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Senior Sourcing and Contracting Manager, EF Explore America
SSpring is here, and with it comes the excitement of the student travel season! Thinking back to my own 8th-grade trip to the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, I can honestly say it’s a memory I carry with me every single day.
It was more than just a trip—it was an adventure that opened my eyes to new experiences and possibilities. Whether you’re heading out with your students this spring or just starting to dream about future adventures, this issue is packed with inspiration to make your next journey unforgettable.
In this issue of Teach & Travel, we offer up itinerary suggestions as always, with travel to sunny, fun-filled Orlando, highly historic Massachusetts, and colorful Mexico, rich with culture. These are all recent top student group destinations for good reason!
We also shine a spotlight on two educators doing inspiring work at their respective schools in Iowa and Nova Scotia, both nominated for the Traveling Teacher of the Year award thanks to their innovative work, attentive care and endless dedication.
For our tips and resources this month, we give some ideas for how to make sure your travel is sustainable and responsible, a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in many ways—especially to students themselves. In the wake of recent natural disasters, we also talk about how to prepare ahead of time for crises, and then how to react in the moment. And then, educator Julie Beck discusses the numerous benefits of weaving nature into your travel.
Also in this issue is our annual CVB/DMO Showcase, highlighting the many ways these local tourist organizations can help you have a smooth trip and experience unique offerings, by working hand-in-hand.
Student travel is all about creating defining moments that stick with us for a lifetime. If you’re not traveling this year, why not start planning your 2026 adventure now? The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to craft something truly special for your students.
I’ll be out on the road supporting groups this season, and I can’t wait to see many of you out there. Here’s to making memories and taking those first steps toward your next great journey!
WORLD IS A CLASSROOM Essay Contest 2025
Do your students have a story to tell about a favorite trip, and what they learned from it? Did they experience what it’s like to live in France, while visiting Paris with their high school French class? Did they gain a new appreciation for life through the eyes of another culture? Did they dive into Canadian history at one of the country’s museums or national monuments?
Students who write an essay describing what they learned and how they were affected by their travel experience could earn a scholarship of up to $1,500. They must be currently enrolled in a secondary public or private academic institution and in grades nine through 12.
Essay length should not exceed 525 words. The $1,500 scholarship and a commemorative plaque will be awarded to the author of the first-place winning essay.
This student may be invited to read their article inperson or via video during the SYTA Youth Foundation Luncheon at the SYTA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in August 21-25, 2025. Writers of the second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-place entries will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship. The SYTA Youth Foundation offers these scholarships to students who use their creativity to compose an article or speech that illustrates a student travel experience. All prize-winning essays will be featured in Teach & Travel magazine.
The 2025 World is a Classroom Essay Contest is open through April 25, 2025. Results will be announced in June 2025. Please contact SYF at info@sytayouthfoundation.org if you have questions.
THE MADNESS CONTINUES
Early on in Boston, 40 years ago, the creators of Shear Madness recognized that their audience spanned ages 9 to 90. The audience involvement in solving this interactive whodunit’s zany crime was a true delight, with different humor every night. The audience at Shear Madness never sees the same show twice. Now at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., they have been playing in the Theater Lab for 38 years. Time flies when you’re having fun! Shear Madness has proven to be a true phenomenon in that city where over 30,000 student groups from every state in the Union have seen the play. Check it out for your group by visiting shearmadness.com.
PERFORM FOR THE CITY
At the Intrepid Museum, you can perform atop an aircraft carrier with more than 350,000 square feet of outdoor space. Perform with your marching band, orchestra, choir or dance troupe with the NYC skyline as a backdrop. Amenities and services include a Performance Coordinator who will assist with sound system use and setup, equipment, labor, bus drop-off and more. After your performance, enjoy immersive exhibits and an up-close look at some of the world’s fastest aircraft. Lunches and guided tours are also available. Reach out to GroupSales@IntrepidMuseum.org today.
BEST THINGS IN LIFE
Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art is now free every day for visitors 25 and under, which of course includes student groups. Visitors can enjoy free access to exhibitions, special programming, views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and more from the Museum’s iconic terraces. The Whitney Museum is deeply invested in education as well, offering dropin programming and hands-on learning. Though admission is free, tickets are required. Advance tickets are recommended. Get yours at whitney.org.
Frederick County’s Civil War history is about to take center stage with exciting changes coming to two iconic sites. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is in the midst of planning major upgrades to exhibitions that have largely remained unchanged since 1996. Soon, brand-new artifacts and firsthand accounts from the medical pioneers who bravely treated the wounded will highlight the remarkable evolution of American medical practice during this tumultuous era.
Over at Monocacy National Battlefield, visitors can look forward to a revamped museum space and all-new exhibits inside the Visitor Center, slated to open in summer 2025. Known as the “Battle that Saved Washington,” the events of July 9, 1864, will come
alive through fresh storytelling and immersive displays, illustrating why this small battlefield in Frederick held such significant importance. These anticipated enhancements promise to bring history to life in new ways for future generations to discover and appreciate. Learn more at visitfrederick.org.
WWith each passing year, sustainable travel becomes more important and in higher demand.
Students and youth around the world are dealing with climate anxiety, which presents a pressing mental health issue. Meanwhile, climate change is bringing on impacts that could devastate the people, places, and resources that travel depends on.
And while tourism is a vast industry that goes far beyond student travel, global tourism as a whole is responsible for approximately 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when traveling.
So, when you’re planning student travel, what can you do to make your trips more sustainable and responsible? At the 2024 SYTA Conference, Greg Takehara of Tourism Cares and Ken Frohling of Sustainable Travel International offered many ideas and resources.
REDUCING IMPACT
When traveling with a student group, some amount of emissions are guaranteed, but there are ways to cut down the direct impact of your trip.
» Where possible, switch to electric or hybrid vehicles/ motorcoaches (though charging availability is a concern for longer trips).
» Avoid idling, optimize routes, use efficient driving techniques.
» Consider using a train for travel, if available.
» Reduce single-use plastics and printed materials, meaning no plastic water bottles or cutlery. Luckily, students are increasingly purchasing their own reusable bottles now, for both practical and status reasons.
» Offer carbon-free experiences like walking, cycling, kayaking, etc.
» Consider reducing meat in meals and providing plant-heavy options.
» Remind students to be respectful of nature, leaving only footprints and taking only pictures.
» Take the road less traveled. Visit destinations that aren’t major tourism hotspots, to avoid adding to the burden on over-visited areas.
» Choose experiences directly managed by locals.
CHOOSE SUPPLIERS CAREFULLY
Much of student travel is dictated by the suppliers you work with, meaning tour operators, hotels, transportation providers, excursions and attractions. Before your next trip, you can conduct a supplier review, asking these questions:
» Do they use a framework to organize their approach and set targets, such as Certified B Corporations or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
» Do they have a climate action plan?
» Have they reduced single-use plastics and other waste across their own operations?
» Have they made efforts to improve or localize their own supply chain, for instance, sustainable and/or local food and beverage, cleaning products, gifts, etc.?
» Are they actively working to preserve local culture, especially that of Indigenous peoples through product inclusions, partnerships, etc.?
» Do they have positively impactful ties to local communities and environments?
Remember that responsible travel isn’t just about reducing emissions, but involves working with community-minded organizations who care about local impact just as much as you do. Nonprofits, cooperatives, and social enterprises are a good place to start.
OTHER RESOURCES
Organizations like Tourism Cares and Sustainable Travel International work directly with travel suppliers to offer tons of resources, from quick tips to training libraries to carbon footprint assessments and more. Encourage your tour operator to take advantage of these!
RACHEL ALLEN-M c HUGH: CULTURAL HUMANITY THROUGH INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
AAn Iowa native who grew up on a farm in a small town in northwest Iowa, Dr. Rachel Allen-McHugh might not have imagined that one day she’d travel across the globe, first working abroad in Ireland and later taking her Drake University students on month-long education and community engaged learning programs in India. But, that’s what the future held, and it’s her dedication to the transformative nature of travel that earned her a
nomination for Teach & Travel’s Traveling Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Allen-McHugh is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and her path to pursuing a career in occupational therapy—and eventually teaching the subject—took many turns along the way.
Initially interested in nursing, she eventually shifted her focus to studying occupational therapy, and, upon graduation from St. Ambrose
University, spent the next 20 years in the realm of pediatrics. During that time, she realized that she enjoyed mentoring students, learning alongside them, and discovering new developments in the field. So, she went back to school to further advance her career.
“I didn’t really know I wanted to be in academia, but I love it,” Dr. Allen-McHugh says. “At this point in my life, I feel like I can have the biggest impact on future generations
by being a faculty member—and then my students can go out and make their own impact.”
How travel and teaching fit into all of this started with the opportunity to work in Europe. Dr. Allen-McHugh spent more than three years as a practicing occupational therapist in Ireland, where she was exposed to different methods and models of healthcare. There, she experienced tremendous learning and growth, in her profession as well as personally, which ultimately altered her trajectory.
“I felt like that was a piece of my story, and I really wanted to support students in having some type of international experience, because I get it: Not everybody can get a work permit and work somewhere for three years out of the country,” Dr. AllenMcHugh says. “Eventually, we were able to facilitate an actual in-country experience in India through the occupational therapy program.” And, that’s how it all started.
But, what is it about travel, especially international travel, that Dr. Allen-McHugh feels is so beneficial to the student experience?
A lot of it is gaining cultural humility, she says. “Our students are working in the healthcare field, and, upon graduation—or even before—they’re going on field work all over the country. They’re often encountering individuals with different cultural and religious beliefs, as well as different food and housing. English might not be the primary language for some individuals, also. And that’s just within our country, right? So I think that traveling helps our students experience those differences in a mentored way.”
The one-month, in-country program at Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences in India is one of the tools that helps prepare her
BY ALLISON KAY BANNISTER
We don’t know what we’re going to encounter when we get there. So we have to be open, and we have to listen first—and really know that WE ARE THERE FOR OUR CLIENT.
students for these disparities. But, there’s preparation needed even for that preparation, which comes in the form of a course she provides to help ease the culture shock she expects all of her students will undergo. There’s only so much that can be communicated, however. “We don’t know what we’re going to encounter when we get there,” Dr. Allen-McHugh says. “So we have to be open, and we have to listen first— and really know that we are there for our client.”
When her students return, they can reflect on and appreciate the experience, and better recognize how people are more alike than they are different, as well as how to meet their client where they are and help them reach a goal that is meaningful to them.
It sounds all neat and buttoned up when presented in a couple of paragraphs, but there’s a lot that happens in between—and much of it can be pretty challenging. When thinking of how she’d advise other educators on traveling with their students, Dr. Allen-McHugh says, “Just expect the unexpected—and try to be as ready as possible for whatever that is.” She always brings a medical kit, and also packs snacks and treats that will remind her students of home and bring a bit of comfort when everything around them feels foreign.
Her students are typically in their 20s, so logistics, such as navigating airports or dealing with luggage,
aren’t often issues. It’s more about the unknowns that could happen, whether it’s an onset of anxiety, a reaction to a different diet, or just their homeostasis being tipped off kilter—and that’s where her coaching and mentoring experience come in. “I need to be able to support them in a way that I would support someone who is close to me,” Dr. Allen-McHugh says. “That often means getting to know their families or guardians, and maintaining a chain of contact with them before and during the trip. For other educators, I’d recommend seeking out some of their own training so that they are ready to intervene if there’s a crisis. Again, I don’t think you can over prepare.”
Overall, the rewards far outweigh any hurdles or setbacks they might run into. And, that’s encouraged the University to expand the program to Austria, as well as endeavor to internationalize their curriculum. “I want 100% of our students to have an international experience, but that doesn’t have to be moving or traveling to a different country. We can have an international experience right here in Des Moines, Iowa, believe it or not. My goal is to offer our students a tiered approach to internationalism, so that all students get some kind of training, whether it’s through physical travel or a research project. Every occupational therapy student from Drake, I want them to be able to say, ‘Yes, I’ve had an international experience’.”
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WHAT COULD GO WRONG:
PLANNING AHEAD FOR A CRISIS
WWhen organizing student travel, planning for a crisis may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s undeniably one of the most critical.
While we all hope for smooth sailing on every trip, being prepared for the unexpected ensures that you can protect your students, staff, and reputation in a moment of need. A crisis can arise in a more localized way, such as one specific student going missing, or on a much larger scale, such as a natural disaster or public shooting.
Here’s some basics of effectively planning for and responding to crises when they arise.
TIME TO DECLARE A CRISIS?
Consider these key questions to guide your judgment:
» Immediate Threat: Is there a danger to the safety of your group or the reputation of your organization?
» Credible Notification: Have you been alerted by a reliable source, such as local authorities or a credible news outlet?
» Lost Contact: Are you unable to communicate with your group?
» Injuries: Is anyone from the group hurt?
» Media Attention: Are journalists reaching out or reporting on the situation?
STEPS TO PREPAREDNESS
Preparedness is the foundation of effective crisis management. Follow these steps to ensure your organization is ready to respond swiftly and efficiently.
1. Appoint a Crisis Team
A crisis team should consist of trusted individuals with the authority to make independent decisions, even if it means acting without input from the organization’s top leadership. This ensures immediate action when timing is critical.
2. Develop and Circulate Crisis Procedures
A comprehensive crisis plan is essential. It should include:
» Robust Systems: Ensure ongoing maintenance of vital tools like WiFi, phone systems, email servers, and financial records.
» Clear Communication Guidelines: Prepare concise statements addressing:
• What happened, including injuries or structural damage
• Location and cause of the incident (if known; avoid speculation)
• Status and next steps
• Contact information for updates
» Training and Distribution: Share the plan with relevant stakeholders and ensure everyone knows their roles.
3. Create Emergency Communication Channels
Effective communication during a crisis can prevent panic and misinformation. Equip your team with:
» Dedicated Platforms: A reserved 800-number, social media accounts, and a dark website page ready for crisis updates.
» Alternative Methods: Satellite phones, two-way radios, and offline messaging apps like WhatsApp or WeChat for international travel.
» Centralized Meeting Points: Always designate a safe location at each stop and ensure all participants are aware of it.
» Emergency Services: Work closely with local emergency services to keep them consistently updated on the situation, and vice versa.
» Transparency: Be honest and straightforward in communications. If you don’t have an answer, admit it instead of assuming or making something up, and commit to finding the answer quickly.
4. Organize Annual Crisis Drills
Practice makes perfect. Conduct annual crisis drills with your tour operator (not with your students—no need to increase anxiety before the trip) to test your team’s readiness and refine procedures. Simulated scenarios can reveal gaps in planning and ensure everyone is prepared to act under pressure.
RESPONDING TO A CRISIS: KEY PRINCIPLES
» Stay Calm and Take Charge: As the leader, your calm demeanor will help steady those around you. Give people something to do, so they don’t start taking actions on their own just to feel useful.
» Prioritize Safety: Ensure the immediate safety of your group before addressing logistics or media inquiries.
» Communicate Clearly: Use the channels established in your plan to provide timely, accurate updates. Avoid speculation and stick to verified facts.
» Evaluate and Adapt: As new information becomes available, adjust your response plan accordingly.
» Debrief Afterward: Once the crisis has passed, review what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve for the future.
Crisis preparedness is an investment in the safety and well-being of your students, staff, and organization. While no one can predict every challenge, having a solid plan and a trained team in place ensures that when the unexpected happens, you’ll be ready to respond effectively and with confidence. By prioritizing safety, clear communication, and adaptability, you can turn a crisis into an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and care.
DMO s & CVB s
YOUR PARTNERS IN TRIP PLANNING
Planning a student trip is no small feat, with endless decisions to make about meals, transportation, and lodging. Luckily, local experts can simplify the process. That’s where Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) come in. These professionals offer insider knowledge to help your trip run seamlessly, from major attractions to hidden treasures.
WHAT ARE DMO s & CVB s?
DMOs and CVBs often overlap in purpose, but they have distinct roles. DMOs are local experts dedicated to helping visitors explore a destination to the fullest, typically focusing on leisure travelers. CVBs, usually nonprofit organizations funded by hotel taxes or membership dues, are more businessoriented, offering support for conventions, meetings, and event permitting. Many CVBs also double as DMOs, branding themselves with names like “Visit,” “Explore,” or “Experience.” Large cities often host both organizations, each offering reliable and impartial advice about local highlights. For nonbusiness travel groups, DMOs might offer a broader array of services, with teams of sales representatives, event coordinators, and service managers ready to assist.
HOW TO USE A DMO OR CVB
Most DMO or CVB websites feature sections specifically for group travel—and often even a menu tailored to student travel. Start there to spark ideas for itineraries that might include cultural sites, live performances, hands-on workshops, dining, lodging, and immersive museum or aquarium programs. These websites typically provide contact information for attractions, transportation, and accommodations. Many also offer group-friendly suggestions, galleries of images, downloadable resources, and even videos showcasing event spaces. Some organizations go further, offering free digital and print sales kits to help with planning and promotion. Connect with staff online or by phone for expert guidance. Follow their social media accounts for updates, or subscribe to e-newsletters to stay informed about new opportunities in your destination.
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HOW DMO s AND CVB s CAN HELP
Safety Tips: Learn how to protect students, secure valuables, and respect local environments.
Transportation Advice: Get guidance on the best ways to navigate—from public transit to motorcoaches.
Local Rules: Understand area-specific regulations like parking and public space guidelines.
Tour Options: From walking tours to Segway adventures, DMOs can map out the best sightseeing experiences, often with complimentary options.
Accessibility: Access resources to accommodate group members with disabilities.
Food Services: Find restaurants, caterers, or boxed meal providers that meet your schedule and dietary needs.
Day Trips: Identify nearby destinations worth exploring and plan an efficient itinerary.
What’s New: Discover must-see attractions and events unique to the area.
Contact Lists: Gain a curated list of local contacts for seamless planning.
Performance Opportunities: Access venues for parades, concerts, or workshops tailored to your group.
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Arrange educational tours, master classes, or professional meet-and-greets to enrich your trip.
WORKING WITH A DMO OR CVB
These organizations often offer complimentary planning support, such as negotiating rates for restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Their expertise can streamline your itinerary, ensuring maximum value and efficiency. As Anjuli King of Visit Savannah puts it: “We ARE the city! A one-stop shop for all the contacts you’ll need.”
Reps can recommend licensed drivers, reputable vendors, and the best public transportation options. Many DMOs and CVBs also provide physical information centers in major cities, staffed with knowledgeable ambassadors who distribute brochures, maps, and personalized itinerary suggestions.
MAXIMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Partnering with a SYTA member tour operator and a DMO or CVB ensures you’ll get the most out of your trip. Their mission is to help you enjoy a safe, unforgettable visit. Tap into their local expertise, and your group’s adventure could become the experience of a lifetime.
For a comprehensive list of SYTA DMOs and CVBs, consult the 2025 Educators’ Buyers Guide at teachtravel.org/educators-buyers-guide.
THE ULTIMATE LEARNING PLAYGROUND
KKnown worldwide as a vacation destination, Orlando offers student groups even more than its thrilling theme parks. From cuttingedge educational programs to unique cultural and natural experiences, O-Town is a hub for learning, creativity, and adventure. With options for every interest, Orlando promises an unforgettable trip seemlessly blending fun and education.
Orlando is a city where imagination takes center stage. Start your group’s journey at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and student-focused workshops. Here, students can explore performance techniques and gain insights into the performing arts industry through hands-on experiences. From technical production skills to stage presence, these workshops inspire budding performers to pursue their passions.
Budding filmmakers will find inspiration at the Florida Film Academy, where they can dive into the world of movie-making. From scriptwriting to editing, students can explore the art of storytelling through engaging classes and hands-on activities that bring their creative visions to life. The academy’s industry-experienced instructors provide guidance on techniques used in real-world productions, making this an unforgettable experience for aspiring filmmakers.
No trip to Orlando would be complete without a visit to its legendary theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort is a favorite for students, offering educational programs through its Universal Studies program. From science and physics lessons on roller coasters to storytelling workshops, Universal combines thrills with learning. Imagine students applying physics formulas to calculate the forces experienced on the park’s cuttingedge attractions or exploring the storytelling
behind Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.
Plus, on May 22, 2025 the gates will open to an astonishing new theme park: Universal Epic Universe. Explore the lush gardens of Celestial Park and step through incredible portals that transport your attendees into worlds beyond amazing: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Not to mention two new hotel properties, Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort, each featuring 750 guest rooms.
From the massively magical parks to the thrilling rides and unique performance opportunities, Walt Disney World Resort is a perfect destination for groups of all ages, including students. And at Disney Imagination Campus, creativity meets storytelling. Students can participate in workshops focusing on leadership, performing arts, and STEAM concepts, all while immersing themselves in the magic of Disney. These programs encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and innovative thinking in a truly enchanting setting. Imagine students learning how physics brings roller coasters to life, or mastering choreography from a Disney production—all within the backdrop of The Most Magical Place On Earth.
SeaWorld Orlando provides marine science enthusiasts with up-close encounters with sea life and behind-the-scenes tours that dive deep into animal care and conservation efforts—alongside thrilling rides. Students can learn about the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the innovative solutions scientists are developing to protect them. Add on a visit to Fun Spot America for classic amusement park fun, featuring go-karts, coasters, and interactive games perfect for groups looking to unwind.
Orlando is home to attractions that cater to curiosity and adventure. At WonderWorks, an upside-down “edu-tainment” center, students can explore over 100 interactive exhibits focused on science, art, and innovation. From experiencing a simulated hurricane to creating digital art, this attraction blends entertainment with education in a way that captivates young minds.
Nearby, ICON Park offers breathtaking views from The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel. Students can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city while learning about the mechanics of observation wheels and the engineering behind their construction. ICON Park also features dining and entertainment options, making it a perfect stop for group outings.
For a wilder experience, visit Gatorland , the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Students can learn about Florida’s unique ecosystems, meet exotic wildlife, and even soar above gator-filled marshes on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. The park’s educational programs dive into conservation efforts and the ecological importance of Florida’s wetlands.
Nature enthusiasts will love Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, where they can glide through the Everglades and spot native wildlife in their natural habitat. Educational tours provide insights into the region’s ecosystems and conservation efforts, offering a hands-on learning experience in one of Florida’s most iconic landscapes.
Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an out-of-this-world experience. Students can meet astronauts, explore interactive exhibits, and even train like one through the Astronaut Training Experience. Imagine the
thrill of stepping into a space shuttle simulator or viewing the Apollo/Saturn V Center—a monument to one of humanity’s greatest achievements. The Kennedy Space Center inspires students to dream big and pursue careers in STEM fields, making it an essential stop on any Orlando itinerary.
Getting around Orlando is a breeze with services like Escot Bus Lines, which provides comfortable and convenient group transportation. Their well-maintained fleet and professional drivers ensure a smooth travel experience, allowing students to focus on the adventure ahead. For those traveling from South Florida or beyond, the Brightline train offers a fast and eco-friendly way to reach the city, combining efficiency with comfort. These transportation options make planning and logistics stress-free for educators and group leaders.
End your group’s adventure with a performance at Orlandofest, a premier music festival that showcases student ensembles from across the country. This event provides a platform for students to shine, share their talents, and celebrate their hard work and creativity with peers and audiences alike. From choir performances to marching band showcases, Orlandofest is a highlight for any student trip.
Orlando’s blend of educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and unparalleled entertainment makes it a top destination for student travelers. With resources from Visit Orlando, planning your trip has never been easier. Whether exploring the arts, diving into science, or just having fun, students will leave with memories that last a lifetime.
HISTORY & INNOVATION
MMassachusetts may be small in size, but it’s mighty in its impact on history, science, and culture. From its colonial roots and revolutionary spirit to modern-day centers of learning and innovation, the Bay State is a treasure trove of experiences for student travelers. Whether your group is inspired by the past or captivated by cutting-edge discoveries, Massachusetts offers an unforgettable journey of exploration and education. Kick off your Massachusetts adventure in its vibrant capital, Boston. This city seamlessly blends history with modernity, offering a wealth of opportunities for students to learn, discover, and engage.
BY JOSH VEAL
Start your exploration here with The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that connects 16 historic sites pivotal to the American Revolution, such as the iconic Paul Revere House. Walk through Boston Common, the nation’s oldest public park, and visit landmarks like Faneuil Hall, the Boston Massacre site, and the USS Constitution. Guided tours led by costumed interpreters bring history to life, with themed options such as “Revolutionary Women” and “African-American Patriots.”
Then, history comes alive at Boston Harbor! The Boston Tea Party Museum isn’t just a walk through the past—it’s an adventure packed with immersive exhibits, costumed reenactors, and an opportunity to channel your inner revolutionary. Board authentically restored 18th-century ships, explore interactive displays, and discover artifacts like one of the rare surviving tea chests. Students will love participating in a dramatic retelling of the events that sparked America’s quest for independence.
For a dive into the history of progress, follow the Innovation Trail , which highlights groundbreaking achievements in science, technology, and medicine. Stops along the way include the Museum of Science, home to a massive Tesla coil and awe-inspiring planetarium shows, and the expanded MIT Museum , where interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops spark creativity. These stops are perfect for STEAMfocused groups eager to see how yesterday’s breakthroughs shape today’s possibilities.
Music and performing arts enthusiasts will be drawn to the Boch Center and the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). The Boch Center offers student-friendly Broadway tours, concerts, and workshops that dive into topics like improvisation and STEM in the arts. At the BSO, student groups enjoy discounted tickets and a waived ticket fee for groups of 15-plus for most shows. There’s also the “Backstage Pass” package that includes a talk, Q&A, and tour, plus high school open rehearsals and Youth and Family Concerts, some of which are sensory friendly. Organizers can contact the group sales team for assistance with dining, parking, and other concierge services.
Wrap up your Boston experience with a visit to View Boston at the Prudential Center. The observation deck offers stunning city views day or night, providing a picture-perfect way to end a day of exploration.
Head an hour north to the coastal town of Salem, where history and the supernatural come together. Known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem invites student groups to step back in time and uncover the truth behind the legends.
The Salem Witch Museum is a must-visit, offering two immersive presentations, and both are recommended for the full experience. The first recounts the 1692 trials through dramatic sets, lighting and narration, while the second delves into the evolving perceptions of witchcraft throughout history.
Groups of 25 or more are advised to book their tickets in advance through group sales. The site is motorcoach friendly and is also the cornerstone of a dozen-plus attractions within a one-mile area. These include The House of the Seven Gables, the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name; Jonathan Corwin House, known as The Witch House; and the Witch Dungeon Museum, where visitors can see live reenactments and take a tour through a replica dungeon.
Complement the experience with a walking tour from Salem Historical Tours, who provide insights into the town’s haunted past and historical significance, endorsed by authors and experts on the subject as a fantastically in-depth look at the witchcraft hysteria.
And don’t miss the Peabody Essex Museum , which blends maritime heritage with global art, showcasing everything from 18th-century Chinese houses to contemporary installations.
South of Boston lies Plymouth, where the early days of American colonization come alive. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums offer a comprehensive look at the lives of the Colonial English settlers and the Wampanoag People. Students can board the Mayflower II , a fullscale replica of the Pilgrims’ ship, and explore
the recreated 17th-century English village with knowledgeable actors. The Historic Patuxet Homesite provides an authentic look at Indigenous traditions and daily life, offering invaluable insights into the area’s Native heritage. Nearby is also the Craft Center, where students can learn about 17th-century crafts and herbal remedies, and see a pottery demonstration.
Interactive opportunities abound, from themed meals like “Eat Like a Pilgrim” to hands-on workshops in crafts and herbal remedies. For music groups, the museum even doubles as a performance venue, making it a versatile addition to any itinerary.
In Boston, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum provides a captivating look at the life and legacy of the 35th president. Students can explore interactive exhibits that cover Kennedy’s campaign, presidency, and impact on the world. Artifacts, photos, and videos offer an engaging narrative of his life and times, making it a standout destination for history and civics groups.
For a taste of New England hospitality, stay at Hotel UMass in Amherst. This university-run hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a glimpse into campus life at UMass Amherst. The location also provides easy access to attractions in western Massachusetts, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Massachusetts is also a gateway to natural beauty and outdoor activities. A trip to the New England Aquarium in Boston introduces students to marine life through interactive exhibits and animal encounters. Add a whale-watching excursion for an
unforgettable adventure on the water. The aquarium has discounted ticket pricing for groups of 10 or more. Ecoventure and Whale Watch cruises can be booked separately through Boston Harbor City Cruises.
For animal enthusiasts, Zoo New England offers two locations: Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham. Both are certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and provide unique exhibits and seasonal events like lantern festivals. Contact local tourism boards, such as Meet Boston , for additional resources and assistance in crafting the perfect student travel itinerary.
IIf you were to overlay the map of Mexico onto a map of the U.S., it might astonish you to realize just how large it is. With this in mind, the idea of traveling to Mexico with your students, practically speaking, requires some decision making. You won’t see all of Mexico, unless you have unlimited time and budget, so it’s a good idea to think about what your goal is before you start planning. We’re here to help with that, with two separate itinerary ideas.
MEXICO CITY AND THE SURROUNDING REGION
For this trip, you’ll fly into Mexico City, which was built on the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. With this more bustling expedition, which also includes Puebla and Oaxaca, students will take in the energetic, urban vibe of the capital city, plus diverse culinary delights and some of the top museums in the world. There are also a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. If you’re traveling with Spanish language students, just about anywhere in the country will provide some immersion experience, but Mexico City and Oaxaca will in particular.
One of the highlights of Mexico City is the expansive Plaza de la Constitución, or el Zócalo, as well as the Cathedral and Palacio Nacional that border it. Inside the Palacio Nacional is a series of Diego Rivera murals spanning centuries of Mexican history. And, nearby is the Templo Mayor architectural site and museum; the former being an excavated part of the main Aztec temple and the latter displaying thousands artifacts from the ancient site. Also of interest in Mexico City are the Frida Kahlo Museum, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Puebla is another popular city to visit for its rich culinary history, Talavera pottery, and colonial architecture. A whole day could be spent at the Zona Historica de los Fuertes, a large park district that has several museums. Top attractions in the district are two historic forts, the planetarium, a cable car ride, and the Museo Urbano Interactivo, which focuses on technology, science, design, art, and architecture. Not far, and worth the short trip, is Museo de la Evolucion, a natural history museum covering 14 billion years of the Earth’s history, from the cosmos to geological eras to today’s themes of global responsibility.
Next up, Oaxaca (pronounced waa · haa · kuh, in case you were wondering). Colorful, arty, and bursting with vibrant cuisine, this slower-paced city is also close to important architectural sites in Mitla and Monte Alban. In keeping with the theme, make sure to visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology. Just walking around downtown
and exploring the plazas, mercados, and historic buildings is a must, and there are a multitude of important sites and attractions there as well, including Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (a church and cultural center), Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, Museo Textil de Oaxaca, and Museo De La Filatelia, which houses surrealist art. There’s also a botanical garden in the downtown district. Oaxaca is also the center of chocolate production in Mexico and its known for its hot chocolate!
For a more serene atmosphere, opportunities for recreation, exposure to a variety of ecosystems, a taste of authentic, seafood-forward dishes, and a view into Mayan culture, consider this region of Mexico. The Yucatán Peninsula resides between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and Mérida is the most common landing point. Mérida is also another area that’s opportune for language practice. In Mérida, there’s the Plaza Grande to explore, plus the Cathedral de Mérida, Casa Montejo Museum, the Governor’s Palace, and Parque de San Sebastián. And, don’t miss the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which is not only a modern architectural marvel on the outside, but also contains wonders inside, with a large selection of Mayan artifacts, such as items from daily life, textiles, books and historical documents, ceramics, sculptures, and more.
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to several cenotes, which are natural, freshwater sinkholes for swimming. In Santa Barbara, there are four, providing an opportunity to splash and relax before venturing into more educational territory. Which, for starters, is a trip to Chichén Itzá. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this Mayan city, which is still an active archeological site, is an itinerary essential. From El Castillo, the iconic pyramid at the center of the site, to the Temple of The Warriors, the Mayan Ball Game Court, and El Caracol—the observatory—there is much to see and learn about. Not to be outdone, the ruins at Ek Balam have
earned a reputation for being superior to Chichén Itzá. The only way to know is to go and find out! The Ek Balam site is roughly an hour northeast of Chichén Itzá, and has 45 structures, including temples, palaces, and the Acropolis, which you climb to the top of.
For environmental and ecological education, a visit to Las Coloradas is in order. The white sands and pink lagoons are a sight to behold, but there’s science involved, too, with insights into salt production and the microorganisms that inhabit the saline-rich waters. Plus, there’s Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve right nearby, where students can observe wildlife—especially flocks of flamingos wading amid lush mangroves. There’s much more to see at this biodiverse nature preserve, and a guided tour is recommended to get the most of the experience.
Much like the Mexico City route, these are just the highlights. If you’re still unsure what type of Mexico itinerary is right for your students, consider working with a SYTA member and tour operator, such as Educational Travel Adventures or WorldStrides.
STEP OUTSIDE: EXPLORING THE NATURAL WORLD
TTravelers are embracing a need for more authentic travel that involves spending time in the outdoors and focusing on eco-tourism activities.
Nowadays, travelers want to spend less time on a tour bus and more time in nature. This emphasis may have resulted from the pandemic where people were confined to their homes and unable to explore. Once the pandemic passed, spending time outside became a favorite pastime. This focus expanded to travel in nature-based destinations.
One of my favorite and most recommended student adventures that embraces nature and eco-friendly travel is Costa Rica. The country’s motto, “Pura Vida” represents their positive outlook on living a simple life. Visitors to Costa Rica experience simplicity and stressfree living. A visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserves gives participants a chance to hike trails or zip-line among the low-level cloud forests and observe mammals, reptiles, plants and orchids, monkeys and birds including the endangered Quetzal bird. Eco-friendly housing options include platform tents, bamboo huts and tree houses that allows its residents to observe the wildlife in a natural setting.
Costa Rica is also home of Manuel Antonio National Park where visitors can see coral reef and wildlife and Arenal Volcano, home of an active volcano. Lava from the volcano provides heat to hot springs where visitors can swim. Other naturefriendly activities in Costa Rica include horseback riding, visiting a coffee plantation, canopying (Ziplining), Tarzan swings and whitewater rafting. Costa Rica’s natural beauty, wildlife and adventures give visitors authentic experiences.
Years ago, I led a People-to-People International trip to Italy. Yes, the students loved visiting and exploring Rome and Venice, but their favorite memory was an overnight visit to a farm. This family-owned farm allowed students to experience farm life and agricultural tourism. The students feed and interacted with farm animals, created homemade crafts, learned about olive oil production and picked vegetables from the garden. The group enjoyed fresh, farm-to-tables meal, including making and cooking their own homemade spaghetti noodles. Rustic cabins and barns that had been converted into housing provided unique sleeping options for the students. The visit was a fantastic
way to learn about Italy’s rich agricultural heritage, immerse themselves in the Italian countryside and observe farm techniques.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and doing a gorilla trek is a nature experience like none other. In 2022, I was one of eight American teachers who had an opportunity to do this adventure while we were touring Uganda. The $900 permit fee to visit the gorillas prohibits many people from signing up. Once I learned that the park is home to 320 gorillas, one half of the Mountain Gorilla population in the world, I knew I had to do it. When we arrived, our temperature had to be checked to make sure we did not have a fever. We were informed that we had to wear face masks the entire time because Mountain Gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. It is called impenetrable forest because the thick rainforest, on the rim of Rift Valley, has steep terrain and requires visitors to be physically fit to take part in the trekking adventure as they “bushwhack” through the thick brush.
Two guides led the group, not to exceed eight people to reduce the impact on the forest and gorillas,
while two trackers, with guns, sought out a gorilla family. A maximum of 96 visitors were allowed to get permits per day to reduce the stress and disease transmission for the gorillas. Once a gorilla family is discovered, the group had one hour to observe the Silverback Gorillas. The guides used machetes to cut down branches to provide a clear view to the gorillas. We watched the mothers feed their babies and the males beat their chest to warn us to stay away from their territory. It was a surreal experience. At the end of the hour, the guides led our group back to the visitor’s
center. We learned that once a gorilla family has been observed, it can’t be observed for several more days to reduce the stress on the gorillas. Also, the guides, trackers and porters can’t be used again for a week. This practice provided job opportunities for numerous Ugandans. I then understood the $900 permit fee.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda provides other outdoor opportunities like going on safaris to see the Big Five (African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape Buffalo), white water rafting on the Nile River, doing a high ropes
Alabama Tourism Department 12 www.alabama.travel
Bob Rogers Travel C4 www.bobrogerstravel.com
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame 7 www.cfbhall.com
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 31 www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Greater Merrimack Valley CVB 19 www.merrimackvalley.org
Hotel UMASS 29 www.hotelumass.com
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation 39 www.jyfmuseums.org
Jefferson CVB 19 www.visitjeffersonparish.com
Landry’s 39 www.landrysinc.com Main Event 35 www.mainevent.com
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau 16 www.outerbanks.org
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism 18 www.pigeonforgetours.com
Richmond Region Tourism C2 www.visitrichmondva.com
Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours 29 www.salemhistoricaltours.com
Salem Witch Museum 29 www.salemwitchmuseum.com
Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau/ Chamber of Commerce 31 www.visitsevierville.com
BY JULIE BECK
course, or sky cycling (riding a bike on a high wire). During most of these adventures, groups stay in eco-friendly cabins with little to no electricity, limited hot water access and simple prepared meals that utilizes local products.
No matter where you travel, there are numerous destinations that allow travelers to embrace more authentic experiences and practice sustainable travel. By choosing these, students can expand their cultural awareness, learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and foster a sense of global citizenship and empathy for other people and their ways of life.
Shear Madness 5 www.shearmadness.com
Teach & Travel 40 www.teachtravel.org
Tourism Council of Frederick County 5 www.visitfrederick.org
Tourism Winnipeg 14 www.tourismwinnipeg.com
Virginia Beach CVB C3 www.visitvirginiabeach.com/group-tour
Visit Baltimore 21 www.baltimore.org
Visit Montgomery County 18 www.visitmontgomery.com
Visit Myrtle Beach 15 www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
Visit Savannah Area CVB 17 www.visitsavannah.com
T PYTHAGORAS IN PARIS: TREVOR COMEAU TAKES STEM ON THE ROAD
Trevor Comeau is a math and science teacher at Hants East Rural High in Milford Station, Nova Scotia, where he works in partnership with his wife, Amy Jo.
Comeau was nominated for the first Traveling Teacher of the Year award due to his dedication to students both in the travel program and extracurricular activities, not to mention the ways he gets creative in tying trips back to the classroom— he has a Pythagoras Cup he bought in Greece for talking about the Pythagorean Theorem, for instance.
We asked Comeau to tell us more about his approach to travel as a math and science teacher.
WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY WITH STUDENT TRAVEL?
In my first year teaching French Immersion Science & Math at Hants East Rural High, my grade 9 immersion students approached me saying they would like to take an educational grade 12 trip to Europe. Approval received, I met with parents and we planned the first trip for March 2010. We had 18 students. My wife also teaches on staff, and we had not traveled much internationally, but we were young
and decided to jump in head first! It went so well that we were HOOKED.
We have had Europe Trips with students every year since (minus COVID). Over those years, we have gone on 11 trips with 314 students & 45 chaperones, visiting 25 European countries.
WHAT TRIPS DO YOU HAVE PLANNED?
We are leaving this March Break for 11 days with 44 students and 6 chaperones. We are doing an itinerary I designed called Canada’s Battlefields. We will be visiting the cities of Amsterdam and Paris, while spending time paying homage to those who served and gave their lives during WWI & WWII. We will be attending the Last Post Ceremony at
BY JOSH VEAL
Menin Gate, will be visiting numerous Canadian War Cemeteries, and key memorials such as Vimy Ridge, the Ring of Remembrance, Ardenne Abby, Juno Beach and Beaumont-Hamel. We will also be visiting various museums along the way such as Passchendaele, Flanders and Juno.
IN WHAT WAY DO YOU THINK IT’S VALUABLE FOR SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHERS TO INCLUDE TRAVEL?
I truly feel travel is for everyone and should be experienced by everyone. We have had many parents tell us their students have come home changed—better perspective of the world, more empathetic, more confident, more open to what is out there. This
translates not only to their social and family lives but also in their schoolwork, in all subjects.
HOW DO YOU TIE TRAVEL TO LEARNING?
I think students see my passion for travel. Students know they can get me off topic most days by asking the simplest travel questions. Students returning from summer break often come in to see where my wife and I visited that summer, and to see pictures and hear stories.
On tour, I try to have fun with the students and try to offer them opportunities that are unique: cooking class at Cordon Bleu in Florence, Italy, Roman Gladiator training school in Rome, attending the 100th Anniversary of Vimy, cycling the Dutch countryside, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland.
I also place a lot of value on students learning to be safe and experienced travelers: using the metro, handling their passports, budgeting their money to pay for the trip and budgeting their spending on the trip, trying new and different food, getting lost and finding their way again—all valuable and transferable skills. I believe leading student travel has not only benefited students, but has been the most important aspect of my career.
FINDING BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY
AAs I looked down from high atop the CN Tower in Toronto, staring down into the stadium where I would soon be watching my Cubs play the Blue Jays, I realized I’ve been fortunate enough to see some amazing things from incredible heights. From the Sears Tower in my hometown of Chicago to the Empire State Building in New York City to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Traveling with family has allowed me to share experiences with those I love. Yet none of the trips I’ve taken with them compares to a journey I took all alone. It taught me that traveling means nothing if you don’t learn something.
In September 2022, I was given the opportunity to take a school trip to Peru. But sadly, 2 months later our coordinator informed us the trip was canceled due to dangerous circumstances in Peru. However, he presented us with a new destination – Costa Rica! And soon I was being dropped off at the airport by my parents to take my first trip ever alone, thousands of miles away from them to a new country.
After arriving, everything seemed fine but just about 10 minutes in my
vision started to go white. My chest was heaving, my hands were clammy, and perspiration was running down my back. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I realized I was having a panic attack. I’d never been so terrified. I went to sleep my first night in Costa Rica, in a strange bed thousands of miles from my family and my home, shaking.
Fortunately, I woke up the next morning feeling better. We headed to a small island called Tortuguero. We stepped off the boat to see locals milling around, playing at the nearby park, or buying fruit from the many vendors. I sat on a bench and just watched. I watched kids playing, stray dogs running in and out of buildings, and listened to people conversing in Spanish I seemed to both understand completely and not understand in the slightest all at the same time. Everything was so beautiful and simple.
Back home, everyone has their noses stuck in screens. Nobody goes outside and plays, nobody seems to feel that simplicity. In Tortuguero there were no cars, no fast food restaurants, no modernization. I was just experiencing life the way it was meant to be experienced. It was there I learned the
greatest lesson I’ve ever been taught: life is a lot more beautiful when you take time to enjoy it.
I’ve stood atop the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and seen the beauty of the Badlands in South Dakota. I’ve stood on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. I’ve been to the bottom of Hoover Dam and to the top of Diamond Head. Each of these places left a mark on my life. But it was a visit to a tiny island in Costa Rica that truly changed my perspective on so much.
I’m forever grateful for all the experiences travel has given me. All the places it’s taken me, the cultures it’s allowed me to experience, and most importantly, the lessons it’s taught me.
BY REAGAN YOUNG Young, 15, is a sophomore from Huntley, Illinois.
