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CULTURE, HISTORY AND ART INTERSECT IN SPAIN
Land in Los Angeles and start your trip off with Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Located in Hollywood, this nearly 100-year-old working studio is one of the busiest in LA. Follow your expert tour guide, who will take your group behind the big and small screens, including the main draw: a backlot tour. Here you’ll get an in-depth view of how the studio creates television shows and films, and have the opportunity to explore iconic sets, sound stages, and the production process overall. Visit wbstudiotour. com to learn more and reserve your visit.
Next, head over to The Getty Center to get your culture fix. This impressive architectural specimen features sculpted gardens and an ultra-modern structure that houses a vast collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. It’s also an ideal spot to take in sweeping views of the city. Admission is free, but there is a charge for parking. Contact groups@getty.edu to find out about group services, dining options, and booking information.
The GRAMMY Museum is also nearby, and is a must for the music lovers in your classroom. Take a 60- to 90-minute selfguided tour of this four-story interactive museum filled with exhibits, films, instruments, and artifacts. The museum offers discounts for groups of 10 or more, and there are a number of add-ons, including educational workshops, an exhibit overview, and a private, behind-the- scenes screening of the 50th GRAMMY performance. Get in touch with groups@ grammymuseum.org for all the details.
Venture into Anaheim next, home to several student group favorites. Knotts Berry Farm tops the to-do list with its thrill rides, shows, games, attractions, and sweet treats. Youth programs are also available, from educational to field trips to performance opportunities—and more. Physics Day and Festival of Music are just a couple of options. Go to knotts.com/ youth to see everything they have to offer.
Visit Anaheim also recommends several area attractions that run the gamut of student interests. Discovery Cube Orange County offers handson science education with interactive
STEM-related exhibits, activities, and experiments, while The Bowers Museum takes a deep dive into pre-Columbian Mesoamerican, Native American, Asian, African, Oceanic, and Californian art and artifacts. There’s also second campus, Kidseum, nearby.
For a peep into politics, head over to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, which features 22 gallery spaces with multimedia and interactive technologies covering a range of historical topics, plus a garden and the former president’s helicopter and birthplace. Find more to do and see in the region at visitanaheim.org.
If you’re looking for centrally located accommodations, Anaheim Desert Palms Hotel & Suites can be your home base as you travel to different attractions.
Photos © SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo
A heated pool, gift shop, free breakfast buffet, card-operated laundry, and several room styles, including kid suites with bunk beds, are just some of the amenities. They welcome student travel and offer complimentary bus parking for SYTA members. Contact marie@hansji.com to book your stay.
On your way north to San Diego, make a stop at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, with its 19 major habitats amid 100plus exhibits. From coral reefs to sharks to otters—as well as the Ocean Science Center, Lorikeet Forest, and the Whales: Voices in the Sea production—plus films and shows, it’s a space filled with underwater wonder.
Continue your marine adventure as you arrive in America’s Finest City with a day at SeaWorld San Diego. Located at Mission Bay Park, this not-to-be-missed destination offers animal shows, rides and rollercoasters, presentations, aquariums, and exhibits that are ideal for the K-12 crowd. Self-guided tours provide an opportunity to engage with wildlife in a compelling way. There are also downloadable teacher guides with activities that provide added value to your visit. Full details are at seaworld.com/san-diego/educational-programs.
Next, climb aboard the USS Midway Museum, a historic aircraft carrier docked at San Diego’s Navy Pier. There are twohour, grade-specific student programs offered on topics such as math, electricity and magnetism, weather, thermal energy, and more—with exhibits, hands-on activities, and an orientation to the Midway led by trained staff. School and youth groups receive discounted admission. Learn more at midway.org.
And, to round out your trip, head to the San Diego Zoo. Take a guided bus tour through the grounds, watch a movie in the 4D theater, take in presentations by wildlife ambassadors and wildlife care specialists, get from here to there on the hop-on; hop-off Kangaroo Bus, or see the Zoo from above on the Skyfari® Aerial Tram. Admission ticket discounts apply for student groups of 15 or more, and there are also specialty tours and experiences that can be added on. If you haven’t gotten your fill of creatures great and small, venture over to San Diego Zoo Safari Park which is about 45 minutes to an hour northeast in Escondido.
CULTURE, HISTORY, AND ART INTERSECT in Scenic Spain
cCenturies of history, boldly unique culture, and gorgeous nature make Spain one of the best student travel destinations out there.
From the world-famous art of Madrid to iconic architecture created by medieval, Moorish and
Gothic influences—not to mention incredible cuisine, Flamenco dance, bullfighting, and much more—the sun-soaked Spain has it all.
The only issue is, as the second largest country in the European Union, there’s an overwhelming amount to see in one trip. We suggest working with a SYTA tour operator (such as EF
Educational Tours, WorldStrides or Live Travel &
Tours) to map out your best trip and ensure you have a highly informed, multilingual guide on your trip. But to get your planning started, let’s take a look at some of the best Spain has to offer.
Many student groups begin their trip by landing in Madrid, capital of Spain, renowned for art, architecture and royalty. You can take a trip to the Royal Palace, home to the kings of
Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. The palace comprises over 3,000 rooms, including must-see areas like the Throne Hall, the Royal Chemist’s room, the Hall of Halberdiers, and many more. If you can, stop by on Wednesdays for the changing of the guard.
Then, it’s time for the Prado Museum, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2019. This crown jewel of museums lies on the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk). With over 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures, there’s so much to see at the museum, they have itineraries just to guide you to the most important masterpieces, going all the way back to the 11th century. If that’s not enough, the same street is also home to the Reina Sofía Museum, known for more contemporary art like Salvador
Dali’s work, alongside Picasso’s masterpiece,
Guernica. Or check out the Thyssen-Bornemisza
Museum, which a broad collection across landscape, genre art and avant-garde works.
We also recommend a walk around the city, taking in all of the beautiful public squares. For instance, the Puerta del Sol is one of the busiest places in the city, home to large statues, gorgeous architecture, and a famous clock that rings in the New Year. Nearby is Plaza Mayor, a bustling central square full of sunny terraces, timehonored shops, street performers and the historic Casa de la Panadería. When you’re ready to do some shopping, walk on over to the Mercado de San Miguel, the city’s first gourmet market.
When you’re ready to move on, head just an hour outside of Madrid to Toledo, the historic capital of the Visigothic kingdom way back when. Christian, Moorish and Jewish culture converge here, which is why it’s known as the City of Three Cultures.
The must-see stop here is the Toledo Cathedral, also known as the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo. Considered by some to be the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain, this beautiful cathedral is filled to the brim with stunning statues, inlays and arches. It’s enough to inspire awe in anyone. For another incredible place of worship, visit the oldest synagogue building in Europe still standing: the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, built in 1180, later converted to a Catholic church, and now a museum. And don’t forget the Church of Santo Tomé, home to the famous painting, 1586’s The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. On your way out, enjoy Fly Toledo, Europe’s longest urban zipline which will take you across the Tagus River.
Next, we’ll head south to Granada, filled with medieval architecture dating back to the Moorish occupation. The highlight here is the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex that also happens to be one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture in the world. Pools, gardens, tiles, endless patterns—it’s a unique place of beauty and contemplation.
Right next door is the Generalife, a summer palace and country estate nearby Alhambra. The architecture is more simple here, but the gardens and fountains are gorgeous. Granada is also a great place to attend an unforgettable flamenco performance, a passionate display of colorful costumes, intense poses and relentless rhythms led by castanets and clapping. You can either sit back and enjoy a show or take a group class to get your students moving.
From here, you could head to Seville, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, or visit Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with a fascinating network of caves, the remains of a
Moorish Castle, and Europe’s only wild monkey population. But if you’re looking for another multiday, must-visit city, it’s time to head up the coast to Barcelona, the second largest city in the country.
The port city of Barcelona is excellent for walking, thanks to flowers, pedestrian boulevards and decorative pavement. Here you can enjoy views of a lovely city with mountains in the distance and the Mediterranean Sea at your back. Stop by the Mercat de la Boquería for every kind of treat you can imagine. Head to the city center for Monument a Colom, a towering statue of the controversial Christopher Columbus. Walk along Las Ramblas, a mile-long pedestrian street full of fun experiences like palm reading, open-air shops and street performers.
Then it’s time to hit the attractions, starting with the famous Sagrada Familia, a breathtaking church that’s been under construction since 1882, expected to finally be completed in 2026. Despite being unfinished, 18 intricately crafted spindle towers loom above the church, which is beautiful on the inside as well. Similarly designed by master architect Antoni Gaudi, Casa Milà demands to be seen as well, with its curved archways, warped balconies and twisted pillars resulting in a building unlike any other in the world.
For some outdoor destinations, you’ll of course want to visit the Olympic Stadium, built nearly a century ago and renovated in 1989. Or head to Park Güell for some sightseeing of lush gardens and colorful architecture, ranging from historic pavilions to viaducts, porticos, fountains, theaters, stairs and much more. Your trip should definitely include the GothicQuarter as well, as this oldest part of Barcelona is filled with narrow medieval streets opening out into squares, remains of the Roman wall and several historic landmarks.
Finally, for an extra special trip, head to Montserrat, a mountain peak with sweeping views of the countryside and a 9th-century monastery home to the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. You may even hear the renowned boys’ choir during your visit!
SUPPORTING LOCAL
aAs the president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce (North Carolina), I promote supporting small businesses & shopping local especially in our rural town with a population of 4,500. It is imperative that our citizens support our mom and pop stores who comprise the bulk of our community business trade. This concept of supporting locally applies not only to my community, but to communities around the world. Supporting local not only provides economic support to those businesses, but it also gives visitors opportunities to purchase unique products and hand-crafted items.
As a world traveler, I often seek out shops that support local products & trades. In Turkey, I went to a small store that sold handmade rugs. In Bolivia, I chose a local vendor, who had a booth on the street, to purchase my cocoa bean pendant. While sightseeing in Egypt, I chose to visit a community bazaar because I knew the products were handmade by locals. In the outback of Australia,
I opted to shop at in an Aboriginal village to purchase an item that promoted the culture and customs of their tribe. The paintings I bought in China, Italy and Japan created by local artists. Just before hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, I realized that I failed to bring a raincoat. I asked my guide to suggest a local outdoor clothing vendor. I knew that these purchases would not only support the store owners, but also those who made these products. Plus, these local products provide wonderful memories and create discussion. I still have that $3 raincoat that I purchased in Peru, people who visit my home rave about the paintings that hang on my wall, and my cocoa bean pendant gets the most comments and compliments.
This summer, while touring Uganda, we utilized a local person to serve as our guide for our gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. I learned that there were so many locals who needed the work, that the national park rotates the work schedule, so all have an opportunity to work. Once a guide leads a gorilla trek, they cannot serve again for two weeks. This allows all an opportunity to earn income. Not only did we hire a local guide, but I also hired a porter, a person to carry my bag. Mind you, I was only carrying a small daypack, but little did I know the ruggedness of the the terrain of the jungle. My porter, Geoffrey, was amazing. He not only carried my bag, but he pushed and pulled me up the steep hills, cleared bushes to give me an easier route, and brushed the biting fire ants off me. My cost: $20. Money well-spent for my gorilla trek, but also for supporting a local and building a relationship with a local.
When I travel, I try to eat in local restaurants and avoid those eateries that
have a sign out front that states, “tourism menu.” Restaurants with tourist menus usually have a set menu, tend to be located next to other tourist restaurants, and have a substantial markup for the food. Instead, I seek small, local restaurants where the food is authentic, the staff are extra friendly, and the prices are reasonable. In South Africa, I commented to the waiter about a unique bread that served to me. Next thing I knew, I was in the kitchen watching the bread made. My favorite memory of visiting a local restaurant occurred in China, when my friends and I wanted to eat noodles. I asked a local to recommend a noodle shop. She grabbed my hand, led me two blocks down the street and took me to her favorite place, a hole in the wall restaurant. The server did not speak English, so I did a slurping noise to indicate I wanted noodles and stood up, clucked, and flapped my arms to indicate I wanted chicken as well. The noodles were delicious, but I was not served chicken, no clue what it was, but I will never forget that experience. My friend, Tommy, took me to a small restaurant in Sweden. He insisted that I order the local delicacy, pickled herring (often called “rotten fish”). Tommy wanted to see how I would react when I tried it. As fast as the pickled herring went into my mouth, I spit it back out. Yuck! Visiting local restaurants is the best way to experience the culture and learn about customs.
Finally, I recommend using local booking agencies, if possible. When I arrived in Nepal, I asked locals to recommend a tour agency to book a tour to Chitwan National Park. One person picked up his cellphone and called a local agency for me. I utilized the same process when I wanted to visit Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia and Atacama Desert in Chile, and a take a Mud Bath in a volcano in Colombia. I asked locals for recommendations. Each tour provided local guides who shared information about the region, attraction, and local experiences as well as it provided me authentic small group adventures. Most importantly, the prices with local booking agencies were cheaper than those with large companies.
Supporting local should be considered for teachers leading educational travel groups, because you expose the students to the local culture and custom, have authentic experiences, cultivate relationships, and save money. I understand that things should be booked in advance, especially if you have a large group; however, leave some flexibility in your schedule to incorporate local events, stores, and restaurants. If you use a local booking agency, make sure you check their validity, reliability, and safety records. Never sacrifice safety for money. Educators who use food, other goods and services produced locally help stimulate a regional economy, create, and retain valuable jobs, support families, and strengthen community and culture.
In a September 20, 2022 web article (on matthudson. me), titled, “Why you should support Local Business when Traveling,” it stated four key reasons why you should support local: (1) You enjoy a true and authentic experience (2) You are one of their own (3) It educates you about the local culture (4) It helps better the local economy.” As educators who lead student groups, we want to make an impact on our lives, our students and those we meet along life’s way. If we support local, we can help travel destinations be economically and socially successful and make a positive impact while enjoying authentic experiences.
