Find out why Educational Destinations is the 1st choice in educational student travel.
View our 2 minute intro video to discover what Educational Destinations can do for your group.
Why Choose Educational Destinations for Student Travel?
Since 1987, Educational Destinations has partnered with schools and directors nationwide to craft student travel experiences that spark curiosity, foster personal growth, and create lifelong memories. Our trips are built around your group’s goals—whether performance, academic enrichment, or cultural immersion—providing students with meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom.
- Custom Itineraries: Every trip is designed to match your curriculum, student interests, and budget.
- Performance Opportunities: Sing, play, or perform at world-class venues, festivals, and cultural landmarks.
- Educational Enrichment: STEM workshops, historical tours, and interactive cultural activities.
- Safety First: Experienced tour directors, vetted accommodations, and industry-leading safety standards.
- 24/7 Support: Our team is with you from planning to travel day to ensure a smooth experience.
Questions and Answers
Educational Destinations travels to international destinations often and also brings international groups to the United States.
We partner with TripMate for travel insurance. Since your trip is an investment, we suggest you learn about trip insurance.
Every itinerary for an Education Destinations tour is custom made by one of our Travel Designers. Contact us with your ideas for the trip of lifetime and leave the planning to us.
Educational Destinations is the leader in online technology from our Trip Account app that keeps travelers up to date with real-time messaging, Trip Account online trip management that allows directors and staff to print lists and monitor student payment levels and GiftLink, our standard setting fundraising tool that allows supporters to make contributions to a student trip without fees or transaction charges.
Every educational student trip is designed with a Tour Director from start to finish, allowing the trip leader, chaperone and student to enjoy the adventure knowing every detail is being monitored by our highly-trained and vetted Tour Director.
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.
Introducing a travel app for teachers wishing to give their students the best travel experience possible.
At no additional charge, Teachers, Staff, Chaperones, and Students may use the information-packed, versatile app before and during their trip. This app comes to you through our parent company, Music Travel Consultants.
Powerful Teacher tools
Traveler Locator, Interactive Checklists, View Payments, Send Emergency Notifications.
 
						Tools for all travelers
Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery, Make Trip Payments.
Everything you need for your next educational trip.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
Blog Posts

Introducing Gift Link
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more

Check out our featured STEM destinations.
Encourage your STEM students as they participate in discovery labs, live shows, exhibits and hands-on educational experiences. learn more

Meet the ED Travel Designers
Our team is focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences. learn more

Discover our featured history destinations.
Your students are ready to learn about the American Revolution and how Boston led the nation in fighting... learn more

Explore our our featured art destinations.
How about discovering a feast for the eyes with around 35,000 pieces of artwork at the Louvre... learn more

Check out our featured language immersion destinations.
Your Language Immersion students are ready to embrace the culture of France and participate in... learn more

Discover our featured adventure destinations.
Imagine your students as they kayak along the stunningly scenic coastal route along the Costa Verde in Brazil... learn more

Explore our featured theatre destinations.
Are your theatre students ready to participate in an actual Broadway Musical Theatre Workshop... learn more

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
Make the most of your ride with these insider tips. learn more

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.
Have you ever wondered why opportunities involving educational trips to Disney are so abundant? The significance of education brought feeling and heart into... learn more

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
See why teachers are excited about Educational Destinations...
At Educational Destinations, each program is custom-designed to meet your group's wishes, with no hidden costs. Our company is led by accomplished educators, dedicated to anticipating and exceeding your needs.
 
										 
								 
				
								

 
				
								
 
				
								 
				
								 
								 
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                            