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Universal Orlando Resort Adds Fun Rides and Exhibits that Appeal to Student Travel Groups

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by Howard Clemens

Transformers just opened in 2013 at Universal Orlando Resort.

School trips headed for Orlando, Florida now include requests to visit Universal Orlando Resort. For kids, teenagers, and adults, the park includes so much to remind the visitor of the glittering world of Hollywood. Universal Studios is known for its interactive presentation of familiar movie titles. For example: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando’s Horror Make Up Show and Transformers:  The Ride – 3D.  Theme parks include ‘rides’ that help participants step inside the movie experience with a lifelike or fantasy setting that envelops the senses. Today, Universal Studios is more popular than ever and is definitely worth a trip when visiting Orlando.

Universal Studios Adds TRANSFORMERS to Thrill Student Travelers
One of the newest, most exciting rides is TRANSFORMERS:  The Ride – 3D.  This state-of-the art experience is incredible and memorable.  TRANSFORMERS movie director Michael Bay says, “The ride envelops the audience and makes them feel like they’re in the world of Transformers, that they’re in the midst of these robots… I wish we could do this with the movies.”

Student Travel Groups Meet Harry Potter at Universal Studios
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios brings to life this now iconic story of characters.  Come face-to-face with malevolent creatures on the Forbidden Journey ride, making its way through the familiar classrooms of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Then take Dragon Challenge, climbing aboard either the Chinese Fireball Dragon or the Hungarian Horntail Dragon.  Both rollercoasters are the highest imaginable speeds, with each dragon giving a completely different ride.  See the Triwizard Tournament and the Frog Choir where Hogwarts students sing familiar wizarding songs.

Wet ‘n Wild
Universal Studios Wet ‘n Wild is known around the world for its unique water experiences, from the Brain Wash extreme tube ride with a 53-foot vertical drop, to THE BLACK HOLE: The Next Generation where a two-person capsule blasts off in exhilarating tunnels.  For the truly adventurous there’s the BOMB BAY, a heart-stopping 76-foot vertical slide, almost as exhilarating as a roller coaster, only wetter.

Hollywood Make-Up Lesson
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show is not to be missed!  Learn firsthand how all the creepy oozing is made in Hollywood.  See top make-up and special effects artists create their amazing realistic effects from Hollywood’s blockbuster hits.  This show contains amazing movie clips, movie props, creature make-up demonstrations, and there is also a one of a kind collection of authentic props from some of Universal Studio’s most legendary horror movies of all time.  Not to be missed!

Universal Studios Orlando Award Winning Rides
Students can plan ahead to make sure they try Universal Orlando’s award-winning rides – more than any other theme park.  The park’s most honored attraction is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.  This ride has won Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for the world’s Best Dark Ride seven times in a row.  It has also won the Best Attraction award, also known as the THEA award, which is widely regarded as the Oscar of theme park awards.  Other THEA award-winning rides at Universal Orlando are The Simpsons Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, Terminator 2: 3-D, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, The Incredible Hulk Coaster and others.

Dining and nightlife are as exciting at Universal Orlando as the daylight hours. There are also a variety of nightclubs and cookouts.  Student trip leaders may want to schedule an authentic luau on the beach. Plan at least one evening meal at Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience.  While eating delicious food students can view 100 Years of Movie Memories, which is the perfect end of a day on blockbuster thrill rides in the park. The Blue Man Group plays at Universal Orlando, truly an entertainment treat. Blue Man Group is known across the world as one of the most bizarre and thrilling musical experiences of a lifetime.

There’s so much more to participate in with Live Rock – live music at the Hard Rock Live Café.  Also there’s City Walk’s Rising Star, not at all a typical karaoke club. Participants grab a microphone and perform with a live band and a complete set of real live backup singers.  There are an impressive number of songs to choose from, too.

Get started planning a student trip to Universal Orlando – it’s the ultimate experience of Americana through the lens of Hollywood.  Schedule a senior class trip to Orlando in the fall to ensure accommodations in the spring.

Schedule a student group tour of Orlando that includes a visit to Universal Orlando Resort.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Will Open National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall

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by Howard Clemens

The new National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will open on the National Mall in D.C. in 2015

A new National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), a branch of the Smithsonian, is under construction in a prominent location near the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.

Doors of the new museum are scheduled to open in 2015. Until then, school groups on trips to D.C. can see the “Changing America” exhibition across the street at the National Museum of American History. This new exhibit looks at the century of hard work between the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington. Students studying the anti slavery and civil rights movements will find this directly related to their curriculum. A short visit to this exhibit will be a great way to learn about some of the people and events that defined these eras in American history.

Architects Philip Freelon and David Adjaye are seeing their dream building come together right on the Mall in Washington D.C. There have been generous donations from many groups and individuals, including Oprah Winfrey – who recently gave the NMAAHC a much-needed twelve million dollar donation for their museum construction project. This will be an institution dedicated to helping all Americans see the great importance of African American history to the nation as a whole. Equally as important, the NMAAHC will make clear how the stories and histories of African Americans helped shape the struggles for freedom around the world.

The NMAAHC website has detailed information about the progress of the construction of the NMAAHC with several short documentary films, one of which shows a 3D digital model of the proposed final structure.

An interior rendition of the NMAAHC when it opens in 2015.

The NMAAHC project is innovative because of its approach to using the Web to gather archival material. Students and teachers can check the website for information on how to help preserve African American artifacts, from furniture to personal items to books. There are programs available for preserving photographs, paper documents, and also clothing and textiles. In the classroom, students can view video interviews with such prominent African American citizens as United States District Court judge Matthew J. Perry Jr. and Lawrence Guyot.

For those student travel groups and group leaders who are curious to see the project unfolding, The NMAAHC website has a construction camera with an ongoing series of snapshots of up-to-date footage of the Museum’s construction. The Washington Monument is right next door to the site of the future NMAAHC – within walking distance.

Students interested in pursuing a career in Museum work may want to explore the many internship jobs available with the NMAAHC. There are currently internship projects with the cataloging department, the collection preservation department, as well as curatorial, education and exhibition display. Students in the classroom can also be part of bringing together the many facets of this museum by helping to find and catalogue archival materials.

Some of the highlights of the museum include historical documents such as texts and photos and even implements such as shackles used during the dark age of American slavery. There are galleries also devoted to music and performing arts, as well as visual art by and about African Americans including the Harlem Renaissance through the civil rights movement of the 1960s, as well as contemporary African American artists of today.

The website gives visitors insight into upcoming exhibits for the NMAAHC. Samples of the Black Fashion Museum Collection, originally founded in 1979 by Lois K. Alexander Lane are available on the website. This collection includes bonnets worn by slaves as well as opera capes. There are also beautiful gowns made by African American fashion designer Ann Lowe, whose patrons included the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, the Duponts, and also former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Students studying slavery in the United States will also be interested in viewing the Harriet Tubman Collection, dedicated to the magnificent dedication of the woman who herself ran away from slavery as a young girl in the early 1800s. There are nearly 100 artifacts belonging to Harriet Tubman that will be on display, and some of those are currently shown in photographs on the NMAAHC website. Tubman’s fearless hard work on the Underground Railroad changed the lives of hundreds of people. She and others help make this one of the most extraordinary museum experiences on the Mall in Washington D.C.

Student trips headed to Washington D.C. will definitely want to plan a visit to the website prior to their visit – and schedule an actual visit to the museum itself in 2015. In the meantime, seeing the National Museum of American History “Changing America” exhibit is highly recommended. Learn more about black history tours of Atlanta, Baltimore and Washington D.C. These student tours are designed to create a broader understanding of the history of slavery, emancipation and civil rights in the United States.

Learn more about black history tours of Washington D.C., designed for students studying the anti-slavery movement of the 19th Century and the Civil Rights movement of the 20th Century.

New York City, Washington D.C.

Educational Travel Consultants Expands Staff, Celebrates 30 Years in Business

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(Hendersonville, NC)  Educational Travel Consultants (ETC) celebrates its 30th year in the student travel business. ETC was founded by Howard and Cheryl Clemens, now deceased. Their daughters, Tiffany and Kristen Clemens, are assuming management roles in the company this year, with their father, Howard Clemens, as CEO.  “I’m pleased Tiffany and Kristen are as committed to this company as I am,” remarked Howard Clemens.  “We’ve been organizing student trips to Washington D.C. and other locations since they were children, so they have plenty of experience.  Their mother was a real motivating force in getting them involved in running the company.”

Tiffany Clemens graduated from the University of Texas Brownsville with a Bachelors degree in International Business. She speaks Spanish and is working on a Certificate from New York University in Spanish to English translation. Tiffany Clemens has worked for ETC since 2002 and she is the General Manager.

Kristen Clemens has a background in education. Her previous positions were at the Love and Learning Pre-School and Telamond Migrant Headstart. At Telamond, she used her fluency in Spanish to work with a Hispanic student population.  Kristen Clemens is Educational Travel Coordinator for K-12 school trips.

ETC began by serving the Washington D.C., New York City and Orlando student travel markets in 1983, with informative educational tours for K-12 groups at affordable prices with no hidden charges or fees.

As the company evolved, student tours of Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Williamsburg and Gettysburg were added to the roster as well as other major U.S. cities and some Canadian and Mexican destinations.

ETC became popular with educators who coordinated trips with the company each year.  ETC founders and staff started to formulate specific tours geared towards areas of study such as history, science, performance and other types of class trips. Staff accommodated teachers by designing custom school trips to focus on special areas of study.  The professionalism ETC staff demonstrates has enabled the company to retain loyal teachers and student travelers for decades.

Over the past three decades, ETC established a solid name as a student tour company to be relied upon to keep prices for individual students low enough for the maximum number of students to attend their class trips.  Visit the website to learn more about Educational Travel Consultants or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Student Travel Options: Duck Tours of Great American Historic Cities

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by Howard Clemens

Duck Tours are a popular way for student groups to see Philadelphia by land or on the Delaware River.

Students who travel around the world have been enjoying America’s Duck Tours.  This is one of the most unique historic tour experiences you will find yourself climbing on board for in America’s hottest cities.  These WWII amphibious landing vehicles drive through streets while tour guides point out America’s treasured historic sites, then hop in the water to see the city from another perspective –by waterway.  Children and adults alike love Duck Tours. In Philadelphia, everyone gets their own duck quacking whistle, and learns something about American history with the most fun possible.

When visiting the East Coast, consider taking the Duck Tours in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. or Boston.  These professional tours are led by informative and skilled public speakers who love their jobs and the cities they live in – showing off the riches of Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston to student travel groups.

There was a Duck Tour of New York City, but it was discontinued, much to student travelers dismay.  Hopefully another Duck Tour of NYC will emerge again soon.

Philadelphia Duck Tour: City Of Liberty
An educational travel company representative should purchase Duck Tour tickets in advance of touring to ensure the student travel group secures enough seats.  These high view Duck Tour seats offer a premium vantage for seeing some of the most dramatic sites of America’s fight for independence.  See where the founding fathers forged and signed the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin’s first print shop, and Betsy Ross’s house where she sewed the first stars and stripes to Old Glory.  Then drive right into the water at Penn’s Landing and float down the Delaware River to see Washington’s Crossing, one of the most dramatic stories of a struggling young nation’s courageous first generals, making his place in history to become America’s first president.

Student Travel Groups go to Washington DC to Study the Seat of Freedom
Board the Duck Tour of Washington D.C. at Union Station where you will drive by America’s most visited house: The White House.  The tour provides snippets of fascinating audio news clips as well as some of the most important speeches by the likes of president Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  The American Capitol has never had a more interesting tour down Pennsylvania Avenue. Driving by some of the finest architecture of any nation in the world, heads turn to see the Duck vehicle, a unique addition to city streets.  Student groups will remember seeing the famous Washington Monument from the water.  Coast down the Potomac River to see the flowering cherry trees in the spring, a vision of beauty millions of people travel from all over the world to see, but no one will see them quite like this, unless they take a Duck Tour.

Boston’s Duck Tour Gives a Unique Perspective of American History
Student trips to Boston, Massachusetts are more exciting when they include Duck Tours. From Bunker Hill to the Battery Wharf, come see Boston as many patriots and new arrivals in Boston saw it at first glance – from a ship. See the site of famous Bostonian Mary Barrett Dyer’s hanging, executed for her religious beliefs in 1660.  Ride by the magnificent Old State House and Longfellow Bridge – just a couple of the other historic landmarks you will also get to visit.  See the famous Boston pub Cheers, made notorious by its popular television sitcom.  After driving through the streets of Boston, student groups on the Duck Tour plunge into the world famous Charles River for a view of Boston and Cambridge no other tour could possibly present to the group.

Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. are not the only cities that offer Duck Tours.  Seattle, San Francisco, Branson and Austin, as well as some other U.S. destinations, also provide the opportunity to take Duck Tours.  Students and teachers say that taking Duck Tours is the most fun and exciting educational experience out there today.  There is no better way to spend time with classmates and learn about history when visiting these great American cities. Be sure to ask a student travel group leader to put a Duck Tour on the itinerary.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Washington DC Cathedrals Premiere Destinations for Catholic Student Travel Groups

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by Howard Clemens

For Catholic student travel groups, Washington D.C. cathedrals offer some of the most historical and beautiful tourist sites in the nation—and, many say, the world. Washington’s cathedrals are architectural marvels, modeled after the great churches of Europe and comparable to them in grandeur and craftsmanship. Every year, the city’s cathedrals welcome thousands of tourists and student travel groups looking for an historical and spiritually enlightening experience. Below are some of the city’s most awe inspiring and famous buildings.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, built in a magnificent Romanesque-Byzantine style, is one of the ten largest churches in the world, and the largest Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. and North America. Among many other features, it is famous for its brilliantly colored and detailed mosaics, as well as its 70+ oratories and chapels. It also boasts the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world. The Basilica has been visited by countless luminaries over the years, including Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. It is open all year round, and offers a wealth of traditional ceremonies for students to experience, including daily masses and ceremonies. The Shrine welcomes thousands of visitors per year, including many student travel groups, and it remains a favorite destination for students from all over the world. Teachers and students can get a preview of the remarkable sights that await them by visiting the Basilica’s official website and taking a virtual tour.

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral has been host to a dazzling array of historical events, including Martin Luther King’s last sermon and Theodore Roosevelt’s 1907 speech, which dovetailed with its opening in the same year. Known as “a spiritual home for the nation,” the cathedral is notable for its exquisite design and interior. There is a sculpture of Darth Vader up in its northwest tower—the result of a children’s sculpture contest sponsored by National Geographic magazine in the Star Wars heyday of the 1980s. A blend of the ancient and the contemporary have made this beautiful structure a fun and popular destination for student travel groups for decades. The cathedral also offers a series of educational programs and lectures. Some of the sessions include meals and discussion.

The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

The Italian-Renaissance style Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle opened in 1840. Among other things, it is famous for being the site of John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963, and contains a plaque memorializing the late president. The cathedral itself is built in the form of a 155 cross, with a dome of 190 feet. The building seats one thousand people and is as renowned for the majesty of its holiday ceremonies as it is for being one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. With its large seating capacity, this cathedral is ideal for student travel groups looking to experience the beauty of traditional ceremonies, like the St. Anthony Novena, held on Tuesday evening, and the Miraculous Medal Novena, held on Wednesday evenings.

Student travel group leaders can plan a trip that includes a tour of the main cathedrals in Washington D.C. and include a list of other destinations, too.  Select from the many museums, galleries, monument tours, and historical sites to add to an itinerary. Student trips focused on government may visit the White House and Capitol if they want to experience the full spectrum of the city’s variety. Washington D.C. is the birthplace of the nation.  It is also a great place for students to get a feel for the elaborately built and famous cathedrals, built by master craftsman.  A cathedral tour can certainly help students connect with religion and help them gain a keen sense of European influence and architecture.

Request a quote for a student tour of Washington D.C.

Articles, New York City

Statue of Liberty Reopening, Updates on Observation Tower for 911 Memorial

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By Howard Clemens

Good news for student travel groups planning trips to New York City: the Statue of Liberty will be reopening this July—right in time for 2013’s July 4th celebration, says the National Park Service. This event, eagerly awaited since last fall, represents an important time in the history of both New York City and the nation at large.

The statue has been closed since Hurricane Sandy made landfall (a day after the statue’s 126th birthday) in late October of 2012. This means that student travel groups traveling to NYC this autumn will be able to experience an historic and exciting reopening.

Reservations for Statue’s Crown to Open in September 2013

The Statue of Liberty has been one of the world’s premiere student travel destinations for generations. Though nearby Ellis Island is not yet scheduled to reopen, the Statue, which welcomed 3.7 million visitors in 2011, is expected to become one of this fall’s most popular destinations. Student travel groups will once again be able to visit the famous observation area inside the Statue’s crown. Ask your student travel company to make reservations now for a visit to the Statue of Liberty in the fall of 2013.  More information, including updates on the Ellis Island reopening, can be found by visiting the National Park Service’s website. Reservations will be facilitated by the Statue’s official ferry provider, Statue Cruises.

Student Trips to NYC can include a visit to the Statue of Liberty with Other Historic Sites

Student travel groups who will be visiting during the statue’s historic reopening will benefit from combining their trip with visits to other important NYC sites. The Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Times Square, and Governor’s Island are only a few of the limitless options available to groups. Coney Island is also a famous landmark that’s an easy subway ride from Manhattan. Student travel group leaders may choose to visit any of New York’s many famous and thriving neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, and the art district of SoHo. Student groups can visit Central Park and Madison Square Garden, or tour the United Nations. The NYC “Sky Ride”, which departs from the second floor of the Empire State Building, is a simulated way for students to experience the city from the air via a “specially designed platform which moves in sync to an 18 foot high-definition screen,” according to the attraction’s website.

Preview of 911 Memorial Observation Deck promises historic opportunity to-come for students

This month, select guests and media were given a preview of the observation deck for the 911 Memorial. According to an article in the Tampa Bay Times, the observation deck tours will be “packaged like a theme park ride,” and visitors to the deck will watch a narrated video before “the actual panoramic view is revealed.” The deck is slated to be completed in 2014 and is expected to be “The Yankee Stadium of observation decks.” So student travel groups will have an exciting and historic visit to look forward to once the panorama opens to the public, most likely in 2015. The 911 Museum itself will also be opening in 2014, which will provide student travel groups with an even more valuable experience.

The Statue of Liberty is one of NYC’s most famous landmarks, and students will be able to be a part of its legacy by visiting it when it is once again unveiled. This year will provide great and unprecedented opportunities for groups to see this symbol of freedom in a brand new light.

Request a quote for student travel to NYC.

Articles, New York City

War of 1812 Bicentennial Events Offer Diverse Interactive Experiences for Student Travel Groups

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By Howard Clemens

Many celebrations for the War of 1812 Bicentennial are planned for this year, providing a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for student travel groups to participate in festivities, lectures, and interactive events that honor this pivotal event in American and British history.  Events are planned throughout the year, all over the United States, so there are many options for student travel groups to choose from.

Some student tour groups may want to travel to Baltimore and Washington D.C., where many events are planned to celebrate pivotal battles.  Other groups may travel to New Orleans. Some student trips may focus on a trip to Fort Niagara, not far from Niagara Falls, and couple this with a tour of New York City – taking the opportunity to see historical sites there.

Here is a sampling of some of the War of 1812 activities that will appeal to educational travel groups. For the most up-to-date information, consult appropriate websites, because events will be announced throughout this year and into 2015.

War of 1812 Events to Offer Historical Reenactments, On-site Tours, and More

New Orleans Commemorates the War of 1812
The world famous City of New Orleans hosts one of the most epic bicentennial celebrations of all: one that spans four years. Beginning in 2012 and ending in 2015, the celebration features a dazzling array of visiting ships, air shows, and other festivities, including touring ships that will be making their way to ports from New Orleans to Virginia to Baltimore to Boston.

Battle of Baltimore and Composition of the Star Spangled Banner Celebrated in September

Further up the coast, the Fort McHenry Star-Spangled Banner Celebration will occur September 13-15, 2013. This celebration pays homage to Defender’s Day, also known as Baltimore’s oldest holiday. The festivities, which take place in Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md., commemorate Francis Scott Key’s writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as the Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Festivities will include historical reenactments and cannon demonstrations, as well as parades and a lineup of educational and historical presentations.

Boston, Massachusetts Commemorates the War of 1812

The USS Constitution Museum in Boston will also be holding many special events throughout the year. Though the majority of major events and dignitary speakers are slated for the summer, there are still plenty of commemorative programs going on through the spring and fall.  Students can also visit the Old Ironsides War of 1812 Discovery Center, which is open throughout the year and features games and interactive exhibits.

Many Notable Bicentennial Events to Take Place in Proximity to Niagara Falls

Many of the War of 1812 battles occurred around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, so several bicentennial festivities will be taking place in that area.  On December 19, 2013, the Anniversary of the Capture of Fort Niagara, billed as a “once in a lifetime bicentennial event” will be observed at Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY, a magnificent location not far from Niagara Falls. Fort Niagara, a National Historic Landmark, has more than 100,000 visitors a year, including many student travel groups. The Fort has an extensive collection of 18th and 19th Century military materials, as well as many living history reenactments, educational programs, and archaeological and historical exhibits. Fort Niagara’s ready proximity to Niagara Falls makes it easy for student groups to take a day trip there, too.  Many student tour leaders choose to combine a trip to Niagara Falls with a visit to New York City.

September 1-10 ushers in the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, one of the War of 1812’s largest naval battles, which established the United States’ control over Lake Erie and led to the winning of the Battle of the Thames.  This historic celebration will take place in Put-on-Bay, Ohio, and feature a “Tall Ships festival” with historical reenactments, fireworks, cannon firings, and other festivities. Students will have the option of taking a day tour of many of the ships, and guided tours are available. Speakers will include representatives from British, Canadian, and Native American Indian groups, as well as other dignitaries, to be announced. Visit the Battle of Lake Eerie Bicentennial website for more information.

The War of 1812 is a major milestone in history, and students lucky enough to travel to any of these destinations during its bicentennial will be rewarded by participating in its many commemorative educational events and festivities. While some events and the attendance of dignitaries are not yet announced, more information can be found by visiting the Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website or the National Park Service’s website.

Articles, Washington D.C.

The 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Student Tour Includes Travel to Washington D.C.

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By Howard Clemens

Gettysburg celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War battle.

The 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is coming up this year.  This occasion gives student travel groups a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of the Civil War’s most pivotal events.

Because of the proximity of both places, student trips to Washington D.C. often include tours of Gettysburg. Both excursions offer multiple opportunities for interactive learning.

The Gettysburg battlefield, located in the quaint, picturesque town of the same name, has many events planned for the anniversary. The crowd turn out for the celebrations is expected to be huge, and student travel groups from all over the world are expected to see Gettysburg during the 150th Anniversary celebration.

Special events that are part of the festivities are slated to run through most of the year—from April all the way through November.  Students can experience the Gettysburg Diorama, which is the U.S.’s biggest and most detailed military diorama. Diorama shows run daily, and detail the three days of Gettysburg battle in a fully-narrated light and sound show.

On November 19, 2013 there will be an official ceremony at the Soldier’s National Monument, featuring the US Marine Corps band and a keynote speaker, to be announced. A past keynote speaker was Stephen Spielberg. If student tour schedules can be adapted to include Gettysburg events, a wider range of travel and learning experiences will be available to students and teachers.

Gettysburg 150th Anniversary Lineup Offers Many Creative, Interactive Activities for Students

Students can experience Living History Weekends on the Gettysburg battlefield, which start in April and continue through the end of October. This series includes evening storytelling by the campfire, historical reenactments, and other exciting educational events. The Gettysburg Preservation Walk, a fully narrated, 45 minute guided tour around the battlefield, can help students glean a greater understanding of what living in the time of the Civil War must have been like. A variety of parades, complete with fireworks and full regalia, will also take place regularly throughout 2013.

Students can experience Civil War Lecture Dinner Cruises, or all-day events like the Encounter with History Seminar Series. The Civil War Heritage Foundation offers a Living History Encampment Series, where, according to their website, students will be “welcome to actively learn by strolling through the camp, viewing drills and demonstrations, and engaging in conversation with historians.”

More information about 150th Anniversary events can be found by visiting the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website or the National Park Service’s website.

Gettysburg and Washington DC Offer Diverse Educational Travel Experiences for Student Travel Groups

The road from Gettysburg to Washington D.C. encompasses American history along the way. In Washington D.C., travel groups can visit Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, and the nearby Peterson House, where he died. Both places can offer profound insights to students, and increase their knowledge of the personal and national impact of the Civil War. Students can also visit the Lincoln Cottage, where Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation. The cottage is also notable as “bookending” the Civil War because Lincoln first visited it three days prior to his inauguration and last visited it on the day before he was assassinated. And, as ever, there are many other activities for student tour groups visiting the Washington D.C. area, like strolling through the Botanical Gardens, visiting Georgetown, or taking one of the many cruises the city offers, like the famous Cherry Blossom Cruise (great for groups traveling in the springtime) or the Spirit of Washington cruise.

Gettysburg’s 150th anniversary is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to engage in active learning experiences and studies about the Civil War. Student travel group leaders who choose to create tours of both locations give their students a wider lens to view the Civil War and its implications.  Student groups traveling to Gettysburg for the 150th Anniversary will remember this point in contemporary history as they reflect upon the past.

For more information on student tours of Gettysburg and Washington D.C., visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Washington Monument still Closed to the Public and Student Travel Groups

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by Howard Clemens

The Washington Monument is a popular student travel destination.

The Washington Monument, a popular student travel destination, is still closed for repairs as of February 2013, and the National Park Service is predicting that it may remain closed until 2014.

The Washington Monument was damaged when a rare earthquake struck the East Coast August 23, 2011. Though the impact of the quake was comparatively slight, it was enough to significantly afflict the 555 feet structure. Hurricane Irene, which made landfall later that year, did further damage, particularly to the top of the pyramid-shaped landmark. The elevator system inside the structure was also compromised, though it has since been repaired.  Over the last several years, nature has certainly taken its toll on this historic Washington D.C. monument.

Completed in 1885 and opened to the public in 1888, the Washington Monument is the tallest stone-and-obelisk structure in the world. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, it is one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Countless student trips have visited the inside of the structure and enjoyed the epic views from its observation windows. The White House, the US Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Potomac River, the Smithsonian Museum, and many other famous attractions are all viewable from the monument’s observation areas.

The structure may or may not still be visible during its repair process. The popularity of student tours of Washington D.C. hasn’t declined since the attraction closed, and there is a wealth of other things for student groups to do and see in Washington.

Washington Monument can still be Incorporated into Student Travel Trips

Though students will not have access to the Monument, teachers can use the Web as an excellent tool to prepare students prior to trips. Narrated, virtual tours of the Washington Monument are available online, via YouTube.com and various educational websites, which teachers can use to pique students’ interest in exploring Washington D.C. Washington’s walking tours (like those conducted by organizations like DC By Foot , Washington Walks, Walk of the Town, and numerous others) are as popular as ever, and most feature comprehensive information and/or mini-lectures about the Monument and its history.

Most student trips incorporate a visit to many different famous DC monuments through a monuments tour (which may include the Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Korean, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials). A monument tour is a wonderful way for students to get their fill of D.C. history and learn more about the many monuments in Washington D.C. Groups can also visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Museums, Ford’s Theater, the National Archives, and the Botanical Gardens (which are in bloom year-round).  And there are many historical districts to take in, like the Dupont Circle Historic District, the 16th Street Historical District, the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, and the nightlife of bustling Georgetown. In springtime, a stroll through Washington D.C. means enjoying the famous cherry trees – a major attraction for student tour groups.

Washington D.C. also offers a number of cruises, which offer students a particularly unique and exciting way to see the city. The Cherry Blossom Cruises, for example, are a beautiful alternate way for students to take in DC’s scenery, and its monuments.  Student groups can also take a narrated, 45-minute long Monument Cruise, which boards every hour on the half hour and offers spectacular “boat’s eye views” of a full range of Washington D.C. landmarks, including the Washington Monument.

The DC cruise website has a section specifically for student travel groups. Some of the cruises offer lunch or dinner, so teachers can plan the trip around whatever they think would be most exciting and informative for their group.

Since the Washington monument is under construction, its status is subject to change, and updates can be found on the “For Teachers” section of the National Park Service’s website. By checking these and other resources and working with student travel coordinators, teachers can put together an unforgettable, definitive DC experience for students.

Articles, New York City

On-site Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Still Closed to Student Groups Visiting New York City

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by Howard Clemens

The Statue of Liberty is a popular student travel destination in NYC. It has been closed since Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012 but will reopen later in 2013.

Post Hurricane Sandy damage does have an affect on student groups, because as of February 2013, the Statue of Liberty, a major NYC student travel destination, is still closed.  But student tour groups can still experience an awe-inspiring view of Lady Liberty by taking a scenic and exciting cruise around it. The famous landmark, located on its very own 12 acre mini piece of land known as Liberty Island, was flooded out—though fortunately not damaged—when Hurricane Sandy hit it last October.

Hurricane Sandy put nearly 75 percent of Liberty Island underwater. The island is still without power, but generators are being used to light the statue, so students will still be able to appreciate the wonder of seeing it lit up at night. The Statue of Liberty was undergoing renovation and had reopened to the public on October 28 of last year—her 125th anniversary—only to be closed again the following day when the hurricane hit.

Ellis Island has also been closed since Hurricane Sandy struck in late October 2012.

Student Travel Leaders, Alternatives for Trips to NYC Include Boat Tours

Historical Ellis Island, located in nearby Jersey City, NJ, is also still closed to visitors. The Island was almost completely submerged during the storm, and is still in the process of being cleared of debris and restored to normal, but students will still be able to see it by cruising around it. There are many Harbor tour companies in the NYC area that go all over Manhattan Island, some of which, like City Sights New York, feature dinner or brunch. Circle Line Sightseeing Tours offers day or night cruises ranging from three hours to 75 minutes. It’s easy to make a day or night-out of the expedition, depending on the particular teacher’s objectives and the student travel group’s schedule. One of the area’s most popular cruises is the Statue of Liberty Harbor Cruise, which departs 14 times a day on the half hour. As the historical entry point for millions of immigrants, Ellis Island is an important site for any student tour of NYC to include.  Staten Island, another popular student travel destination, is accessible, though parts of it are still undergoing relief efforts.

Student Tours to NYC Offer Many Options Despite Closings

No teacher or student travel group leader should have to feel that their students are going to be compromised by the closures or that their students are going to miss out on one of the highlights of a student tour of New York City.  There are still a multitude of cultural sites for students to see in the city. Some of the most popular ones include the Broadway theater district and Times Square, the United Nations, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students can also visit Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy to immerse themselves in the kinds of hands-on, authentic cultural experiences that only the Big Apple can offer.

Post Sandy Experience of NYC Landmarks Affords Antique Historical Perspective for Students

It should also be remembered that post-Hurricane Sandy boat tours around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can provide students a unique historical perspective, as closures of this sort are obviously rare. Combining a cruise around the sites with visits to other important NYC landmarks can be an enlightening way for students to try to put contemporary events and challenges into perspective, especially surrounding issues of diversity and immigration.  Visiting Ellis Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty by boat is a reminder that these issues must be incorporated into studies in ways that will enrich their understanding of the times they live in. Hurricane Sandy is also a pivotal point in NYC history, so such perspectives have value as a regional examination, as well.

There is a tentative reopening date of October 2013 for both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Student travel organizers can keep abreast of developments by visiting the official National Park Service website, or visiting their Twitter page.

For more information about student trips to NYC, request a quote online.

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