Student Travel Planning Guide 2018

9.95

$

2018 EDITION

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Great STEM Travel

Destinations

PLUS 16 performance and field trip locations too!

11 BEST

Parental Support for Student Trips

Student Travel Apps for 2018

A Premier Travel Media publication • StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com

What Every Planner Should Know About Flight Cancellations and Student Groups

VOL. 9 • 2018 EDITION

contents FEATURES 6

Flight Cancellations and Student Groups An expert’s tips on handling trip disruptions will get group leaders through short-term crisis situations at the airport

10 11 Best Student Travel Apps for 2018 At home or abroad, you’ll find yourself using these apps to guide and inform your travels

12 How to Best Utilize Parent Chaperones Tips and tricks to alleviate stress in every step of the process

14 Parental Support for School Trips Convince parents of the benefits of educational trips and they’ll get behind your travel program

16 Choosing Hotels for

ON THE COVER: Students connect with science in America’s top STEM cities.

Youth Groups Essential dos and don’ts every group leader should know

(©iStockphoto.com/ muratsenel)

SPECIAL SECTION The Great Eights A 34-page section focusing on top U.S. cities for student groups

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Washington, D.C. Atlanta Boston Philadelphia Birmingham St. Louis Oklahoma City Detroit

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8 Dazzling Performing Arts Cities 43 45 46 48 50 51 52 53

New York New Orleans Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Nashville Branson Orlando Myrtle Beach Los Angeles Student Travel Planning Guide

Disney Youth Programs

Huntsville Houston Seattle Tampa Chicago Miami San Francisco/Silicon Valley Columbus

8 History & Heritage Hubs

Plymouth Tours

©iStockphoto.com/JackF

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

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Lick Observatory

8 Exceptional STEM Cities

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Miles Dobis

Planning a Trip to Remember

Vol. 9, No. 1, 2018 Edition

Editorial Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

s the school year begins in earnest,

Curtin, who offers advice on everything

teachers and administrators across

from flight cancellations to hotel room

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk

the country are crafting lesson plans,

protocol. Her work is augmented with chap-

jeff@ptmgroups.com

balancing budgets and orienting new

erone recruitment advice and a roundup of

faculty members. With all this preparation,

student-friendly travel apps, which range

Managing Editor – Randy Mink

planning an extended class trip is probably

from established social media networks to

randy@ptmgroups.com

not your first priority. Luckily, we at Student

cutting-edge photo sharing platforms.

A

Travel Planning Guide relish the opportunity

This impressive finished product would

to provide expert advice on every facet

be impossible without the tireless work

of educational trips. Group travel experts,

from our summer editorial interns. Their

technology providers and students them-

thorough research and firsthand expertise

selves have contributed to our reimagined

as student travelers are reflected in their

2018 edition, which profiles 24 American

work in this edition, and we are proud that

cities ideal for school-sponsored trips.

they have met the high standards of our

Divided into three sections (performing

Staff Writer – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers Lisa S. Curtin Erin Getty Stephanie Harris Brittany Nyberg Grace Samuelson

guide.

arts, history and STEM), these articles

Most importantly, we'd like to thank you,

offer comprehensive summaries of stu-

the student travel planner. Educational

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski

dent-friendly attractions in a particular

trips can create memories for a lifetime

rob@ptmgroups.com

metro area. Whether it’s available stages in

and encourage passion in young minds.

Branson for choirs or science expositions

Knowing that committed educators like you

Advertising Sales Office

in Houston for a robotics club, we match

are numerous has driven us to create the

these 24 cities' resources with the needs

best, most comprehensive Student Travel

Phone: 630.794.0696 advertising@ptmgroups.com www.PtmGroups.com

of middle school, high school and college

Planning Guide yet.

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.

travelers.

This edition also includes several contributions from student travel expert Lisa S.

Safe travels, Miles Dobis

Student Travel Planning Guide (ISSN 2154-4905) is published annually by Premier Travel Media, Inc., 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. The magazine is distributed free to youth group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media, Inc. 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527

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publication All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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What Every Planner Should Know About Flight Cancellations and Student Groups An expert’s tips on handling trip disruptions will get group leaders through short-term crisis situations at the airport ou’ve just arrived at a crowded gate with 50 of your students, only to find the counter agent announcing the flight’s been cancelled due to weather. Along with the other passengers, you start scrambling for answers about a rebooked flight; meanwhile, your students are texting away to parents and friends about the cancellation. You stand there wondering what to do. The first call you make, if working with a tour operator, is to their office.

Angst builds as you begin thinking about missed appointments, how to handle the parents who have now begun texting you and what to do with 50 students while the situation gets resolved. But you take a step back, breathe and remember you have answers because you have read this article.

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encrier/Bigstock.com

Managing Rebooking Expectations

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Flight cancellations are a part of air travel. The odds are on your side that your outgoing and return flight home will be on time and go off without a hitch. However, certain factors can affect those odds, including weather, mechanical issues, flight crews and air traffic control – to name a few.

Should your flight be cancelled, managing rebooking expectations is paramount to reducing the stress you, your students and their parents may feel. It’s important to understand the airline operations behind a cancelled flight.

Flight cancellations affect an airline’s overall network. The plane on which you were to depart was also booked for other flights that day.

One cancellation can affect a day’s worth of flights, in different cities, at different times. I’ve had the chance to go behind the scenes in an airline’s operational center during a flight cancellation, and the best way to describe the scene is computers monitoring hundreds of flights while staff buzz around like worker bees to rectify the situation. It’s controlled and methodical, but to the passenger standing at the gate, it may seem like Student Travel Planning Guide

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wollertz/Bigstock.com

nothing is being done. In fact, the gate agent is often the last person to truly know why a flight has been cancelled – barring an obvious storm right outside the gate window – as information flows through many channels before it hits the gate.

Airlines have a responsibility to rebook your group as soon as possible. Today, flights are often oversold, so the next logically available flight may not have any openings for your group. In the case of a flight cancellation, airline operations do review flight manifests to identify large groups. The number of passengers in a group is identified by the airline’s record locator (sometimes called the PNR), a unique combination of numbers and letters, typically six characters in length, that allows an airline to identify passengers. At times, tour operators

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Student Travel Planning Guide

may book your group on the same flight but in smaller groups, each with their own record locator. Reasons for this may include managing the group’s budget, as airline seats on the same flight vary in price. If you are traveling without onsite assistance from your tour operator, knowing the record locators for your group along with names associated with the record locators will prove valuable. If your group has several locators, the airline is not seeing your group as a whole of 50 but rather by the number in each locator and thus doesn’t know you are traveling together. Most tour operators will ensure that each record locator includes the name of one adult plus students, provided there are enough adults on the trip.

As the airline starts to rebook passengers, it rebooks based on record locators, working to get the passengers out as quickly as possible. At this point, you will need to get in front of a gate agent and explain that you are traveling as a group and wish to be rebooked as such. In the worst case scenario, you may need to fly out in smaller groups; in this situation, insist on flights close together in time. If you are not getting the help you need from the gate agent, ask to speak to a supervisor. Groups traveling with a tour operator will have support in managing the rebooking.

It’s important to know that airlines take no responsibility for passenger comfort (like food or lodging) when flights cancel due to weather or other situations outside of the airline’s control. However, if the flight cancels due to a mechanical failure or fault of the airline, they are responsible for your comfort and will provide a voucher for food and lodging. Sometimes, though, you may need to remind them of this fact.

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Messaging Parents

Managing Students

Prior to any trip, it’s best practice to meet with parents to explain the itinerary, travel arrangements and contingency plans in the case of a travel disruption, such as a flight cancellation. Explaining the rebooking process in advance and setting the right expectation for communication will help reduce the number of texts or calls you may receive. For starters, set boundaries. Let parents know that if there is a flight cancellation or other situation, you will inform them as soon as humanly possible and then keep them informed as the rebooking process is worked through. It’s not unreasonable to ask them to not text or call you unless it’s absolutely urgent. Your tour operator will often send messages to parents should a situation occur.

Prior to travel, consider using a group text app and invite parents and students to join the group. Apps such as GroupMe or others work well and allow you to send texts to the group.

When the outbound flight cancels, parents may worry their child won’t see all the sites planned on the itinerary – assure them you will get in as much in as possible. Parents may also ask for a refund of unseen sites – let them know you’ll discuss that matter upon return.

If traveling with a tour operator, questions such as this should be directed their way. Your focus during a flight cancellation is keeping the group safe and getting them rebooked as quickly as possible.

Students are resilient and often find flight cancellations exciting. It becomes the “story” of their trip. A consideration is managing social media. Students are quick to get out their phones and start messaging friends and family, often with a mixture of facts and conjecture.

Setting the right expectation in advance of the trip about the use of social media will handle this situation. One suggestion is letting them know that as their chaperone you are communicating with parents and want to keep the messages clear and on topic.

In cases of long delays between the cancelled and rebooked flight, students will get bored. Food and decks of cards help, and just keeping them occupied with some kind of activity will offset boredom.

Lisa S. Curtin has 20+ years of tour expertise as a group leader and vice president of operations for a major student travel company.

She now is a tour industry consultant for organizations that include the Student Youth Travel Association.

You’ll Get There Flight cancellations are a part of air travel, however, and you’ll eventually get to your destination or home. If a delay occurs in getting to your travel destination, the itinerary will need to be reworked to get as much sightseeing in as possible. Tour operators will handle this for you.

As you are waiting out the flight, start making a list of your priorities – the must sees – to ensure your trip is as worthwhile as possible.

By preparing yourself, your parents and students in advance should a flight cancellation occur, expectations are managed. Understanding that airlines truly want to get operations back to normal as soon as possible, even if it appears at the gate that nothing is happening, helps reduce anxiety. ❖ —By Lisa S. Curtin

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11

BEST STUDENT TRAVEL APPS FOR

2018

At home or abroad, you’ll find yourself using these apps to guide and inform your travels ©iStockphoto.com/dorian2013

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hen was the last time you saw a student without a smartphone? Students, teachers, chaperones and others involved in student travel are all attached to their devices. Even if their travels take them beyond the U.S. border, smartphones are top travel tools. Whether you rely on a WI-FI connection or get a phone that can work internationally, your smartphone can keep you connected.

Years ago, I traveled in Europe phone-free.

Changing plans on the fly, checking travel documents and itineraries and posting my experiences on social media were impossible. I missed the flexibility. I was even a bit uneasy at times, like when I arrived at a Hungarian bus station at 11 p.m. — no cab in sight and no translator to ease my way. I would’ve given a lot of money to have a working phone and internet connection at that point.

Now, of course, this isn’t a problem. Even the local purchase of a prepaid phone and plan is within most student travelers’ budgets. So how can they take advantage of this connectivity during their trip?

The reasons to use apps while you travel are many. They can give you more information about where you are. They can help you communicate and stay organized. They make it possible to change plans and meet up with others in your group at short notice. And they can even help you stay safe.

Let’s look at 11 types of apps that no one involved in a student travel experience should be without. Sharp-eyed readers will note that there are more than 15 actual apps mentioned; if an app isn’t available on both Android smartphones and iPhones, we’ve listed a comparable app.

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1

Photo Sharing/Social Media — The Snapchat and Facebook apps are probably already on your phone, but they’re hard to beat when you want to quickly share your experiences with your friends at home.

2

Translation & Language – A good traveler always attempts to learn at least a few words of the local language. But what if you have to string together a complex phrase? Or what if you’re travelling in a place where another dialect or language is spoken? Google Translate (Android) and iTranslate (iTunes) to the rescue. They both translate over 90 languages, so you should be covered.

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Trip Memories – Do you want to keep track of your pupils’ whereabouts on tour while sharing incredible images with faculty and family? Group Travel Videos app combines elements of social media and GPS, so you can take, share and store photos on tour. Participants download the app and immediately begin taking photographs, post across social media platforms or download onto their phone. GPS tracking allows chaperones and teachers the ability to keep track of pupils as well as send a group message in case of change of plans.

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Flights — If you’re looking for information on a flight you’ve already booked, I’d advise using your airline app. For example, Delta‘s app lets you check in to your flight, look up flight statuses, get alerts and updates, pay for and track checked luggage and even explore the scenery you’re flying over. If you’re looking for short-notice travel plans and you’re not locked into an airline, Skyscanner searches 1,200 travel operators to find your flight for less.

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Worst Case Scenario — The Smart Traveler app is part of the U.S. State Department’s STEP program. This free service links you with current state department information about the countries you’re visiting, including health and safety information, travel warnings and U.S. embassy locations. Should an emergency arise, registering with the STEP program makes it easier for the embassy to contact you.

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Augmented Reality — In time, we’ll be able to point our mobile devices at anything and learn about it on the spot. For now, we’ll have to be content with apps that offer customized suggestions about nearby activities and points of interest. Google Trip has the added feature of organizing your travel itinerary by way of the emails in your Gmail inbox.

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Maps — The granddaddy of online maps, Google Maps most travelers’ go-to map app. No matter how you go — bike, walk or ride — it shows you the options for your route and anything you may want to stop for on the way (coffee break, anyone?).

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Communication & Organization — Now, let’s suppose that your phone has WI-FI but no actual phone capabilities. In this case, a trio of well-known apps can help you stay connected. WhatsApp and Skype handle texts, IMs, voice calls and video calls, and Dropbox stashes group documents in an easy-to-access cloud storage facility.

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Money — If math isn’t your strong point, you probably avoid doing currency conversions at all costs. XE Currency apps don’t look fancy, but they get the job done and help you stay in budget. Plus, they’re free.

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Safety — Even when traveling, safety comes first. The mobile app bSafe lets you share your location with friends and use an alarm function to alert them if trouble happens.

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Staying connected to the internet while on the road can make a student traveler’s life easier and possibly safer.

Some apps could become their best friends. studenttravelplanningguide.com

Health & Wellness — The CDC has a pair of apps to help you stay healthy while you vacation. TravWell lets you store your medical information, set reminders to take medications while travelling and use a customized checklist to make sure you pack everything you need. Plus, it comes with a list of emergency phone numbers. Can I Eat This? gives you advice on whether your food or drink choices are likely to result in a bad case of traveler’s diarrhea.

Student travelers and those who travel with them will find themselves using some of these apps repeatedly. Others are there for peace of mind. Either way, staying connected during these expeditions is important. ❖ —By Stephanie Harris Student Travel Planning Guide

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ield trips are often some of the most anticipated days of the school year for students, but can sometimes be a source of anxiety for teachers and organizers. Plan a better field trip for everyone by employing parent chaperones and watch your hectic day transform into an unforgettable experience not only for students, but for any adults who tag along for the ride.

F How to Best Utilize Parent Chaperones

Recruiting

Tips and tricks to alleviate stress for every step of the process

Start recruiting early – most parents’ schedules are busy, especially during the week. For those who have trouble finding enough chaperones, your short-notice requests may be the culprit. Sending out a mass email or letter home with students with the date of the field trip far in advance allows parents to take off work and plan accordingly (and forces you to start organizing ahead of time). To encourage parent participation, describe what the trip entails in detail as well as exactly what is expected of chaperones. Highlight the educational and recreational benefits of the event and how the parents can be directly involved in their child’s learning – parents are more likely to sign up to be a chaperone if they realize that their presence will make a positive impact on their child’s experience.

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Chaperone Selection Once you have a slew of willing parents, it’s time to pick your roster. When choosing chaperones, the most important piece of advice to remember is that you shouldn’t worry about hurting feelings. Parent chaperone choices should be based on which individuals would make the best chaperone – not which parent emails you the most or the nicest parent of the bunch. The safety of the group and the logistics of the trip should be the top priority, so the most responsible parents are the best choices as well as the parents who maintain a positive attitude no matter the situation. If all willing chaperones are equally qualified, picking names out of a hat is the best method.

Student/Chaperone Groups When organizing students and parents, make sure to keep groups as small as possible. Even the most organized of chaperones can feel a little overwhelmed with a herd of children to look after, especially if the field trip venue is large and crowded. Ease parents’ worries and make it easier on everyone by keeping groups to under 10 students per chaperone. Also, be sure to assign parent chaperones to groups with their child – this may seem obvious, but parent chaperones should lead groups that include their own child to make the day more fun for them both. Not to mention, children are more likely to behave when their parents are around. Within groups, assign student partners to increase students’ accountability and minimize the chance of losing someone along the way. When taking attendance throughout the day, ask students to give their partner a high-five – that way, a child’s absence is more likely to be noticed.

giving up their days to help your event run smoothly, and they should enjoy themselves, too! Make chaperones feel more welcome by introducing the chaperones to each other and encouraging parent involvement once you reach your field trip destination – parents should not be bystanders.

After the Trip Once the field trip has ended, be sure to properly thank your chaperones. Send a thank-you note home with their child within a week after the outing along with any photos that were taken. If time allows, ask each student to write a letter thanking their group’s chaperone leader and describing their favorite memories from the day. Thoroughly thanking each parent chaperone ensures that they don’t feel like mere babysitters; chaperoning should be more than just herding students around, it should be a way for parents to connect with their child’s education and experience the interactive learning from which their child benefits.

Although field trips can be taxing on both organizers and chaperones, the work is rewarded with increased interest among students and increased participation among parents. School can often isolate children from their parents, especially as students make the transition to high school and college. When parent chaperoning is done right, it can lead to a better-run event, happier students and stronger bonds between parents and their children. ❖ —By Lisa S. Curtin

Preparation Make sure your chaperones are dressed appropriately for the trip and remind them to arrive with all the necessary field trip essentials (including a lunch, if not provided). Make sure you print out the schedule/itinerary for the day, as well as any maps or directions that chaperones may need. If the students are required to complete an assignment during the field trip, provide your chaperones with that homework and encourage them to assist students if needed. Most importantly, provide your chaperones with your contact information in case of emergency. Chaperones should also write down a short description of each child – jotting down the students’ names, their hair color, and color of their clothing will help chaperones keep an eye on each child and better track down a lost student.

During the Trip Doing anything with a large group of kids is going to be stressful and draining. Throughout the excursion, remind your chaperones to stay positive and expect to be thrown a few curveballs.

Make sure to tell your chaperones how much you appreciate their time and support. After all, they’re studenttravelplanningguide.com

Student Travel Planning Guide

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Parental Support for Student Trips

ong gone are the days when the class trip was a visit to the local zoo or museum. Today’s students are provided with increasing opportunities to travel with their class to domestic and international destinations. These trips are often sponsored by educators who want to expose their students to a larger world. Whether it’s the school band traveling to perform in a bowl game or the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. or a voluntourism experience, students today are increasingly offered travel opportunities.

According to recent statistics, globally, student tourism accounts for $203 (US) billion dollars! Along with the obvious concerns or considerations parents face when making a decision to sign their child up for a trip, such as cost, safety, and viability, parents may want to consider the longer range benefit of travel on social development. Today’s colleges and employers are seeking young adults who’ve experienced a larger world and look at travel as a development tool in building tolerance for the world outside of their hometown.

No doubt, when a student brings home a flyer announcing a trip, the first thoughts that cross a parent’s mind are cost, safety and viability. All three play a key role in the decisionmaking process on whether to sign their child up or not.

According to teacher Karen Reddin of Randall Middle School, parents want a “great trip at a reasonable cost.” Further, parents want to know the trip is “well planned and time spent in a destination is used to the maximum… and that the trip

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It’s More Than Just Value and Safety

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supports the learning started in the classroom.”

The choice of chaperones enters a parent’s mind as well; they want to know their child will be well supervised. Dan Rueckert, a teacher at Brodhead Middle School who’s been traveling for over 20 years with his students, concurs. “Parents need to be assured their children will be well supervised. Keeping parents well informed about the trip eases their concerns”.

Tour Leader Laura Lambert of Londonderry Middle School shares that parents want chaperones who “know their child well, the child’s quirks, medical issues, emotional needs… chaperones who can handle situations as they arise”. Further, safety is at the forefront. Information about security procedures at airports or safety measures in place at the hotel, such as nighttime security dedicated to the group, needs to be shared with parents.

While cost, safety and viability are important, let’s take a moment and evaluate the social benefits of travel. For many students, traveling on a school trip may be the very first time they are away from their family unit. Parents may worry their child will be homesick.

They may also worry about how their child will fare with hotel roommates. As a note, it is not uncommon for student groups to house four to a room. Students will need to figure out, often on their own, how to manage their hotel time. For example, if everyone has to be on the bus at 8:00 a.m.”, how will the bathroom be shared? Time management and teamwork are the byproduct of sharing a room with three others. It’s possible the skills learned on tour will transfer to home – especially if the student has siblings or lives in tight quarters and shared space is the norm.

Most often, students will be experiencing something new with their peers. Learning outside of the classroom brings textbooks to life. Performing for an audience outside of the school auditorium and listening to the applause from complete strangers brings confidence to a music student. Sharing these experiences on the bus ride back to their hotel, often with classmates they never really got to know inside the brick and mortar of the school building, teaches young adults that everyone has value. New friendships may be forged.

Parents are aware that universities receive thousands of applications for admission. When choosing applicants for admission, selection committees are looking for well-rounded individuals. Long gone are the days of selection based heavily on ACT scores. Universities are looking for tomorrow’s leaders. Students who have traveled attract attention. Travel combined with voluntourism is of even greater benefit. On a voluntourism experience, such as those sponsored by SaLT (serving and learning together) Student Travel, students are left with a lasting commitment to do more to help others.

Likewise, employers in today’s global economy are looking for staff who live a life that is racially and ethnically tolerant. Studies have shown that student travel opportunities build tolerance, as young adults are exposed to towns and cities outside of their community and learn that people are the same no matter where or how you live.

Universal emotions such as laughter, joy and sadness span the globe.

Without travel, students may live in a myopic world.

Parents today are faced with many decisions about their child’s development. Supporting an opportunity for travel is a very worthwhile investment in their child’s future. ❖ —By Lisa S. Curtin

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Best Practices in Choosing Hotels for Student Groups Essential dos and don’ts and considerations every teacher and student group leader should know roup leaders often feel angst when making choices about group travel.

One of the major decisions is choosing a hotel for their student group. Staying within budget and thoughts of safety combined with a good night’s sleep may leave group leaders feeling compromised. Does one factor outweigh the others?

The answer is no!

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Whether it’s a downtown hotel, resort lodge or suburban property on the interstate, group planners need to assess costs, facilities and safety features.

Safety First Safety is the first consideration when choosing a hotel property.

A bit of due diligence really pays off. Research should include investigating the surrounding neighborhood, including the route to and from the hotel and calling the local fire department or hotel security office to ask about the most recent fire inspection. Further questions include asking if night security dedicated to the group is provided, and, if not, is contracting with a local security provider allowed? Inquire if student hotel rooms are blocked together on one floor (or more depending on size of group) and demand that rooms not connect with guests outside of the student group. Are sightlines on each floor visible to chaperones no matter where placed on the floor? If not, be sure to space chaperones out so sightlines are clear for the rooms they are supervising.

When selecting dates, ask the hotel if any other groups are booked at the same time that could potentially expose students to content not suitable for their age group.

Safety doesn’t stop at selecting the hotel. It’s a best practice to provide a safety briefing prior to entering the hotel. Once on the floor, point out fire exits to the students and chaperones. Warn that elevators should never be used during a fire. A general rule of thumb chaper16

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ones should use is to count out the number of hotel room doors between their room(s) and the fire exit. Emergency lighting doesn’t always work and knowing the number of doors between rooms and the fire exit could be a lifesaver. It’s also a very good idea for chaperones to bring a flashlight as it could prove quite valuable during a power failure. A rooming list with room numbers for every student room assigned to their group is a must.

Chaperones should also warn students to never open a door to an outside guest, including security professionals. Security professionals who work with student groups are specially trained to not enter student rooms unless accompanied by a chaperone.

If possible, prior to check-in, a group leader or, if using a tour operator, the group’s tour director should check every room. Attention should be given to the overall condition of the room, confirming the room does not connect to an outside guest, and that windows and balcony doors are securely fastened to prevent students from accessing outside areas that are off limits. Further, the fire exits must be checked to ensure they are not blocked. I’ve seen stairwells used to hold extra rollaway beds or chairs, a situation that could impede a safe exit. At the very least, rooms and fire exits should be evaluated at the time of check-in. studenttravelplanningguide.com

Budgets: The 3 D’s - Dollars, Dates and Destination Great hotels for student groups are available in all price categories. In the most popular destinations, the cost of hotel rooms comes down to the day of the week you’re checking in. Most leisure travelers think hotels are more expensive on weekends, as Fridays and Saturdays are preferred dates of check-in for this category of travelers.

However, in popular destinations such as Washington, DC or New York City, hotel rates can be more expensive on weekdays versus weekends.

Tuesday and Wednesday check-ins in business cities are peak days for business travelers, and student groups can expect to pay a premium for those rooms. Often the same rooms, even at higher-end hotels, can be 60 percent less expensive with a Thursday, Friday or Saturday check-in. Peak season for student groups, from mid-March through mid-June, will also bring higher rates as demand is high. For the best budget-friendly deals, consider traveling during fall or any time off-peak.

Ambiance and Amenities Student group leaders, by their very nature, seek to expose their population to a bigger world. In my former life as a student tour operator, group leaders who step forward and seek travel opportunities for students have a purpose higher than their own.

It’s truly not about “going on vacation” with 50 or more young people. It’s about exposure to a culture outside of the hometown.

The type of hotel chosen depends on the overall goal of the experience. Do you want your students to experience a high-end hotel, rooms with a view of the ocean, amenities such as an indoor pool or fabulous courtyard? Or are you simply looking to have a clean and safe place to rest each night? The choice will ultimately come down to how the desired experience fits into the tour budget.

Don’t be afraid to seek out higher-end hotels, especially off-peak and on weekends. Hotels in business cities are often clamoring for weekend business. The best hotel experience I ever witnessed involved a student group from a small town in Wisconsin. Upon entering a luxury hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and admiring a massive lobby, I overheard one student, with his pillow from home in hand, comment to another, “This is the most beautiful hotel I have ever seen—it ain’t like anyplace I’ve ever stayed before.” Enough said.

Choosing a hotel for a student group shouldn’t cause angst. By following best practices in safety and budget, group leaders can easily create the experience they wish to achieve. And, get a good night’s rest as well! ❖ —By Lisa S. Curtin studenttravelplanningguide.com

Explore Above and Below in Historic Corydon & Harrison County

Above ground check out the Harrison County Discovery Center, play a round of mini-golf at Golf Shores Fun Center, zip through the trees at Squire Boone Zipline Adventures or or discover the first state capitol. Below ground, take a tour of Indiana Caverns on an underground river or explore the new passageway at Squire Boone Caverns.

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

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ome to gorgeous mountain ranges, sparkling lakes and 300 days of sunshine a year, the Shasta Cascade Region is the heart of Northern California. Redding is the central hub for this heavily-forested region the size of Ireland, and its welcoming people can assist your student group in exploring the area’s natural wonders. This sample itinerary will lead you through the region’s volcanoes, caves and nature trails as well as highlight the city’s man-made wonders.

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Redding, California

Natural Wonders in Northern California Day 1 Your Redding adventure will begin at the city’s most iconic structure: the Sundial Bridge. This architectural marvel uses cutting-edge cantilever spar cable-stayed design and boasts a 217-foot mast that creates the largest working sundial in the world. Your group can follow the bridge’s moving shadow and admire the Sacramento River it crosses en route to Turtle Bay Exploration Park. A 300-acre aquarium, arboretum and botanical complex, Turtle Bay includes gardens with Pacific Rim, Mediterranean and California landscapes. Groups can also stroll through the North American butterfly exhibit and a lorikeet aviary. Live animals star in Turtle Bay’s educational wildlife show, a summertime favorite.

Day 2

VISIT REDDING CALIFORNIA

Today sees your students journey north to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where you can admire the sprawling inlets of Shasta Lake. A scenic catamaran cruise across the lake and a short bus ride through the woods will bring your group to the entrance of Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark. This massive limestone cave system is one of the most beautiful in California, and your group can spend hours admiring the enormous stalagmites and sparkling reflecting pools. A trained guide will supervise your journey through the caverns’ many chambers and discuss their geology and microclimates.

Your tour will continue to Shasta Dam—one of the tallest hydroelectric power plants in the country.

A 428-foot elevator ride to the dam’s base will reward students with a visit to the powerhouse and galleries highlighting energy in Northern California.

If your group has time, consider an afternoon visit to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The crystal-clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake, 70 miles of hiking trails and California Gold Rush landmarks all await you.

Day 3 Your group’s third day will be spent in one of the most active hydrothermal areas in the nation: Lassen Volcanic National Park. A vast lava plateau formed from friction between the Northern California and Gorda plates, the area is home to boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles (outlets where subterranean sulfur is emitted) and the largest plug dome volcano on Earth. Your tour can include an expedition to Lassen Peak (the highest road in the Cascade Range), hikes through wildflower meadows and a journey through a hot springs plain.

Next is a visit to the picture-perfect waterfalls of McArthur-Burney Falls State Memorial Park.

Considered “the Eighth Wonder of the World”

by Theodore Roosevelt, the 129-foot Burney Falls cycles through 100 million gallons a day from an underground spring and can be viewed from several surrounding trails.

The awe-inspiring experiences available to you when you make Redding your base camp will offer endless learning and exploring options in the Shasta Cascade Region.

Jennifer Fontana, Group Coordinator jennifer@visitredding.com Office: 530-225-4010 • Cell: 530-921-8310 VisitRedding.com

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EXCEPTIONAL STEM CITIES FOR STUDENT TRAVEL

n a world increasingly reliant on technology and conscious of humanity’s environmental impact, encouraging young minds to explore the STEM fields is more important than ever. An acronym for science, technology, engineering and math, STEM also encompasses museums, schools and attractions that encourage students to analyze the world around them. Student Travel Planning Guide has selected eight cities across the nation that host innovative tech companies, research universities and science camps that welcome inquisitive minds of all ages.

When planning a student trip to a large American city, you may be tempted to structure an itinerary that focuses on attractions that are well known or frequented by tourists. The eight cities profiled in the following pages instead showcase the daily innovations occurring across the country, from the software companies of Silicon Valley to the oceanography institutes of Miami and Tampa. They’re also host to internationally acclaimed summer camps and university-hosted competitions. From the American Robotics Academy in Houston to space camp in Huntsville, students can spend extended time with their equally curious peers. Meanwhile, educators can plan their trip knowing a variety of student-friendly attractions are available in every city. No matter which of these cities you choose, your student group will have a plethora of STEM experience options.

Houston STEM Scouts

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HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

Space camp and skate centers await curious students in science hub

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

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Space camp lesson at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

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To excite students about STEM fields, check out the unique field trip opportunities at the Carousel Skate Center. Professional STEM teachers present lectures about the science of roller skating, the study of motion and how acoustics work. Plus, students will be rewarded with two hours of roller skating time. Visiting students also like Huntsville Botanical Garden, consisting of an open-air butterfly house, a bamboo garden and a space garden. This 112-acre greenhouse filled with ferns, vegetables and aquatic plants provides a peaceful retreat. ❖ Saturn V rocket at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

nown as the location where early rocket scientist Dr. Werner von Braun developed a major manned space program, Huntsville earns its nickname “Rocket City.” The U.S. Space and Rocket Center attracts students to Huntsville because it is home to one of the greatest collections of rockets and space memorabilia in the world. The center contains interactive exhibits, hosts events and engages with children during space camps. It also has a variety of group field trip options (typically weekend-long programs) such as “The Ultimate Field Trip,” “Daily Space Adventure” and a “Youth Leadership Retreat.”

Named “The STEM Capital of the South,” the northern Alabama area is home to fun summer camps and to programs tailored toward female students. Cummings Research Park is a science and technology business park with a mixture of Fortune 500 companies, local and international high-tech enterprises and higher-education institutions. The park is spread over five acres, and tech trolley tours are offered for visitors to gain awareness of the park’s main functions and recent additions of outdoor amenities and greenways. Girls Incorporated of Huntsville is an organization that empowers young women to become bold and successful in technical areas of study that tend to be dominated by men.

Female students travel to Huntsville specifically for its internship program as well as shorter one-day briefing sessions, which provide life-skills training that will prepare them for STEM-related careers.

STEM students will appreciate the many science-based facilities, camps and museums that Huntsville provides, such as the HudsonAlpha Institiute for Biotechnology. This research center specializes in genomics and is a leading area for discovery in the biosciences. Visiting students can participate in tours of the facility as well as sit in on seminars.

The institute even offers a free public seminar called Biotech 101 that aims to educate attendees about how biotechnology affects everyday life.

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Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

icknamed the “Space City,” Houston is known as a hub for science and technology and is consequently an ideal destination for STEM students. Along with local programs such as STEM Scouts, the assortment of museums and observatories make the city a popular destination for student tour groups. Among the attractions is the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which contains a variety of exhibits from the basics of chemistry to ancient Egypt. The museum holds one of the largest collections of gems and minerals in the U.S. as well as North America’s largest dinosaur hall, with skeletons and fossils throughout. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center encompasses America’s space flight program through live presentations and behind-the-scenes tours. The Space Center has a replica of a shuttle that students can climb aboard. They can also view historical artifacts and touch a real-life moon rock.

The University of Houston STEM Center is another fantastic resource for students considering a career in a STEM field. High school and middle school students can enroll in summer camps and classes at the STEM center as well as attend educational events such as the Science Engineering Fair of Houston and UH Mathematics Contest.

The after-school classes and summer programs at American Robotics Academy are perfect for any children in grades K-12 who are interested in robotics and engineering. The programs not only teach students how to design, build and test robots but also how to creatively use technology and work well in teams. Houston is abundant with acclaimed science camps such as Wonder-Space Technology Camp, Tech It Out and Robots-4-U that all cater to students interested in learning more about the STEM field and applying that knowledge.

Wonder-Space Technology Camp offers multiple camps to suit students’ knowledge levels and interests such as an engineering program, a coding camp and a robotics curriculum.

Visiting students who wish to explore the city’s history can take a driving or walking tour through Memorial Park and Old Market Square.

For students intrigued by nature and wildlife, the Arboretum and

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Visit Houston

HOUSTON

Offer your students up-close looks at Space Race artifacts and cutting-edge robots

Nature Center is a 155-acre nature sanctuary containing forest trails, ponds and prairie habitats. The city’s iFLY indoor skydiving center is among the many attractions that offer educational programs specifically for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. At iFLY, groups of all ages will experience a compelling, interactive presentation, demonstrations in the wind tunnel and a grade-appropriate lab activity that ranges from learning about force to calculating velocities. ❖

iFLY indoor skydiving center participants

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iFLY

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

SEATTLE

This Pacific Northwest gem offers science camps and aerospace discoveries to STEM students

Seattle Aquarium

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Seattle Aquarium Youth Ocean Advocates

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camp that uses LEGO bricks to foster skills in building, robotics, remote control techniques and stop-motion animation with iPads.

Themes includes Space Explorers and PokMania Robotics. The Spark Program covers everything from leadership and communications skills to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Students enjoy the Odyssey program because of their access to specialized labs and university resources. Seattle’s Digital Media Academy has one-week tech camps broken down by age groups. These camps have computer science tutorials to help guide students through individual projects assigned. ❖ Participants in the Techbridge STEM program

Techbridge

charming city with ample parkland and evergreen forests, Seattle is known for its picturesque landscape and large technology industry. STEM students will appreciate a trip to Seattle’s famous Museum of Flight to participate in the Aerospace Camp Experience, which offers camps for students of all ages who are interested in the sciences. Check out the camp programs at Challenge Island, where STEM subjects combine with art to create a unique “STEAM” education. These innovative, cross-curricular activities at Challenge Island can take the form of after-school enrichment classes, in-school field trips, preschool programs, camps, birthday parties and workshops. Make sure to stop by the University of Washington to explore its many Summer Youth Programs for STEM students as well as tour its Biology Greenhouse. The University of Washington’s abundant pre-college programs focus on educating future leaders in STEM fields and exposing students to challenging, interactive activities.

The Pacific Science Center is another resource for STEM student groups in Seattle that offers camps, volunteer programs and internship opportunities. For students interested in biology and environmental sciences, apply for the Youth Ocean Advocates program at the Seattle Aquarium. Participants will learn about the marine environment, conservation techniques, take part in volunteer projects to educate Seattle’s public, create a social media campaign and clean up beaches. For student groups interested in computer science, book a field trip at Living Computers Museum and Labs to learn more about coding and the history of computers. TechKnowHow, Camp Invention and Camp BIOmed are more fantastic options for STEM students looking for engaging and educational camps in the Seattle area. The weeklong camps at TechKnowHow give your students the chance to study programming, robotics and game design while maintaining a fun environment and fostering campers’ career dreams.

Students can volunteer with the Techbridge organization to gain leadership experience and set a good example for the next generation of innovators. TechKnowHow, with three Seattle area locations, is a

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TAMPA

Explore the sea and science museums in this Central Florida metropolis

Bush Gardens

Falcon’s Fury Sky Jump

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the outside will activate students’ brainpower and leave them asking themselves what mechanics, physics and/or mathematical skills were needed to build such a structure. Busch Gardens – an African-themed nature attraction—is a popular STEM stop and one of the largest theme parks in Florida. Students can both explore immersive animal enclosures like the Edge of Africa walk-through attraction and experience a thrill on roller coasters such as Montu and Kumba. ❖ Florida Aquarium

Florida Aquarium

lorida’s second-largest metro area boasts thriving oceanography institutes, research universities and tech companies willing to share their knowledge with inquisitive student minds.

The Florida Institute of Oceanography, hosted by the University of South Florida, launches its fleet of research vessels from Bayboro Harbor in downtown Saint Petersburg. Educational programs allow students to embark on a voyage to the Gulf of Mexico and learn about the university’s marine sciences program. While aboard, they can collect crustacean samples, view migratory species through portholes and learn about environmental efforts to protect the Gulf Coast.

A favorite with student tour groups in Tampa is the children’s science center at MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry). Exhibits in this section of the museum feature activities such as making a movie or operating a lunar colony in the “Mission: Moonbase” exhibit. Other highlights include “Weathering the Storm,” where students can experience a simulated Florida hurricane like NOAA researchers, and the Saunders Planetarium, which can accurately project a night sky to match anywhere on Earth. Since MOSI is currently changing locations, check with the museum before your trip to know which exhibits are open.

The Florida Aquarium, a leader in conservation and education, hosts field trips for students and families visiting the area. They’ll enter interactive rooms with simulations that stimulate hands-on learning and exploration. On the aquarium’s Florida Wetlands Trail, your students will encounter alligators, great blue herons and even Burmese pythons, while they can spot lemurs and tortoises in “Journey to Madagascar.”

The facility also offers scavenger hunt sheets tailored for specific grades; they encourage students to explore the entire building and learn about undersea life sustainability, Florida’s wetlands and coral reefs.

An appealing destination for visiting students is the Dali Museum, which contains the largest collection of Salvador Dali art pieces outside of Europe. Just looking at this breathtaking piece of architecture from

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CHICAGO

Visit vast planetariums and beautiful aquariums in the Windy City

iD Tech Camp

iD Tech Camp

ith such a variety of educational attractions and activities for students, it’s no wonder that Chicago is such a popular destination for those interested in STEM subjects.

The Science Career Continuum at the Chicago Botanic Garden in suburban Chicago is a fantastic resource for students, as it helps connect high school and middle school students with companies offering internships or mentorship programs in science fields. The Botanic Garden also offers teacher programs on a weekly basis that often involve STEM fields such as engineering. Like the Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a public garden and outdoor museum that offers a science camp for students. The Galileo Summer Quest in Chicago’s Lincoln Park allows campers from fifth to eighth grade to choose a “major” and immerse themselves in a topic such as video game design.

Another exciting STEM attraction in the Chicago area is Fermilab, a national laboratory in Batavia that specializes in particle physics. Fermilab hosts a STEM career expo every year – an event where high school students can meet experts in the STEM fields and ask questions about their career paths.

The Museum of Science and Industry may be the largest Chicago attraction for STEM students, providing engaging science experiences for both students and teachers. The Adler Planetarium is a popular place that opens students’ eyes to the wonders of astronomy and the universe. Students can visit the Adler’s newest exhibition, “Chasing Eclipses,” where they’ll be immersed in a spine-tingling experience of a solar eclipse. The planetarium is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.

This exposure to astronomy, aquatics and natural history guarantees that some aspects of these museums will spark students’ interest.

Along with these attractions are great student programs that encourage young leaders of the future from across the nation to come check out what Chicago has to offer. Chicago’s Loyola University has paired up with iD Tech Camp to offer overnight field trips for

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STEM students interested in experiencing a college lifestyle. They’ll eat at the dining halls and sleep overnight in dorms while learning about coding, apps, game design and more.

Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago is another university that provides high school, middle school and elementary school students with the opportunity to learn about STEM fields in a fastpaced, challenging environment. IIT offers camps and courses like the Computer Discovery Camp for Girls and Global Leaders Program for students interested in learning more about STEM fields. ❖

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MIAMI

Ocean research labs and botanical gardens await in this Florida hotspot

Nicole Jewell

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Miami Science Barge

acky Wild Science is a company based in Miami that brings STEM programs such as engineering, robotics, geology and anatomy to summer camps, schools, museums and even birthday parties. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is another Miami facility that features a multitude of programs that are bound to excite student groups interested in science, technology, math and engineering. The STEMLab at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a

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former school bus that has been transformed into a fully-functioning botanical lab for student use. The Botanic Garden also offers internships, scholarships and a volunteer group called Fairchild’s Young Professionals that combines conservation efforts and social events.

The Miami Science Barge is a must-see attraction for all students interested in sustainability. The floating marine laboratory and education center displays Miami’s unique ecology and educates STEM students about the importance of conservation to work towards a sustainable future. The barge includes solar panels, hydroponic systems and an innovation lab as well as special events and professional guest speakers.

A popular attraction among STEM student groups is the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, conveniently located adjacent to the Perez Art Museum. The science museum just had the grand opening of its new complex, which includes fun exhibits like the “Curious Vault” and “Feathers to the Stars.” The latter exhibit carries its visitors through the evolution of animal flight to the process with which humans used engineering to go airborne. The “Curious Vault” showcases a variety of treasured specimens that were donated to the museum by members of the community.

Miami is also home to summer programs that encourage underserved communities to explore their career options in STEM-related fields. The University of Miami is another institution dedicated to educating students about the significance of ecology. Through its Summer Scholars research program for high school students, participants can earn college credit while learning about their specific STEM interests in a fast-paced environment. High school juniors can apply for the JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship Program in biological and computational sciences and can participate in a challenging research course alongside University of Miami faculty. Younger students visit UM on DNA Day, a public education event that utilizes hands-on exhibits and presentations to celebrate the completion of the human genome. ❖ studenttravelplanningguide.com

SAN FRANCISCO/ SILICON VALLEY

The heart of America’s tech industry and interactive museums impresses STEM students

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around the world. The gallery was named a top museum destination by Wired and the San Francisco Chronicle. Students are attracted by the gallery’s vibrant, interactive exhibits as well as its free admission and guided tours. Students visiting the University of California’s Lick Observatory in San Jose will learn about the largest telescope in the world and can engage in a star-gazing program. ❖ Tech Museum of Innovation

Tech Museum of Innovation

he technology hub of the United States is host to a great deal of science, technology, engineering and mathematics-friendly destinations. In San Francisco, students can take on interactive adventures at the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium encourages creativity and hopes to trigger curiosity in visitors. Students will find themselves among hundreds of “choose your own adventure” exhibits that the Exploratorium hopes will guide them to think for themselves and ask questions. Different shows and events pertaining to the exhibits are offered at the museum to further enhance the experience. For any student interested in STEM topics, Silicon Valley is home to many large technology corporation headquarters. While it may not be possible to get a tour unless you know an employee, Google, Facebook, Apple and other notable companies find themselves intertwined throughout Silicon Valley.

The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose is a family-friendly facility that aims to create a hands-on science and technology experience. Through the doors of the award-winning museum, students can find Bio Design and tech studios, the chance to create their own robot and other interactive exhibits. Satisfy any curiosity for technology of the past by taking a trip to the Computer History Museum. Visitors have the opportunity to start at the very beginning of the computer and walk through the journey of innovation all the way to modern-day models and usage. While the Computer History Museum lacks interactive opportunities, it offers plenty of information students with a hunger for technology will devour. Students can also take a trip into the heart of Intel Headquarters to visit the Intel Museum. Here, visitors can witness decades of innovation beginning with the first memory chip all the way to new manufacturing technologies.

The Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco features the company’s work, a display of pioneering design and inventive engineering from

Computer History Museum

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The Buckeye State capital offers innovative museums and open spaces for engineering

Experience Columbus

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COSI Museum activities area

mong the largest STEM outreach programs in the U.S. is the COSI Museum, an acronym for “Center of Science and Industry”. COSI offers lab field trips, video conferencing programs and camp-in overnight programs popular with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Some of COSI’s classic exhibits include “Energy Explorers” and “Progress.” “Energy Explorers” teaches students about how energy powers the world around us, while “Progress” takes visitors back in time and allows them to interact with technology from 1898 and 1962.

Similar to COSI, The Works is a midsized interactive museum. COSI is larger, but The Works also offers many hands-on activities with more local Columbus history. Featuring interactive science labs such as a go lab, inventing lab and zap lab, the museum allows students to tinker with electricity, building and design. Through the go lab, guests are offered the opportunity to create their own car and test it out through a driving simulator. The Ohio State University Planetarium provides a free educational experience into outer space. Trigger student interest in astronomy by reserving a seat in the 30-foot digital dome and taking a trip into the stars. The Ohio State Planetarium offers different shows featuring specific parts of the solar system and various constellations. For a cheap, educational evening, the planetarium is an ideal place for students to delve into the depths of the unknown.

Makerspace is a phenomenon sweeping schools across the country, as they have begun adding them to their Learning Resource Centers. A Makerspace is a place where students can create and build. They often include 3D printers, tools and computers for students to tinker with creation throughout the day. Columbus Idea Foundry takes Makerspace to the next level with its warehouse filled with everything one could need to create items straight out of their imagination. While you need a membership to have full access to all the tools within Columbus Idea Foundry, the public can still take tours of the three-floor warehouse and sign up

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for classes. Students can learn how to carve, make molds, use a 3D printer and weld. You name it—Columbus Idea Foundry is there to make ideas come to life. Those who decide to get a full membership have all the tools and Idea Foundry crew at their fingertips. ❖

COSI Museum interactive exhibits

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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

ADVERTISEMENT

Group Travel Videos™ Connects Students, Faculty and Parents Integrate your school community with this innovative photo-sharing app

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s a parent, do you wish you could experience your child’s once-in-alifetime field trip? As an educator, do you want to keep track of your pupils, have the ability to private message them, and share incredible images with the rest of the faculty and future groups? Students, do you want to send beautiful pictures to friends and family back home? Group Travel Videos™, an innovative app from PhotoVision, integrates all these needs into one package.

Combining smartphone technology, the app allows all members of a trip (teachers, students, chaperones) to PRIVATELY take, share and store photos all with their mobile phones. Users never have to provide a phone number or e-mail address.

Before their journey, participants can download the app on either their mobile device or tablet. Passwords ensure privacy for your students, and reminders from the app seamlessly integrate it with the rest of their phone interface. Users receive the

option to join as an administrator, trip participant or well-wisher back home, which will lead to three different experiences.

Once they’ve logged on, students can immediately begin taking photographs through the app and posting them on the account. If they’re traveling to Washington, D.C. for an important 8th grade trip, they can take pictures of famous landmarks such as the Washington Monument and upload them for fellow classmates to see. The photos can be posted across other social media like Instagram and Twitter, or downloaded onto the student’s phone and to be permanently saved. GPS tracking allows students to identify where they took the photos and locate their friends nearby with a maps screen.

Administrators and teachers also have the ability to take and share photos, and a surplus of features that ensure smooth and well-documented student travel experiences.

The app’s GPS capabilities allow you to keep track of pupils as well as send a group

message in case of an emergency or change of plans. In addition, a passenger list allows planners to keep track of group members on the platform, and a documents storage section can store itineraries, lesson plans and other documents.

For involved parents and guardians back home, they can enjoy their child’s progress in the comfort of their own home. Being a group member grants them access to photos posted by the entire class and accompanying chaperones, and they can rest easy knowing their young scholar’s location. After the trip, you’ll receive a storytelling DVD that compiles the best images of the student’s trip that can also be streamed on the app or website.

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

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

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o your students roll their eyes at the old chestnut of “history coming to life?” In the eight American cities profiled in the following pages, they will be amazed at this tired cliché refreshed and updated. Meeting Ben Franklin, revolting along with Boston Tea Partyers and walking in the footsteps of civil rights activists are only three of many experiences your pupils can potentially participate in.

Too often, class trips with an emphasis on history can steer through the common rut of museums and monuments. While we cover those attractions in this section, we also highlight opportunities for students to interact with history and people creating it today. Don’t simply read about icons like Martin Luther King Jr.—explore his Atlanta home and church.

Don’t settle for lesson plans that cover the expansion of the American West, immerse your students in cowboy iconography and Native American heritage in Oklahoma City. And don’t limit yourself to a quiz on the three branches of U.S. government—let your students explore them in Washington, D.C. Those historic sites are merely a small sample of the educational opportunities we profile here.

HISTORY & D HERITAGE HUBS

Center for Civil and Human Rights

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Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall

ashington D.C. lends itself to student travel due to its abundance of tour programs and impressive number of landmarks and attractions. Most must-see sites are on the National Mall, a national park that spans from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol building. Request a staff-led tour at the U.S. Capitol to learn all about congressional meetings and procedures and allow time for your students to gape at the immensity of the marble immortalization of President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Also on the National Mall are Smithsonian museums such as the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Encourage students to apply their knowledge of American politics while touring major government buildings such as the White House, Supreme Court building and Library of Congress. Expose students to more serious events and themes such as attending the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and paying respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Lighten the mood at the Newseum and the Spy Museum, two attractions that combine educational exhibits with interactive activities that all students will love.

Among one of the most popular sites is Ford’s Theatre, the performing arts theater in which President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Students can walk through the theater while guides point out the exact shooting site and events leading up to it. Another popular site to visit is the National Archives Museum, displaying well-known documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.

Students visiting the museum will also see the original copies of the Magna Carta from 1297 and Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The Tidal Basin, a man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and Washington Channel, is a site conjoining the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt

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xiquinhosilva/Flickr

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The nation’s capital is bursting with history and landmarks around every corner

Memorial and George Mason Memorial.

A popular destination for student groups to explore is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Here, visitors can marvel at the production line during the creation of real U.S. currency. The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum that hosts tours, artist talks and family programs dedicated to exploring the lives of historic figures such as presidents, artists, writers and activists. The gallery shares a building with the American Art Museum, one of the largest collections of American art in the world. ❖

National Air and Space Museum

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Pedro Szekely/Flickr

HISTORY HERITAGE EDUCATION

HISTORY HERITAGE EDUCATION

ATLANTA

Explore history and heritage in the American South’s cultural capital

Fernabnk Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

tlanta, the site of the 1996 Olympics and a source of industrial innovation and social progress, offers visitors a chance to learn from the past while witnessing the future. Student groups will appreciate the combination of educational museums and entertaining attractions that an Atlanta field trip entails. The Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, houses thousands of animals and provides high-quality tours to student groups. The World of Coca-Cola is a museum that highlights the history of the acclaimed beverage and its impacts on society.

Students will better understand the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War after exploring the many museums that explain the period through guided tours and engaging exhibits. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History highlights the role of the railroad (or the “iron horses”) in the Civil War and industrialization during the period. Plan a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to walk in his footsteps, visit the church where he voiced his dreams and pay homage to his final resting place. End your trip at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which will not only teach students about the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta but also about human rights issues around the world today.

A field trip to Atlanta will surely spur a conversation that will continue long after your group has left.

Add a little science to the field trip by stopping by the geological exhibits at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. One of the most exemplary attractions in Atlanta, the museum encourages a greater appreciation of the planet and its people. Students will be both educated and entertained through the museum’s use of immersive programs, IMAX theater film screenings and extensive exhibits. A popular exhibit at a museum is the “Giants of the Mesozoic,” which includes some of the largest dinosaur skeletons in the world.

Another popular student group attraction is Stone Mountain. Students can hike up the mountain or take

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a high-speed cable skyride to the top. Be sure to stop by the park’s Historic Square, a collection of original buildings from around Georgia.

Another student attraction in Stone Mountain is the Farmyard, where students can watch trained goats do tricks and feed and pet the goats themselves. The park even includes an alluring laser show, train rides, gift shops and more. ❖

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BOSTON

Meet early American patriots in a city of world-class universities and museums

Boston Tea Party Ships

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Boston Tea Party Label photo hereShips on short line

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ften referred to as the “Cradle of Liberty” due to its role in instigating the American Revolution, Boston is a city jampacked with fascinating history and rich culture. For groups

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looking to gain more insight into the American Revolution, take a walking tour on the Freedom Trail, a three-mile trail that traces the events leading up to the War of Independence. Students can stroll through the Old South Meeting House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and the Bunker Hill Monument before eating lunch in the Boston Common, the oldest park in the nation.

Next, book a tour aboard the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for a living history presentation that will ignite students’ imaginations. Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty will guide your student group through a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party town meeting and give them the opportunity to destroy British tea at Griffin’s Wharf as the revolutionaries once did. Expand students’ knowledge of the anti-slavery movement in Boston by touring the Black Heritage Trail and walking through the Museum of African-American History.

Boston was the first state in the U.S. to record no slaves and is home to the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, where many major abolitionist speeches were given.

Student groups in the city should explore the historical buildings in Copley Square. Be sure to have students visit the renowned Old South Church, Trinity Church and New England’s tallest building, the John Hancock Tower. Later, while trekking through the Boston Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden, take notice of the majestic George Washington’s Statue. The statues of Paul Revere, Sam Adams and John Singleton Copley are also worth seeing while in the area.

While in Beantown, be sure to also encourage students to visit the first public library that was free to the public, the Renaissancestyle Boston Public Library. Opened in 1954, the building includes elaborate decorations, a central courtyard and the first children’s room in the nation. It even holds a vast collection of writing from revolutionary and colonial Massachusetts, a breadth of artwork spanning across many generations and a significant number of anti-slavery documents. ❖ studenttravelplanningguide.com

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PHILADELPHIA

The heart of colonial America boasts both contemporary attractions and historic adventures

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Historic reenactor outside Independence Hall

Benjamin Franklin Museum, Congress Hall and the residence of first president George Washington. In addition, students can explore the former home of Betsy Ross, who stitched the first American flag.

Quintessential stops for students visiting Philadelphia include museums such as the American Philosophical Society Museum, the National Museum of American Jewish History and the Museum of American Revolution—all of which allow immersive experiences with their exhibits, manuscripts and artifacts. Specifically, the Museum of American Revolution includes various galleries and original Revolutionary War weapons in order to display the evolution of the colonies from their earliest days to the birth of the new nation.

After learning about the early politics of America, students can check out the progression of the money creation process at the United States Mint. Tour groups can observe the coining method above the factory floor as well as the first coining press; they experience can even say hello to Peter— the resident bald eagle.

The Independence Seaport Museum, located on Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River, is another attraction students will enjoy. This museum documents maritime history and culture, and the museum even includes two National Historic Landmark ships. After visiting the museum, students may enjoy free time on Penn’s Landing, a location with friendly attractions such as free festivals, concerts and movies.

Next, students should tour City Hall, the largest municipal building in the country, and Carpenters’ Hall, which serves as the meeting place of the First Continental Congress. Both Philadelphia’s City Hall and Carpenter’s Hall are known as architectural treasures. After visiting these historic sites, students should explore the National Constitution Center.

This center serves as the first-ever national museum that honors and explains the U.S. Constitution. Its 160,000 square feet are filled with high-tech exhibits, Gettysburg national military park museum & Visitor Center artifacts and a theatre that uses action to frame the GettysburgFoundation.org | Explore the artifacts. Wonder at the Cyclorama. Understand our shared story. importance of the Constitution to our nation and the world. ❖

rom the iconic hoagies (sub sandwiches) and the plentiful public art to the slew of historic locations and artifacts, Philadelphia will make a lasting impression on all student groups. Students can visualize Revolutionary America after touring Independence National Historical Park. The park displays the cracked Liberty Bell and allows travel groups to walk through Independence Hall – the location where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The park also includes attractions such as

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BIRMINGHAM

Walk in the footsteps of civil rights leaders and industrial innovators

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16th Street Baptist Church Memorial

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demonstrations in the 1960s. Students can participate in the park’s audio tour–a journey chronicling the historic significance of each state and sculpture.

Next, take students to roam the extensive property of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. This former pig iron-producing blast furnace is now a landmark interpretive museum and the first industrial sight to be preserved and restored in the U.S. ❖

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Birmingham CVB

irmingham, the “Magic City,” is best known for its role in the American Civil Rights Movement and its iron and steel production. During the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans in Birmingham were targeted by the Ku Klux Klan, often resulting in bombings or other violent acts. Activists such as Fred Shuttlesworth and Martin Luther King, Jr. fought against the brutality by speaking and leading demonstrations in Birmingham. Students learning about the Civil Rights Movement or Southern culture will benefit from the wide variety of museums and historic landmarks and the invigorating ways of life that constitute Birmingham.

Educate your student group about the American Civil Rights Movement through the compelling exhibits at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The BCRI includes displays that address the Jim Crow laws, Black Power in the Black Belt, women of the Civil Rights Movement and the bombings at the 16th Street Baptist Church. After learning about the atrocity at the BCRI, students can pay their respects at the actual Birmingham church where the tragic event unfolded.

Student groups will appreciate a trip to the other diverse museums in Birmingham such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, the McWane Science Center and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Named after the statue on the top of Red Mountain that overlooks the city, the Vulcan Park and Museum includes exhibits that enlighten students about the city’s history and future. Programs are designed based on students’ ages, and there’s a personalized tour for every grade from lessons about family life in early Birmingham to curriculum about Birmingham during difficult times such as the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era. Students should also stop at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens. Here, two guides will walk your group through the beautiful property, providing details about its rich history. Then, students should visit Kelly Ingram Park. Situated next to 16th Street Baptist Church, this alluring, peaceful park was the heart of Civil Rights rallies and

HISTORY HERITAGE EDUCATION

ST. LOUIS

Lush public parks and interactive museums prove this city is much more than an arch

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Gateway Arch and Mississippi Riverfront

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Park sculpture garden and the Muny (The Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis). Another notable city site is the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Undergoing a major makeover, the riverfront park, which highlights the Western exploration encouraged by our nation’s third president, memorializes contributions of Lewis and Clark, mountain men, cowboys and Native Americans to history. ❖

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St. Louis Science Center

ften called the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis is best-known for its role in the Louisiana Purchase, the impetus for westward expansion in the U.S. and the birthplace of the ice cream cone.

The iconic Gateway Arch acts both as a tribute to famous explorers Lewis and Clark and as a portal to this lively city on the edge of Missouri.

Students of all ages will have a blast at the City Museum, an interactive museum of St. Louis history that doubles as an indoor and outdoor playground. The Magic House Children’s Museum is a mustsee for younger student groups, as is the planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center. For groups looking to learn about the city’s history, the Missouri History Museum enlightens and entertains visitors with exhibits that cover subjects like the African-American struggle for freedom in St. Louis, the 1904 World’s Fair and Missouri during World War I. The Griot Museum of Black History and the National Blues Museum can also offer insight into the African-American experience in St. Louis throughout history, as well as the Old Courthouse – site of the famous Dred Scott trials.

While in St. Louis, groups will also enjoy a trip to the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, the Museum of Transportation and the various art museums such as the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and the 10th Street Gallery. Before you leave, students will undoubtedly want to ride to the top of the Arch to not only learn more about the impressive monument but to see the city of St. Louis from a brand-new perspective. A fun way to educate students on astronomy is the Delmar Loop Planet Walk, a scale model of the solar system that lets visitors take the three-billion-mile journey from the sun to Neptune in seconds.

For a breath of fresh air, be sure to picnic in Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and site of the 1904 Summer Olympics.

Its nearly 1,400 acres includes the St. Louis Art Museum, the Turtle

OKLAHOMA CITY

Herd your pupils to this hub of Western and Native American culture

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

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Spend the afternoon at the Martin Park Nature Center, a 140-acre natural wildlife refuge. Hike through the park’s nearly three miles of woodland trails or learn through the hands-on museum. Student tours can enjoy Oklahoma’s landscape and explore the visitor center’s nature learning library and display of live animals.

After a relaxing picnic at Martin Park, stop at the Historic Harn Homestead Museum. This 10-acre scenic outdoor complex, claimed during the Great Land Run of 1889, will teach students about life in Oklahoma during the territorial times. Capture the courageous character of the men and women who settled in Oklahoma through a self-guided tour through the seven buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse and 1904 Victorian home. ❖ Science Museum Oklahoma

Visit OKC

ake your students on a Wild West adventure to Oklahoma City—a city that has recently experienced an increase in growth in the group travel market. From Bricktown to the heart of downtown, this city is filled with alluring and historical landmarks ideal for any group of students.

When learning about Oklahoma City’s past, the Oklahoma History Center is a great place to start. Students will explore the galleries of photographs and hands-on exhibits that explain the state’s history in commerce, the railroad industry and World War II. Students will also rave about the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which tells the fascinating story of the Wild West and rich Native American culture in Oklahoma.

The Museum of Osteology is another educational opportunity in Oklahoma City that specializes in field trips and allows students to view hundreds of real skeletons and skulls. The Science Museum Oklahoma also features skeletons, organs and models of the human body as well as exhibits about insects, space and aviation. The Oklahoma Railway Museum is a unique museum where students can tour real vintage train cars and steam engine locomotives. For groups interested in the humanities, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art boasts a large collection of photography, paintings and ceramics. To discover the history of the state itself and its most famous residents, check out the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, which offers a free field trip program.

Stop by the Red Earth Art Center to teach students about Oklahoma’s past as Indian Territory. Here, with its Center for the American Indian, the museum dedicates itself to preserving the rich artwork and culture of American Indians through education, festivals and markets. In fact, the center hosts markets for local Native Americans to sell their art to the public.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

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DETROIT

Dive into Motown and automobile history in this riverside metropolis

Detroit Institute of Arts

HISTORY HERITAGE EDUCATION

Detroit Institute of Arts

etroit (also referred to as “D-Town” and “the Motor City”), the center of automobile manufacturing, Motown music and Coney Island hot dogs, is a Midwestern metropolis enriched with ethnic flair and a sense of rebirth and optimism. Through urban renewal and rebuilding efforts, it is quickly returning to its former glory as a hub for creativity and ingenuity.

Detroit Historical Society

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Detroit Historical Museum

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Begin your exploration of Detroit with a walking tour with the Detroit Experience Factory, a tourism company that will lead your student group around a Detroit area of your choice, whether through the downtown itself, the Eastern Market or the riverfront. The Eastern Market combines food and art to give students a taste of how Detroit locals live. Learn all about the city’s history while on the Historical Perspectives Tour at the Detroit Historical Museum before hearing more about its culture at the Motown Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, both of which welcome large groups.

With its expansive collection and discounted admission for large groups, the Detroit Institute of Arts is another must-see for students.

The Michigan Science Center is also an enjoyable and academic destination for students of all ages – be sure to schedule your trip in accordance with one of its various live science shows. For a naturebased field trip experience, check out the Outdoor Adventure Center and the field trip programs at the Belle Isle Nature Center. After an excursion to Detroit, your students will find it hard to believe that Detroit was a city in decline.

An outdoor living history museum portion of the Henry Ford Complex, Greenfield Village is always a hit with students. Here, they can experience the sights, sounds and images of America’s past through the facility’s costumed interpreters. Highlights include riding in a real Ford Model T, exploring the laboratory where Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb and viewing reenactments of pre-industrial agricultural techniques.

Be sure to spend an afternoon at Campus Martius Park, a city-wide and regional gathering place. A two-square block in the middle of downtown Detroit, the park is a great place for students to enjoy Detroit’s famous skyline, relax at the Woodward Fountain and reflect in the charming gardens. Your students can also learn about local history through the park’s other attractions, such as Detroit’s Point of Origin and the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument. ❖ studenttravelplanningguide.com

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tudents often spend hundreds of hours practicing their instrument or rehearsing for a play only to perform for fellow classmates and parents in their school auditorium.

Their talent deserves a larger spotlight, and the eight cities spotlighted in the next few pages can showcase their craft on stages graced by show business legends. These performing arts cities are flush with fine arts funding and musical legacies that stretch back centuries. Whether it’s jazz in New Orleans, country in Nashville or Broadway in New York, there’s a genre sure to fire your student’s creativity. Our guide also looks at university music programs, famous venues and museums that house priceless instruments.

For students and faculty interested in musical theater, we highlight cities with a strong live entertainment infrastructure. Towns like Myrtle Beach, Branson and Pigeon Forge all host programs that grant participants backstage peeks at the careers of show business professionals.

They’ll rehearse and perform with dancers and singers in front of live audiences, and they’ll understand the challenges and rewards of being a professional actor. These cities are also bursting with comedy and clubs and Broadway-quality musicals to entertain your group on evenings they’re not perfecting their craft.

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Branson On Stage Live!

Country Tonite

Gallery of Iconic Guitars

Pirates Voyage

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NEW YORK CITY

The names say it all—Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall

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MUSIC THEATER SHOWBIZ

Carnegie Hall

or the musically-minded, there’s no better place than New York. Your students can enjoy a Broadway show, take a theater tour and perform for an audience.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, for one thing. Or you can rent one of the three performance areas in the world-famous music venue.

These theaters range from the 2,804-seat Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage (the most familiar to PBS viewers) to Zankel Hall (the newest space) to Weill Recital Hall, the smallest venue, which often hosts chamber music concerts. Tours include stories of the famous musicians whose signed photographs hang on the walls and the Rose Museum, which has more than 400 Carnegie Hall artifacts on display.

Another high-profile cultural magnet is Lincoln Center, a 16-acre campus with theaters hosting everything from jazz and opera to Shakespeare and musical comedy. Tours that include several buildings can be custom-designed for student groups; included are such venues as the New York Philharmonic’s Avery Fisher Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, New York City Ballet’s David H. Koch Theater and the hallowed halls of Juilliard School. Lincoln Center’s Young Music Makers Series allows school concert bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs and choruses to perform on its outdoor plazas. These opportunities are available on weekdays from March to June, with performances (free to the public) taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chairs and electricity are provided, but schools bring their own instruments, music stands and amplifiers. Lincoln Center’s celebrated performance venues can be rented as well.

City parks in all five New York boroughs provide performance spaces at bargain rates, usually not more than the basic $25 processing fee. Or consider performing indoors or out at Ellis Island; with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, it’s a stunning backdrop for your choir or band.

The lights of Broadway lure student groups to Times Square, where dozens of theaters in the

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Label photo here on short line

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR SCHOOLS! Make time for joy at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, presented

by Chase. Together with your students, discover the historic splendor of Radio City Music Hall®, and awe at the precision and grace of the world’s most iconic dance company, the Rockettes®.

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NEW YORK CITY continued

Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall

neighborhood present long-running musicals like The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, plus the latest smash hits. Broadway.com offers workshops that expose students to behind-the-scenes aspects of staging a Broadway production, delving into subjects from stage makeup to the business side of showbiz. Off-Broadway shows include classics like Blue Man Group, a multi-sensory experience that students won’t soon forget.

Radio City Music Hall, New York’s largest and most celebrated theater, is the place to be during the holidays. Its Christmas Spectacular, featuring the high-kicking Rockettes, has been a tradition since 1933. Radio City provides teachers with a complimentary study guide to help them create lessons about the history of the Rockettes and the theater. On an educational tour, students can go backstage to see what goes into making the show, from costume and stage design to dress rehearsals and everything in between. They can even meet one of the Rockettes.

Jazz at Lincoln Center

NYC & Company/Marley White

Lincoln Center/Inaki Vinaixa

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NEW ORLEANS

The Big Easy beckons performance groups with its jazz legacy and Southern hospitality

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French Quarter revelry

he birthplace of jazz and zydeco enthralls visiting musicians who walk the same streets as Louis Armstrong, Allen Toussaint and Dr. John. Students can visit concert halls from the 18thcentury and witness contemporary artists continue to innovate “America’s Art Form” on French-influenced boulevards. Groups are able to play in venerated locations such as St. Louis Cathedral, Mardi Gras World and Houmas House Plantation, a 1775 countryside mansion that will erect a stage on its front lawn. Smaller ensembles can play for the public on the famous Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park, a 350-acre public space filled with pavilions for lunches.

Every New Orleans music tour requires a visit to Preservation Hall, a 1750 aristocratic residence converted into a performance space.

Your group can see exceptionally talented jazz combos seven nights a week and might even catch a set from the famed house band.

Directors who wish to integrate lessons or clinics into their trip should consider Tulane University’s Newcomb Department of Music, which offers workshops for bands, orchestras and gospel choirs. Bands should also visit the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, a host for R&B, blues and African drum music festivals.

In Jackson Square, with the St. Louis Cathedral as its backdrop, the Washington Artillery Park Amphitheater is popular for its picturesque setting and live music. Groups have the opportunity to apply to play at the amphitheater, where they can share their musical talent with the locals and tourists. Students looking for an educational experience can look into music workshops prearranged by Loyola University or dance workshops available at the New Orleans Ballet Association.

Armstrong Park is a must-visit destination for any student performance group. On any given day, the sounds of the city can be traced back to Armstrong Park as it features weekly jazz concerts, drum circles, food tents and

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merchandise vendors. Follow the music down the street and take your group to the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint.

With free admission and interactive exhibits, the Jazz Museum promotes the musical art form in its birthplace and is a must-see stop on your itinerary. Trips to the New Orleans Opera and New Orleans Museum of Art are additional education-filled destinations for your students to get a glimpse of New Orleans life outside of the French Quarter and jazz music. ❖

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GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE

estled below the Great Smoky Mountains, these cities claim a rich country and folk music heritage. Since Dolly Parton established her eponymous Dollywood theme park and Dixie Stampede Theater 30 years ago, the number of live music venues in the area has swelled. Students can boogie to an Elvis impersonator at the Memories Theatre, hear hard-rocking Garth Brooks covers at the Smoky Mountain Opry and witness a honky-tonk revue at Country Tonite. There your student group can play a role in the opening act, take backstage tours, get their most pressing questions answered by the cast and sign up for dance, comedy or vocal workshops. Groups of 20 or more receive a discounted price to attend the show with the most awards in the Smokies. In nearby Knoxville, the University of Tennessee School of Music offers clinics and opportunities to play in the Sandra Powell Recital Hall.

Your band can entertain Dollywood attendees when it performs in the park’s main plaza. Students receive a meal voucher, rehearsal time and an on-stage clinic with a festival technician. After playing for park guests, your group can experience the rest of Dollywood’s thrills, including the Wild Eagle roller coaster and River Battle splash ride.

Schools visiting in May can indulge in the Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival, which books nationally-renowned bluegrass artists and serves savory Tennessee barbecue.

Sign up your students for the Smoky Mountain Music Festival to expose them to friendly competition. Open to elementary, middle and high school music students, the festival is a great opportunity to perform in front of an audience. The two-day competition includes performances followed by judging the first day and a parade and

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Your students can embrace the spirit of the Smokies in these twin Tennessee towns Country Tonite

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awards ceremony to conclude the event.

Groups should pay a visit to the Titanic Museum of Pigeon Forge, where they can take a journey through what it was like to board the Titanic. Directors seeking further music experience for their students can book a performance outside the Titanic Museum. Take a break from the music and keep your students laughing all night long with a trip to the Comedy Barn. The family-friendly comedy show offers discounted prices and is the perfect way to relax. Venture outside the theater and take your group to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Students can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore nearby nature, talk with park rangers, hike the trails and sit around a campfire. ❖

MOUNTAINS OF FUN IN OUR BACKYARD Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and filled with action-packed attractions, like Dollywood, is your student group destination.

Pigeon Forge is an educational destination where students can perform, march and play. Let us help you plan your tour to our exciting Smoky Mountain town.

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NASHVILLE

Country and classical collide when performance groups visit this American treasure

Symphonic Choir Vanderbilt

usic City” has more bands and music venues per capita than any other in America, and its central location makes it an excellent touring option. Though country remains king, Nashville also has thriving rock, R&B and hip hop communities, and the city’s resident songwriters, producers and record executives are willing to share their knowledge with young musicians.

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Groups can participate in a rigorous clinic at Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Blair School of Music, which specializes in country performance in addition to classical and vocal. Many of the program’s graduates are members of the Nashville Symphony, which you can hear at the neoclassical Schermenhorn Symphony Center. Explore Tennessee’s country music heritage at Ryman Auditorium, a former church and original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, which houses instruments and gold records belonging to Johnny Cash and Carrie Underwood. Students can experience a show or even play for themselves at the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry House, where Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley have taken the stage. Students interested in contemporary Nashville sounds should consider a visit to Jack White’s Third Man Records, the creative hub for the White Stripes frontman. The space includes an instrument store and label offices, and your students can record with a professional sound technician in a vintage-inspired studio.

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization that presents Broadway shows and even administers educational programs. The arts center conveniently houses the Tennessee State Museum. Filled with history and culture of the town, the center has become a desired destination for entertainment and learning. The Nashville Jazz Workshop holds public performances, special events and classes for introductory to advanced students. Their mission is to enrich the community by offering jazz performances and unique educational classes to continue engagement in the jazz industry. The Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont is a venue featuring some of the rarest guitars and stringed instruments ever known.

The Historic RCA Studio B was once used by popular music icons such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. Since then, the studio’s exterior has been renovated, but the interior has been restored to its 1970s charm. The studio is currently a cultural attraction for visitors to commemorate some of Nashville’s finest artists as well as a classroom for students to learn about the science of recording technology. ❖ studenttravelplanningguide.com

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BRANSON

Performance opportunities abound in this musical Missouri town

Branson On Stage Live!

Branson On Stage Live!

he “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” welcomes students from across the nation with the Branson On Stage Live! program. Bands and theater troupes are assigned a performance coordinator who organizes workshops and rehearsal time with local showbiz professionals. Groups then play for paying audiences at iconic venues like the Starlight Theatre and Clay Cooper’s Country Express, where tenured musicians and dancers cheer them on. Students can also catch a raucous dinner theater show at Dixie Stampede

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or embark on the Showboat Branson Belle, a cruise complete with a three-course meal and Broadway-style musical numbers.

Popular crooner Andy Williams opened the Moon River Performing Arts Center and Theatre in 1992. The complex welcomes iconic artists like Loretta Lynn and features open rehearsal space for students. Choral conductors who want a competitive atmosphere should consider the Music Summit Choir Festival, held annually at Silver Dollar City.

Middle and high school students entertain park guests at the Riverfront Playhouse and receive scores from judges. After their set, students have time to ride the Wildfire roller coaster and American Plunge flume ride.

At the Clay Cooper Theatre, instrumental, choral, show choir and dance groups are welcome. Participants have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to be taken step-by-step through the audition process where they will learn how to dress, how to prepare and how to get the job. Following the audition process, the theater also offers students the chance to perform two pieces and go through a real audition. Located on Branson’s historic 76 Country Boulevard, the Starlite Theatre presents music clinics and live performance opportunities. Students will be taken through the sound check, rehearsal and the performance, ensuring a professional experience. Group rates and Q&A sessions are also available at each theater.

Silver Dollar City 1880s theme park presents over 40 different live shows daily and has over 40 rides and attractions. At different times throughout the year, groups can perform at Silver Dollar City ceremonies or on the gazebo stage as guests enter the park. One of Silver Dollar City’s big attractions, the Showboat Branson Belle, features dinner accompanied by a Broadway-tune show. To dig deeper behind the scenes of the performance industry, you can sign up your group to go to the Sight and Sound Theater, an entertainment company that puts Bible stories on stage. Through their backstage tour, guests will learn about everything it takes to put on a live production without a hitch. ❖

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ORLANDO

Theme parks and theaters of all sizes are the perfect venues for student performances

Disney OnStage

Disney OnStage

ave your students ever imagined marching through Fantasyland in front of Cinderella Castle? That dream can be realized on a visit to Orlando, Florida—the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” The city’s 19 parks welcome hundreds of student groups every week, and Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World offer an assortment of school options. Students can perform in Disney World’s Tomorrowland or Animal Kingdom and participate in a Jazz It Up workshop, where a Disney clinician conducts a rehearsal and recording session of classic Disney selections done in a jazz style. Vocal groups can join Disney “cast members” onstage to sing Frozen musical numbers in front of guests, and marching bands have the opportunity to join the Festival of Fantasy Parade down Main Street U.S.A. In nearby Universal Studios, students can enroll in the Music and the Art of Foley workshop.

Participants will compose scores or choral arrangements for movie scenes and can replicate sound effects from classic films like Jurassic Park. Universal’s STARS Stage Performance Program lets bands play on the Universal CityWalk or Plaza Stage, and the resort’s Dance is Universal workshop pairs students with professional choreographers. Musical groups looking to improve sight reading, intonation and articulation should sign up for the Orlando Fest workshops held in Universal parks year-round.

Offering an aquatic backdrop, SeaWorld Orlando’s SoundWaves program consists of pop-up stages throughout the park. Groups can perform in front of penguins and dolphins, and many packages grant free time for thrilling attractions like the Mako and Kraken roller coasters.

Orlando has more to offer student performers besides its famous theme parks. The Orlando Museum of Art is the leading cultural institution of the region, and a great escape from the chaos of the tourist-filled theme parks. Discounted tours are available for large groups, and its close proximity to downtown Orlando is ideal. Catching a performance

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at the Orlando Ballet is yet another way to spend time with a group of students in Orlando. The Orlando Ballet offers workshops and master classes and is a great place to stop for groups that specialize in dance. If you are looking for a performance experience that is not done through Disney, Music USA Festivals is a great way to get your group into a less stressful competitive environment. Featuring festivals year-round at Universal, Music USA is yet another option to keep your students performing. ❖

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MYRTLE BEACH

Expose your students to showbiz professionals and sandy beaches in South Carolina

Alabama Theatre

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participate in karaoke every night as well as enjoy a meal at the many restaurants nearby. Groups can also enjoy a barbeque dinner and an engaging live show all at once at the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show. â?– Carolina Opry

Carolina Opry

his seaside oasis is a major hub for thespians as well as vacationers. The Calvin Gilmore Theater, home to the Carolina Opry, facilitates educational workshops for drama groups, and your young performers can meet the professional dancers and singers who work there. The facility also offers a Professionalism 101 class for students who wish to pursue theater as a career. Actors discuss auditions, unions and relationship development in show business, and they will provide a behind-the-scenes tour of the building’s dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces.

Myrtle Beach also boasts numerous venues that welcome student performers. The House of Blues main stage allows your students to play before crowds of hundreds and tune up with a professional grade sound system. If your group prefers an audience chair instead of the spotlight, they can cheer for jousting knights at Medieval Times, giggle at comedians at the Carolina Improv Company or experience a New York-caliber musical at the Broadway at the Beach facility.

The renowned Alabama Theatre offers its signature, dynamic show One and a slew of benefits for group travel. Visitors will delight in convenient dinner packages and even the opportunity to perform prior to the main show. The Motor City Musical at the GTS Theater will captivate audiences and bring the magic of Motown music to life. The theater also allows students to interact with the performers and ask questions before or after the show as well as offers educational opportunities about the historical context of the performance. The Legends in Concert theater provides groups an opportunity to witness iconic performances by celebrity look-a-likes of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Steven Tyler.

The Pier at Garden City is perfect for any down time during your Myrtle Beach trip with its stunning shoreline views and additional opportunities to appreciate music. Visitors can listen to live music and

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MUSIC THEATER SHOWBIZ

LOS ANGELES

Tinseltown is loaded with studios and stages to showcase your students

Centre Theatre Group

Centre Theatre Group

T

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movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club. Audiences can view their favorite movies such as Grease, Dirty Dancing, The Godfather and even new releases while atop the Ricardo Montalban Theatre every Tuesday through Saturday.

Students will rave about the Grammy Museum and its in-depth music timelines, engaging artist biographies and hands-on exhibits. One of the attractions at the Grammy Museum even gives students the chance to mix their own song. For younger groups, head to the 24th Street Theatre to participate in LA’s leading theater arts program: Enter Stage Right. The workshop covers everything from the history of acting and improvisation techniques to production components. ❖

Millennium Dance Complex

he entertainment industry epicenter, Los Angeles has welcomed actors and artists for generations. Aspiring dancers should beeline to the Millennium Dance Complex, the studio that’s collaborated with Britney Spears, Usher and Justin Timberlake. Professional choreographers teach hip-hop, jazz and classical ballet, and working dancers can take questions about the industry. Bands have the opportunity to tour the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall (both home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra) and perform onstage at Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland in Anaheim, where they can meet the theme parks’ house bands.

Groups should also pay a visit to USC’s Thornton School of Music, which counts Dr. Dre as a patron and offers programs in film and TV scoring. Students can meet composers and learn about career trajectories while touring an editing suite. Since LA is synonymous with film production, aspiring actors should pay a visit to the CBS, NBC Universal or Warner Bros. studio lots in the San Fernando Valley. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour will guide students through The Big Bang Theory and Ellen DeGeneres Show sets, and you might even spot a movie star cruising down the Ventura Freeway.

Groups can take a tour at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and even see a movie in one of its famous auditoriums. Conveniently located along the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, this theater has hosted famous movie premieres and red carpet events. Be sure to catch a show at the Center Theatre Group and register for the many educational programs, workshops and competitions that the theater can provide for your group. The complex includes the Ahmanson Theatre, which showcases plays and musicals; the Mark Taper Forum, where thought-provoking plays are produced; and the Kirk Douglas Theatre, where new, adventurous work is presented.

Give your group the full Los Angeles experience by watching a classic

Millennium Dance Complex

Student Travel Planning Guide

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2018 EDITION

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

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