The Best Educational Tour Companies
Planning an educational tour for your students? Whether you’re looking to explore U.S. history, immerse your class in a new culture, or provide hands-on learning experiences, choosing the right tour company is key. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best educational tour companies in 2023. These companies stand out for their customizable itineraries, focus on safety, and commitment to creating unforgettable learning experiences.
1. School Tours of America
Why They’re Great: School Tours of America is a top choice for schools seeking curriculum-aligned tours that bring history and culture to life. Their itineraries are fully customizable, allowing educators to tailor trips to meet specific learning objectives. With a focus on U.S. history, their tours include iconic destinations like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. The company emphasizes hands-on learning, offering interactive experiences at museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Safety is a top priority, with experienced tour guides and 24/7 support during trips. School Tours of America also provides flexible payment options and fundraising assistance, making their tours accessible to a wide range of schools. Their attention to detail and strong relationships with educators have earned them a reputation for reliability and quality.
Standout Feature: Hands-on learning experiences and 24/7 support during trips.
Perfect For: Middle and high school groups seeking curriculum-aligned tours.
2. Go Educational Tours
Why They’re Great: Go Educational Tours is known for its affordability, flexibility, and excellent customer service. They offer a variety of tour themes, including history, arts, and STEM, making it easy for schools to find a program that aligns with their curriculum. Their itineraries are customizable, allowing educators to design trips that meet their specific needs. Go Educational Tours also provides fundraising assistance, helping schools offset costs and make trips more accessible. The company’s user-friendly booking process and dedicated customer support team ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. With a focus on inclusivity, Go Educational Tours caters to budget-conscious schools while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Their tours are designed to be both educational and fun, with a balance of guided learning and free exploration.
Standout Feature: User-friendly booking process and excellent customer service.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious schools looking for inclusive and engaging tours.
3. EF Explore America
Why They’re Great: EF Explore America, a division of EF Education First, is one of the largest and most well-known educational travel companies. They offer a wide range of domestic and international tours, with a focus on history, culture, and language learning. Their programs are highly structured, with itineraries that include guided visits to museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. EF Explore America leverages its global network to provide high-quality accommodations, transportation, and experienced tour directors. They also integrate technology into their programs, offering mobile apps for trip management and real-time updates. The company’s strong brand reputation and extensive resources make it a top choice for schools seeking reliable and comprehensive educational tours. Their focus on innovation and global reach sets them apart in the competitive educational travel market.
Standout Feature: Global resources and innovative mobile apps for real-time updates.
Perfect For: Schools seeking reliable and comprehensive educational travel.
4. ET Adventures
Why They’re Great: ET Adventures specializes in experiential and adventure-based tours, offering unique itineraries that combine outdoor activities with cultural immersion. Their programs are designed to engage students in hands-on learning, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring natural landmarks. The company focuses on non-traditional destinations, providing students with opportunities to step outside their comfort zones and develop new skills. ET Adventures works closely with local experts to create authentic and enriching experiences. Their tours are ideal for schools looking to incorporate outdoor education and team-building into their curriculum. By offering adventurous and immersive experiences, ET Adventures appeals to educators seeking to inspire students through active learning and exploration.
Standout Feature: Non-traditional destinations and hands-on learning experiences.
Perfect For: Schools looking for outdoor education and team-building opportunities.
5. ACIS
Why They’re Great: ACIS (American Council for International Studies) is a premium educational travel company that focuses on culturally rich and academically rigorous tours. They offer both domestic and international trips, with a strong emphasis on language learning and global citizenship. ACIS tours are known for their high-quality accommodations, experienced tour managers, and carefully curated itineraries. The company works closely with educators to ensure that tours align with curriculum goals and provide meaningful learning experiences. ACIS also offers professional development opportunities for teachers, further strengthening their relationships with schools. Their focus on academic excellence and cultural immersion has made them a preferred choice for private and international schools. ACIS stands out for its commitment to delivering transformative educational experiences.
Standout Feature: High-quality accommodations and professional development for teachers.
Perfect For: Private and international schools seeking transformative educational experiences.
6. Junior Tours
Why They’re Great: Junior Tours specializes in educational travel for younger students, particularly elementary and middle school groups. Their tours are designed to be age-appropriate, with shorter itineraries and engaging activities that cater to younger travelers. The company places a strong emphasis on safety, with smaller group sizes and experienced chaperones. Junior Tours offers a variety of destinations, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston, with a focus on history, science, and cultural exploration. They also provide flexible payment options and fundraising assistance to make trips more accessible. By focusing on the unique needs of younger students, Junior Tours has carved out a niche in the educational travel market. Their commitment to safety and age-appropriate programming has earned them the trust of educators and parents alike.
Standout Feature: Strong emphasis on safety and smaller group sizes.
Perfect For: Elementary and middle school groups looking for shorter, affordable trips.
7. Gerber Tours
Why They’re Great: Gerber Tours is a family-owned company with over 80 years of experience in educational travel. They offer customizable itineraries and a wide range of destinations, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and international locations. Gerber Tours is known for its personalized service, experienced tour managers, and strong focus on safety. The company works closely with educators to create trips that align with curriculum goals and provide meaningful learning experiences. Gerber Tours also offers flexible payment options and fundraising assistance, making their tours accessible to a wide range of schools. Their long history of excellence and commitment to quality have earned them a loyal customer base.
Standout Feature: Personalized service, experienced tour managers, and a strong focus on safety.
Perfect For: Schools seeking a trusted, family-owned company with a long history of excellence.
8. Ellison Travel
Why They’re Great: Ellison Travel specializes in performance-based tours for music, dance, and sports groups. Their itineraries include performance opportunities, workshops, and competitions, alongside traditional sightseeing. The company works closely with educators to ensure that tours meet the specific needs of performance groups. Ellison Travel also provides logistical support, including transportation, accommodations, and performance venues. Their tours are designed to be both educational and inspiring, offering students the chance to showcase their talents while exploring new destinations. By focusing on performance-based travel, Ellison Travel has established itself as a leader in this niche market. Their expertise and attention to detail have earned them a loyal customer base among schools and performance groups.
Standout Feature: Expertise in performance travel and tailored itineraries.
Perfect For: Schools with performance groups looking for specialized tours.
9. WorldStrides
Why They’re Great: WorldStrides is one of the largest educational travel companies, offering a wide range of programs for students of all ages. Their tours cover a variety of themes, including history, STEM, performing arts, and language learning. WorldStrides is known for its comprehensive resources, including curriculum-aligned materials, experienced tour directors, and innovative technology tools. The company also offers fundraising assistance and flexible payment options to make trips more accessible. WorldStrides’ extensive network and global reach allow them to provide high-quality tours to a wide range of destinations. Their focus on educational excellence and student engagement has made them a trusted name in the industry. WorldStrides’ ability to cater to diverse interests and age groups sets them apart as a leader in educational travel.
Standout Feature: Extensive resources and global reach.
Perfect For: Schools of all types and sizes seeking diverse educational travel options.
10. Close Up
Why They’re Great: Close Up is a nonprofit organization that focuses exclusively on civic education and government-focused tours in Washington, D.C. Their programs are designed to teach students about democracy, civic engagement, and the U.S. political system. Close Up offers a range of programs for middle school, high school, and college students, including workshops, debates, and visits to government institutions. The organization works closely with educators to ensure that tours align with curriculum goals and provide meaningful learning experiences. Close Up’s nonprofit status and focus on civic education make them a unique player in the educational travel market. Their commitment to fostering informed and engaged citizens has earned them a strong reputation among schools and educators.
Standout Feature: Nonprofit status and strong curriculum alignment.
Perfect For: Schools looking for civics-focused trips to D.C.
11. NationsClassroom Tours
Why They’re Great: NationsClassroom Tours specializes in educational tours to U.S. destinations, with a focus on history, government, and cultural exploration. They offer customizable itineraries that include visits to iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites. The company is known for its affordable pricing, experienced guides, and excellent customer service. NationsClassroom Tours works closely with educators to ensure that tours meet curriculum standards and provide meaningful learning experiences. They also offer flexible payment options and fundraising assistance to make trips more accessible. By focusing on U.S. history and government, NationsClassroom Tours has established itself as a reliable choice for schools seeking educational travel opportunities. Their commitment to affordability and quality has made them a popular option for middle and high school groups.
Standout Feature: Experienced guides and excellent customer service.
Perfect For: Middle and high school groups seeking history-focused tours.
12. Landmark Educational Tours
Why They’re Great: Landmark Educational Tours provides immersive, curriculum-aligned tours to iconic U.S. destinations like Washington, D.C., and New York City. Their programs are designed to enhance classroom learning through hands-on experiences at historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks. The company works closely with educators to create customized itineraries that align with curriculum goals and provide meaningful learning opportunities. Landmark Educational Tours emphasizes safety and quality, with experienced guides and 24/7 support during trips. Their focus on educational value and immersive experiences has made them a trusted choice for schools seeking to enrich their students’ understanding of U.S. history and culture. By offering tailored tours and strong partnerships with educators, Landmark Educational Tours stands out as a leader in the educational travel industry.
Standout Feature: Hands-on learning experiences and strong partnerships with educators.
Perfect For: Schools seeking tailored, educational tours with a focus on U.S. history and culture.
How to Choose the Right Company
When selecting an educational tour company, consider the following factors:
Curriculum Alignment: Does the tour align with your educational goals?
Customization: Can the itinerary be tailored to your group’s needs?
Safety: What measures are in place to ensure student safety?
Cost: Are there flexible payment options or fundraising assistance?
Reputation: What do other educators say about the company?
Final Thoughts
Educational tours are a powerful way to bring learning to life, offering students the chance to explore new places, cultures, and ideas. The companies listed above are among the best in the industry, each with its own unique strengths. Whether you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., or an international adventure, these companies will help you create an unforgettable experience for your students.
Ready to start planning? Reach out to one of these top educational tour companies today and take the first step toward an enriching journey for your students!
