Field Trips Reimagined
Student travel has become an essential part of experiential learning, giving young people the chance to explore history, science, culture and even career paths through real-world experiences. Several reputable student tour companies specialize in organizing educational trips designed specifically for school groups. They provide curated itineraries, safety-focused planning, knowledgeable guides and structured pricing to make large-group travel manageable and enriching. Let's look at some top choices.
EF Tours & EF Explore America
One of the most widely recognized names in educational travel is EF Tours, along with its U.S.-focused division EF Explore America. EF offers a broad range of itineraries throughout the United States and Canada, covering major cities and regions such as Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, California and the national parks of the Southwest. Trips are designed to bring classroom learning to life through visits to historical landmarks, Smithsonian museums, national monuments and cultural districts.
A typical EF itinerary might include a five- or six-day tour that combines Washington, D.C. and New York City—two of the most popular destinations for student groups. Students may tour the U.S. Capitol, visit the Lincoln Memorial, explore the National Air and Space Museum, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty or attend a Broadway show when available. EF also offers nature-focused options such as a tour of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Pricing varies based on group size, time of year, accommodations and itinerary details. EF advertises competitive rates and provides a structured payment plan for families. Teachers can expect extensive planning support, digital tools and educational resources before, during and after the trip. Most packages include transportation between tour stops, hotel stays, some meals, admission fees and a dedicated tour director.
Explorica (by WorldStrides)
Explorica, a division of WorldStrides, is another major provider of student travel, known for offering customizable educational tours across North America. Their U.S. destinations range widely—from Anchorage and Atlanta to Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The company emphasizes experiential learning and includes themed trips that focus on areas such as early American history, civil rights, science and performing arts.
While Explorica’s website does not always publish fixed pricing, the company frequently offers discounts and incentives for early planning. Their tours typically include hotels, transportation, guides and admissions, with the option for schools to add or remove activities to suit their curriculum or budget. Teachers also receive strong planning support, including sample itineraries, safety information and rooming guidelines. Because adult chaperones are treated differently in pricing, it’s important for schools to review cost details early in the process.
School Tours of America
For schools wanting a more fully inclusive experience, School Tours of America (STA) has become a popular choice. Unlike some companies that offer a mix of included and optional features, STA markets its tours as “everything included,” which can simplify budgeting for families. This typically covers flights, hotels, meals, guides, security personnel and all pre-booked activities.
Their most common itineraries visit Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston—cities rich in history and civic learning opportunities. STA places a strong emphasis on safety, offering private security for groups and licensed educational guides to accompany students throughout the trip. The company is often favored by middle schools and junior high groups because its tours are structured, predictable and heavily supervised.
Pricing tends to be higher than more basic tour packages because of the comprehensive inclusions. Schools that value convenience and a “no surprises” approach may find STA a good match.
Student Adventures
For groups looking for a more budget-conscious option, Student Adventures—a family-owned company based in Michigan—offers U.S. tours known for competitive pricing and personalized service. Their destinations include Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York City, Boston, Nashville, Cleveland, Orlando and even regional destinations such as Mackinac Island.
Student Adventures often publishes sample itineraries and estimated prices, which is helpful for early planning. For example, short East Coast trips may cost under $1,000 per student depending on hotel style, transportation and activities. Their tours commonly include transportation, hotels, meals and entrance fees, but inclusions vary based on the package chosen. Schools with smaller groups or tighter budgets may benefit from the company’s flexibility and hands-on planning assistance.
What Families and Teachers Should Expect
Most student tour companies follow a similar structure: multi-day itineraries, centrally located hotels, partial or full meal plans and guided activities that blend education with hands-on experiences. Teachers should expect to coordinate rooming lists, communicate payment schedules and attend planning meetings. Families should prepare for structured daily schedules and clear safety protocols.
Key questions to ask any tour provider include what is included in the price, how transportation is handled, what the cancellation policies are, whether optional activities cost extra and how the company manages medical or safety concerns.
Plan Trips That Teach
Whether a school is seeking a premium, fully inclusive package or a more affordable and flexible travel option, there are excellent student tour companies for organizing student travel. Choosing the right company depends on a school’s goals, budget and desired level of support. Regardless of what you choose, the trip will help transform learning into an unforgettable real-world adventure.
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