Ann Knapp

Many middle schools have an annual trip to Washington, D.C. where seventh and eighth graders focus on U.S. history connections to the social studies curriculum. Fifteen years of student travel experience have convinced me that these travel opportunities provide substantial benefits to both the individual and the school as a whole.

While acting as a middle school trip sponsor, I have seen tremendous growth in students who have participated in a student travel program.

You have planned a school trip and want all of the eligible students to participate. This is a common goal and many school sponsors are using fundraising as a means of achieving it. I recommend you select a reputable fundraising company with a proven track record. I also recommend getting your PTO, booster club or a similar parents' group involved in the project.

Students and teachers looking for a distinctive trip would be wise to put the Yucatan on their wish list, its unique combination of archeological, geological and natural biology translating into a rich educational experience, among them the Mayan pyramids and the amazing freshwater sinkholes known as cetones.

A visit to Chichen Itza must surely include seeing the famous Mayan pyramids, 1,500-year-old structures, located only 75 miles from Merida.

Ensuring parents and administrators that safety is your number one priority when students are away from home is the most important step in a successful student travel experience. One of the key elements to safe travel is selecting and training adults to serve as chaperones for your trip. These individuals not only supervise the students while they are away from home but are responsible for their overall safety.

Chicago has museums which are educational and cultural landmarks. If you are planning a student outing or field trip in Chicago, then these great museums should be on your list of places to visit. Here is a brief guide to three of the most important museums in Chicago.

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
On the shores of Lake Michigan, on Chicago's Museum Campus, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum is dedicated to the study of planets, moons, stars, and distant galaxies.

Quebec City, Canada is certainly the most European destination in North America and it is definitely worth a visit by teachers and students. If you are considering student group travel in this region, then here is a brief guide to what Quebec has to offer.

Quebec City is an astounding student tour find. Perched on one of the most beautiful riverside settings in North America, Quebec is the only walled city in Canada or the United States.

Arguably one of the most distinctive places to visit while in Washington, D.C., is the White House, the official residence of the president of the United States and the seat of executive power for the nation.

The White House, officially named by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901 (having previously been called the President's Palace, President's House, and Executive Mansion), is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and is the oldest public building in the District of Columbia.

Are you ready for the ultimate student group travel science trip? Then consider exploring the islands of the Galapagos, and let your students see for themselves the place where Charles Darwin formulated his theories of evolution.

The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent.

Toronto has long been known as a multicultural city, making it an ideal place for student group travel. Its unique neighborhoods and marketplaces provide visitors with a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences. Let's take a look at what Toronto has to offer.

Three of the city's most distinctive areas are Chinatown, Kensington Market and Casa Loma.

Once you have decided to embark on a student travel experience a well-designed promotional program for parents and students is the key step in making it a reality. All too frequently a trip is cancelled due to lack of interest and low enrollment. Not only will a well-promoted trip increase participation and keep the cost low for everyone, it will also ensure you meet your projected participant counts.