98d7.

by Peter Richards in collaboration with sculptor and master stone mason George Gonzalez. Best if visited during high tides, the Wave Organ’s sound derives from the impact of the waves against the pipe ends, and the constant movement of the water in and out of the pipes.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Boston

Long attractive to groups of all ages with its historic charm and Northeastern liveliness, Boston is the perfect destination for your next student trip.

Trail Foundation offers the popular “Walk into History” tour, where an 18th centurycostumed guide leads groups to 11 notable sites in 90 minutes, including the beautiful Boston Common park, site of the Boston Massacre and impressive Faneuil Hall.

Accommodations

From eclectic hostels to skyscraper hotels downtown, we’ve scoped out a variety of lodging options around the city. ¢ Hostelling International (HI) –

Boston: This hostel’s modern, industrialstyle facilities and amenities such as a common room, game room, TV room and pool table will let your students bond as they rest and unwind from long days of exploring.

Featuring free Wi-Fi, a kitchen, vending machine, laundry facilities, a library, a café bistro and conference rooms.

AC Hotel Boston Downtown: Owned and operated by Marriott, this location is only a little over a mile away from the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston Common and Public Garden and a little under four miles away from Boston Logan International Airport.

Reserve at the Revere: With an indoor heated pool, a classy seasonal rooftop lounge and private balconies, the recently-remodeled

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Revere Hotel Boston provides guests with all they need for a comfortable and enjoyable home away from home. Guests will find themselves within walking distance of Boston Common, Fenway Park and the Boston Opera House and only three miles away from Boston Logan International Airport.

Attractions

Famous for its historical roots as a colonial city, Boston continues to attract and amaze visitors from all over the world..

Freedom Trail: Spanning two-and-a-half miles and 16 historical colonial-era sites, the trail is the perfect way to orient your group to the city’s history and geography. The Freedom

 New England Aquarium: Once inside, the penguin, shark, sea dragon and octopus exhibits alone are sure to awe your students. The main attraction here, however, is the four-story, 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank in the center of the building, which visitors can spiral down at the end of their visit.

Museum of Science and Museum of Fine Arts: The museums proudly display numerous iconic pieces of painting, pottery and sculpture with special exhibits including mummies, Monet paintings and musical instruments representative of different cultures.

The Museum of Science balances this with exhibits on STEM topics such as electricity, oceans and the human lifecycle as well as notable attractions such as a 65-million-year-old triceratops fossil, a serene butterfly conservatory and an immersive planetarium show.

Dining

Clam chowder, Boston cream pie and the fresh catch of the day aren’t all these Boston restaurants have to offer.

Anthem Kitchen + Bar: The classy-yetcausal eatery retains its historical ambiance through original brickwork, cobblestone floors and antique chandeliers. Here your group can enjoy a taste of New England, including fried pickles, mussels, oysters, fondue and warm potato chips.

Union Oyster House: Travel back in time to 1826 when you dine at the oldest restaurant in Boston and the U.S. still in continuous service.The Union Oyster House maintains its typical Revolutionary War-era decorations and feel, attracting visitors with both the enjoyable, traditional New England fare and the historical dining experience.

Performance Venues The perfect venue can make a performance memorable for both the audience and the performer.

Berklee Performance Center: Now owned and operated by the Berklee College of Music, the 1915 venue was originally a movie house under the name of Fenway Theatre. It provides all professional event and production staff needed, including stage and lighting crews, box office staff, security guards and ushers.

Boston Opera House: Built in 1928, the theatre originally switched between playing feature films and vaudeville shows.

ue retains its same grandeur and American Beaux-Arts architecture. The college also supports the Emerson Paramount Center, which comprises three smaller theatres for groups looking for a more intimate show for their audience.

Up-and-Coming

Consider these five picks for Boston’s overlooked hidden gems.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: This museum retains its prestige, Venetian palazzo architecture and the legacy of its art collector namesake. The building is proud to boast works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, Degas and Velazquez as well as priceless sculptures, tapestries, furniture and rare books.

Boston Harbor Islands: These 34 islands are located just minutes from the Massachusetts shoreline and accessible by car or public ferry. Spectacle Island offers five miles of scenic hiking trails and a public beach, while Georges Island is best for picnicking with two shaded picnic spots. For an overnight outdoor experience under the stars, Peddocks Island has campsites and yurts visitors can reserve.

Additional  SoWa Art + Design Tips District: Visitors will For full-length quickly learn why this articles and further is one of the most acBoston coverage, visit https://tinyurl.com/ claimed American art disybhvxvsl. tricts by walking through the neighborhood’s streets of art studios and galleries, vibrant shops, eclectic restaurants and trendy fitness studios. The first Friday evening of every month, over 200 art galleries participate in a gallery hop that showcases rising artists, new exhibitions and a taste of the neighborhood’s culture.

£ Durgin-Park: Established in 1827 and renamed after the death of two of its original owners, John Durgin and Eldridge Park, the restaurant prides itself on its heritage by serving authentic Yankee cooking in the traditional communal style. Hungry guests will be treated to classic New England fare of clam chowder, Indian pudding and Boston baked beans all cooked following age-old recipes that date back to the Civil War.

After extensive renovations, the theatre reopened in 2004 and has since been the home to Broadway Across America and the Boston Ballet. It seats 2,677 without a bad seat in the house. Experiencing this building’s magnificence and history in person will be just as entertaining as the show.

Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre: Modernized with state-of-the-art production technology, this Emerson College venSTUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Chicago

Engaging attractions, cozy lodging options and gourmet restaurants define the City of Big Shoulders for student groups.

Accommodations

Don’t just sleep in these Chicago hotels— experience them.  ACME Hotel Company: This hip and modern hotel takes full advantage of available technology. Convenient keyless entry allows guests to use their phone to get in and out of their rooms at will. Students who want to make their own music can instead borrow one of ACME free ESP guitars. The guitars even come with

headphones, so musicians avoid disturbing other guests.

Crowne Plaza: The hotel is not only two miles from O’Hare International Airport but also runs frequent shuttles between the airport and hotel. Attractions like Fashion Outlets of Chicago and Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District are walking distance away, and getting to downtown Chicago is as simple as boarding the nearby Blue Line train.

The Talbott Hotel: Conveniently located near the shops and restaurants of the Magnificent Mile, the Talbott features an award-winning staff whose friendliness and helpfulness are sure to make anyone feel welcome. Sizeable group discounts also make student visits affordable.

Cambria Hotel: The hotel does not just reside in the theater district—it shares a building with Chicago’s famous Ford

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Oriental Theater. Cambria takes full advantage of its envious location. It partners with the Oriental, as well as Broadway in Chicago, to offer incredible theater packages. These packages often include an overnight stay at the hotel, a show at a theater and dinner at their restaurant. Some packages even provide hard to obtain tickets to shows like Hamilton. They also offer hearty discounts for groups, making any drama class trip more affordable.

Attractions

These Windy City will blow past your students’ expectations.

Field Museum: The Field Museum offers a plethora of unique experiences. Shrink to one-thousandth of your size to discover the secret ecosystem of insects, explore a threestory replica of an Egyptian tomb to learn the process of mummification and witness the full evolutionary journey of dinosaurs from single-celled organisms to extinction.

the Chicago River to gain a unique view.

Students can also go to Chinatown Square mall to purchase anything from a spa day to imported candy. They can even take a picture in front of the beautiful bronze zodiac stature that corresponds with their birth year.

Shedd Aqaurium: One of the nation’s largest aquariums features the Waters of the World exhibit that showcases fish from 77 habitats and covers every environment to the Great Lakes to deep-sea caves. Students are sure to view local waterways in new light while discovering new life they never knew.

The other signature attraction is the 360degree display tank, which features colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and even scuba divers feeding the aquatic residents.

Most importantly, meet the largest and most complete T-Rex ever discovered: Sue.

Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute: Students can walk alongside the river at Ping Tom Memorial Park or kayak down

¡ Alder Planetarium: Discover the award-winning What Is a Planet? exhibit to look at artifacts and see how perceptions of planets have changed. Afterward, take a small step into the Mission Moon exhibit to immerse yourself in one of mankind’s largest leaps. If you want to appreciate the night sky,

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visit the Historic Atwood Sphere to see what a Chicago Skyline looked like 100 years ago before light pollution.

Dining

From deep-dish pizza to international dining, there are multitudes of dining options in Chicago.

The Warehouse Bar and Pizzeria Chicago: If you’re craving a delicious Chicago-style deep-dish, this classic pizzeria is the premier option for you. With outdoor seating and a spacious party room for up to 50 people, reservations are available to host the ideal dinner for students to relax and bond.

Athena Greek Restaurant: Located in the heart of Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood, this restaurant and its affordable regular and group menus give guests several choices, including vegetarian, seafood, char-broiled and other authentic Greek dishes. An outdoor patio and comfortable indoor seating accommodate reservations of various group sizes, giving

customers the opportunity to experience the flavorful cuisine of gorgeous Greece.  El

Nuevo Mexicano: Premier Mexican cuisine is an excellent go-to option for students seeking delectable, inexpensive dining. The menu includes quesadillas, empanadas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos and savory Mexican cooking. Outdoor seating is available and reservations for private events can be made.

specialties make this eatery a leading choice, as its menu offers mouthwatering lamb, seafood, chicken and vegetarian dishes.

Rangoli features a smaller dining room for private events and reservations, making it an excellent choice for students to unwind after a long day of tours and rehearsals.

Performance Venues Engage in Chicago’s rich performing arts tradition.

Chicago Cultural Center: Students specifically interested in music should visit Mondays and Wednesdays. Every Monday at the Chicago Cultural Center is “Chamber Monday,” meaning the center will showcase some of Chicago’s best classical, jazz, and world musicians. Wednesdays’ Young People’s Concerts emphasize classical music for a younger demographic.

Rangoli: This first-class Indian restaurant that provides guests with numerous tasty options. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian

¢ Old Town School of Folk Music: Continuing the folk music tradition of global cultures, this performance hall offers concerts and workshops suitable for all age groups. Students wishing to show off what

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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they learned should sign up for the Old Town School of Folk Music’s teen open mic night. Any teenager can show off their skill with any instrument or vocal routine in an inclusive atmosphere.

Lookinglass Theater: Established by eight young Northwestern University graduates in 1988 (including David Schwimmer) this company produces mindexpanding works that include madcap

visuals like acrobatics, flowing streamers and colorful costumes. Past productions have included unique interpretations of Alice in Wonderland and Moby Dick, so be sure to consider the company for an unorthodox take on a literary classic.

Second City: The world’s most famous improv company has been delivering gutbusting laughs since 1959. Second City’s workshops range from kindergarten to adult, and include acting, improvisation, comic writing and directing. For those not seeking to pursue performance past high school, programs like communication, public speaking, and salesmanship show how the philosophies of comedy and improvisation can be vital in the business world.

Up-and-Coming

Sweet-sounding blues exhibits and innovative showcases of Chicago’s architecture will captivate students.

Amplified Chicago Blues at the Chicago History Museum: Experience Chicago’s rich history in music and blues at

®

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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its exhibit Amplified Chicago Blues, which runs until August 2019. Just a few artist spotlights include Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor and Magic Sam. The showcase will display the photography and sounds of southern African American migrants who brought the smooth blues sound to Chicago.

Vivian Suter: El Bosque Interior at the Art Institute: Until January 2019, the Art Institute of Chicago will be presenting Vivian Suter: El Bosque Interior, which emphasizes the Argentinian-Swiss artist’s contributions to abstract art. Students will have the chance to experience Suter’s abstract paintings that mirror the Guatemalan rainforest that surrounded her own home.

hands-on displays of architectural models Chicago Music Hall of Fame: Scheduled to open fall of 2018, the hall will document the successes of numerous Chicago-based musicians. Artists from all backgrounds, from pop, rock, jazz, blues and rock will be showcased, and whether you’re a fan of musical legends or

more modern singers, the Hall of Fame will cover Additional all musical categories.

Tips Located at 1431 West For full-length articles and further Chicago Taylor Street, the Music coverage, visit Hall of Fame will be https://tinyurl.com/ surrounded by the rich y97rnlpr. culture of Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood.

¢ Chicago

Architecture Center (CAC): Recently moved to the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the CAC spans 20,000 square feet and is a hub for discovering interesting facts about the design and building techniques of Chicago architects throughout history. Students will have this grand opportunity to participate in docent-led tours, inventive programs and Six Flags Great America

For an unforgettable student getaway, head to Lake County, Illinois, just 30 minutes north of Chicago. Experience the thrills on high-flying roller coasters and schedule a performance opportunity at Six Flags Great America. Splash down at the new Great Wolf Lodge Illinois indoor waterpark. Check out the largest outlet and shopping destination in Illinois at Gurnee Mills. Lake County has it all, so close together. Plan your group trip today!

So much to do.

So Convenient.

Let’s go!

Find more group tour ideas and a sample student-themed itinerary at VisitLakeCounty.org/StudentSpaces, and request the free Lake County Visitors Guide by contacting Jayne Nordstrom at (800) 525-3669 or jayne@lakecounty.org.

Lake County Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Chicago

Lake Michigan

Milwaukee

Washington, D.C. America’s capital is filled with museums, monuments and historic sites that will engage your students for days.

Accommodations

These D.C. digs combine location and amenities  HI-Washington, DC Hostel:

At a much lower cost than many hotels, this hostel provides the necessities for you and your group’s stay, including free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and convenient access to the metro, the White House and the Na-

tional Mall. Other fun amenities include a common room, a game room and a weekly schedule of free social activities such as trivia night and tours.

Capitol Hill Hotel: This hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, Union Station and the National Mall. Guests won’t go hungry here, as daily continental breakfast is included and the hotel has its own 24-hour market in the lobby.

The Embassy Row Hotel: This hotel is located in the convenient Dupont Circle District with nearby access to the metro.

It features an on-site restaurant, Station Kitchen, and Underground Playground, a game and activities center for foosball, ping pong and air hockey.

Attractions

The U.S. capital city has so much history, significance and beauty to offer that trip leaders and students alike will never want to leave.

WWII Memorial: Located on the National Mall, the memorial offers clear views of the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool to the west and the Washington Monument to the east. The structure consists of an oval fountain surrounded by two separate semi-circles of 28 stone pillars and a center archway on each end. The two arches feature bronze baldacchino sculptures and represent both the war in the Pacific Theater and the war across the Atlantic.

Arlington National Cemetery: This famous D.C. landmark honors hundreds of thousands of American soldiers who have passed away after serving their country.

Groups can choose to purchase tickets for a bus tour that makes stops at the U.S. Marine STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Old Ebbitt Grille: Founded in 1856, the restaurant was D.C.’s oldest saloon and a boarding house for former presidents until it was turned into the traditional and classic establishment it is today. Its Beaux-Arts front façade, mahogany woodwork and plush velvet booths make Old Ebbitt a comfortable and intimate environment for you and your group to enjoy its upscale American saloon food.

Performance Venues Experience these historic and student-friendly venues.

Ford’s Theatre: The historic site where actor John Wilkes Booth fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 continues to produce plays year-round. Groups can tour the inside of the theater, learn about the events of that night and view a half-hour informational play depicting the assassination.

Corps War Memorial, Robert E. Lee Memorial, John F. Kennedy gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. £ Library of Congress: One of the best

ways for visiting groups to experience this building’s Grecian architecture and understand its significance is through a tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building, the main of the library’s three buildings. One-hour public tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for groups of fewer than 10 people, but groups ranging from 11 to 60 people can reserve guided tours.

Washington Monument: This 555foot-tall monument is an eternal tribute to the first president of the United States: George Washington. Today the monument remains a source of pride for both the city and the country and keeps the titles of world’s tallest stone structure and world’s tallest obelisk. The monument is currently closed for construction to repair its elevator and modernize the interior structure, but it’s scheduled to reopen in spring 2019 in time for the cherry blossoms to bloom.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Dining

Hungry visitors to Washington D.C. need not worry – The District’s dining options are endless and sure to have something for everyone.

Logan Tavern: The restaurant’s menu features Southern comfort favorites like burgers, fried chicken, meatloaf and fresh veggie dishes with a gourmet twist. For dessert, indulge in the tavern’s signature mango key lime pie. Private dining options include the outdoor patio and side dining rooms.

£ We, the Pizza: The local favorite wellknown for its artisanal pizza and craft soda creations that experiment with ingredients to make surprising flavors. The restaurant has regular and cast iron pies and also offers wings and garlic knots.

 The Music Center at Strathmore: This venue in North Bethesda, Maryland will set the tone for your trip and your group’s experience of Washington D.C.’s culture. This sophisticated and modern structure signals elegance with its curved, sloped architectural style and six-floor-high glass window façade.

The 16-acre center contains the main 1,976seat Concert Hall with adjustable acoustics, a sprung dance floor, four dressing rooms, 12 warm-up rooms and the 2,300-square-foot Orchestral Rehearsal Rooms.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company: Modernized for state-of-the-art production, the largest theater in this complex is the Sidney Harman Hall, which can seat 774 (678 with the orchestra pit). It features a flexible stage that can convert to thrust, end stage or proscenium formations and includes a fully trapped stage floor. The Lansburgh Theatre offers seating for 451 people and a proscenium stage, while the 2,400-square-foot adaptable space in The Forum seats 150 people for a more intimate atmosphere.

Mead Center for American Theater: Talented performing arts groups have the opportunity to choose among The Fichandler Stage, the uniquely four-sided, 10,000square-feet auditorium with 680 seats, the Kreeger Theatre with a modified thrust stage and 510 seats and the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle, an oval-shaped theatre with 200 seats, to host their performances. The theater also offers versatile rehearsal halls with high ceilings, sprung floors and the theatrical lighting and sound equipment necessary to prepare for any type of show.

Up-and-Coming

Discover the locals’ favorite sights and activities that show a lesser-known side of the capital city. ¡ International Spy Museum.

This niche museum has engaging exhibits such as Covers & Legends, Spies Among Us, Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains and more. The museum also has the interactive spy experiences Operation Spy and Spy in the City to get your students in on the action.

Its collection includes artifacts such as cipher machines, counterfeit currency, historic films and photographs.

Newseum: Students will walk away with a newfound appreciation for their First Amendment rights. This D.C. museum celebrates generations of journalism, news and the press through exhibits that shed a light on the news industry. The seven-level Newseum houses 15 galleries and 15 theaters, among which are popular exhibits such as the Berlin Wall Gallery, Journalists Memorial, 9/11 Gallery and Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery.

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National Arboretum: Additional The arboretum’s highTips lights include the Na- For full-length articles and tional Herb Garden, further Washington D.C. National Bonsai & coverage, visit https:// tinyurl.com/ Penjing Museum and yabmu7rx.

National Grove of State Trees, but the main feature is definitely the National Capitol Columns.

These massive sandstone Corinthian columns were replaced by new marble ones to better support the Capitol Building in 1958 and were given a spot overlooking a reflecting pool in the National Arboretum’s Ellipse Meadow 25 years later.

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Atlanta

Civil rights landmarks, indulgent Southern cuisine and blossoming arts districts draw students to “The City Too Busy to Hate.”

Accommodations

These hotels will immerse your students in the heart of Atlanta.

Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel: If you are coming from the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a complimentary shuttle is offered to make the transition as seamless as possible. Some of Atlanta’s most popular destinations like Clayton State University and the Georgia International Convention Center are just a short trip from the hotel. ¢ Artmore Hotel: The building is located in the center of the Cultural Arts District and near the Alliance Theater, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Georgia Aquarium. The exterior has been restored from the original 1924 Spanish Mediterranean design and the stylish interior incorporates modern features like the large sculptural wall with everchanging colors.

Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown: If you decide to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown, we recom-

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

mend taking advantage of the generous discount that the hotel offers for the Georgia Aquarium, which is located just one block away. The hotel includes an outdoor pool and a whirlpool spa with amazing views of the downtown area.

final resting place and other exhibits dedicated to the social justice icon. Students will be able to learn about King while literally walking in his footsteps, from the two-story Queen Anne-style house he grew up in to his final resting place at the King Center.

Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world and home to over 120,000 animals, this complex features six separate galleries and over 70 habitats that will make students feel like they were transported to the most breathtaking parts of the ocean. Animals in the aquarium include massive whale sharks, majestic manta rays, energetic dolphins, friendly sea otters and more.

Attractions

With so many amazing indoor attractions in Atlanta, you’ll never have to worry about bad weather ruining your trip.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site: The site features the home Dr. King was raised in for the first 12 years of his life, the church he was baptized in, his

World of Coca-Cola: Students will enjoy the opportunity to taste over 100 international and domestic Coca-Cola beverages.

The geographically arranged tasting stations include flavors unique to locations all around the world, and students can try samples from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.

Dining

If you don’t view Atlanta as one of the country’s best culinary hotspots, we are here to change your mind. ¢ Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q: This unique take on traditional Texas-style barbecue includes options like chicken-fried ribs, Frito pie and the Fox Bros. “burger,” which replaces a traditional patty with chopped brisket covered with bacon. The restaurant also features vegetarian options like the Smoked Portobello Sandwich or the Pimento Cheese Sandwich.

Buford Highway: This corridor on Atlanta’s northwest side is a mixing pot of cuisine from over 20 countries. Introduce your students to authentic Colombian, Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and Central American cuisine. Popular restaurants along the highway include Nam Phuong with an extensive 20-page menu of Vietnamese classics or Sushi House Hayakawa for some of Atlanta’s freshest seafood.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Opened in 1945, this is the last of 16 tea rooms that once populated the Atlanta. Southern menu favorites include fried okra with horseradish dipping sauce, Brunswick stew with chopped turkey and pulled pork, golden fried hushpuppies and fried chicken livers.

Performance Venues

From historic theaters to aquarium opportunities, Atlanta has a venue perfect for you and your students.

Seaside Sounds: Group Performance Venue Program: Hosted by the Georgia Aquarium, this program welcomes bands, orchestras, choral groups and dance troupes to experience the thrill and excitement of displaying their skills to the aquarium guests and several thousand species of marine animals. Opportunities to perform amongst these marine animals are available year-round from Monday through Saturday.

¢ Fox Theatre: Deploying Islamic and Egyptian design elements, the 250,000square-foot structure will make your students feel like the stars they may one day become once they step through the grand Arace entrance. We suggest taking one of the 60-minute tours lead by Fox employees who are eager to share their knowledge about the theatre’s history.

Alliance Theater: This Tony Award-winning theater prioritizes providing students with access to the arts. In addition to the age-specific shows, the theater also provides

take a tour to learn about diseases ranging from polio to the West Nile Virus to the Bird Flu. Following the tour, students will get the chance to try on a Biosafety Level 4

a number of free acting workshops that will help your students improve their on-stage performance skills, whether their passion is singing, dancing or music.

lab suit that is used to protect scientists from the deadly diseases they study.

Up-and-Coming

Locals of the “City in a Forest” recognize that beauty can be found everywhere, from cemeteries to puppet studios.

Historic Oakland Cemetery: Founded in the 19th century, the plot was designed as a scenic rural garden with winding paths.

The grounds are filled with stories waiting to be told, including the tales of well-known figures like Gone With the Wind novelist Margaret Mitchell, Atlanta’s first AfricanAmerican mayor, Maynard Jackson, and professional golfer Bobby Jones.

 Center for Puppetry Arts: The cen-

ter has become the largest American nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to puppet theater and is home to the largest collection Additional of Jim Henson’s pupTips For full-length articles pets. In addition to inand further Atlanta teractive performances, coverage, visit your students can also https://tinyurl.com/ participate in a create-ay7okxpal. puppet workshop.

David J. Senser CDC Museum: Your students may recognize the center from appearances in movies like Outbreak or TV shows like The Walking Dead, and they can STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Los Angeles

Tinseltown encompasses so much more than the entertainment industry. America’s second-largest city abounds with diverse neighborhoods, worldclass universities and acclaimed science museums.

Accommodations

Hotels on the beach and affordable hostels are scattered through the Los Angeles area.

Hotel Angeleno: Located roughly 30 minutes from downtown LA and three minutes from UCLA, the hotel is a great lodging place for student groups who want to remain close to downtown and the college scene. The hotel provides free standard WiFi for all guests.  Farmer’s Daughter Hotel:

This exceptional alternative to pricier hotels offers several amenities for an enjoyable stay.

The Farmer’s Daughter Hotel is within close

proximity of entertaining attractions such as the Grove, LA County Museum of Art, LA Museum of the Holocaust and Melrose Shopping District, so students will have a plethora of activities to partake in.

Tarzana Inn: The hotel is perfect for students on a budget and within 10 miles of the Getty Center and 13 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood. There are numerous dining options surrounding the hotel as well, with a variety of cafés, upscale restaurants and fast food joints to choose from.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Attractions

Informative museums, vast aquariums, and impressive stadiums are just a few attractions for student groups to enjoy outside the classroom in Los Angeles. £ Universal

Studios Hollywood: Groups can participate in youth days, workshops, lesson plans, tours and performances designed for all age groups ranging from K-12 at this theme park. The site also offers rides, dining, shopping and entertainment to keep students engaged. Among the attrac-

tions are The Simpsons Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park: The Ride and Transformers: The Ride.

California Science Center: The largest hands-on science center on the West Coast, this center supplies teachers with ample activities, including Big Lab programs, live shows and demonstrations. Located next to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center provides access to numerous attractions, including all of the permanent exhibit galleries such as Ecosystems, Creative World, World of Life and Air and Space exhibits.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: The West Coast’s largest natural and historical museum, preserves roughly 35 million artifacts that encompass 4.5 billion years of history. Currently home to 16 permanent exhibits on animals, minerals and other subjects, the museum will help educators plan activity-filled trips for grades pre-K through 12. All California accredited schools qualify for free trips, while groups who do not meet this requirement can take advantage of Free Tuesdays.

Button Mash: This arcade restaurant mixes Asian and American cuisine to produce delicious dishes such as garlic noodles, double-fried ginger chicken wings, a double cheeseburger and a Chinese chicken salad.

Carell. Located just 30 minutes from downtown LA, the complex offers classrooms and theaters available for rent for rehearsals, auditions, filming and other gatherings.

India’s Grill: This eatery is dedicated to maintaining traditional Indian culture through flavorful cuisine that satisfies individuals of all backgrounds. The restaurant also has poultry, lamb, seafood and tofu dinners, all at low prices.

Photo exhibits, African-American history spotlights and historic libraries are just a few up-and-coming attractions for students visiting Los Angeles.

Performance Venues After hours of practice for a theater performance, students are excited to share their hard work at these stellar performance halls.

Royce Hall: This UCLA facility is one of the country’s most renowned concert halls.

Located just 30 minutes from LAX, the hall showcases exquisite architecture, impeccable acoustics and an auditorium equipped with a stage that is perfect for dancing, singing, acting and instrumental performances. After a series of renovations, the complex covers 191,547 square feet with 1,836 seats.

Up-and-Coming

Annenberg Space for Photography: The building offers the perfect opportunity for students to explore Earth’s exotic species through Photo Ark an initiative spearheaded by world-famous photographer and National Geographic contributor Joel Sartore. The exhibit showcases around 100 mesmerizing prints of Earth’s species and allows students to learn about the endangered status of some of these animals and how to save them.

Dining

Hybrid arcade Asian-American restaurants, historic Mexican and Italian eateries, spicy Indian cuisine and old-fashioned American comfort food are just a few options when it comes to dining in Los Angeles.

£ California African American Mu-

seum: The center will transport you back to the Civil Rights Movement through its exhibit Los Angeles Freedom Rally, 1963.

Curators Tyree Boyd-Pates and Taylor Bythewood-Porter dedicate the exhibit to teaching individuals about the LA Freedom Rally on May 26, 1963, one of the nation’s largest civil rights gatherings.

£ Los Angeles Theatre Center: This

£ El Coyote: Situated on Beverly Boulevard, this continues to be Hollywood’s oldest and favorite traditional Mexican restaurant.

The eatery’s lively atmosphere, with vibrant, colorful art and Christmas lights left up all year, add to the spirit of the restaurant. The “California-style” array of Mexican food provides plenty of variety, including burritos, tamales, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and much more.

complex is run by the Latino Theater Company and allows student groups to rent several of the theatre’s halls for performances.

One of many rentable spaces is the Tom Bradley Theater, which has 496 seats, a splitlevel orchestra, balcony seating and a semicircular stage.

The Second City: This improvisational comedy company was founded in Chicago in 1959 and has produced famous comedians such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Steve

Huntington Library: Situated 25 minutes from Additional downtown LA, the liTips brary offers students For full-length articles new and enjoyable ways and further Los Angeles coverage, visit of interactive learning. https://tinyurl.com/ The establishment not y9yadpzv. only serves as a library, but also as the home to a botanical garden and several art collections. Among the exhibits is Architects of a Golden Age, a project aimed at emphasizing architectural endeavors of the 1920s through 1940s in LA. STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

41

Orlando

More students than ever are visiting Orlando, and with its unmatched theme park scene, unique attractions and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s not hard to see why.

Accommodations

The Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando hotels may be fun and magical places to stay, but there are so many other equally exciting accommodations in Orlando that your students will love.  Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress:

Activities include rock climbing, golfing on the 45-hole course and taking a dip in the lagoon-style pool. We suggest encouraging them to participate in one of the many group activities that the hotel has to offer such as supersports/teambuilding, 3-on-3 basketball competitions, nature walks or volleyball and tennis tournaments.

Sheraton Suites Orlando: This hotel is the perfect place for your students to rest up right when they step off the plane. In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport as well as to any location within two miles of the hotel.

Orlando World Center Marriott: The 200-acre, four-star resort features three outdoor swimming pools with thrilling waterslides and relaxing spa tubes, a large arcade, an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts. The resort is located just 15 minutes away from Disney Springs and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and is only seven miles away from SeaWorld Orlando.

Attractions

It’s not every day you get to become the hero of your favorite movie, visit magical worlds or travel to a different planet.

Walt Disney World: Spanning nearly 47 square miles, the resort is home to four theme parks, three water parks and over 20 resort hotels to choose from. For fantasy

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

lovers, the Magic Kingdom famously holds the title of “Happiest Place on Earth” with its huge castle surrounded by storybook princes and princesses made famous by classic Disney movies.  ICON Orlando Observation Wheel: Your students get a front-row view of iconic attractions like SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resorts and Volcano Bay Water Park from atop the largest observation wheel on the East Coast. If you are lucky, you and your students might even get to watch the launch of a rocket from the Kennedy Space Center as you ascend.

Orlando Science Center: Entertainment and education go hand in hand in this center that is dedicated to inspiring science learning and igniting innovation. The fourfloor, 207,000-square-foot facility attracts over 500,000 visitors each year with its spacious exhibit halls, nature habitats, theater, observatory, classrooms, science store and café.

Dining

Orlando offers unique Southern-style meals, authentic Brazilian cuisine and delicious seafood.

Lafayette’s: Located in the heart of the beautiful Pointe Orlando outdoor mall, here students can enjoy a delicious meal after perusing the many shops. Music-lovers in the group will appreciate the nightly live performances from local Florida bands. Entrees include burgers, seafood, pizza and southern classics like shrimp and grits or an array of po’boys to choose from.

Camila’s: Known as the “Brazilian Flavor Embassy in America,” this is the largest and most traditional Brazilian restaurant in the United States. Camila’s offers an allyou-can-eat buffet system for just $14.95 that includes 14 types of salads, 12 different dishes, deserts and natural juices made from fresh fruit.

equipment, portable stages and percussion equipment is supplied upon request).

SeaWorld Soundwaves: Performance venues include the Wild Arctic Plaza, the Waterfront at SeaWorld and a marching route that begins at the Shark Encounter, goes around Shamu Stadium and ends after the Wild Arctic. After wowing the crowds, students will experience the exciting and educational up-close animal encounters as well as thrilling roller coasters and water rides.

Orlando Ballet: Throughout the year, the Orlando Ballet produces Main Stage productions of timeless masterpieces like The Nutcracker as well as groundbreaking contemporary world premieres. The company also offers a variety of workshops.

Up-and-Coming

Take a step off the beaten path and truly experience all Orlando has to offer at these unique educational locations.

The WonderWorks Experience: The 35,000-square-foot “amusement park for the mind” features six WonderZones, including Natural Disasters, Physical Chal-

lenge and the Far Out Art Gallery. In the Space Discovery zone, kids can see what it would be like to be a real astronaut by trying on a life-size replica of an EVA (Extravehicular activity) suit and learning about extreme outer space conditions.

Harry P. Leu Gardens: The garden spans 50 acres and is home to a wide variety of temperate and tropical plants. Beautiful palms, flowering trees and azaleas cover the lush landscape. Tour options include a guided tour led by a trained Garden Guide to teach students how the exotic plants adapted to their current biome.  Gatorland: Known as

Additional “The Alligator Capital Tips of the World,” the 110For full-length acre wildlife preserve articles and further houses three of the 12 Orlando coverage, visit https://tinyurl.com/ giant white alligators yda9zo4t. left in existence and the YouTube sensation, Pearl, the albino alligator. Students will also get to see the fearsome creatures in a new light as they explore the Baby Gator Marsh, where over 60 of the park’s smallest alligators can be viewed in the protected area.

¢ High Tide Harry’s: The family-owned

restaurant has some of the best seafood in the area, embodying the Florida atmosphere with a relaxed environment. Their menu features oysters, clams, crab, fish, shrimp, shellfish and everything under the sea. At High Tide Harry’s, all of their food is cooked to order and made with the freshest ingredients available, earning them awards for Orlando’s best seafood.

Performance Venues

Students will always remember the fun memories made in this entertainment hotspot. ¢ Universal Orlando STARS Performance Program: Bands can march through the streets of the Universal Studios Florida theme park. The Universal Orlando STARS Performance Program also provides the option of performing on the covered Lagoon Stage in the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex (musical staging STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Philadelphia An abundance of colonial history, world-class museums and hearty cuisine define this Pennsylvania city.

Accommodations

Ideal Philadelphia lodging can be found at moderate prices.  Home2Suites by Hilton: Located

next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this is one of Center City Philadelphia’s newest hotels. Amenities include an onsite convenience store, 24-hour pavilion pantry market and snack shop for quick needs.

There is also a complimentary breakfast and complimentary printing for any last minute ticket printing needs.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel: This lodging has convenient access to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center. Additional amenities include a continental breakfast and indoor pool. The Sheraton also features their Make a Green Choice program, where guests receive $5 vouchers for participating food and beverage outlets each day they decline housekeeping.

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District: This 364-room hotel offers easy access to the SEPTA subway and busses as well as short walks to Rittenhouse Square, the Philadelphia Zoo, Chinatown and Fairmount Park. Coin’s Restaurant & Pub is off the main lobby and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner while making American comfort food from scratch. Students can also soak in stunning Philadelphia skyline views from the rooftop pool.

Attractions

Explore roots of American democracy and walk the steps of our Founding Fathers.  Liberty Bell: Initially known as the

State House Bell, it hung at Independence Hall and would be a signal for the public to gather and hear news. The bell’s inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,”

acquired its name when serving as a symbol of liberty for abolitionists to end slavery and to activists in the women’s suffrage movement. The accompanying Liberty Bell Center includes information on the bell’s use throughout history and a short video presentation about the bell.

Independence Hall: The site of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence was built in 1732 and originally held all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government. George Washington was appointed commander-inchief of the Continental Army here in 1775.

During a visit, students can see the courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Governor’s Council Chamber.

National Constitution Center: Interactive exhibits provide a fresh change of pace from studying the U.S. Constitution in textbooks. The nonpartisan approach lets visitors understand and talk about their thoughts on the creation of the Constitution and how it is being interpreted in society today. Special group offerings, exhibits and programs allow students to get involved in civic engagement.

Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. This South Street eatery can accommodate up to 100 guests, and the variety of private dining packages will suit your taste buds and wallets. Tasty appetizers include bruschetta, mozzarella sticks, risotto balls and margarita pizza, while classical entrées include pollo rigatoni ala vodka, spaghetti meatballs and eggplant parmesan.

and peppers or unique styles like a Pizza Steak, which includes marinara sauce and provolone cheese. If beef doesn’t suit some students, there are hoagie, burger and chicken options.

Dalessandros: Students can choose the iconic Philly cheesesteak with onions

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts: This massive complex includes

Performance Venues

Philadelphia’s top performance venues are suitable for any student group.

Visit Flight 93 National Memorial and learn about the inspiring story of the 40 Heroes of Flight 93.

The new Visitor Center is a tribute to their legacy and adds an important educational opportunity for all who visit.

Located 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh, the park is open sunrise to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open from 9 – 5 pm. Learn more about Flight 93 and the Friends at www.Flight93Friends.org.

Dining

Colonial classics with modern touches make guests feel the history not only at the museums, but also on their plates.  City Tavern: Frequented by Founding

Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, one of America’s oldest pubs will transport students back to the colonial era.

Its three floors of 10 dining rooms and garden seating make group reservations a breeze, and an onsite coordinator can help take care of needs including menus, period music, entertainment and souvenirs.

Philly’s Shockingly

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STUDENT GROUP:

CONTACT DIANE MEGLINO AT Diane@PhillyFromTheTop.com or 215-845-4160.

PhillyFromTheTop.com

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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performing arts centers, the complex’s signature space is the Skyline Stage, which seats 3,000 under a roof and 7,5000 on the surrounding lawn. The Main Pavilion seats 4,500 under the roof and 8,500 on the lawn. Both rentals encourage picnics on the lawn. There are also two smaller outdoor reception venues available—Crescendo and Donor Terrace & Garden.

Up-and-Coming

With a multitude of things to do in Philadelphia, here are some up-andcoming attractions for students to enjoy.

Verizon Hall, which seats 2,500 and provides a grand feel for any performer, and the Perelman Theater, which seats 650 and is home of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. The 75-foot turntable stage can transform to a deeper stage, and an orchestra pit and retractable first-level seating gives performers plenty of space.

Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent: The museum is a

Greek Revival structure designed by John Haviland that holds over 100,000 pieces of Philadelphia history. The intimate venue seats 70 to 200 audience members based on performance type, and it includes acoustic treatments and built-in projections. The Marian Mitchell Garden is a private green space available for rent with a tent covering.

Exclusive rental features can include guided museum tours and Philly history talks.

The Mann: One of Philadelphia’s greatest

experience

Unflinching

history

Gettysburg national military park museum & Visitor Center GettysburgFoundation.org | Explore the artifacts. Wonder at the Cyclorama. Understand our shared story.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Philadelphia Museum of Art: Until April 2018, the upcoming exhibition Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now will feature creative fashion designs and glamorous ensembles from legendary designers such as Oscar de la Renta.

The clothing in the showcase (including daywear, bridal wear and evening attire) will depict how designers have influenced the evolution of fashion as an art.

£ Cherry Street Pier: Set to open on

Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront in fall 2018, the Cherry Street Pier will serve as a park, market, food-and-drink scene, event venue and workspace. Perfect for shopping and relaxing, students will appreciate the chance to revel in the picturesque scenery of Philadelphia and unwind from a busy day.

The Met Philadelphia: Opening in December 2018, the former Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House is being renovated into a world-class arts and entertainment venue. This brand-new performance and music venAdditional ue will host concerts, Tips cabaret spectacles, For full-length articles Cirque de Soleil-type and further Philadelphia coverage, visit performances, eSports https://tinyurl.com/ gatherings and much ydxwbmja. more.

EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC AND HISTORY of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, the classic art of Hatch Show Print, and the celebrated recordings of Historic RCA Studio B. Our tours and programs are fun and educational, with engaging lessons in musicianship, performance, and more.

STAR FOR A DAY Students work with the Historic RCA Studio B engineer in their own private recording session.

INSIDE TRACKS Co-write and produce a song from scratch with Nashville recording artist Meghan Linsey and record producer Tyler Cain.

STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS Discover the stories behind the music you love in a private session with one of Nashville’s hit-making songwriters.

SHARING THE ART OF SONGWRITING Work closely with one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters as they guide your group in composing original lyrics of their own.

MUSIC CITY SHOWCASE Ranging from small choirs to full marching bands, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the perfect place for an unforgettable performance opportunity.

BOOK YOUR DAY OF MUSIC

#PressPlayRecord • @CountryMusicHOF • @HatchShowPrint • @RCAStudioB CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Groups • 800.852.6437

Colonial

Williamsburg/ Richmond Colonial Williamsburg and the nearby Virginia capital of Richmond are flush with Civil War battlefields, historic reenactments and hearty Southern cuisine.

Accommodations

Hip, comfortable hostels and affordable, relaxing hotels give student groups numerous options to choose from.  HI Richmond Hostel: Located four

minutes from the heart of downtown, the hostel is within reach of several museums, theaters and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus. The recently renovated historic building offers all the amenities that students hope to encounter, including free Wi-Fi, laundry, daily housekeeping and a common room equipped with a pool table.

Clarion Hotel Central: Situated 10 minutes from downtown Richmond and the Museum District, this is an appropriate choice for students to be within close proximity of Williamsburg. The Clarion is also located near VCU and other performance venues, making it the ideal choice for students who may have long days of band, choir or dance rehearsals.

The Commonwealth: This hotel overlooks the Virginia Capitol Building and is just 20 minutes from the Richmond International Airport (RIC). The hustle and bustle of downtown will be sure to keep your students busy, and when they have finished practicing, performing and checking out historical sites, the plethora of restaurants will not disappoint.

Attractions

Famous, legendary battlefields and distinguished, historical museums encompass just some of the many attractions that Richmond has to offer.

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Williamsburg Historic District: This immersion experience will have your students questioning if they traveled back in time to 17th century America, as buildings, squares and centers all accurately portray colonial civic life. The historic area includes tours of the famous Wythe House, Peyton Randolph House and Geddy House and sightseeing opportunities at historic trades and sites like the Capitol, Bruton Parish Church, and Governor’s Palace.  Richmond

National Battlefield Park: This site honors 13 Civil War battlefields in Richmond. Battlefield tours for

students include Civil War Engineering (which highlights the significance of army engineers), the Common Soldier of the Civil War (which chronicles the tales of the common soldier) and the Cannon’s War (a 30minute demonstration that allows students to examine war cannons and artillery).

Virginia Museum of History and Culture The center provides an expansive look into the developing heritage of Virginia while still maintaining its historical foundations. Just some programs at the museum are Hands-On History Boxes (which showcases Civil War artifacts) and Primary Source Investigations (which examines slavery and Reconstruction in Virginia).

Dining

and lamb/goat dinner options, including tandoori, masala and curry dishes.

Performance Venues

Vast concert halls, impressive auditoriums and expansive theaters comprise some of Richmond’s various options for performance venues.  Modlin Center for the Arts: The

 The American Civil War Museum: A tentative opening of a new museum at the historic Tredegar site is scheduled for early 2019. The museum will spotlight remnants from the famous Tredegar Iron Works site into the museum, which is to be situated between the renowned Pattern and Administration buildings. Other improvements include the arrival of Water Works

arts center serves as the home of University of Richmond performers, and was established in 1992 to grow and improve the school’s performing arts program. Spaces available for rent include the Camp Concert Hall, Alice Jepson Theatre, Perkinson Recital Hall, Cousins Studio Theatre and Frederick Rehearsal Hall.

Sophisticated Southern restaurants, delicious Italian and Indian eateries are some of the many dining options in Richmond for students.

Hutch Bar and Eatery: A comfortable and casual atmosphere guarantees a fun dining experience for individuals of all ages, and Hutch’s inventive menu accommodates those who are vegetarian and gluten-free. The restaurant provides a brunch and lunch/dinner menu, and some items on the menu include the baja rockfish tacos, bacon cheeseburger mac, Southern-fried chicken salad and the Louisiana lobster roll.

£ Stuzzi: Stuzzi boasts its famous Neapolitan pizza, which comes fresh from the wood-burning oven straight to the plate.

A number of small plates and family-sized dishes make the restaurant perfect for any situation, whether you wish for a personal plate or dishes to share with friends.

Anokha Cuisine of India: Anokha, meaning “unique,” combines the styles of real Indian cooking techniques with Western methods. The expansive and creative menu presents several vegetarian, seafood, poultry

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen: The center is a multi-purpose venue that is appropriate for varying events, as it presents 12 different options for performance spaces. One space appropriate for any student performance would be the Theater, which comes with a 36-by-30-foot stage and has a seating capacity of 350.

Firehouse Theatre: The theater in downtown Richmond was founded in 1993, when five theater performers searched for a place to put on productions and took over the fire department’s Station House #10 after its decommissioning. Since its inception, the theater has been at the core of new and inventive pieces and has showcased the works of upcoming, aspiring playwrights.

Up-and-Coming

Cutting-edge exhibitions and state-ofthe-art museums are among the new and up-and-coming attractions in Richmond and Williamsburg.

(a hands-on water exhibit to interact with STEAM students), Tredegar Works (a self-guided tour of the iron works site) and renovations made to the notable Foundry Building, which will be turned into a multipurpose area for social events.

Virginia Museum of Additional History and Culture: Tips For full-length articles The museum will presand further Colonial ent 400 Years of African Williamsburg/Richmond American History from coverage, visit https:// tinyurl.com/ June to December 2019. ya8gny4d.

The items on display will impart a detailed comprehension of pivotal eras throughout African American history, including abolitionist depictions, emancipation documents, civil rights protests records and portraits of prominent political and social leaders. Students will also have the chance to engage with the program’s curator to find out more about the job of a curator and the process of arranging a museum exhibition. Field trips are free, and reservations are required for all school groups.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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Rome

As the capital and second most visited city in Italy, Rome bestows student groups an authentic Italian experience filled with ancient history, architecture, art and culture.

Accommodations

Attractions

Convenient hotels, charming boutique guest houses and entire apartment rentals are available in the Eternal City.

NH Hotels: NH Collection Roma Giustiniano and NH Roma Leonardo da Vinci each offer student groups an ideal location near Vatican City and are walking distance from popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. If looking for a hotel with the best modern facilities, NH Villa Roma Carpegna features a large outdoor swimming pool, free parking and meeting rooms.

Tritone Top House: Situated walking distance from both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, the Tritone Top House features eight different apartment-style lodgings that can accommodate up to nine people per room. Other top-notch amenities that vary depending on the chosen room are maid services, kitchens and parking spaces. ¢ Baullari Apartments:

Located in the heart of Rome in the historic Campo

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STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

Glorious coliseums and astonishing architectural wonders are just a few of many sights Rome’s visitors can experience.

de Fiori area, Baullari Apartments are three large apartments at 220 square meters that house up to 15 guests per apartment. With free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, each apartment provides all the necessary amenities for student groups.

Roman Forum: For centuries, the Forum served as the center for day-to-day life in Rome. Students can explore the spaces used for historical processions and elections, public speeches, criminal trials, gladiatorial matches and commercial affairs.  The Colosseum: Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, reenact-

ments of famous battles and dramas based on classical mythology. It is recommended for student groups to book in advance online or buy tickets through offices at Palatine Hill, Arco di Tito or the Roman Forum.

Vatican City: The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a citystate surrounded by Rome and home to the Pope and an unmatched accretion of iconic art and architecture. Located within the city boundaries of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are Christian and art museums that serve as an an ideal educational experience for student groups. Some of the Vatican Museums’ most famous sculptures and paintings include Laocoön and His Sons, Apollo Belvedere, Transfiguration and Leonardo da Vinci’s St. Jerome in the Wilderness.

Dining

in classic charcoal furnaces. Other featured dishes include cold cut platters, cheeses, salamis and classic Italian bruschetta accompanied with a unique sausage spread.

Il Pomodorino: Specializing in classic wood oven pizza, the restaurant also offers homemade pasta, fish and meat dishes, the most popular being the filetto chianina, a true Tuscan specialty from the Chiana Valley region. A cordial and exclusive atmosphere, the restaurant is located just steps away from one of the most famous and elegant streets in Rome: Via Veneto.

Performance Venues

Rome’s historical opera houses, immense outdoor auditoriums and fully equipped theaters offer student groups a plethora of performance venues.

Arrosticino Pane & Vino: This restaurant invites student groups to indulge in authentic Abruzzo roasted sheep cooked

Teatro Vittoria: The theater is divided into two levels: a 400-seat auditorium and a 160-seat balcony furnished with classic, comfortable red velvet armchairs. It also features a large, 13-meter-wide stage, air conditioning, professional sound and lighting systems and a maxi screen and video projection system.

Up-and-Coming

While Rome is swarming with famous sights, there are several off-the-beatenpath activities for student groups.

Pizzas, pastas, succulent meats and fresh seafood dishes dominate Rome ’s renowned gastronomy.

Trattoria San Teodoro: Conveniently located in the heart of Ancient Rome between Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, the restaurant offers large indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for student groups. While the restaurant specializes in moderately priced seafood dishes, they also offer a variety of delicious homemade Italian meals, including boneless Roman lamb and Gragnano penne pasta.

Teatro Quirino: This theater was commissioned by Prince Maffeo Sciarra in 1871 in hopes to make up for the lack of entertainment venues in central Rome. Given its name after the god Quirino, the theater hosted the premiere of Pietro Mascagni’s operetta Sí.

The entrance to the theater boasts a deep, beautiful foyer, cloakroom and ticket office; the theater itself seats 850 guests.

 Spanish Steps: A prominent example

£ Auditorium Parco della Musica:

The largest multifunctional complex in Europe, the venue features four concert halls seating 308, 673, 1,113 and 2,742 guests, respectively. Each concert hall comes wellappointed with its own control room and audio system as well as 20 dressing rooms, wide open-air areas and various gardens with a children’s playground.

of Roman Baroque style architecture, the Spanish Steps’ irregular butterfly design consists of 138 steps placed systematically amongst curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces. A popular destination for poets, painters and artists alike, the Spanish Steps offer student groups the chance to sit down and take a break from sightseeing.

Appian Way: The oldest road in Rome served as a critical military and commercial artery during the height of the empire.

Along the way are catacombs, tombs, basilicas and monuments worth exploring..

Located just about three miles south of the city center, Appian Way can be reached by Rome’s public bus transportation or by Big Bus sightseeing tour buses.

Protestant Cemetery: One of the oldest burial grounds in Europe, this cemetery houses the graves of great Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. The cemeAdditional tery is home to several Tips other legends, such For full-length articles as Communist leader and further Rome coverage, visit Antonio Gramsci, https://tinyurl.com/ writer Carlo Emilio ycxwubmx.

Gadda and physicist Bruno Pontecorvo.

STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

51

San José

Distinguished by its Spanish colonial buildings, San José, Costa Rica is welcoming to student groups and small enough to encapsulate the charm of the tico (or Costa Rican way of life).

era artifacts dating back to 12,000 B.C. up to the Spanish arrival in 1500 A.D.

Accommodations

Downtown San José accommodations and nearby apartment hotels offer student groups top-notch amenities.

 Arenal Volcano: The quaint and lei-

¢ Hotel Aranjuez: These five houses

were built during the 1930s and still remain intact with their original rich architecture. Featuring high wood ceilings, mosaic floors and patios surrounded by towering fruit trees, Hotel Aranjuez truly provides a charming Costa Rican experience.

Casa Reflejos Aparthotel: Located in the greater province of San José in the canton of Escazú, Casa Reflejos is situated less than four miles west of San José. This apartment hotel offers one, two- and threebedroom suites housing up to seven guests each, fully-equipped with a private bathroom and entrance and a complete kitchen.

Apartotel Tairona: This hotel is located in Barrio Dent just 10 minutes outside of San José’s city center. Located near various embassies, universities, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment venues, this

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apartment hotel features a modern and cozy environment with a professional staff providing personalized attention.

surely town of La Fortuna is tucked into the base of the volcano and features local shops, restaurants and a colorful central park with a stunning backdrop of Arenal. Student groups will love taking the 15-minute hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall, a 200-foot cascade with picturesque views ideal for picnicking, swimming and photographing.

Attractions

Magnificent museums, markets and parks are just a few sights and activities student groups won’t want to miss.

National Museum of Costa Rica: Originally created in 1887, the museum is now situated in the 1917 Bellavista Fortress, originally used as military barracks during the Costa Rican Civil War of 1948. Focusing on scientific investigation and education, the museum features pre-Columbian

Central Market of San José: Open Monday to Saturday from sunrise to sunset, Central Market was established in 1880 and remains the largest market in all of San José. Hosting tens of thousands of daily visi-

tors, the market boasts over 200 shops, stalls and cheap restaurants called sodas. Student groups can taste local specialties such as agua dulce, a deliciously sweet drink made from water and sugar cane.

Dining

A trip to San José provides student groups the chance to indulge in the city’s best authentic dishes and explore ethnic foods from around the world.

Doris Metropolitan: Doris features an assorted menu of exotic dishes with specialties such as berenjena a la parrilla (a grilled eggplant dish with tahini, tomato concasse, almonds and parsley) and tartar de atún (a tuna tartar dish served in a beautiful, towering cylinder shape with red onion, avocado, chives, ginger vinaigrette, radish, tobiko and sesame seeds).

Saúl Bistro Escalante: Situated in the heart of San José’s up-and-coming Barrio Escalante neighborhood, the restaurant combines aspects of avant-garde Europe with Latin identity. Favorites at Saúl Bistro include tuna ceviche, elote cream soup, roasted pork loin and various popular tostadas.

reón provides student groups the most options when choosing a performance location.

The complex’s Teatro Auditorio Nacional seats 663 guests and offers state-of-the-art sound equipment and acoustics. Teatro Auditorio Nacional is deemed the most technologically advanced theater in the country, including audiovisual equipment and projection mapping systems.

INBioparque Educational Center Amphitheater: Just 20 minutes outside of San José is a 300-seat covered outdoor amphitheater situated within this ecological park that offers a unique acoustic setup quintessential for any ensemble. The theater is walled with different types of Costa Rican forest representing the country’s lavish biodiversity, including rainforest, pre-mountainous forest, wetlands and dry forest.  National Theater of Costa Rica:

This is a stunning neoclassical arts complex in central San José, considered to be the finest historical building throughout the capital. The theater strives to strengthen and diversify performing and reaching wider audiences that value the historical heritage of the National Theater of Costa Rica.

Up-and-Coming

Here are a few up-and-coming San José sights and activities for those who really want to get a taste of the Tico lifestyle.

Green Fair of Aranjuez: This Saturday organic farmer’s market in San José’s Aranjuez neighborhood is a place for people to make new connections in a healthy and friendly environment. With products such as organic coffee, artisanal chocolate, tropical fruit, fresh produce, leather and jewelry, the Green Fair offers student groups an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning strolling up and down the rows of booths.  Orosi River Valley: Costa Rica’s most picturesque valley is located 37 miles southeast of San José in the province of Cartago. As one of the few regions in the colonial period that survived frequent earthquakes, Orosi River Valley is now known for its mountain vistas and features a lake formed by a hydroelectric facility, a wild national park and a plethora of coffee plantations.

Barrio Escalante: Additional This former residenTips tial enclave is now San For full-length articles José’s trendiest upand further San José coverage, visit and-coming neighborhttps://tinyurl.com/ hood that is swarming ya7x7ex5. with restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars. This chic neighborhood is dedicated to sharing the best Costa Rican and international gastronomy, from artisanal Costa Rican dishes and Mediterranean flavors to vegetarian and fusion entrees.

£ Tin Jo: This eatery offers an assortment of Thai, Japanese, Indonesian, Indian and Vietnamese dishes in a colonial mansion located in the heart of San José. An ideal option for student groups with certain dietary restrictions, Tin Jo has its own vegetarian and gluten-free menus.

Performance Venues San José and its nearby surrounding areas offer band, choir and other performing arts groups a diverse array of state-of-the-art venues for exceptional performances.

El Torreón Centro de Eventos: With six different spaces available for rent, El TorSTUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2019

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