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We are the first choice for popular student destinations.Educational DestinationsHelping teachers open minds and educate students around the world.View Video Get a Quote
Find out why Educational Destinations is the 1st choice in popular student destinations that are eduacational and unforgettable.
View our 2 minute intro video to see what Educational Destinations can do for your group.
The United States is a vast and diverse nation filled with rich educational experiences in every region. Students can visit world-class museums, national parks, historic landmarks, and innovation hubs that support a wide range of academic subjects. From coast to coast, destinations like Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York City offer unique learning opportunities tied to real-world applications. Whether focused on civics, cultural heritage, science, or the performing arts, each location provides programming that deepens understanding and fuels student curiosity.
Student travel in the United States is designed to be both educational and engaging, with programs that align with national and state learning standards. Expert guides, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops make these destinations ideal for reinforcing classroom curriculum while encouraging teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. With options that cater to every interest and grade level, popular student destinations across the U.S. help students grow both academically and personally through travel experiences they’ll never forget.
New York City (Popular)
Gain access to world-class museums, historical landmarks, and curriculum-aligned programs across all subjects. Students can explore the American Museum of Natural History to study Earth science and paleontology, tour the United Nations headquarters to discuss global diplomacy, or participate in Broadway workshops that teach performance, storytelling, and stage production. From Ellis Island immigration tours to financial literacy experiences at the Museum of American Finance, NYC delivers hands-on learning opportunities that align with national education standards and inspire lifelong curiosity.
Location: New York City, NY
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Orlando (Popular)
Student groups can participate in the Astronaut Training Experience® and Space Trek allow students to engage in hands-on space science, engineering, and mission simulations. At the Orlando Science Center, students can participate in live demonstrations and science labs focused on physics, biology, and environmental science. Additional educational options include Disney Imagination Campus workshops and Universal Orlando Youth Programs that offer behind-the-scenes looks at engineering, technology, and storytelling in action.
Location: Orlando, FL
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Los Angeles (Popular)
Los Angeles offers unmatched educational opportunities for student groups across STEM, the arts, history, and innovation. Groups can participate in hands-on science activities at the California Science Center, explore space and astronomy at Griffith Observatory, or walk among dinosaurs and fossils at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. At Universal Studios Hollywood, students can engage in behind-the-scenes STEAM workshops, while Disneyland’s Imagination Campus provides performance-based and leadership workshops guided by Disney professionals. With diverse educational programs tailored to large groups, Los Angeles combines world-class attractions with curriculum-aligned learning.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Chicago (Popular)
Chicago presents student groups with the opportunity to learn through immersive, curriculum-aligned experiences across science, arts, history, and technology. Students can explore hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, observe real-time animal behavior at Lincoln Park Zoo, or study astronomy and physics at Adler Planetarium. At the Field Museum, students engage with natural history and anthropology, while the Shedd Aquarium offers marine biology labs and conservation workshops. With world-class institutions and group programs designed to align with national education standards, Chicago is an ideal destination for meaningful student learning and engagement.
Location: Chicago, IL
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Washington, D.C. (Popular)
Washington, D.C. provides unforgettable, curriculum-aligned learning experiences for student groups of all ages. From touring the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court to viewing the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, students witness American government and history firsthand. At the Smithsonian museums—including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and Museum of Natural History—students engage with science, technology, culture, and innovation through world-class exhibits and interactive programming. Groups can also visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to deepen understanding of American history and civic responsibility.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Atlanta (Popular)
Atlanta offers student groups an exciting and educational journey through science, history, and the arts. Students can dive into hands-on STEM activities at the Fernbank Science Center and Tellus Science Museum, explore marine biology through interactive exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium, or engage with civil rights history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. From ecology-focused programs at Piedmont Park to innovation and marketing tours at the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta provides a dynamic range of curriculum-aligned opportunities that support classroom learning and foster curiosity.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
St. Louis (Popular)
Educational provides educational opportunities to experience hands-on learning across science, history, and the arts. Students can explore space, engineering, and physics at the Saint Louis Science Center, walk beneath the towering Gateway Arch to study American westward expansion, or dive into marine biology and conservation at the Saint Louis Zoo. At the Missouri History Museum, groups can engage in exhibits focused on civil rights, immigration, and the city’s industrial evolution. With workshops, guided tours, and curriculum-aligned programming, St. Louis provides impactful educational experiences for student groups of all sizes.
Location: St. Louis, MI
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Gatlinburg (Popular)
Gatlinburg invites your students to particiapate in immersive learning experiences set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Student groups can participate in ranger-led ecology programs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore aquatic science and conservation at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or discover Appalachian arts and culture through workshops at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Additional opportunities include environmental studies at Anakeesta, hands-on wildlife encounters at Ober Gatlinburg, and STEM-focused lessons in local geology, weather, and stream ecology. With curriculum-aligned field trips and large-group accommodations, Gatlinburg is a natural classroom for experiential education.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Boston (Popular)
Boston boasts an array of opportunities to engage groups in hands-on, curriculum-aligned learning across history, science, civics, and the arts. Students can walk the Freedom Trail to explore key sites from the American Revolution, experience STEM innovation at the Museum of Science, and learn about marine biology at the New England Aquarium. Additional opportunities include visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for immersive historical reenactments and touring prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which offer specialized student group programming.
Location: Boston, MA
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Nashville (Popular)
Nashville offers exceptional opportunities for student groups to engage in hands-on, curriculum-aligned learning across music, science, history, and the arts. Students can explore sound engineering and songwriting at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, discover astronomy and physics at the Adventure Science Center, and study wildlife conservation at the Nashville Zoo. Other educational highlights include the Parthenon’s classical history programs, Cheekwood Botanical Garden’s art and environmental science lessons, and the Tennessee State Museum’s exhibits on local civics and history. With activities designed for school groups of all sizes, Nashville blends culture and education into one unforgettable experience.
Location: Nashville, TN
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Cleveland (Popular)
Cleveland provides student groups with exceptional opportunities to learn through hands-on, curriculum-aligned programs in science, the arts, history, and innovation. Students can explore space science and robotics at the Great Lakes Science Center, study aquatic ecosystems at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and dive into history and civil rights education at the Cleveland History Center. Music programs can also take advantage of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where interactive exhibits and workshops explore the cultural impact of music and sound. With venues equipped to handle large groups, Cleveland offers a dynamic blend of education and exploration.
Location: Cleveland, OH
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Williamsburg (Popular)
Williamsburg offers student groups the opportunity to step back in time and explore early American life through immersive, curriculum-aligned experiences. At Colonial Williamsburg, students interact with costumed interpreters, visit working trade shops, and participate in structured educational programs that bring history to life. Nearby, student groups can explore the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement, where they engage with interactive exhibits, recreated colonial settings, and lessons aligned to state and national standards. Together, these sites offer an unmatched opportunity to experience U.S. history through engaging, hands-on learning.
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Philadelphia (Popular)
Philadelphia provides student groups with unique opportunities to explore American history, civics, science, and the arts through curriculum-aligned, hands-on experiences. Students can walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers at Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell up close, and engage in interactive constitutional debates at the National Constitution Center. STEM-focused groups can enjoy dynamic exhibits at The Franklin Institute, while art and cultural programs come alive at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and through guided mural tours with Mural Arts Philadelphia. With so many iconic and educational venues, Philadelphia offers an ideal destination for school groups of all ages.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Best for: Grade School, Middle-Junior High and High School, College
Reach out to one of our ED Travel Designers
Let's plan your educational and memorable trip for your students.
The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.
Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.
Powerful Director Tools
Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.
Tools for all travelers
Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.
Everything you need for your next trip.
The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.
See our difference
It’s no surprise that Educational Destinations sets and exceeds student travel standards. We aim to provide the best service, communication, experience and safety for all of our groups. When researching for your travel provider, please download this PDF checklist HERE to ensure that your group is taking advantage of all of the essential building blocks of a successful, safe, and FUN trip! If you have questions or are ready to get started on your next trip, please call 800.616.1112 or request your customized quote.
Custom Designed Trips
ED will create a custom designed trip for your group that is shaped by your priorities, goals and wishes, and powered by your passions. ED is committed to listening and working one-on-one with you to build the perfect trip for your students. There are no stock trips here - just your trip.
Group Travel Specialists
Led by award-winning teachers, ED exceeds the needs and expectations of students, teaching staff, parents and administrators. ED anticipates group needs and delivers group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Our experience and expertise enable us to bring the best quality trips, events, experiences and opportunities to your group.
All-Inclusive Price
ED’s custom trips are cost-effective and inclusive, without hidden costs – a great value for your travelers. Charter coaches, flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, events, taxes and gratuities are covered for each traveler. A 24/7 Emergency Contact System is included for each traveling group.
Cutting Edge Technology
Through ED's parent company, ED is the only student travel company providing Trip Account, an internet-based program that provides you a complete trip resource center 24 hours a day. Also included in your trip is the Trip Account App: Educators, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.
Personal Tour Director
A signature feature of every trip is the ED Tour Director, always right by the teacher’s side, managing all travel aspects of your trip: transportation, events, meals, lodging, tickets and more. Our TD’s training and management skills let the teacher focus on the students and education.
Safety is Priority #1
ED is pro-active on safety, sending the Tour Director World Aware® alerts, sharing best practices in travel safety, emergency procedures and travel hints with chaperones and staff, ensuring traveler accountability, monitoring vendor service/performance and tellng travelers of changes or emergencies with the Trip Account App.
Trusted Leader in Travel
ED is an active member of these respected travel suppliers and organizations: Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Orlando, American Bus Association, National Tour Association, Student Youth Travel Association and more. View all ED’s partners and awards here.
Doing the right thing
ED is deeply committed to high quality educational group travel. We love what we do, and we work hard to do it better than everyone. Creating memorable performance trips that leave positive, life-changing impressions on your students and community is a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Please talk to us about your next trip.
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Check out our featured STEM destinations.
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Meet the ED Travel Designers
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Discover our featured history destinations.
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How about discovering a feast for the eyes with around 35,000 pieces of artwork at the Louvre... learn more
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Travel with Special Considerations or Dietary Restrictions
When a group is focused on its education, it is easy to overlook issues with accessibility. learn more
Top European Destinations
With the world full of fascinating educational destinations, just choosing the perfect spot for your students can present quite a challenge. Here are some of our cleints' must popular top European destinations. learn more
Getting parents involved in your educational trip.
Having parents involved in the program it a vital piece of the puzzle to be successful. learn more
Getting Groups Through Airport Security
Here’s how to get your students through security, smoothly and efficiently. learn more
Motor Coach Travel Advice for Students
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Choosing the right educational student group travel company.
When a student gets to experience to new locations, new cultures and new people with education being the focus, the revelations and the eye-opening impact that develop are priceless. learn more
Disney on Broadway with Educational Destinations.
Breathtaking! Amazing! Phenomenal! These are words you have probably heard time and time again from friends, family, and others when seeing a musical on Broadway. learn more
The Value of Education with a student Disney trip.
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Health Tip: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis, (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly in the legs... learn more
Fund Raising for your educational student trip.
Time for some heavy lifting. Before your trip becomes a reality, some homework has to be done. Don’t worry, Educational Destinations is here to help... learn more