Popular Destinations for Educational Tours

My first published Hub was about the educational value of travel. This Hub will focus on some of the best cities for these adventures. When my sister visited Sweden in college, she was sometimes asked there, "What is it like to live in such a new country?" I had never thought of our country that way. I looked at Europe differently when I thought of it with such a deeper history than my own country. But I also looked at America differently. The history that had seemed stale in the textbooks seemed recent and vibrant now. The hopes and goals of our forefathers seemed more relevant, and I felt a greater sense of ownership over what makes us America. Our history, if not as deep as Europe's, is rich. And many cities in our country embrace that history best, providing the sites and documents and fruition of all that led to the country we live in today. Cities rich in this history make excellent destinations for student groups.

PHILADELPHIA

Our nation's first capital and now the sixth most populous city in the United States, Philadelphia is steeped in American history. Due to its central location at the time, it became the home for the first and the Second Continental Congress, which convened during the American Revolution and famously signed the United States Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia still memorializes the site for the signing - a celebration of our freedom and the founding of our democracy. (I know, Sweden, we're such newbies!)

Benjamin Franklin helped make Philadelphia the metropolis it became. The city is now the site for his grave. Of Franklin's burial, biographer Carl Van Doren wrote, "No other town burying its great man, ever buried more of itself than Philadelphia with Franklin." Betsy Ross, the famous seamstres for our flag and the symbol of our freedom, is also memorialized through her home in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia of course is not merely the home of ancient history. It is still growing today with modern attractions like Adventure Aquarium. For an inside guide to touring this city with students, visit Philadelphia City Tours also on HubPages.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Our current nation's capital is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, and it's a great place for students. In the capital both history and government come alive for those who have up to this point only read about them. You won't want to miss the Lincoln Memorial, The White House, and Capitol Hill where meetings can often be arranged with your congressman. Washington D.C. is also where you will find the Air and Space Museum with Charles Lindberg's Spirit of St. Louis, Arlington National Cemetery and the tomb of the unknown soldier as well as the gravesites of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft.

Other choices in Washington D.C. include a tour of turn-of-the-century homes on Embassy Row, Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was shot, and Petersen House, the home where he died. Washington D.C. is rich with American history for student tours that will make it come alive.

BOSTON

Boston is another U.S. city full of American history and culture. Students will enjoy Harvard Square and Harvard University, the JFK Library and Museum, world-class museums, and great shopping. Student groups can get a tour guide for the Freedom Trail, which connects many of Boston's historic sites in one defined walking tour. All three of these cities offer another surprising look at history with their ghost tours in which students can learn more about the legends surrounding each city.

New York City

Not that you would, but don't forget New York City when you're planning student travel. There are countless attractions in this city for every kind of personality. History and culture come together in the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. There is specialty dining for every palate and expense account, shopping for every budget, and entertainment for every kind of taste. If the Empire State Building is a must-see for your group, don't neglect Rockefeller Center with it's famous Top of the Rock attraction and gorgeous view of New York City. Visit my Hub on film locations in New York City for great ideas featured in popular films, including Central Park's own movie walking tour.

Many people think of New York City as the greatest center for activity in the world. It makes an excellent education tour or graduation trip. What better place to celebrate a turning point in your education and a brand new thirst for life.

ORLANDO

That's right, the mouse has clout. Hopefully educators don't rule this out as merely America's playground. Orlando and the Disney complex are packed full of educational opportunities, most notably perhaps in Epcot Center built by Walt Disney as a tribute to cultural diversity and technological innovation. Disney was determined to leave the world a better place than he found it. He was devoted not to higher education, he has said, "so much as general mass education." He loved to better the world through sheer entertainment. That always remained his "first and deepest production impulse." But in the process his kingdom grew with undeniable displays of human creativity and advancement. Students will be amazed by these gifts even as they are swept up in the fantasy - at ANY age.

The cities and attractions that amaze us most are as varied as we are. No one has exactly the same story for just when, where, or how we first discovered our own intense thirst for knowledge and discovery, but these cities just might give a student a way to find their own.