TOP STUDENT TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN 2023

UNITED STATES DESTINATIONS (page 17)

NORTH AMERICAN DESTINATIONS (page 22)

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS (page 26)

An “emerging” destination just a few years ago, Atlanta is city boasting countless must-see attractions and learning opportunities, offering the best of urban life and thousands of acres of serene nature. There are plenty of chances for students to learn about the civil rights movement and African-American culture, explore Midtown museums, visit the apartment where an iconic book was written, check out Georgia’s only 4D theater, be immersed in professional and college sports, and more.

Boston

Grounded in Colonial history and full of cutting-edge innovation, America’s Walking City is full of personality and options for taking in its burgeoning arts scene. Students can cruise on the Boston Harbor before learning about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community of the 1600s, the American Revolution—right where it was born—and more. Be sure to experience championship sport teams, world-class ballet and a show where students become part of the cast.

Chicago

Exploring the beauty of the underwater world and natural history is easy to do in Chicago. From tours by foot, bus, bike, or boat to examining science education inside one of the largest science museums in the world, students have plenty to take in. Don’t forget to see a show at one of the city’s more than 200 theaters! While the river may flow backward, a decision to visit the Windy City is always a step forward.

California

A multicultural haven, California is more than sunny skies and palm trees. In Los Angeles, explore incredible zoos before heading to a museum dedicated to the biggest names in popular music. The movie industry comes alive through behind-the-scenes tours and you’ll find abundant theme park rides and performance opportunities. Or head up to San Francisco for beautiful views, a famous island prison and one of the world’s most famous bridges.

Gettysburg

For Civil War history enthusiasts, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania can’t be beat. The town is filled to the gills with American history going back to 1736. From interactive museums and handson demonstrations to civilian stories, unique battlefield tours, agricultural experiences and a multitude of group-friendly dining options, Gettysburg and the surrounding Adams County is an ideal student destination. See where Lincoln gave his famous address four months after a decisive battle turned the tides of the war.

Nashville

Nashville didn’t get its Music City nickname for nothing! Museums explore the history of country music and its most influential names, while well-known venues provide opportunities for performance and backstage tours. Students with an eye for mechanics will love the chance to soak up automotive history, while historic mansions and plantations offer a pathway to learn about—and from— the past. From there, a planetarium transports students into deep space.

New York

New York, New York is known as the Center of the Universe for good reason. The biggest city in the U.S. is densely packed with endless cultural experiences and history. Throughout the city’s five boroughs, students can find some of the most recognized monuments in the world; gaze upon iconic skylines from tens of stories above the ground; peruse world-class museums dedicated to art, oddities, and celebrities; and take in the sights. Memories are easy to make throughout the city, often favored for Broadway shows and their corresponding behind-the-scenes tours and workshops.

Orlando

Discover activities and attractions in the Theme Park Capital of the World—ones you can’t find anywhere else! Whether students seek high-flying thrills or a rousing dinner theater show, Orlando is the ultimate place for fun. Performance opportunities for enhanced music education along the coast abound along with plenty of dining options, some among prized music artifacts—perfect for when students need to fuel up for their next adventure.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The incredibly walkable U.S. capital city has a thriving arts and theater scene. Various museums and monuments offer students an avenue to delve further into the importance of the First Amendment, journalism, government and more. They could also take advantage of many well-known and respected free attractions as they gain deeper understanding of the nation’s history. Don’t forget to check out some of the nearby professional sports games while you’re there!

Wiliamsburg Region

Once the capital of Virginia Colony, Williamsburg played a significant role in the American Revolution and remains one of the most important historical sites in the country. At its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a highly immersive district and living-history museum featuring actors depicting 18th-century life and culture. From the world of Colonial medicine to working with iron in a blacksmith shop, African American religion, ox wagon rides and more, Williamsburg offers history with captivating fun.

Montreal

With an easy-to-navigate subway system and walkable attractions, students can do it all in Québec’s largest city—where European charm meets North American attitude—whether holding creepy-crawlers, ice skating year-round, taking part in an immersive planetarium experience, or exploring the archaeology and history of Montréal’s first inhabitants. Don’t miss one of the world’s largest botanic gardens and admiring the first “connected” bridge in the world.

Niagara Falls

Students can have an authentic Niagara Falls experience by taking in the famous falls that share the city’s name on a cruise or by stunning tower views—520 feet in the air! Historic sites along the Niagara Parkway give way to scenes from some of the most famous turning points in Canadian history. Museums brimming with oddities and waterparks filled with splashy fun make Niagara Falls, unsurprisingly, a popular choice for students and teachers.

Puerto Rico

An island full of true adventure, Puerto Rico offers students a chance to enjoy the unmatched beauty only found in the Caribbean. Whether ziplining through the rainforest, letting their imaginations run wild while exploring centuries-old castles, discovering pristine beaches and majestic mountains, or immersing themselves in new cultures, traditions, and the rich island cuisine, students will ask when they can return— before they even leave. Puerto Rico is truly a treasure worth discovering.

Puerto Vallarta

This Mexican resort city on the country’s Pacific coast is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains. Enjoy eco-tours and offroad adventures mixed with fun on the beach, take in art galleries around the city, sail around the bay, and enjoy the incredible local cuisine. Students can also experience botanical gardens, whale watching and a great naval museum.

Quebec City

Situated along the Saint Lawrence River, the mostly Frenchspeaking and truly European-feeling Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with picturesque architecture. Take in North America’s oldest streets while enjoying locally led tours—on foot, bus, bike, boat or horse-drawn carriage—and spending a quiet moment inside the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico. An interactive museum sheds new light on diverse societies while Eastern Canada’s largest theme park provides exhilarating thrills.

Ottawa

Canada’s capital city offers ample opportunity to learn about government, amid the Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill and beyond. Museums feature renowned collections of indigenous and Canadian art and more; elsewhere are waterpark adventures, hands-on fun with science and technology, lessons in aviation and space, and experiences with food and agriculture. Take in the beauty of the Ottawa River between education-filled excursions. In the coldest months, skate on the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink!

Toronto

This diverse and dynamic metropolis situated along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore is one of Canada’s premier arts and entertainment, business, sports, and innovation destinations— an ideal place for students to get a little taste of everything. Despite being in the big city, students could enjoy their fair share of green spaces. From hundreds of acres of trails, beautiful beaches, and trekking though the treetops to a short ferry ride offering students a chance to explore nearby islands, Toronto maintains a sense of natural beauty among its iconic skyscrapers.

Vancouver

Nestled between the mountains and inlets of sparkling water, Vancouver is a bustling seaport city with a thriving art, music and theater scene. Students could take in breathtaking views on suspension bridges above the forest; discover science, art, and flora and fauna at museums and galleries; and visit local markets and more. Opportunities to learn about British Columbia’s indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis people give students background in rich traditions.

Winnipeg

From ballet to dinner theater, Winnipeg offers plenty of performing arts opportunities. Explore the Exchange District, known for its art galleries and well-preserved 20th-century architecture, before getting up close with polar bears and rare animals. A museum dedicated to celebrating human rights activists and events offer students a deeper understanding of the world. Be sure to take a guided tour of the building responsible for producing the gold medals awarded in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Yucatan Peninsula

This large peninsula branching off of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala also separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, making it a confluence of international culture. Students can be awed by the tropical rainforests and jungles, snorkel with sea turtles and whale sharks, and swim in cenotes. This is also the home of ancient Mayan culture and archeological sites, with so much to see and learn, including the famous Chichén Itzá, a large city featuring the Temple of Kukulcan.

Top International Student Travel Destinations start on page 26...

Australia

Trek “Down Under” to Australia, a country teeming with breathtaking natural sights and wildlife. It’s here students could see democracy in action in the capital city of Canberra, step behind the curtain and take in world-class performances inside a highly-recognizable white-roofed building in New South Wales, snorkel along one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in Cairns, and hear from Indigenous storytellers in Adelaide. Despite the devastating bushfires a few years ago, they want you to know “There’s still nothing like Australia.”

China

From capital Beijing and economic hub Shanghai to culturally rich Xi’an and beautifully scenic Guilin, vibrant China is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Whether students tour stunning gardens, hike along iconic landmarks, look for the kneeling archer among 8,000 Terracotta Warriors, or enjoy a traditional performance—complete with ancient costumes, singing, and dancing—there’s much to experience. Be sure to partake in a tea ceremony and try the amazing cuisine.

Costa Rica

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica teems with biodiversity and is an ecotourism hub. Opportunities to immerse students in the local culture are plenty, with artisan crafted goods, markets, and distinguished expressions of music, theater, and art close by. Students could get an adventure fix with activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling, birdwatching and more. ¡Pura vida!

France

A cultural powerhouse, France is the place for students to tour exceptional sites rooted in history while taking in beautiful sights renowned throughout the world. Dance and theater performances abound beside grandiose cathedrals and celebrated cuisine, while essential war landmarks and locations enthrall history enthusiasts. A particularly recognizable tower—the most visited monument in the world— offers sweeping views of Paris, from 906 feet up!

Germany

Museums inspire imagination and offer a wide range of subject matter. Soak up cultural epochs in Berlin, admire old and modern art in Frankfurt, and delve into science and technology in Munich. Through 16 national parks and 15 UNESCO biosphere reserves, Germany’s natural beauty is a hiker’s paradise, waiting to be tapped. Learn a history lesson at the site of the Berlin Wall, the most visible manifestation of Cold War mentality that existed after World War II.

Ireland

Whether seeing historic castles and cathedrals and a museum dedicated to Irish heritage in Dublin or catching a Donegal Bay wave, you won’t need luck to truly take in all Ireland has to offer. Aspiring performers will delight in film and music festivals and opera performances. Students with a passion for golf will love teeing off at world-renowned Royal Portrush—but not before visiting a famous set of cliffs, named a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Italy

Home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, Italy is a vision of history, art and culture. Museums, historical cities, libraries and archaeological sites abound—along with performance opportunities in once-in-a-lifetime venues. Students will be in awe of world-renowned sculptures and paintings, created by some of art’s most recognizable names, in addition to taking in outdoor attractions and wildlife exploration. A sinking city and a leaning tower await!

New Zealand

Incredible rock formations, unique islands and active volcanoes are just the beginning! A dose of adventure is never far away, with caving, jet boating, canyoning and whale watching available year-round. Enjoy a wealth of performing arts, literature, museums and art galleries before learning about New Zealand’s Maori culture— an integral part of Kiwi life. There’s even a chance to journey to Middle Earth and The Shire, as well as catch the stunning southern lights in a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Spain

Spain offers opportunities for students to become immersed in rich culture and traditions alongside unparalleled looks at art, history, science, technology, and beyond. Through a diverse landscape filled with lakes, mountains, volcanoes, marshes, forests, valleys and cliffs, there are endless ways to soak up fresh air while having fun along the way. The country is an ideal destination for elevating students’ Spanishspeaking skills, giving them a lesson in real-world usage

United Kingdom

Whether you fancy England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or all four, the United Kingdom is a storied land filled with history—and maybe mystery—worth exploring. Soak up highly recognizable landmarks, among them the world’s most famous clock tower, in London. A bustling arts and theater scene compliments museums celebrating timeless writers and a legendary detective. In Scotland and Wales, you get buzzing cities and off-the-beaten-path natural beauty with fairytale-like castles. And Northern Ireland is the ideal place for history buffs!