There are so many essential places to travel to across America, it’s sometimes hard to plan the perfect trip for your student group without becoming overwhelmed. Have no fear, however, because Adventure Student Travel is here with this list of 18 Places Your Students Should See Before 18, full of the absolute best spots throughout the United States that will teach your students important historical, geological, and cultural lessons. Going to any of these popular places will immensely benefit your student group, in both life-lessons/travel savvy education and pure vacation bliss! They’re only young once, so help them see all they can under your direction while the time is right!
- Yosemite - Famous natural landmarks such as the Half Dome and John Muir Trail await your student group as you take in one of the most awe-inspiring places full of natural education.
- New York City - Museums, theaters, famous eateries, iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity like no other will keep you busy in the Big Apple. Explore the busy street life and surrounding skyscrapers as you take in all the early American history and unbelievable architecture.
- Washington D.C - A visit to the nation’s capital is almost necessary for your young student, allowing them to see many iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument!
- Maui - Discover some of the most beautiful idyllic beaches and mountains as you admire the scenery and culture of this island escape.
- Yellowstone - See steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs as you hike the many trails and see the many different forms of geology and wildlife available in this region.
- San Diego - San Diego is a beach paradise with the perfect mix of outdoor activities and downtown dining and shopping ventures. Head to the famous San Diego Zoo before you go!
- Grand Canyon - The Grand Canyon provides one of the most inspiring view in the entire United States and allows guests to hike, raft, or photograph the day away!
- Orlando - It is almost a rite of passage for students to someday visit Walt Disney World, a magical opportunity that makes for one extraordinary learning opportunity and vacation.
- San Francisco - Welcome to the land of diverse ethnic communities and cultures, a land of social movements, bayside bliss, and important California history.
- Charleston - Explore some of the best Southern architecture, historic sites, and museums as your group discovers the Southern charm of Charleston, complete with some of the best restaurants in the state!
- Chicago - Speaking of architecture, this premiere Midwest destination is full of iconic skyline architecture, award-winning museums, U.S. history, and plenty of Lake Michigan tours and attractions!
- Cape Cod - This Northeast region is famous for its popular shoreline and vacation spots, as well as it’s laid back atmosphere, natural beauty, and historic background.
- Jackson Hole - With a convenient location near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole provides excellent natural history lessons, skiing opportunities, and chances to see the nearby Elk refuge.
- Las Vegas - Dining and shopping meet no other comparison after coming to Vegas, America’s Playground, a true Sin City escape.
- Seattle - Discover the Pacific Northwest as you see the shoreline, mountains, and gorgeous forests of Seattle. You will delight in the shopping, skiing, and learning opportunities abound here!
- Sedona - Sedona is full of red landscapes, bizarre rock forms, and stunning sunsets, a rock-climbers and hikers paradise! Downtown is also full of celebrated eateries, spas, and museums.
- Anchorage - Alaska offers many great travel opportunities, especially in Anchorage, where you can learn about the "last frontier" at the Anchorage Museum or along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
- New Orleans - There may be no other culture as interesting and diverse as that of the Big Easy, a Caribbean/European town full of gumbo, jazz, and historical partying.