Have you considered Charlotte, North Carolina, for a warm-weather destination? Hopefully after this post you will. Charlotte student tours offer everything from white water rafting to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a variety of performing arts venues, plus everything in between. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

US National Whitewater Center

The whitewater rafting is just the beginning of the adventure possible at the US National Whitewater Center, an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. Other activities include a mega zip line, mountain biking, a climbing center, and more – all created to help promote healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. But healthy/inspirational agenda aside, visitors will love every thrilling activity here.

Discovery Place is one of the most visited attractions in the Carolinas. In its simplest label, it’s a science museum. But with the unveiling of its all-new exhibits, there’s even more proof that Discovery Place is much more than that. Hands-on activities, unique ways to experience marine life, the rain forest – even physiologic systems of the human body – all make this museum like none you’ve seen.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR fans will love the behind-the-scenes tour of this popular raceway, including the full-tilt experience of 24-degree banking and a photo op in Victory Circle. The tours are only offered on non-event days, but they’re definitely a popular choice. For even more celebration of the famous racing events, visitors will love the NASCAR Hall of Fame with almost 40,000 square feet of memorabilia and interactive exhibits celebrating the sport.

And you know, these are just the beginning, right? Charlotte also offers much more with history, art, and thrills. And it’s a perfect choice for educational tours.

Emerald Coast, Florida

What makes the roads red in Canada? One of my favorite children’s books addresses this question. The main character asks it and then later in the book declares that she finally knows the answer. But the reader isn’t let in on it. Still, I’ve always loved that part. I love the amazing variety in our world – the variety of colors. Why would anyone travel if there wasn’t something new to discover wherever they went?

Beaches are a favorite destination for all kinds of student tours. But it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. Here are three favorites divided by – you guessed it – their variety in color. It’s a figurative jewelry box of beaches, jasmine, emerald, and pearl.

Cancun

For jasmine, I’m choosing one of the many gorgeous destinations that can boast the clear, delightful blue waters of the Caribbean. You may not realize that of Cancun since it’s also known for its Mexican hospitality. But Cancun rests on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its waters are indeed Caribbean. They also offer some of the best snorkeling in the world as part of the Great Mayan Reef (world’s second largest coral system). These blue waters will keep you busy all day with jungle tours, beach lounging and volleyball, cave and wreck diving, and much more. But if you go to the beach for an exciting nightlife, Cancun definitely delivers on that as well, offering some of the most innovative nightclubs in the world.

Emerald Coast

The green to turquoise color of the waters is what gives this Florida coast its name. But technically it’s the sand that’s so unique here. The Emerald Coast stretches along the Gulf of Mexico from Pensacola, Florida, to Port St. Joe. The sand along this brilliant coast has actually worn off of the Appalachian Mountains and traveled through the waterways to the ocean. It’s pure quartz. Each grain is almost perfectly round, and their color is clear. This makes them as a whole appear as white as sugar, amazingly soft and fine. Perhaps its the contrast of this brilliant white that gives the water such striking color. There are many, many destinations to choose from along the Emerald Coast. It’s perfect for families, for students, for romantic getaways – for any kind of getaway at all. The minute you sink your toes in that sand, you’ll be extremely glad that you came.

Cocoa Beach

Other Florida beaches – and let’s face it, this is one of the best U.S. states for beach time – may have slightly less brilliant white sand and not quite such jewel-toned water. We’ll call this off-white, blue-gray blend the pearl of the ocean jewelry box. Cocoa Beach is one of my favorites. It’s not far from Orlando, so there are plenty of on-land activities (can you say Disney and Universal?), but the beach itself is an amazing respite all by itself. You’ll find all the normal activities – volleyball, water sports, sand castles, swimming, and good old-fashioned lounging. The pier offers classic beach-y souvenir shopping and delicious food. Plus, it’s out there that you’re most likely to catch dolphin sightings – always one of the happiest parts of being at the beach.

Anytime’s a good time for the beach

No matter which jewel tone you choose, the beach is always a brilliant choice. There’s no place like the ocean. Many of the destinations here are perfect for spring break trips. Parents should keep that in mind. After all, these beaches are also a great choice for family, but best for little kids on either side of the March madness typical for the spring break season.

Photo by lotopspin on Flickr.

You know what words I like? Heritage and Legacy. One describes an understanding of where you’ve been, or at least of the people and events behind you that led to who you are. The other describes something left behind, either for you, or by you. I know neither are something most students sit and ponder for much of the day. But they should certainly figure in to student travel and educational tours.

Black history tours are some of our most popular along these lines. African-Americans have had an intense journey as US citizens. All US citizens come from a long line of independent thinkers and fighters of freedom. But for black Americans, that fight hit its peak in much more recent history. Students of black history are often very familiar with the stateside heritage of black Americans even before they travel. But how much more will that heritage come alive when they visit the places where civil rights heroes were birthed, the places where they spoke to thousands or to the places where African-Americans built churches, schools, and businesses that gave black Americans a place in the New World as well.

Boston, Massachusetts, is one exciting city for student travel that lends itself beautifully to a black history tour.

The Black Heritage Trail includes the African Meeting House, which served as both a church and a school until integration allowed students to be educated at the Phillips School – also part of the trail. These sites and others showcase the efforts of black Americans in Boston to build a legacy for their families, their children, and their future. All African-Americans in Boston were free by the year 1790, and the Black Heritage Trail lets that history shine.

The George Middleton House tells the story of black Americans in the American Revolution. Boston is rich with American Revolution history, and students will love learning about the role of black Americans in it. Middleton was said to have led the all-black company known as the Bucks of America. This site is part of the Black Heritage Trail. It’s located on Beacon Hill, a thrilling historic neighborhood in Boston that all groups should include in Boston tours.

The Harriet Tubman House is not just a tribute to that amazing icon of black history but to the architect who designed it. He was one of the few African-American architects at the time and won awards for his work.

Boston is filled with American history. It makes American heritage come alive for any student. And as you can see, students of black history can find extra value in this popular city for student travel.

If you watch ABC, you may notice your favorite characters volunteering during their storylines this week. It’s part of ABC’s push toward “a better community” through giving back.

There are lots of destinations that lend themselves best to student volunteering around the country. National parks offer cleanup and maintenance opportunities that bring you close to nature. Zoos, wildlife preserves, humane societies, and other organizations let you volunteer with animals. And there are any number of habitats for humanity and Red Cross projects  grateful for the extra help from teens. These tours can be exciting because you can bookend the volunteering with fun theme parks or other popular sites.

But ABC and other volunteer organizations are hoping to get the word out that there are many volunteer opportunities right where you live. Before raising the travel money for Yellowstone, why not call your own Parks and Recreation department? I’m sure they could put a group of teens to work. Though volunteering tends to be its own reward, you’ll sometimes find other benefits when you get in touch with community leaders. My friends and I once cleared a cemetery of fallen acorns then took them to the conservation department for cash. It helped us raise money for other projects we were working toward.

Besides working with nature, many organizations provide help to your peers and neighbors through their various services. You can probably find a local chapter of the Red Cross or even a Habitat for Humanity home in your area. Check around and you may also find ways to help homes for battered women and children, youth in foster care, or a food depot.

Remember that we are all connected, and when we help each other, we really do help ourselves. Open your eyes to the community around you. Listen for the needs that might be right next door. And start volunteering now to begin a lifetime of giving back.

Photo by laura.ouimette on Flickr

They’re beautiful, full of educational value, and powerfully refreshing. Our country’s national parks are ready-made for student travel.

They’re also economical. There are lots of exciting destinations around the country filled with theme parks, live performances, and innovative restaurants. But with these tours, every attraction requires more money. This can put the final bill far beyond a student group’s budget. Even after the Saturday car wash and bake sale. If the school is funding any of the trip at all, they may be less likely to pitch in for expensive attractions as well. National Parks don’t cost much more than the price of travel and a few sensible meals.

But the take-away is awesome. You’ll find you don’t have to spend extravagant money to induce awe and wonder. Nature has consistently done a pretty powerful job of this all by itself. Our national parks were chosen as such because somebody stood in awe and said, “We can’t let this get paved over for roller coasters.”

The impact is highly individualized. While man-made entertainment typically produces a similar reaction in all its participants (e.g., “That ride is thrilling,” “This restaurant is colorful.”), nature has a way of affecting its visitors personally. Some are moved toward faith, others to action, still others to a sense of quiet unmatched by the daily grind. Visiting national parks guarantees a unique and powerful response in almost every person. Nature and wildlife – they move people.

They inspire participation. National parks are also a great choice for student volunteering. Many have programs already in place for this. A two-day tour could easily include one half day of eco-friendly volunteerism. The most beautiful spots on earth are of course the most inspiring for taking care of the planet. Students not only feel encouraged to join global efforts for the environment, they participate in practical ways to do it.

So, that first step can be intimidating. You’re interested in a trip – after all, who isn’t? But you don’t know for sure if you can get it approved through the powers that be. You have no idea what to expect as far as cost is concerned. (Will your group need to do fundraisers? Can the school pay for it?) And you don’t know where to begin.

My advice? Don’t wait. Travel professionals are trained for this. They take your hm-maybe-kindas and turn them into actual places, an educated estimate, and a specialized itinerary. This is a proposal, and at that point it’s in your hands to decide. You don’t lose anything by making that first call or filling out the initial travel request form.

Here are some tips to put you ahead of the game for that first contact with your travel professional. These are things they’re going to want to know about you and your group, so they can customize your tour.

Who are you? The professional needs an idea on the size of your group and the age range. If you have specific interests (Ooh, we adore history! Or art. Or parks and gardens. Or perhaps, Just show us the food…).

What do you want most? Besides your interests, what does your group expect as far as the pace is concerned or the theme? Are we thinking theme park city? Or do you prefer relaxing beaches? Perhaps you’re looking for a steady series of educational sites and tours. If you can be specific here, you’re more likely to get exactly the tour you desire.

What can’t you do? Here’s where you tell the professional if you have a specific time frame, budget, or other special requirements.

What’s it going to take to make this happen? It will be good if you have at least a small idea about the red tape. With whom do you need to approve this trip in order to make it happen? With student tours, this usually includes at least the school’s administration and often the parents. Tell your professional what you need and when. Their ability to comply at this stage will give you even greater confidence about the tour itself.

So gather a little information and then take the plunge. Finding out whether you’ve got an exciting destination in your future? It’s just a click away.

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

Most of us like to imagine life in a different city, a different country, and sometimes in a different time altogether. There is something fascinating about the days just before the industrial revolution, before cars were the standard mode of transportation, when some people still refused that new-fangled contraption known as the telephone.

In some parts of the country, you can practically step back in time and experience that so-called simpler life for yourself. Time does stand still in places like Colonial Williamsburg or the Amish communities of the Pennsylvania hills, because the people who live or work there have preserved it for just that purpose. Preservation is a natural instinct for humans. You may do it with love letters, stamp collections, or your old stuffed animals. These people have done it with time. They’ve captured a charming, hard-working era, preserved it, and kept it thriving so that we can step inside its streets and witness life in another time.

You can find these historical communities especially in the east where colonists first settled in the country. Colonial Williamsburg is one of the best known. Thousands of visitors every year are fascinated by this 18th century town where colonists seem to be going about their daily lives – building fences, baking bread. You’ll love the authentic homes and businesses, the costumes, and the vibrant activity from this historic era.

If you want to travel a little further back in time, you’ll love Plimoth Plantation in Massachusets not far from Plymouth Rock itself. This setting brings to life not only a colonial English community from the 1600s but the Wampanoag People who were native to the area when the English arrived. You’ll see what each group experienced in those trying early days of our nation.

If you have very much interest in other eras, you probably know that some communities choose to live the lifestyle of a “simpler time” even today. The Amish community is perhaps the most well-known. Their homes and communities are spread throughout the country, but many of them dot the hillsides of the Pennsylvania countryside and offer daily glimpses into their fascinating lives. 

Our student theme tours offer trips to all of these fantastic eras through the villages and tourist attractions that have preserved them. If you’ve always wanted to experience a different time, this is a thrilling way to do it.

So, you’ve convinced the powers-that-be to approve that New York City student tour, but you only have two days? A destination this exciting can overwhelm you with its sheer possibility. You can probably think of several days worth of NYC attractions just from movies you’ve seen, blogs you’ve read, or the friend of a cousin of a friend who’s been there and says you absolutely MUST see such-and-such. So what do you do with only a TWO days?

For starters, stay somewhere nice, within easy distance either to the attractions you want to see most or to the transportation. It’s just one night, so consider how well you want to be able to sleep considering the energy you’ll need for all that sightseeing.

Next – here are some attractions we put in our shorter itineraries for New York City student tours. Some of these give you a great overall glimpse of this amazing city. Others put you right in the midst of its fascinating energy. 

The Beast – The Beast is an exciting (and gigantic!) speedboat that zips you around the NYC harbor so you can take in the sights from the water. You’ll get close to the Statue of Liberty with a great opportunity for photos.

Top of the Rock – What better way to see most of the city at once than from standing way above it? Top of the Rock is a modern alternative to the traditional Empire State Building. The lines are easier to take (with time-stamped tickets), the climb more interactive, and the view every bit as breathtaking. Plus, it’s part of the amazing Rockefeller Center, a favorite New York tradition.

NY SkyRide – Don’t think we’re dissing the good ol’ ESB though. The Empire State Building has an attraction quickly becoming a New York favorite, and it might make a great addition to a quick tour. It’s a virtually simulated flight over New York City. It may be slightly less authentic than a rooftop view, but you’ll get a much closer look.

Times Square – This famous intersection is something most NYC visitors want to see at least once. Broadway shows, a television studio, Hershey store, wax museum, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are just some of the attractions on it. And that’s not even to mention the huge billboards known around the world, which make this a fun attraction after dark.

Central Park – Who can resist those open spaces where you can stroll or picnic with skyscrapers towering just beyond the pretty trees? Central Park is rich with attractions too, and there are some really fun tours available for it – like the one showcasing previous movie locations from films we know you’ll recognize. Central Park is a New York City icon, and a great stop for even the shortest tour.

If you have any time left in the day, you might want to hit one of NYC’s museums – like Ripley’s or Madame Tussaud’s (mentioned above) or the more traditional Met or Museum of Natural History. In the evening, there’s nothing like catching a show. If you can squeeze in a Broadway performance, we guarantee you won’t regret it.

Check out our pages for more NYC ideas, but hopefully this gives you just a taste of what to do with only a little time.

Photo Credit: jillclardy on Flickr