FAITH-BASED
TRAVEL PLANNERS
STUDENT GROUPS
WATERFRONT
SPIRITUAL SPACES
Los Angeles Crusade display at the Billy Graham Library
This
Church
DEPARTMENTS
Mac T. Lacy Founder and
Publisher
Charles A. Presley Partner
Brian Jewell
VP & Executive Editor
Herb Sparrow
Senior Writer
Donia Simmons
Creative Director
Ashley Ricks
Graphic Design/Circulation
Rena Baer
Copy Editor
Kyle
Telisa
Sarah
kyle@grouptravelleader.com
Located minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Near-perfect weather with 300+ sunny days for outdoor activities and exploration
Award-winning hotels at a variety of costs and price points to fit your budget
Can Small
ESSENTIALS
BY BRIAN JEWELL
BBe Beautiful?
igger isn’t always better. Most of us have been conditioned to believe success is a matter of quantity, especially when it comes to business. A sold-out trip with 50 passengers is often considered a triumph. So does that make a less popular trip with a smaller group a tragedy?
Maybe not. Many newer tour companies are shooting for groups of 12 to 15 travelers. And if reports I’m reading are true, Gen Z is discovering the appeal of group travel — but they want to travel in smaller groups, not sold-out motorcoaches.
If the future of church travel means smaller groups, travel planners will likely have to rethink how they arrange — and price — their trips. But that’s not necessarily bad news. Here are a few benefits smaller groups could bring.
LESS RISK
Every person who comes on your trips brings some risk with them. They may get sick, injured or lost. They may have an allergic reaction to a meal. They may be disagreeable and cause difficult group dynamics. They may drive you crazy with criticisms or complaints. The more people you have on your trip, the greater the risk. Smaller groups reduce that risk, which increases your chances of enjoying stress-free travel. And if an issue does come up, it will impact fewer people.
MORE SPACE
Travel planners love to see their motorcoaches packed full, but travelers generally don’t. Coach travel is much more enjoyable when everyone has room to spread out. Smaller groups make this possible (albeit at a higher per-person cost). They also allow you to consider alternative transportation options, such as smaller vehicles, rideshares or public transit. This principle also applies when you plan a guided tour or similar experiences — smaller groups giver everyone more breathing room and opportunities to interact with the guides.
EASIER RESERVATIONS
Travel planners around the country tell me that getting group restaurant reservations has become the hardest part of their job. Finding a restaurant willing to seat 50 people for dinner may be challenging. Often, this isn’t because the restaurant doesn’t have tables for that many people but because it doesn’t have enough staff to serve them all at once. Smaller groups may help solve this problem. If your group is only 25, it will likely be much easier to book space at the restaurant you want.
DEEPER CONNECTIONS
If you take a three-day trip with 50 people, you’ll hardly find time to speak with each of your customers. Take the same trip with half as many, though, and you’ll have much better chances of spending quality time with every one of them. If relationship-building and ministry are important parts of your travel organization’s mission, smaller trips give you more opportunities to forge deep connections and have meaningful conversations that help people develop a sense of belonging in your faith community.
ROOM TO GROW
A pastor friend once told me he likes seeing empty seats in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings because he wants church members to feel there’s plenty of space to invite friends. That outlook can be applied to group trips as well. A trip that sells out quickly can make you feel good as a travel planner, but it may also create feelings of frustration or alienation among your community members. Small groups allow you to cultivate a culture that invites and welcomes outsiders and then scale up organically as your travel tribe grows.
Want more insights like this? Check out our podcast Gather and Go with Brian Jewell.
BRANSON SHINES AS
GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE HOST
More than 200 delegates, sponsors, hosts and speakers gathered August 6–8 in Branson, Missouri, for the 2024 Going On Faith Conference operated by the Group Travel Family. The meeting of faith-based travel planners and destinations has been held annually since 2006 and returned to Branson, where it held its inaugural event 18 years ago.
Among the highlights of this year’s conference were an evening at Sight and Sound Theatres for its current production, “Queen Esther;” a fascinating account of the Green Book Experience with speaker
David Jackson; and two days of marketplace appointments between travel planners, tour operators and destinations. Conference host Explore Branson arranged an opening ice cream social, and sightseeing tours of notable landmarks like Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Lake Taneycomo with Branson Duck Tours, the Titanic Museum and the area’s heralded outdoors with Branson’s Pink Jeep Tours.
“Queen Esther” tells the Old Testament story of Esther, a Jewish woman drawn into the Persian Empire. Her faith never wavers as she rises to become the king’s wife despite their cultural differences. The
opulent production takes place in the massive Sight and Sound Theatres complex built high above the Branson skyline.
“Explore Branson’s team was amazing,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of the Going On Faith Conference. “Yvonne Long has been instrumental in managing our delegates’ experience here, and we cannot thank her enough. I want to recognize Mike Pitman as well for his gracious hospitality to host all our delegates at ‘Queen Esther.’ Sight and Sound Theatres was a remarkable visitor experience for all of us.”
BY MAC LACY
Sight and Sound Theatre’s “Queen Esther” was a spectacular addition to the 2024 Going On Faith Conference.
Courtesy Sight and Sound Theatres
“The fact that Branson started with ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’ many years ago set the tone for our destination as family-oriented, faithful to our Midwestern values,” said Yvonne Long of Explore Branson. “It’s our basis, our foundation. Now that we have attractions like Sight and Sound Theatres and are devoting an entire month to honoring our veterans, we’ve established ourselves as a faith-based destination. The addition of the new Truth Traveler attraction next year gives us a great new faith-based reason for people to come.”
Delegates were housed at the Hilton Branson
“THE FACT THAT BRANSON STARTED WITH ‘THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS’ MANY YEARS AGO SET THE TONE FOR OUR DESTINATION AS FAMILYORIENTED, FAITHFUL TO OUR MIDWESTERN VALUES.”
—
YVONNE LONG, EXPLORE BRANSON
Convention Center in downtown Branson, and on-site events and meals took place at the adjacent Branson Convention Center. Major meal or event sponsors for the event included The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, Cincy Region, Chateau on the Lake Branson, Explore Branson, Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks, Great Passion Play, and Sight and Sound Theatres. At the closing luncheon, Nancy Willhoite of BB Riverboats appeared on behalf of the Cincy Region to invite all delegates to attend next year’s Going On Faith Conference in that area, August 6–8, 2025. To register, visit gofconference.com.
Telisa Rech, Going On Faith magazine
Hilton Branson Convention Center lobby
Pink Jeep adventure
Jennifer Ferguson and Jeremiah Jones
Ice cream social
All photos by Mac Lacy unless noted
Fresh cookies at registration
WHAT TRAVEL PLANNERS ARE SAYING
“We launch our tours from our local church, but we have nonmembers who come along. It’s a ministry. People find new friends every time we go. We’re doing the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum this year. We include Georgetown’s Horse Country as part of that trip. We’re taking a group to Huntsville, Alabama, to tour the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. We’re also taking a group to Charleston, South Carolina, and will include a harbor cruise, Patriot’s Point and several historic homes.”
Nick Nichols (and Diane)
Nick’s Travel Group
Fayetteville, Georgia
“We’re coming here to Branson in November. Next month we have 42 going on a 10-day tour of Colorado, Utah and New Mexico that includes three trains. We’re also doing a seven-day tour to North Carolina. We’ll do Mt. Airy, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Earl Scruggs Museum. We have 22 confirmed now and are looking for 10 more. We’re starting over since COVID because the good Lord says go.”
Lavanda Woosley
Woosley Tours
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
“This conference is great! In January, I’m taking 25 to New York to see the Rockettes, a Broadway show, a Tea Around Town sightseeing tour and other things. I have women from 15 to 85 going. We’re doing a Mediterranean cruise with MSC for a week and adding five days in Paris. I’ll have 45 male and female travelers on that. After this event, I’m doing Branson! This will be my first bus tour, and I hope to have 55. Sight and Sound was amazing, and I’m putting the trip together while I’m here.”
Tonya Matthews
Starstuff Travel by Tonya Monticello, Mississippi
Luncheon at College of the Ozarks
Marketplace action
Selling Sight and Sound
Buyer/seller meetings
Collette giveaway winner
Welcome to “Queen Esther”
“We’re a very outdoors-oriented group. We’re doing Floatzilla, a kayaking event on the Mississippi River. We describe ourselves as a ‘leaderless group of common adventurers.’ We’ll also do kayaking on the rivers near Gulf Shores, Alabama. I have a church group as well, and we’ve been to Branson and saw ‘Noah’ at Sight and Sound Theatres.”
Tricia Turner Expeditions by Tricia Mountain Home, Arkansas
“We’re leaving after the conference for a 14-day trip with 33 people to England, Scotland and Wales. In October, we’re taking over 40 to Marietta, Ohio. In November, we’re doing Lancaster, Pennsylvania, including Sight and Sound Theatre, with 45 people. We’re also doing a church trip that month to Colonial Williamsburg with 40-plus. Then in November, we’re taking 25-plus on a Douro River cruise in Portugal.”
Jerrilee Holtzapple Let’s Go Travel Troy, Ohio
“We took 40 to Switzerland in June. We did Lucerne, Bern and parts of northern Italy. We’ve got a fall foliage trip to Vermont in October with 43 on it. I was a music minister and began taking members on trips and found I enjoyed it. In March, we took 30-plus to Memphis for six days, and we’re taking a group to Myrtle Beach in November with U.S. Tours. We’re taking 32 to Paris shortly after the Olympics and will do a nine-day AMA river cruise on the Seine from Paris to Normandy.”
Gary Downey Heaven Bound Tours
Kingwood, Texas
Our group travels the world
WHAT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS SAYING
“We see a trend working in favor of group travel right now. Since COVID, many travelers place more value on professional expertise on the ground when they arrive for a trip. Due to the uncertainties COVID created, guided travel with local tour directors who can manage anything that comes up is a selling point. Travelers want that peace of mind. I’ve also discovered that many university groups are just now beginning to travel again. When they do come back, they’ll come back strong like everyone else has.”
Jim Edwards Collette
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
“We’re seeing many more affiliated groups right now than per capita tours sold to the public. Churches, banks, family reunion groups, etc., that share a common interest are stronger for us right now. We’ll have about 500,000 guests this year for ‘Queen Esther’ and maybe 100,000 for our Christmas show. We are a ministry. In 2025, I’m projecting north of 700,000 for our production of ‘David.’ Roughly 25% of our attendance is from groups.”
Mike Pitman
Sight and Sound Theatres
Branson, Missouri
“We operate primarily in the western U.S. and Alaska and are very strong with national parks. Our guaranteed departures have grown since COVID due to our high level of service, including a professional guide that takes care of 8-12 people. I’d say our best demographic is people who are 50-75, well-educated and moderately active. They’ve done a lot of the West with us already, so now we’ll take them to places like Glacier, Oregon, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.”
Shawn Horman
Southwest Adventure Tours
Cedar City, Utah
Passion Play breakfast sponsors
Checking sponsor presentation Happy delegates
The conference delegates on the Sight and Sound stage
Join us next year in the Cincy region
Ark Encounter friends
Courtesy Sight and Sound Theatres
Courtesy Sight and Sound Theatres
"Now this is what I call inspiration."
- Vacation
There’s nothing conventional about a convention in Branson. From Broadway style to southern gospel live shows to walkable, waterfront convention facilities, modern hotels, and unique venues, Branson, MO has the ideal setting for your group. Your next meeting place should be as uplifting as the people you’re bringing together. Learn more at ExploreBranson.com
“We’re delighted to be hosting next year’s conference. We have a great hotel and conference center at the Marriott Airport, and I can’t wait to host them on BB Riverboats. We’ve always been popular with groups. We’re in our 45th season, and we do 600 coaches a year. Our business went on steroids when the Ark Encounter opened. Next October, we’re hosting America’s River Roots, a celebration of river cities on inland waterways. The riverboats and sternwheelers coming in will be a spectacle for any group.”
Nancy Willhoite BB Riverboats
Covington, Kentucky
“We’re running far ahead of last year. We’re investing in major improvements in our sound system that will be in place in 2025, and we have a lot of promotional support from Eureka Springs and Branson, too. Many of our groups are coming over from Branson. We’ll have 160 groups this year. Youth groups have exploded. So have church and school groups.”
Ray Hendon
Great Passion Play
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
TRUTH TRAVELER COMPLEX COMING TO BRANSON
BRANSON, Missouri — Answers in Genesis, creator of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, has announced it will partner with Mindscape Creative to purchase the former Andy Williams Moon River Theater complex in Branson and build a Truth Traveler virtual reality experience to open in spring of 2025. Mindscape Creative is an internationally known builder of virtual reality experiences for venues such as zoos, aquariums and other sites.
Truth Traveler will be a custom-animated “5D” virtual reality ride that transports guests back centuries in time to experience pivotal moments in biblical history using motion benches and haptics for a full sensory experience. The benches and haptics are elements within the ride’s technology that create a sense of motion and immersion for the guest.
Ken Ham, founding CEO of Answers in Genesis, attended a press conference held at the former the ater on August 6 to announce the project with his Mindscape Creative partner, Wes Bowen and other company officials. Branson Mayor Larry Milton also attended to offi cially welcome the new tourism develop ment to his city.
“Guests will feel like they are in the movie when they visit Truth Traveler,” said Ham.
“We’re teaching truth through virtual reality.”
Bowen told attendees that Narnia-based programming is also being considered for the attraction and that he expected most guests to spend an hour and a half in the venue. Nine pods will accommodate up to 100 people each of whom will “travel” to numerous biblical sites presented as virtual reality.
In addition to the Truth Traveler virtual reality ride, the former Andy Williams complex will be renovated to include a 1,200-seat theater that will be used for other Christian-themed presentations. Live theater productions will also be held there.
Two other Truth Traveler complexes will be available to travel groups as well, one that will open this spring in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and another that is already operating at the Ark Experience theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky.
Eddie Lutz, who heads the group sales department for the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, will also handle group sales for Truth Traveler.
“Truth Traveler will be a wonderful addition to the faith-based collection of experiences we offer travelers,” he said. “The Branson complex will further cement Branson’s standing as one of America’s best-known faith-based destinations.”
Get us to the theater!
Frankie Valli entertainers Let’s do business.
Courtesy Sight and Sound Theatres
M arch 14-M ay 17, 2025
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Glenn Slater; Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner; Additional Book Materials by Douglas Car ter Beane; Music Direction by William Yanesh; Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Calhoun
FAITH FACES TRAVEL of
NAME: Tonya Matthews
COMPANY: Starstuff Travel by Tonya
HOMETOWN: Monticello, Mississippi
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the Kingdom of heaven and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
FAVORITE DESTINATION: It’s a tie between Alaska and Australia
HOBBIES: Matthews’ favorite things to do are spend time with her husband and three kids. As a lifelong music lover, she also loves to sing.
Sharing the Joy
TONYA MATTHEWS
STARSTUFF TRAVEL BY TONYA
TBY REBECCA TREON
onya Matthews’ path to being a travel planner and group travel leader was a circuitous one. She was raised in Louisiana and became a teacher. For 21 years, she taught a range of age groups and topics from show choir to Louisiana history. Along the way, she realized that one of her favorite teaching experiences was taking her students on trips she organized.
“I’ve always loved planning trips,” Matthews said. “I used to take my eighthgraders to New York and Philadelphia. My husband is a pastor, and we’ve done mission trips around the world from Tokyo to Honduras. I’ve always loved to travel, and I loved planning trips so much that I decided to try being a travel planner on the side to see if I could do it. I had no idea that God was going to call me to do this full time and grow a business from it.”
For two years, Matthews tried to balance her teaching career with planning trips for people as a member of a host travel agency called Starstuff Travel. But, as she said, God had other plans.
“It was just very clear that the Lord was asking me to step out on faith and do this full time. I’ve done this for six years now, and up until about a year and a half ago, I was
TRAVEL TIPS
Tonya Matthews’ career in travel has taken her to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (opposite page), Saudia Arabia (above) and New York’s Times Square.
just planning individual trips, family trips, and group trips for people. But then I discovered I love and am really gifted with actually leading group tours.”
Matthews takes a ladies group trip to New York City every January. “We miss the New Year’s crowds but still see all the beautiful Christmas decorations and the Rockettes,” she said. And this year she’s also taking a group on a Mediterranean cruise from Paris to Marseille, France; a ladies group trip to Cabo; and a faith-based group trip to Branson, Missouri.
“I love to problem-solve — it’s like a ministry to people,” she said. “I have clients who had an autistic son who needed full-time care. They are just traveling for the first time and just got back from Ireland. I was able to use all my networks to make this a phenomenal trip of a lifetime for them. It brings me great joy for people to be able to see God’s beauty and know they’ve got a little pixie dust in their back pocket should they have any issues or need anything — I’m there to advocate for them.”
Matthews said her travel career has allowed her to have some incredible travel experiences. Her popular social media channels serve as evidence of this — she’s gone to Saudi Arabia, Australia, Alaska, Cabo San Lucas, the Bahamas, Hawaii and Disney World, to name a few.
“I’ve realized that faith is a huge part of who I am, and I want to offer opportunities for people to engage in faith-based travel,” she said. “When I see new places and new countries, I’m blown away by the history, by God’s creation, how beautiful it is and how it moves people that I get to meet along the journey. The biggest joy for me is leading a trip to a place I’ve been before so I can share the joy a place brought me. A huge part of ministry for me is being able to provide that to others.”
Matthews is clearly doing something right — in just a few short years, she has become one of a small group of Starstuff Travel’s agents who have booked more than $1 million dollars in sales and mentor their teammates. She calls herself an encourager and is dedicated to help her fellow travel agents grow their own businesses. She’s now doing that for agents who specialize in group travel. She’s Starstuff Travel’s top producer and has learned to navigate every challenge and pitfall the travel industry can dish out, from delayed flights to power outages, with grace — and see it all as part of God’s plan.
“It is eye-opening to see how big God is and how small the world really is,” she said. “It strengthens our faith. Travel changes us when we get out of our bubble and meet people from other cultures — the Lord uses that to change us. I sell the world now, and Christ just keeps opening doors. Travel opens up your prayer life, when you’re a believer — it changes you to your core. It gives you such great encouragement but also challenges you.”
COUNTY, ALABAMA
Rockets, world-class attractions, culinary offerings to satisfy any appetite, a thriving arts and entertainment culture, sweet tea, and hospitable Southern charm isn’t all we are known for. Our rich history, museums, scenic views, and tours and trails are ready for you to explore in Huntsville, Alabama.
*
Our Foundations of Faith Trail showcases 15 places of worship, each over 100 years old, still holding services.
800-843-0468 | huntsville.org
STATE A OF FAITH
RIVERFRONTS LAKESHORES
AND
GROUPS CAN DISCOVER OHIO FROM THE WATER
Courtesy Experience Columbus
Courtesy Destination Dayton
Courtesy Destination Dayton
Clockwise from top: A kayak tour on the Scioto River in Columbus; a surfing experience in Dayton; a float trip on Dayton’s Miami River.
BY BRIONA LAMBACK
Visits to the Buckeye State are both wet and wild. Ohio is chock full of exciting waterfront destinations, each with options for unique entertainment and thrilling adventure. Travel planners can include exciting water-based experiences in five Ohio cities, from Cincinnati to Sandusky, and see many impressive historical, music and natural attractions along the way.
This itinerary traverses Ohio from south to north, beginning in Cincinnati. A major airport is nearby, making the city an ideal launchpad for groups of visitors looking to road trip throughout Ohio. It then continues to Dayton and Columbus, where visitors can experience land, water and air between Dayton’s aviation history and Columbus’s vast, lush park and waterfront areas. In Cleveland, music meets the water with river sports activities and a must-see rock ’n’ roll museum. Things end in the Buckeye State’s thrill capital, Sandusky, a compelling resort town beloved for its iconic amusement park.
1
CINCINNATI
HIGHLIGHT | JAZZ BRUNCH CRUISE
A perfect Sunday in Cincinnati happens aboard the BB Riverboats’ Dixieland Jazz Brunch cruise. The two-hour experience on the waterfront features a full spread with a buffet menu, including Southern-inspired dishes like bananas foster waffles, fried green tomatoes, creole barbecue shrimp and a Mississippi pot roast. Groups can see the surrounding sights and landmarks, arrange visits with the captain and listen to the live Dixieland jazz band play. Leaders have the option to customize their group’s cruise with amenities like guaranteed window seating, table decorations, appetizers or desserts, and other souvenirs to memorialize the visit, including boarding photos.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Groups hungry for a bit of culinary adventure can head to Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest surviving municipal market house. The market is a staple of the downtown Over-theRhine neighborhood, and there are dozens of food options, from a bagel bar to barbecue.
2
DAYTON
HIGHLIGHT | SURF AND STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING
Just an hour outside Cincinnati to the northeast is Ohio’s Miami Valley, home to Dayton. One of the most unique ways to experience the river waters surrounding the city is atop a surfboard at Surf Dayton. Groups can spend the day on the water with all necessary equipment and professional instructors guiding the entire experience. Flatwater stand-up paddle boarding is also available.
For a truly unique experience, leaders can book a sunset paddle along Eastwood Lake, which offers panoramic views of downtown and activities for every type of traveler. Island Metropark is a 43-acre urban oasis surrounded by trees and overflowing with recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking and camping.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Once back on land, leaders can plan a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, one of Dayton’s most popular attractions. The free museum honors aviation history and tells the stories of its pioneers, including Dayton heroes like the Wright Brothers, across 19 acres of indoor exhibits and hundreds of aerospace vehicles and artifacts.
MORE INFO | daytoncvb.com
COLUMBUS
HIGHLIGHT | SCIOTO MILE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE
One of the best parts of visiting Ohio’s capital, Columbus, is heading downtown to the Scioto Mile, a waterfront urban oasis with over 175 acres of vibrant parkland. Its nine waterfront parks are connected by bikeways and numerous recreational trails. Visitors can catch a daily, year-round water and light show at the Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park.
For an added thrill, groups can hop onto the water to paddle the Mile in a kayak or canoe and enjoy views of the downtown skyline. Groups can book two-and-a-half-hour paddling excursions for all experience levels. Each one includes a brief instruction lesson, rental equipment and an on-the-water guide who shares stories of Columbus and its river’s history.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Head five minutes south of downtown to the centuries-old German village where the brick-lined streets take visitors back in time. The charming neighborhood has unique shops, including a 32-room bookstore, the Scioto Audubon, a nature center and plenty of restaurants worth exploring.
MORE INFO | experiencecolumbus.com
CLEVELAND
HIGHLIGHT | FLOAT THE CUYAHOGA RIVER
In the northeastern part of the state, the Lake Erie shore is perhaps Cleveland’s most scenic feature, and floating along the Cuyahoga River is one of the best ways to experience its aquatic beauty. Leaders can plan a group tubing, kayaking or rafting trip surrounded by lush landscapes along the scenic waterway, which takes one to two hours, depending on the currents.
Tubing is perfect for groups looking to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy a gently flowing ride. Kayaking is better for those who want an active water experience that allows for exploration of the nooks along the river. For groups looking to foster relationships, rafting is for team building on the water, as everyone has to work together to navigate the rapids.
No matter the type, every rental includes equipment, and visitors receive a wristband that extends discounts to surrounding local businesses to keep the fun and exploration going post-float.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: There’s no visiting Cleveland without experiencing some of its iconic music history. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame boasts more than 50 exhibits spanning decades of genre through film, video and other interactive elements, including live instruments.
Paddleboarding on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland
A performer on the Dixieland jazz brunch cruise
By Nathan Migal
A BB Riverboats cruise near Cincinnati
Courtesy BB Riverboats
Courtesy BB Riverboats
SANDUSKY
HIGHLIGHT | LAKE ERIE CRUISES
Over an hour from Cleveland, Sandusky is a resort town full of thrills. On Lake Erie, leaders can plan various cruises with multiple stops and options for riding the beautiful Sandusky Bay. If live entertainment and relaxing sunset views on the waterfront sound like the perfect evening, leaders can book Sunset Bay Cruise seats on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Aboard the daytime Island Hopping cruise, a live narrator tells visitors the story of the area’s famous points of interest. Groups can see historic Johnson’s Island, a 3,000-acre island tied to Civil War history, and the Great Lakes’ oldest operating lighthouse, the Marblehead Lighthouse. The cruise also includes views of Cedar Point, the famous amusement park many visitors plan to explore during their entire Sandusky trips.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: There are multiple options for highadrenaline fun in Sandusky. In addition to Cedar Point, the city is known as Ohio’s waterpark capital for its year-round indoor water resorts, like Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge. These parks make Sandusky perfect for planning a thrill-seeking vacation, especially with children.
Relaxing after a Surf Dayton experience
Courtesy Destination Dayton
By Andy Spessard, courtesy Experience Columbus
A Cuyahoga expedition with Float the River
Courtesy Float the River
Courtesy Goodtime Lake Erie Island Cruises
A Lake Erie Cruise in Sandusky aboard the Goodtime I
A view of downtown Columbus from the Scioto River
STUDENT TRAVEL FAVORITES
NTHESE ATTRACTIONS ARE FAMOUS FOR YOUTH GROUP FUN
BY RACHEL CRICK
ational landmarks, natural wonders and thrilling theme parks draw youth groups in droves. That’s because these destinations do the tricky work of balancing the spirit of adventure with educational opportunities and wholesome entertainment. For an itinerary that’s sure to inspire wonder among any youth group, consider adding stops at these top attractions around the country.
Courtesy Destination Niagara USA
Cave of the Winds is a thrilling way for youth groups to experience Niagara Falls.
An aerial view of the American Falls
NIAGARA FALLS
NIAGARA
FALLS, NEW YORK
Niagara Falls consists of three impressive waterfalls straddling the U.S. and Canada: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls. Four of the Great Lakes flow into the Niagara River, sending roughly 700,000 gallons of water per second over the edge of the falls. Built around the majesty of the falls, Niagara Falls State Park was founded in 1885, making it the oldest state park in the country.
“New York state has invested millions into making the park more accessible and enhancing the natural beauty of the park,” said Sara Harvey, director of communications at Destination Niagara USA.
Visiting youth groups can get acquainted with the falls with several attractions and experiences enjoyed by the park’s annual 8 million visitors. The Maid of the Mist boat tours have been around for nearly 200 years and predate the state park. From April to early November, groups can hop onboard the allelectric, 600-passenger boats and glide along the water to the base of Horseshoe Falls to see its might up close. Boats rides last approximately 20 minutes and depart every 15 minutes.
For a more thrilling ride on the water, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours also let groups experience the thrill of the Niagara River, with wet and dry tours offered. Group rates start at 10 passengers. Another great way to experience the falls is to head to the Cave of the Winds. This platform gives visitors the closest access to the falls and is named for the intensely windy and wet conditions it produces.
After exploring the state park, groups can dine at the Top of the Falls Restaurant. They can also head to downtown Niagara, which is within walking distance of the park, for additional shopping, dining and exploring.
niagarafallsusa.com
GATEWAY ARCH
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of the country’s most famous manmade landmarks. Gateway Arch National Park was established in 1935 as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, but the design of the arch wasn’t decided upon until after World War II. Construction of the impressive 630-foot-tall steel-andconcrete structure was completed in 1965 and made the St. Louis skyline one of the country’s most recognizable.
The Gateway Arch commemorates the vision of westward expansion, and its visitor center explores this chapter of American history in depth. A 20-minute documentary, “Monument to the Dream,” contains footage from the arch’s construction. But the highlight of a visit to the arch is the tram ride to the top, where youth groups can glimpse one of the most far-reaching, incredible vistas in the country. The Arch Café in the visitor center is a great place to stop for a meal after the tram ride.
“The tram ride to the top is a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Pam Sanfilippo, program manager at Gateway Arch National Park. “We do get about 2 million visitors a year from all over the world, and lots of school groups. It’s an opportunity to learn outside the classroom.”
The park also contains the Old Courthouse, a U.S. Civil Rights Trail site where the famous Dred Scott case was heard. In this case, Dred and Harriet Scott, two enslaved people, sued for their freedom; though they didn’t win, this monumental case had important implications for the abolitionist movement. Youth groups can have mock trials in the courthouse and browse exhibits dedicated to the case. The courthouse is closed for renovations but is slated to reopen in spring 2025.
nps.gov/jeff
Courtesy Destination Niagara USA
Courtesy Destination Niagara USA
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Courtesy Explore St. Louis
Museum at the Gateway Arch
Courtesy Explore St. Louis
Maid of the Mist tour at Niagara Falls
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
WYOMING AND MONTANA
Stretching over 3,400 square miles across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is one of America’s most famous national parks. The park is best known for its plentiful hot springs and picturesque geysers, both of which occur because the park is situated above a dormant volcano. It’s also home to abundant wildlife, including buffalo, wolves and grizzly bears. A trip to Yellowstone is at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and with nature at its most beautiful — and at times, volatile — in the park, it’s a great place for young minds to learn about the natural world.
A trip to Yellowstone with a student or youth group is guaranteed to be packed with breathtaking scenery and educational opportunities. Park rangers can lead activities, such as guided hikes, and talk about the park’s ecology, wildlife and history. In addition to ranger-led activities, additional tour operators offer ways to see the park, including guided hikes and trips to some of the park’s most well-known landmarks like Old Faithful, the geyser named for its frequent (and often predictable) eruptions that shoot water up to 180 feet in the air. There’s also the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the largest buffalo herd in North America and even whitewater rafting. The park is large, and some tours span multiple days to cover all its most noteworthy sights.
Group dining can be arranged at some of the hotels and lodges in and around the park, including the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, and the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria and Bake Shop. nps.gov/yell
DOLLYWOOD PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited national park, groups will find one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions. Known for its family-friendly fun and its theme park rides, Dollywood opened in Pigeon Forge in 1961, though it went by several names before beloved country musician Dolly Parton became a part owner in 1986.
Today, the160-acre park sees more than 3 million visitors annually and features more than 50 wholesome rides, shows and attractions, making it excellent for student and youth groups. Dollywood is also home to festivals and events throughout the year, accompanied by seasonal food and décor for guests to enjoy. The park’s live entertainment and thrilling rides can be enhanced by additional elements such as scavenger hunts and educational materials, including a “science in the park” workbook and programming at the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, which rescues and rehabilitates birds of prey.
By Jacob W. Frank, courtesy NPS
Courtesy Explore St. Louis
Sunrise at the Arch
By Neal Herbert, courtesy NPS
A photography excursion at Yellowstone National Park
Spotting wildlife in Yellowstone
By Neal Herbert, courtesy NPS
One of Yellowstone’s geothermal features
Discover 11 charming waterfront communities and explore 85 miles of beaches while being awed by the wonders of nature at every turn. Plan your next conference at crystalcoastnc.org/groups or call 888-891-0021
The park is also known for its food. In addition to eateries like Aunt Granny’s Restaurant and Lumber Jack’s Pizza, funnel cakes, kettle corn and the park’s famous cinnamon bread are all well-loved staples. For a more structured meal, groups of more than 100 can rent out one of the park’s private picnic pavilions for a buffet. They can also use one of Dollywood’s theaters for a church service or an event, then let their group enjoy a day in the park. Special rates are offered for groups of 15 or more.
“Our greatest attributes are the friendliness and authenticity of the park,” said Cordelia Morrell, director of sales at Dollywood Parks and Resorts. “It’s flowing what everyone knows and loves about Dolly into the park.”
dollywood.com
BALBOA PARK
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
In 1868, 1,400 acres in downtown San Diego were set aside as a park, known by the nondescript name City Park. Today, 156 years later, it’s Balboa Park, named for the first European to see the Pacific Ocean during an exploration of Panama. The urban park has been reduced to 1,200 acres and comprises some of the city’s top attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, several museums, historic architecture, restaurants and beautiful gardens. All this in such a compact area makes it one of the top attractions in the country for youth groups and a one-stop shop for a full-day itinerary.
A visit to the San Diego Zoo is sure to show guests a wide range of endangered species; the zoo is known for its breeding programs and other efforts to ensure the preservation of many rare animals, from pygmy hippos to clouded leopards to red pandas. With 660 species and subspecies, it’s an enticing attraction to patrons of any age. Other impressive institutions worth visiting include: the San Diego Museum of Art; the San Diego Air and Space Museum; and the San Diego Natural History Museum, among many others.
To explore the collection of museums in an affordable way (or to give students the freedom to visit whichever ones they prefer), the park offers an explorer pass granting admission to 16 of the park’s attractions. When they’re done perusing the museums, students will find dozens of shops, eateries and activities. Tours of the park itself are also available and can focus on everything from its unique Spanish Colonial Revival and Spanish Mission architecture to its history. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
balboapark.org
Old Town Trolley Tours at Balboa Park in San Diego
A red panda at the San Diego Zoo
The Dollywood Express and Grist Mill
Photos courtesy San Diego Tourism Authority
Courtesy Dollywood
A koala at the San Diego Zoo
SACRED SPACES
THESE RELIGIOUS HERITAGE SITES TELL THE STORIES OF HUMANITY
BY CYNTHIA BARNES
Around the world, significant houses of worship tell the story of human’s history with the divine — and with each other.
Visiting historic religious sites can offer groups a unique blend of cultural immersion, artistic appreciation and spiritual exploration. Steeped in centuries of tradition, these places illuminate the beliefs, practices and architectural styles of their time and place. Beyond their unique religious significance, these historical landmarks preserve the stories of a faith’s past, forging a tangible connection to the believers who worshiped (and continue to worship) there.
Here are five diverse and fascinating religious heritage sites to consider for your group.
Constructed in the 1820s, Basillica Notre-Dame has come to be called Montreal’s “Mother Church.”
By Lew Keen, courtesy Touro Synagogue Foundation
Touro Synagogue in Rhode Island
TOURO SYNAGOGUE
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
A historic gem in Newport, Rhode Island, Touro Synagogue dates to 1763 and is one of the oldest continually active synagogues on the continent. Jewish immigrants first arrived in the mid- to late 17th century, having first migrated from Europe to South America and the Caribbean. They found safety from persecution in the Rhode Island colony, where they were accepted and allowed to conduct business as “resident strangers” — although not allowed to vote or hold political office.
The synagogue’s Palladian architecture was one of the first examples of that style in North America. Touro played an important role in American history as well. After his first visit to Rhode Island as president, George Washington penned a reply to a letter written by a leader of the local Jewish congregation. In that 1790 letter, Washington stated the new government’s commitment to freedom of religion, an entitlement the president viewed as an “inherent natural right.” This letter cemented Touro’s place in American history and marked a significant milestone in the acceptance of religious diversity in the United States. It is read annually in a ceremony at the synagogue each summer.
Today, Touro Synagogue remains an active place of worship and a popular visitor destination. A trip to this national historic site includes a history presentation and interactive exhibits. Groups can explore the synagogue’s historic interior and walk the beautiful grounds while learning about the Jewish community in Newport and experiencing the rich cultural heritage of this important landmark. Groups of up to 50 can be accommodated for walking tours, which should be reserved in advance.
tourosynagogue.org
FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
A visit to Savannah, Georgia’s First African Baptist Church offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It’s an opportunity to connect with the rich history of the African American community in Savannah and the oldest continual African American congregation in the country. First African Baptist Church was established in 1773 and is older than the United States. Nestled in the heart of Savannah, the current house of
worship was built by free and enslaved congregants, and the simple but elegant gray brick structure was completed in 1859. Many original elements still grace the church, including the balcony pews, light fixtures and baptismal pool. Holes in the floor are in the shape of an African prayer symbol known as a BaKongo Cosmogram, which represents birth, life, death and rebirth.
The church served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, harboring people escaping slavery on their way north to freedom. It was pivotal during the Civil Rights Movement as well, and Martin Luther King, Jr. preached from its pulpit. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the church, its history and its ongoing commitment to social justice. Tours are available Monday through Saturday and should be reserved in advance.
firstafricanbc.com
WARTBURG CASTLE
EISENACH, GERMANY
Perched atop a lofty hill in Eisenach, Germany, Wartburg Castle dates to 1097 and is steeped in both secular and religious history. Medieval Christians made the fortress a place of pilgrimage, seeking blessings and miracles at the castle’s chapel, a shrine dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The Hungarian princess was betrothed to Count Ludwig III in 1211 at the age of 4 and married at age 14. Widowed by 20, she devoted her life to the poor before dying at 25.
But it is the association with Martin Luther, the German priest who became the seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation, for which the castle is most famous. After refusing to repudiate his writings in 1521, Luther sought refuge at Wartburg, spending almost a year in hiding. During this time, he began translating the original Greek New Testament into German. The room where he did his work is preserved just as it was in that time. There are lovely views of the surrounding countryside from the battlements
By Alain Regimbald, courtesy Basilica Notre-Dame
By Josh Edenbaum, courtesy Touro Synagogue Foundation
By Geoff Johnson, courtesy Visit Savannah
By Francesco Carovillano, courtesy German National Tourist Board
Inside Touro Synagogue A historic marker at Savannah’s First African Baptist Church
Germany’s Wartburg Castle Germany’s Wartburg Castle
and stunning interiors throughout, along with frescoes, portraits, relics and important historical artifacts. Don’t miss the three-story palace, which is only accessible on a guided tour. Groups of up to 50 can be accommodated, and private after-hours tours are available.
wartburg.de
THE VATICAN ROME
From the Sistine Chapel to the Tomb of St. Peter, the history and treasures of Christianity and the Catholic Church are on display in the Vatican City State, a sovereign country located within the modern city of Rome. At the center of the compound is St. Peter’s Basilica, built above the tomb of the first pontiff, and its famed square, where the current pope addresses large crowds. A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the basilica was completed in 1615 and is the largest religious building on the planet.
Two millennia of religious significance, along with priceless ancient artifacts, are housed within the Vatican Museums, comprising an invaluable repository of human art and culture. Most visitors will want to gaze upon Michelangelo’s gloriously frescoed Sistine Chapel and his “Pietà,” which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum will be a must for Egyptologists. Founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, it contains nine rooms of rare Egyptian artifacts, including papyrus scrolls, statuary and mummies. Knees and shoulders must be covered, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Only 40 minutes away, Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s summer residence, is a pleasant visit. Set on the shore of Lake Albano, the papal palace is open to the public and has 135 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as an observatory. museivaticani.va
BASILICA NOTRE-DAME MONTREAL, CANADA
A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, the Basilica Notre-Dame is known as Montreal’s “Mother Church” and was declared a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982. Construction on the original stone structure began in 1672, but the congregation soon outgrew the building’s capacity. Construction on the new church began in 1824, and Notre-Dame became the largest house of worship in North America for the next 50 years. Highlights of the church include its magnificent carved altarpiece, striking stained-glass windows and enormous bells.
In addition to its spiritual role, the basilica is a significant cultural site. Its famous Casavant organ — with 7,000 pipes — and impeccable acoustics make it a desired venue for concerts and choirs. Luciano Pavarotti recorded a Christmas concert here, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra performs regularly.
Currently, there are no guided tours, but 24 stations with informational panels can be found throughout the church during a sightseeing visit. In the evenings, the immersive AURA experience combines light and music to create a stunning 45-minute show.
basiliquenotredame.ca
By Geoff Johnson, courtesy Visit Savannah
Courtesy The Fireside
A gallery at the Vatican Museum in Rome
A historic trolley tour outside First African Baptist Church
By Alain Regimbald, courtesy Basilica Notre-Dame
Courtesy Vatican Museum The stone exterior of Basilica Notre-Dame in Montreal
Explore 2000 years of history and inspiration at The Biblical History Center in LaGrange—one of only seven such museums in the world. Journey through archeological replicas, experience Biblical meal presentations, and see exact replicas of ancient Middle Eastern life settings. From archaeology to ancient history to cutting-edge teaching, you’ll witness ancient stories of the Bible brought to life. VisitLaGrange.com
THINK BIGGER
AT ARK ENCOUNTER
Add an unforgettable destination to your tour. Embark on a thrilling adventure of biblical history with our Kentucky-based, life-size Noah’s Ark. Scan the QR code or visit the website to learn more!
