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The Art Tour of New York City

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New York City is such a fantastic city for student travel. It can be viewed in so many different ways. I have found that student travel groups that focus on the academic subject(s) being explored are rewarded with a deeper educational experience.

Over the last 25 years, I’ve been developing educational travel tours for a variety of school age groups. I began to notice a pattern in process. There were many art educators and art students who wanted to take a tour of New York City focused on art. I decided to develop a tour that did just that.

There are literally thousands of venues for visual art in New York City, if we include well-known galleries, public sculpture, and more. For the Educational Travel Consultants Art Tour, I decided to focus on some of the major art museums and add related entertainment.

There are several key areas of the city I chose to cover on the New York City Art tour. Many students are aware that Greenwich Village is the part of New York most inhabited by artists, so I schedule an afternoon in the Village for art tour groups so they may really capture a feel for the contemporary New York City art scene.

The major destinations folded within the art tour are: Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, Solomon Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Student groups focused on art or art history are more likely to request some of the bigger names in New York City Museums. As well they should. These museums showcase and collect the work of some of the greatest American artists. Some even collect the work of international artists, and offer glimpses into art history throughout the ages.

For the art student, the chance to see timeless works of art and learn about the history of the artist and the art is often a once in a lifetime opportunity. To help your educational travel group conduct a tour of New York City, visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com/destination/subject/art_nyc.htm for additional art tour destinations of interest.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.: Educators Can Create Student Travel Trips in Sync with Curriculum Goals

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The Smithsonian Museum is vast and cannot be taken in just one day. Student travel tour organizers need to think carefully when planning a trip to the Smithsonian Museum. There are so many options to choose from and educators may benefit from tying the trips to the Museum in with curricular goals.

Nevertheless, there are some Smithsonian Museums that seem to be requested more by educational travel groups. I have highlighted them in a recent article, outlining the educational benefits of different museums. educationaltravelconsultants.com/blog/?p=20.

This article gives a basic overview of selected Smithsonian Museums and also offers suggestions on academic fields of interest, which may tie into visits to specific museums.

To help educators plan their student travel tour of Washington D.C. better, I will point you in the right direction on the World Wide Web, to find great educational resources for the trip.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/education/classroom.cfm for online educational activities that tie in nicely with a visit to the National Air and Space Museum. Classes that are equipped with computers can take educational field trips before they make their visit to Washington D.C. A review of online activities could prove useful in the classroom, and teaching resources will integrate the visit to Washington D.C. into classroom activities.

The National Museum of the American Indian
Native American Code talkers were critical in the U.S. Armed forces during World War I and World War II, because native languages were used as code, and formed a basis for communication. Have students visit the website http://americanindian.si.edu/education/codetalkers/ that makes the history of Native American code talkers come alive.

The National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History has excellent educational resources to help plan student travel tours more effectively. Visit http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/. Students can learn about the Future Female Scientists Program and some of the hands on educational programs at the museum, such as the Discovery Room and the Insect Zoo.

The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has a wide range of programs for student groups of various age levels. Some of these educational programs are geared towards special age groups (such as 4th-12th Grade) or are organized thematically, such as American Writers, Great American Women, and Portrait Stories. Visit http://www.npg.si.edu/educate2/educate20.htm
For complete information about all of the educational programs available at the National Portrait Gallery.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Don’t Miss Northern Virginia Historical Points on a Student Tour of Washington D.C.

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A well rounded student travel tour of Washington D.C. should also include a day or a half-day dedicated to visiting sites just across the Potomac River in Northern Virginia. For example, the Pentagon, Mount Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery are some of the sites student tour groups wish to visit. To take in all three would be quite a feat, though it is entirely possible if the right amount of advance planning is involved. But educational student tours of the Washington D.C. area should at least include one, if not two of these historic sites.

Pentagon Tours: Book Early
There are many reasons to plan your trip early. The most pressing reason is that some sites, such as the Pentagon, are under heavy security. Therefore, student groups must be registered for a visit prior to arrival at the Pentagon, to undergo the necessary review for a visit. If student groups are not registered early, then chances that that student travel group will see the Pentagon tour are not good. We are in the early stages of planning these types of student tours for 2008. It is not possible to effectively plan a Pentagon tour for a student tour group for 2007.

Arlington National Cemetery a Popular Student Travel Destination
Arlington National Cemetery is also a great place for students to gain a wide overview of domestic and foreign wars the U.S. has been involved in, and understand the soldiers’ contribution. Tram tours and attendance at Wreath Laying Ceremonies are good possibilities for student travel groups that plan early. The coordination of such tours for a large group is easier with advance planning. A visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is always in order upon a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and frequently requested.

Visit Mount Vernon for Living History and Active Learning
A student tour of Mount Vernon can also be lots of fun for the group. It offers some respite from the bustling city life of Washington D.C. For a moment in time, students can imagine themselves back in time on an Eighteenth Century farm and gristmill. Or, they can visit the new Ford Orientation Center, or participate in a wide variety of living history programs and tours. A visit to Mount Vernon is well worth the effort of leaving Washington D.C. for the day (or a half-day). Mount Vernon is just 16 miles from Washington D.C.

We do our best to make everyone happy on our educational travel trips, especially the students.

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Educational Student Tours of Walt Disney World Promote Active Learning

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The Disney YES programs are a student favorite when touring Walt Disney World. I have escorted student tour groups to Walt Disney World with and without participation in Disney YES programs. Students seem to really prefer at least some participation in Disney YES programs, because it gives them great insight into backstage at Disney, how it operates, and the talent that drives the scenery.

Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney World
It’s exciting to tour Epcot Center, and MGM Studios. But to know what kind of imagination, training, tools, and techniques go into work behind the scenes is sometimes even more powerful. While on educational student tour of Walt Disney World, students need more than exposure to the rides and exhibits to gain a greater understanding of the way to work in their chosen profession.

Many types of student groups can benefit from Disney YES programs, which are geared towards a variety of fields.

Educational Travel in Arts and Humanities
Students in Arts and Humanities can learn about the “Magic Behind the Show” or they can delve into the realm of animation magic or learn about American history through “The American Story.” There are lots of options for students on a high school band trip, high school musical tour, or a performance tour of Orlando Florida. High school choirs, orchestras, theater students, and more can benefit from these great behind the scene workshops by Disney.

Disney YES Programs Geared to Science Education Tour Groups
Educational travel to Orlando Florida need not be entertainment only for other types of student groups. It can be filled with wonder and excitement for the student in natural and physical sciences as well. Disney YES programs like “Team Up For Wildlife” teach students sound methods of ecological preservation in marine and wildlife environments. In the field of physical sciences, Disney YES programs such as “How Things Move” and “Energy and Wave” provide tangible examples in the park that illustrate the operation of light, sound, and magnetism. Students learn how scientists manipulate these elements.

Disney YES Programs for the Ecologically Empowered Student
Finally, Disney YES programs contain a component for marine and wildlife sciences students on educational tour. “Keepers of the Kingdom” allows students to interact with some of the animals and their keepers at the Magic Kingdom®. “Making Waves with a Marine Career” gives students on tour guidance in marine science, and insight into real jobs that might be held in the profession.

Whatever your field of academic study, consider a Disney YES program when visiting Orlando Florida. Students will come back with great memories of their trip, and a new perspective on their field of study.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Popular Choices for the Smithsonian Museum for Educational Travel Groups

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The Smithsonian Museum is a much-anticipated destination for student tour groups. The problem is, there are so many museums and so many choices for the student travel group, and many groups are only on tour for 3-4 days. Choose a qualified educational travel consultant to help select and schedule a visit to a portion of the Smithsonian Museum that best matches the learning objectives for the educational tour of Washington D.C.

This article will highlight portions of the Smithsonian Museum that are most often requested for visits by student travel groups. It will not cover all of the Smithsonian Museums. To take a closer look at each museum, please visit their website at http://www.si.edu. This article will also point out aspects of each museum that lend themselves to different areas of academic interest.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)
The National Museum of the American Indian fosters and protects the culture and societies of native peoples of the Western Hemisphere and Hawaii. Educational travel groups will learn a great deal from these exhibits that highlight, culture, artistic and spiritual beliefs, clothing, lifestyles, and livelihoods of Native peoples from across the continent. Educational travel groups will find both historical and contemporary perspective of the tribes. The NMAI is a community organization that also sponsors national PowWows and other events of interest to Native peoples and friends.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Plants, animals, insects and human life are explored to the fullest at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Student tour groups will be inspired by the diversity of species and cultures represented in this museum’s world class exhibits. Many of the exhibits feature interactive learning opportunities for student travel groups. For example, in the Bug Corner exhibit, visitors are encouraged to hold an insect or feed a tarantula. The Discovery Room also provides an opportunity for hands on learning on a variety of topics. Educational travel groups of all ages are thrilled at the opportunity to explore the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The United States has always been on the cutting edge in the exploration of space, air travel, and new technology. Student travel groups look forward to their visit to the National Air and Space Museum to view historic artifacts, tour the 22 exhibition galleries, visit the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and test the flight simulators. Educational travel groups will also want to visit the Albert Einstein Planetarium for one of two daily shows.

National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery reopened to the public in July of 2006 in a newly restored historic building in Washington D.C. The National Portrait Gallery is a great way for student travel groups to embrace the artistic treasures that are contained within American history. The National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. displays portraits of “men and women who have made significant contributions to the history, development and culture of the people of the United States.” The collection of over 20,000 portraits in various media is organized thematically in various exhibitions. Educational travel groups will not want to miss the “American Presidents” gallery, Colonial American portraits, and The American Revolution, singers and patriots.

The Smithsonian Museum is a wonderful treasure that highlights some of the most noteworthy aspects of American history and culture. Schedule a visit to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C that is best suited to student learning objectives and curriculum. To learn more about other student travel destinations in Washington D.C. visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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New York City Student Travel Tour Highlights

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Student travel tours to New York City are once again popular. There is so much to see in New York City, that a three to four day educational tour needs to include the highlights. Naturally, educators are interested in visiting sites with historical, cultural, economic and social significance.

Students are thrilled by the opportunity to see the famous sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Harlem, and The Empire State Building.� Yet they are also seeking deeper experiences in New York City, too.

For many students traveling from other areas of the country besides the East Coast this may be their only chance to visit New York City, and they want to see a Broadway musical on this trip. To order Broadway musical tickets for a large group who must be seated close together, advance planning is required. Student travel trips with a Broadway musical on the itinerary should be planning already for 2008 trips.

Educators planning student tours of New York City through Educational Travel Consultants can focus the trip on specific subjects and activities:

An Art Tour of New York City is a great idea for a class interested in creative endeavors.� This tour would include a visit to the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as a visit to other prominent art collections housed in New York City, a visit to Greenwich Village, and a guided tour of Manhattan.

A Performance Tour would include a performance by the group at an adjudicated music festival or at Carnegie Hall or another venue, an NBC Studios Tour, a Broadway Show, and guided tours of New York City and the Statue of Liberty.

Educational Travel Consultants also has a special trip to the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.� Advance application is required for this student travel experience.� � Please contact a member of our professional team here at Educational Travel Consultants to request a form.

Educators and other individuals may also inquire about another type of educational travel trip to New York City — a standard package that includes many of the historical highlights.� Educational Travel Consultants provides security at night for students, professional tour guides, and great affordable trips to make the student travel experience, safe, unique and fun.
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Destination: Orlando Florida for a Performance Tour

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Nothing makes a student in orchestra, high school band, dance, or drama happier than the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. The great news about scheduling a performance tour to Orlando Florida is that student performers may have the once in a lifetime opportunity of performing in front of an international audience.

The prospect of a performance tour with this opportunity gets children fired up about the educational travel experience. Their practice sessions become more focused leading up to the Florida field trip. Students care about polishing their technique and style for performance tours, and the collaboration leading towards the goal of performing at Disney World is good for them, too.

When visiting Orlando Florida with student travel groups, the most exciting part for me to watch is when students interact with professional Disney World performers in the workshops. Not only are students in awe of the professionals at Disney World, they begin to have a keen understanding that performers have jobs in the real world. They are inspired to consider the possibility of becoming a professional performer.

Educational Travel Consultants has a special focus in providing the highest quality student performance tours to educational travel groups. We have been developing student performance tours for 24 years and we know what gets students excited.

To inquire about a special performance tour or an adjudicated festival performance in Orlando Florida, simply call 800-247-7969 and ask one of our professional staff at Educational Travel Consultants for more information. Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to request a quote for your student travel group.

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How to Select an Educational Travel Company

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There are many criteria that can be imposed on a student travel company to evaluate effectiveness. I will outline the characteristics that I feel are most important to a quality student travel experience, no matter what the destination.

Experience in Educational Student Tours
Educational group travel is a special field. It is unlike other niches in the travel industry for many reasons. Students must be chaperoned, supervised, kept on schedule, and provided fun and entertaining things to do that are age appropriate. Educational Travel Consultants have 24 years of experience in booking student tours. We understand parent’s concerns. We know how to create itineraries that are in sync with educator’s objectives. Most importantly, ETC associates understand that the educational experiences students receive on visits to Washington D.C., Orlando, Florida, New York City and other destinations must be balanced with social opportunities and chances to dine, shop, and visit interesting sites.

A Background in Education
An excellent student travel company will have owners or members of the management team who have spent some years in the field of education. This is an excellent professional foundation for creating an exciting student travel experience. If key players in the student travel company have spent years in education, they will not only understand the teacher’s and parent’s perspectives of student travel, but will also know how to appeal to students while developing and executing student tours. I started out in the field of teaching and moved into educational travel, because I enjoy student travel so much more.

Security for Students While Traveling
For many parents, the thought of letting a child go away on a school field trip is a bit disconcerting. There are many things parents have to fear in the age of terrorism and child abductions. The unforeseen, such as accidents, travel delays, and miscommunications are possibilities as well. A qualified student travel company with excellent customer service will have liability insurance for unforeseen events, good communications about travel delays and other challenges, and be available to answer questions.

Keeping students secure is a challenge in some urban areas. Educational Travel Consultants selects safe suburban hotels for accommodations. The hotels selected have indoor hallways. An experienced educational travel company will make certain that children are supervised around the clock. In the evenings, after meals, Educational Travel Consultants provides private security for its groups.

In conclusion, an educational travel company should have an extensive background in student travel, some background in education, excellent communication and customer relations, and security procedures in place for student safety. Feel free to contact us at info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Educational Tours of Washington D.C.: Please Book Early!

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There are many reasons to plan ahead with student travel groups headed for Washington D.C. One of the main reasons is that educational tours to the White House and The Capital are now planned well in advance.

In the days before 911, student groups waited in special lines upon arrival at the Capital building in Washington D.C. Since 911 and the War with Iraq, an educational tour to the Capital must be scheduled in advance through a local Congressman or Congresswoman. If the field trip to Washington D.C. is scheduled well in advance, chances are good that planning for the educational tour will go smoothly. If the request to visit the Capital is made at the last minute, the likelihood of scheduling the visit is remote.

Because so many student travel groups feel that a visit to the Capital is mandatory for a well- rounded experience of Washington D.C. I always emphasize that groups should plan early.

VIP Tours of the White House
Visits to the White House must also be scheduled in advance. Upon arrival to the White House, it is still mandatory that educational tour groups stand in the public line to wait for their tour.

A member of Educational Tour Consultants professional staff will schedule a special VIP tour with enough advance notice from the student tour group. The White House VIP tour saves time. Students do not have to wait in line at 7:00 a.m. the day of the tour in hopes of procuring an admission ticket for later in the day. Also this educational tour is usually led by a Secret Service Agent or another trained tour guide.

Ideally, student groups traveling to the Washington D.C. area in 2008 should be booking field trips now. With several months notice tours of the Capital and the White House can be scheduled. Email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for more information.