There’s a magical time for every person sometime during or after college when the school years are winding down but one has yet to begin a career or family. You can imagine I’m past this period myself. Otherwise, I would have used words like anxious or panicky instead of magical.

It can feel that way. You probably thought your identity and your plans would be perfectly formed by now, not to mention all the skills you need to bring those plans to pass. It actually can be a stressful time. But if you can look past the stress and see instead the possibility, there are some wonderful opportunities at your fingertips.

For instance, this transitional season is a perfect one for international tours.

Traveling internationally can open your world in a dramatic way. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself and about your perspective when thrown into an environment that has completely different ones. Logistically this is a good time for travel, because you’re not as confined by the various commitments of work and family. But it’s also a good time because you’re forming so much understanding about politics, your interests, and the world. It’s a fun process, an exciting one. And international travel gives you a much broader stage for the journey.

Now, if you really want to take advantage of this season, and get as much international perspective as you can in one stretch, have I got an idea for you. Consider this: You and your friends, one month, and beautiful Europe.

It’s totally possible, and the possibilities are endless. The tour I’m talking about is going to give you time first in London. Then you’ll travel Eurostar to Paris for a few days in the City of Lights, exploring the Eiffel Tower, Windsor Castle, and the Louvre. The tour includes several half-day tours with expert guides but also hours to explore these amazing cities on your own.

After London and Paris, how about Amsterdam and Holland for amazing shopping and atmosphere? After that you’ll take the Aerial Cableway over Mount Pilatus in Switzerland and then travel to Germany to tour a brilliant castle and an authentic concentration camp from World War II.

Austria and Bavaria come next, including Mozart’s birthplace. Then, Italy, with hours to explore ancient Rome and the Colosseum, as well as Vatican City and its amazing museum. From Brindisi, Italy, you’ll take a ferry crossing to Igoumenitsa, Greece, for the remainder of your time in Europe.

You have to admit, it’s sounding a little more magical now. A month in Europe is once-in-a-lifetime, if that, for most people. And now is the time for you to do it.

It’s September, and I hope you seniors especially are right in the middle of all that fast-paced planning that comes with getting out of high school and moving on with your future. Hopefully, between planning the announcements, organizing the parties, signing yearbooks, and paying for it all – you’re getting the details lined out for the trip. You probably should have thought of it before now, but it is NOT too late to plan student beach trips and other popular student travel perfect for celebrating gradation.

Student travel can seem overwhelming at first. But here are a couple of things that will put you ahead of the game and maybe help you convince the powers that be to just plan the awesome trip already!

Numbers

When getting organized for student travel, think numbers, especially if you’re traveling my motor coach. These buses typically hold a maximum of 55 passengers. If you’ve got 58 people signed up for the trip, it’s time to do some recruiting. If you’re going to have to rent that second coach anyway, it will be much more cost effective for everyone if you get more people to fill it. More people in the seats equals more people footing the bill. The more people you have footing the bill, the less any one person has to pay.

Chaperones

Along those lines, keep this in mind: With most tours, one chaperone travels free per ten students. So figure those parents and teachers in with your final count. Also, consider them in your recruiting process.

Bottom line: Numbers matter. It’s just one of the many reasons you need to plan ahead!

Unlike many travel companies, we specialize in group travel. We’ve been customizing student travel to Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, Orlando – and many, many more exciting cities – since we began. These student travel destinations are excellent for educational tours and for leisure, and we know just how to get you there and how to help you make the most of your time until the moment you leave.

So, what makes a group?

As long as your group is greater than fifteen, we can take care of anything. This removes so much hassle from your planning, and we love to do it. We’ve got you covered on reservations for your hotels, any tours you hope to experience, as well as transportation. We’ll help you plan an itinerary designed around your group’s interests and that perfectly suits your needs.

What if our group is less than fifteen?

If you’re traveling with a smaller number, we’ve still got great resources on our site to help make the planning easier. Start with our destinations page if you haven’t chosen a city, and take a look at some of our sample itineraries for great ideas on which attractions to include. Once you know where you’re going, you need to get there. Use our student travel airfare page to help you book the best prices available.

We’ve got everything you need for large or small groups. Student travel is our passion, an excellent learning opportunity, truly inspiring, and something we want to see every student experience at least once. When you take advantage of our travel professionals or the tools on our website, you’re guaranteeing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to your group. And that’s when we know we’ve done our job.

Just because we’re so good at student tours to D.C., New York City, and other fascinating destinations in the States, don’t think we can’t customize a thrilling tour overseas as well. If a trip to Orlando or Virginia Beach seems a little too been-there-done-that for this season’s student travel, how about a summer trip to Europe instead?

For many, European tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you’ll want to make the most of it. Our sample itinerary includes breathtaking sites from London to Paris. It begins with a walking tour of London. On Day 3 you’ll experience the wonder of Windsor. On Day 4 the train ride from London to Paris is an attraction in itself. And Paris will thrill you from the moment you take the introductory and walking tours. This first day in Paris also provides a tour from the River Seine. 

Your time in Paris also includes the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower. Just seven days, and you’ll experience some of the most beautiful highlights and most popular attractions in Europe. We’ll customize your tour if you have other ideas as well. But at least consider. You’re young, excited about life’s possibilities, and searching for inspiration – isn’t this the perfect time for your first tour of Europe?

Photo Credit: Anirudh Koul on Flickr

Forbes Traveler online has compiled the top 25 most visited tourist attractions in America.  And tons of sites made the list that we send students to all year long!  We’ve been recognizing their value for educational and student tours since our company was founded – and for the next couple weeks we’ll highlight them.  If you don’t have them on your list of must-see student attractions already, you will soon.  

The number one most visited tourist attraction in America (although I’m really not sure how they calculate this one; it’s not like there’s a ticket gate) is Times Square in New York City.  The Big Apple made the list three times, and I’ll highlight each of these great NYC attractions this week.

I know you’re familiar at least with the concept of Times Square.  It’s the most recognizable intersection in the entire country with its giant digital billboards famous around the world.  Whether or not you dream of being here on New Year’s Eve for the famous ball drop could easily separate one personality type from another.  Still, throughout the year Times Square is a great attraction for New York City student tours.  Good Morning America films there each morning.  It’s home to several Broadway theaters, Toys R Us, Virgin Records, and a Hershey’s store.  You’ll also find two unique and amazing museums in Times Square, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Madame Tussaud’s wax museum – the one place in New York City you’re guaranteed to get a photo with your favorite celebrity.  All of this makes it extremely popular for student travel and, according to Forbes, the number one choice for American travel in general!

(photo by OliverN5 on Flickr)