DESTINATION UPDATES

CHANGING TIDES

Leading up to the Shedd Aquarium’s 100th anniversary in 2030, the organization’s multi-faceted Centennial Commitment is a transformational investment in Chicago communities and aquatic ecosystems around the world, requiring half a billion dollars and eight years to accomplish. Expect a modernized aquarium experience, new educational and experiential programs, compelling digital engagements, and more. Learn more at sheddaquarium.com.

BLASTING OFF

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC is finished with half of a monumental multi-year renovation, which began in 2018. Transforming every visitor's experience, all 23 exhibitions have been completely reimagined, with new presentation spaces and attractions. On October 14, half of the building opened up, with eight new and renovated exhibitions and hundreds of new artifacts. Plus, the planetarium has significant upgrades to its technological capabilities. Read about it at airandspace.si.edu.

DIG THROUGH TIME

The plants, animals, and fungi of the prairies, superbly adapted to the unique challenges of their environment, are showcased in the new Prairies Gallery at Manitoba Museum. Prairies are a defining landscape of Manitoba, and the stage where many of the province’s most important stories played out. At this gallery, a deep and layered view of history through geological time explores human connections to the land across thousands of years. Watch and listen to the flurry of birds at Whitewater Lake; examine layers of history in an eroding riverbank; walk into an oldfashioned schoolhouse, and more. Dig in at manitobamuseum.ca.

FARM-TO-CLASSROOM

In late 2021, Indigenous Experiences in Ontario opened up the new Mādahòkì Farm, building on the growing interest in agritourism, farm-to-table culinary experiences and authentic cultural experiences

from an Indigenous perspective. Visit for authentic Indigenous experiences like traditional tea, rare and endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses, music workshops, and more. Plus, they have a series of Indigenous events celebrating the seasons! Check out indigenous-experiences.ca.

GET CRACKING

The New York City Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is here for students to enjoy from November 25 to December 31 at the Lincoln Center. The elaborate stage elements and intricate lighting in this production unleash the viewers' imagination by providing visual effects that are extraordinarily grand. The most famous example is the one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 41 feet, evoking audible gasps of disbelief from the audience at each performance. Head to nycballet.com to learn more.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR TRAVEL

iIn today’s world, there’s no way to avoid technology, which means you’re better off embracing and managing it.

As all parents and educators know, technology certainly has the potential to distract. Practically every single student has a smartphone at this point.

What you don’t want is for tech to overshadow the experience, instead of students soaking up the world around them and talking to each other.

That said, a no-phone policy is basically impossible to enforce for an entire school trip, and it’s missing out on potential learning opportunities. Nowadays, there are more ways than ever for students and teachers alike to use their phones to actually enhance a school trip, rather than detract from it. Here are a few of our tech tips.

ESTABLISH TECH-FREE TIMES

If students are mostly allowed to use their phones, they should be able to handle moments without them.

Consider tech-free times during particularly important moments, such as when addressing the group with plans, or when experiencing a reverent cultural practice. If needed, have chaperones collect and hold onto phones temporarily, to avoid any temptation.

REITERATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY

Smartphones are at a high risk of being lost, broken or stolen while on tours. Make sure students have security measures set, and at least try to keep them from dropping their phone off a cliff or into a river.

CELEBRATE PHONES AS A WAY TO PROCESS

AND DOCUMENT THE WORLD

You might think it’s best for students to be tech-free during all experiences, but for many of them, being able to take pictures and record video is an essential part of how they process things. Remember, at this point, they’ve all grown up with this technology and are attached to it. What better way to make and capture memories than with photos and video?

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE NEW TECH AT DESTINATIONS

Many museums and other venues have added ways to enhance the experience with phones. From bespoke apps to QR codes to augmented reality, there are tons of ways students can use their phones to dive even deeper into an experience, rather than being distracted from it. Look online for these opportunities before you go!

USE PHONES TO COMMUNICATE EFFICIENTLY

The joy of technology is that if a student isn’t in sight, you can text or call them, rather than walking around a museum yelling their name. Designate a specific form of communication and use that consistently so students and chaperones know what to watch for.

DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS

Most people already know to have apps like Google Translate and WhatsApp ready for trips, but there are so many more. Flush locates public restrooms. Timeshifter manages jet lag. PackPoint helps determine what to bring. And check out Group Travel Videos, which lets you keep track of others in your group, makes group texting simple, helps share documents, allows private photo sharing, and more. Some tour operators even have their very own app!