Top Five Destinations Visited in 2025

Every year, students across the country step beyond their classrooms to explore, learn and grow through travel. While every educator’s goals are different, one thing is clear: some destinations consistently rise to the top. Based on Educational Destinations’ 2025 trips, these five destinations stood out as the most popular choices. From cultural hubs to performance-packed cities, here’s our countdown of the top five destinations for educational student travel, ending with the most-traveled destination of the year.

#5 – International Travel

International educational travel stood out as a distinctive category in 2025, with trips to:

• Japan (global studies, art, and culture)
• Chile (international experience and cultural immersion)

These destinations offer immersive, curriculum-rich opportunities that broaden global understanding and offer lasting inspiration.

#4 – Chicago, IL

Chicago continued to be a hub for performing arts and visual arts groups thanks to its architecture tours, thriving theatre scene, museum network and accessibility for Midwest schools.

#3 – Washington, D.C.

An always-relevant destination for educational alignment, D.C. drew a large number of Educational Destinations groups for U.S. history and civic-focused itineraries. Government, history and civics students of all ages explored sites important to the formation of the United States and its government.

#2 – Orlando, FL

Coming in at number two, Orlando remained a favorite for performance, STEM and arts-focused programs. From Disney Imagination Campus to Universal workshops, the city blended hands-on educational experiences with some of the world’s most iconic and magical theme parks.

#1 – New York City, NY

NYC was easily Educational Destinations’ most traveled-to location, thanks to its unmatched access to Broadway workshops, masterclasses, museums and curriculum-aligned experiences across the arts. Theatre, visual arts and international programs alike found the Big Apple to be the perfect combination of educational opportunities and a vibrant performance culture.

Why These Destinations Rise to the Top

Across all five destinations, common themes emerge:

• Meaningful immersive opportunities and student workshops
• Educational experiences that align with classroom instruction
• Infrastructure that supports safe, well-organized group travel

At Educational Destinations, we don’t just plan trips. We partner with educators to design experiences that support growth, student engagement and lasting memories.

Ready to Start Planning?

From itinerary design to on-the-road support, Educational Destinations is proud to support educators every step of the way.

Let’s start planning your next trip!