When it comes to student travel, theme tours are a great way to tie the whole thing together, to focus your energy when it comes to choosing attractions, and because the fundraiser ideas practically invent themselves. (Doing a Literature-themed tour? Sell used books. One focused on art? Sell your own creations. Etcetera.) And since we’re on the subject of themes…let’s talk about theme parks.

Theme Park Tours are just what the doctor ordered for that nasty bug known as senioritis. It manifests itself in some like a diva-tude in which you begin to think the world revolves around you. And in some as a dark depression when you’re quite sure that graduating means it won’t revolve around you anymore. It’s a sadness because you’ll be leaving your friends behind, an anxiety about the future, a mad rush to finish those last papers, finals, and catch-up credits. You really need a break, don’t you think? And this is just the way to do it.

There are a couple cities in this country where you can fill every single day with a new theme park adventure. The first, and possibly the most obvious, is Orlando. The Disney franchise could keep you hopping for an entire week. But why not mix it up? Disney offers some great parks, The Magic Kingdom being the most popular and Hollywood Studios a favorite for older teens and young adults. But Universal has a corner on this market as well with both Universal Studios itself and Universal’s Islands of Adventure providing some of the best coasters in the nation. Even Sea World has joined the fray. Sea World, you say? With the clapping seals and mischievous killer whales? Yep. Sea World, now home not just to Shamu but to the longest, fastest, tallest coaster in Orlando (the Kracken) and an exciting newer addition, Mantis.

Los Angeles is another amazing city for senior class trips. The beach, the stars, and – in keeping with the tone here – the sheer number of roller coasters and theme parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain, for instance, offers more coasters in one park than almost any other park in the country. You can find the original “happiest place on earth” here as well with Disneyland and its fellow parks (like Disney’s California Adventure). And Universal offers its first creation here as well. Rounding out your tour, you’ll visit Knott’s Berry Farm, which has been thrilling guests since before any of these other yahoos even broke ground.

If you don’t need quite so many thrils but need some chocolate to go with those thrills, then Hershey, Pennsylvania, is for you. These four attractions are all fun, all sweetness, all curing, all the time – from the factory itself, Hershey’s Chocolate World, to the thrilling amusement park anchored by the delightful Kissing Tower and too good for a space between its words, i.e., Hersheypark, you’ll love every minute of your time in Chocolate Town.

So just sit back and endure your “itis” for now. These cities will definitely make the world seem endurable after all. You’ll be all set to take it on with just a few days in these cities packed with thrills.

The other day I discovered an exciting destination whose existence I had barely acknowledged before. This is just one of the many wonderful things about working in student travel – or travel of any kind – you’re always discovering how many places you’ve yet to discover.

There are lots of big cities in this country, famous for their skylines, their culture, (and their crowds). They’re popular for students, which is why we send so many groups each year to New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and other well-known destinations. But some of our groups want to discover the wealth of amazing attractions right next door. Regional travel saves money on transportation and lodging, so you can use your hard-saved cash for the attractions themselves (or perhaps some really great food). And, believe us: There are plenty of thrills in these charming locations just off the beaten path.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is just such a location. Though the Smoky Mountains don’t get mentioned as much as their Rocky Mountain counterparts in the west, you’ll never forget them again after visiting this charming destination nestled right in the midst of their beauty. And besides the breathtaking landscape, this area offers fabulous attractions for student travel.

On Gatlinburg student tours you can find yourself surrounded by the amazing, the thrilling, and the bizarre as only the Robert Ripley legacy can provide. This city offers Ripley’s first museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not. But you’ll also be amazed by Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and explore the exotic in Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. And this dynasty isn’t done thrilling you yet. You’ll find even more to love in Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror, Maze, and Candy Factory.

There’s still more from Ripley beyond that, but he isn’t the only excitement in Gatlinburg. You’ll also find a sky-high observation deck and space needle plus a thrilling ride appropriately named Earthquake.

Surely I’ve convinced you, right? That Gatlinburg is a wonderful choice for student tours? But what about where you live? If you think you’ve seen it all, we’d like to challenge that belief! There’s far more to discover all around us than most of us have dreamed. Customized educational tours can take place anywhere in the nation. Give your region a chance, and take a look at all it has to offer. You may be  surprised by what you find.

I don’t know about your house, but the television in mine has been completely taken over by baseball. It’s on every night. And it’s not that I don’t like baseball on television. After all, there are few background noises better for napping. 

But even with that mindset, I do thoroughly appreciate a day actually at a ball diamond. There are few experiences more thoroughly summer. And few experiences more perfect for your student group to enjoy together. 

That’s why baseball is a great event for senior class trips and other student travel. It’s something everyone can do together. It’s filled with local fans, giving you a true experience in the culture of the city you’re visiting. It’s got yelling, snacks, and competition. Plus, many of the nation’s ball diamonds are historical landmarks. 

The oldest park in the nation is in Boston. Fenway park tours are fascinating from the fiercely loyal fans to the still manually-operated scoreboard. A game here is rich with excitement, history, and culture. Wrigley Park tours offer a similar experience in tradition when you visit Chicago’s team and the second oldest diamond in the country. Passionate baseball fans should definitely visit these parks at least once. 

You probably have a favorite team nearby too – most student groups do. And a game is a great way to begin any regional student tour. Don’t think of student travel simply as a list of attractions to notice as you’re walking by. Consider an event like an exciting baseball game and really embrace the city of your tour.

Photo Credit: jscatty on Flickr