27 Academic adventures

Academic adventures

NASA scientists and culture connoisseurs are leading off-thebeaten-path excursions for the ultra-curious traveler.

Expert-led experiences are popular travel offerings that hospitality groups and informational brands are embracing, providing guests with unique and one-of-akind experiences.

In August 2021, the NPR media organization launched NPR Travels, offering immersive, educational trips for fans of the public radio service and those with a taste for history, music, astronomy and more. Starting in 2022, expert-led trips to destinations from Iceland to South America will host up to 24 people at a time, featuring curated reading, listening, and recommendations from NPR journalists. “These guided tours are an opportunity to connect with like-minded people over their love of travel and NPR,” says Jane Scott, director of consumer products.

Guests at the Adero Scottsdale can sip cocktails while stargazing from the hotel’s SkyTop Lounge. Adero’s Dark Sky Zone experts, known as Star Dudes, guide guests through the constellations via binoculars and high-powered telescopes while guests indulge in “astro-cocktails.” Telescopes are also provided to allow stargazing from individual rooms.

During 2021, guests at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa had the opportunity to learn about any of the 80 constellations viewable from the hotel in sessions led by NASA ambassador Edward Mahoney. NASA is stepping into the hospitality company’s exclusive education space as part of the hotel’s broader Stay, Learn and Play experience package—an out-of-this-world experience.

Why it’s interesting The hospitality industry is expanding its offerings, catering to academic adventurers and turning to scientific and cultural experts to curate elite, one-ofa-kind escapades.