our class trip

[email protected]

(800) 220-0165

Class Trips

Class trip company: unlocking educational adventures.

Embark on an educational adventure like never before with Peak Group Travel, your trusted class trip company . We recognize the immense value of class trips as a way for students to explore the world, gain new perspectives, and create lasting memories. Our mission is to craft memorable and enriching class trips that inspire, educate, and foster lifelong connections among students. Step outside the classroom and into a world of exploration with a class trip designed to ignite curiosity and spark a passion for learning.

Class Trip Destinations: A World of Possibilities

From the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant landscapes of Los Angeles, we have spent years organizing class trips to diverse destinations across the country. Our extensive network of partners in accommodations, landmarks, and experienced tour guides ensures that your class trip is nothing short of extraordinary. Contact us today to take the first step toward creating the ultimate class trip.

Class Trip Packages: Two Birds With One Stone

At Peak Group Travel, we believe in making the most of your class trip by crafting itineraries that blend education and enjoyment seamlessly. Before finalizing any plans, we collaborate with you to understand your goals and preferences, ensuring that the trip aligns with your objectives and caters to the needs of your students. Whether you seek a day of historical site visits or a fun-filled afternoon of activities, our expertise lies in providing a holistic experience that strikes the perfect balance between education and recreation. Let us assist you in creating a memorable class trip that your students will cherish and eagerly anticipate for years to come.

Class Trip Planner: Experience the Extraordinary

As educators, you aim to provide your students with the best educational experiences possible. Field trips offer a fantastic opportunity to build a sense of community and reinforce classroom lessons, but planning engaging trips can be a challenging task. That’s where we come in! Our team is dedicated to helping you create an amazing itinerary for your class trip, focusing on four essential variables:

Class Trip Ideas: Location

The choice of location plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall class trip experience. Whether you opt for a bustling city with guided tours of art museums, science centers, and historic sites or prefer a more serene, rural setting with opportunities for nature exploration and outdoor activities, we offer a range of popular destinations. From Washington D.C. to New York City, Los Angeles to Baltimore, we cater to diverse preferences. Once you’ve selected your destination, we handle all logistics and planning, delivering a flawless class trip experience.

Class Trip Ideas for Small Groups: Participation

Recognizing that every class has its unique personality and interests, we take a personalized approach to trip planning. Our itineraries are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of your students, ensuring engagement and enrichment. Whether your group consists of young academics, promising athletes, or any other dynamic, we design experiences that will leave a lasting impact. From leisurely strolls through historic sites to overnight trips and performance tours, we cater to all groups, ensuring an unforgettable class trip experience.

Class Trip Budget: Purpose

We believe that the purpose of a school trip extends beyond a single, enlightening moment. Instead, we focus on creating a series of stimulating experiences that impact students in various ways. By understanding your goals, we design an itinerary that aligns with your objectives, whether it’s fostering community, reinforcing classroom lessons, or simply offering a fun and relaxing escape. With our expertise and resources, we ensure that your class trip serves its purpose effectively, creating meaningful and memorable moments.

Class Trip Logistics: Seamless Experience

Our commitment to your class trip experience goes beyond mere guidance. We work collaboratively to craft the perfect field trip, handling every detail from start to finish. We understand that every aspect matters, and we spare no effort to ensure that your class trip is seamless and meets your vision. Whether planning a day trip or an extended adventure, we manage all logistics, guaranteeing a stress-free and memorable experience for both you and your students.

Class Trip Safety: Prioritizing Well-Being

Safety is paramount in class trip planning. We take comprehensive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your students throughout the journey. Our experienced team is equipped to handle any situation, and we have a network of resources in place to address unforeseen challenges. Your students’ security is our top priority.

Class Trip Planning Guide: Your Roadmap to Success

Planning a class trip can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our class trip planning guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap, offering step-by-step guidance, practical tips, and valuable insights to make your trip a resounding success. Whether you’re an experienced educator or a novice in the world of class trips, this guide is your trusted companion.

In conclusion, Peak Group Travel is committed to creating exceptional class trip experiences that blend education, enrichment, and enjoyment. We invite educators and students alike to embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning. Contact us today to start planning a class trip that will inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impression on your students’ academic journey.

The location of your field trip plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience. Whether you choose a bustling city or a more remote location, we have a variety of popular destinations to choose from. A city trip might include guided tours of art museums, science centers, and historic sites, while a trip to a more rural location could include opportunities for nature exploration and outdoor activities. Some of our most popular destinations include Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and Baltimore. Once you’ve chosen your desired location, we’ll handle all of the logistics and planning to make the trip a success. Trust us to deliver the perfect field trip experience on a silver platter.

PARTICIPATION

At Peak, we understand that every class is unique and has its own personality and preferences. That’s why we take a personalized approach to trip planning, tailoring our itineraries to the specific needs and interests of your students. Whether you’re looking to engage young academics or promising athletes, we promise to create experiences that will only enrich their lives. We see your students as our clients and go above and beyond to design an itinerary that we know they will love. From long walks through historic sites to overnight trips and performance tours, we have something for every group. Trust us to create the perfect field trip experience for your class.

We believe that the purpose of a school trip extends far beyond a single, defining moment of enlightenment. Instead, we focus on creating a series of individual but equally stimulating moments that will impact your students in a variety of ways. When planning your trip, we take the time to understand your goals and design an itinerary that meets those objectives. Whether you want to foster a sense of community, reinforce classroom lessons, or simply provide an opportunity for students to have fun and relax, we have the expertise and resources to make it happen. Let us help you create a meaningful and memorable field trip experience for your students.

SEAMLESS TRIP EXPERIENCE

We’re more than just trip masters who simply tell you where to go and how to get there. Instead, we work alongside you to build the perfect field trip experience from start to finish. We understand that every detail matters, and we do everything in our power to ensure that every aspect of your school class trip is seamless and exactly as you envision it. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended excursion, we’ll handle all of the logistics and planning to make the trip a success. Trust us to create a memorable and stress-free experience for you and your students.

Testimonials

” Just a note to thank you for everything you did for the Wilson Band Trip. Being a chaperone was never such a Breeze. Everything was so well arranged and ran so smoothly. You were great! Thank you for making our trip so memorable. “

Jane Schmoyer, Parent

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today .

Experience the power of travel

Our commitment to care, tripcare: travel with confidence the tripcare travel system was developed to keep you informed and ready for travel., health & safety on tour sta tripsolutions ensure the highest possible standard in all things health and safety..

EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL AT ITS BEST

All you have to do is inspire - we handle the rest.

Partnering with School Tours of America means all the details are covered, from hotels and flights to meals and booked appointments. Everything is included in the price and coordinated by your personal team of planning experts.

Transportation

Close-in hotels, private security, licensed guides, tour concierge, medical insurance, mytourfund.com, drawstring bag.

FEATURED BLOG ARTICLE SCHOOL TOURS A TOP WORKPLACE Houston Chronicle Awards STA

"every detail was taken care of by school tours of america from the moment we contacted them for a quote, till the moment we returned from our trip. a rare treat for an overworked director." aaron m., director of orchestral studies.

TRIPSOLUTIONS

Rest assured while your child has fun. to protect what you value most, the sta tripsolutions ensure the highest possible standard in all things health and safety. we've been raising the bar for over two-decades, and we don't plan to stop now, need help raising funds for your trip.

Utilize the power of social media with our exclusive crowdfunding platform, MyTourFund.com, where 100% of donations are applied to your trip!

Inspire a new perspective on the world

Student or parent? Join your teacher’s tour.

Experience the modern approach to educational travel.

/ / / / / /

With EF Explore America, students are bound for an incredible experience that will exceed their (and your) expectations. That’s because our compelling itineraries are rooted in human connection—and crafted specifically for you.

View all tour types →

Popular Class Trips

See what experts (read: our savviest students and well-traveled teachers) consider their favorite tour experiences.

Social Studies Tours

Investigate the most important elements of society by walking the streets where history happened and today’s culture is created.

Show your students the real-world importance of STEM through hands-on experiences and collaborations with experts in the field.

Our people are your people

Joining the EF family means you’ll have the support of our community of educators, tour architects, operations wizards, and ever-curious explorers. We’ve experienced the transformative power of travel firsthand—and we can’t wait to explore the opportunities that are out there for you and your students.

Meet your people

What’s important to you is important to us

We believe travel is for everyone. When students go beyond the classroom it brings education to life, unlocks new potential, and opens a world of possibilities. That’s why we prioritize safety, value, and the kind of learning that prepares students for the future and their futures.

Safety & flexibility →

Tour reviews

Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews

For over 55 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to one global mission: Opening the World Through Education .

Learn more about EF →

Feel the impact of travel

Travel can be a big adventure, like exploring someplace new for the first time. But it’s also about the smaller moments on the road. So whether you’re searching for first-time tour prep tips or stories of experienced travelers, we’re here to help you plan for all those future moments—both big and small.

See all stories & resources →

All about “STEM Discovery: Boston”

We’re pulling back the curtain on everything that goes into this incredible Boston STEM program.

Hundreds of destinations. Endless possibilities.

Browse tours Contact us

Educational Tours

Graduation Trips

Theme Tours

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Popular Student Travel Articles

Student cruise trips.

7 Things to do on a Class Trip to Hawaii

Top 10 Senior Trip Ideas

Panama City Beach: What Items Should I Bring?

Are you ready to make some waves, sandcastles, and memories? Panama City Beach is one of the best destinations for a school trip or family vacation! From beautiful white sand beaches to exhilarating water sports, your next adventure awaits. To make sure all activities are enjoyable, it helps to be…

How Easy Is Planning an International Trip?

Dreaming about traveling around the world to explore vibrant cities and jaw-dropping landscapes? Planning an international trip may seem daunting, but with a little bit of help, you can bring those far-flung places a lot closer. Whether you’re planning a school trip or just itching to get away on your…

Locked Up: Historic Prisons to Visit in America

Step inside the walls of some of America’s oldest and most notorious prisons with a visit tailored just for you! From Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia to Fort Jefferson on Dry Tortugas Island - follow us as we explore fascinating pieces of American history penned up within these historic prison…

Educational School Trip Ideas You Should Take

Are you looking for an exciting and educational experience for your school group? Are you struggling with where to plan a field trip that will engage students? Look no further! School trips can be the perfect way to not only build enthusiasm for learning but also provide hands-on experiences that…

Adventure Student Travel is a Proud Member of these Associations

Why Work with Adventure Student Travel?

• How It Works
• Help Center

The Best Group Destinations in Las Vegas

GroupTools Guide: Planning A Group Trip Checklist

Guide to planning educational group travel.

An educational group trip, such as a class trip or school excursion, has a lot of factors to consider when planning the trip. Whatever your experience level, navigating the complexities of an educational visit always remains a challenge. School trips can provide students with hands-on opportunities and enhance their course experience, but they also can be a major headache if they aren't well planned. GroupTools is here to help make planning even the most involved group trips a breeze, so we’ve put together a guide to planning your next educational visit.

Getting started.

An early start to planning is key for educational group travel. Planning a minimum of 6-12 months in advance of your trip allows time to accommodate all of the unique planning items that are involved in school travel organization such as:

• Selecting appropriate dates that fit in with approved school travel schedules.
• Working with your principal and school administrators for necessary approvals.
• Determining a school-approved budget and funding options.
• Filing all necessary school and district paperwork to be able to kick off your planning process.

GroupTools Tip : While you’re the main group leader for the trips you plan in GroupTools, you can easily have other teachers who are planning the trip, your school administration team, or other relevant parties such as chaperones informed and involved in the planning progress by adding them as additional group leaders on any trip.

Setting Your Itinerary

After the school requirements are handled, you can turn your attention to creating an itinerary that both meets the needs of your students and reflects your course learning objectives.

Destination Education

When selecting a destination for your educational group trip, you should identify places that tie into your lessons. These places should strengthen your curriculum goals and provide options for real-life learning onsite. 

GroupTools Tip : If you have a few destination options and your students are in the correct age range to do so, consider involving them in the selection. Set up a survey in GroupTools and invite the class to share their votes with you to finalize where you will visit. Giving students a voice in the planning process can increase their class engagement and build excitement for the trip.

Adding Educational Group Activities

The key to planning the perfect activities for your class trip is approaching your itinerary the same way you would approach a lesson plan. Having clearly defined learning goals for your trip will make lining up the right activities a much easier task. Once you’ve selected the activities to add, it’s important to consider how your students will take part in them.

Managing class-wide group activities when you’re outside of the classroom can be difficult, so breaking into smaller groups can be beneficial. Students can better focus on specific aspects of the trip as well as get more individual attention to enhance their experience through smaller group activities. You can bring the groups back together and unify the experience once you’re back in the classroom to share their lessons and takeaways from the trip.

GroupTools Tip : Take a moment to add all of the activities to your GroupTools event so that your students and their parents will know what to expect from the trip. If you’re doing assigned small groups, keep a single option for each activity but, if you’re allowing students to self-organize their small groups, consider adding an option to each activity for the sub-groups so that your students can easily opt-in to the group they choose. Whichever path you take, GroupTools will handle all the counts for you as your students RSVP.

Arrange for Meals and Transportation

Another important itinerary detail is how you will transport your students to and from their destination and how they will be fed. For transportation, some options to consider are the use of school buses or private charter bus transportation and the relevant availability, paperwork, and costs associated with each. 

For meals, explore options at your class trip venue such as picnic areas or cafeterias and restaurants that may be available on site. If the destination offers facilities but not food, boxed lunch catering can be a cost-effective choice or off-site restaurants on your route can be considered as well. Be sure to keep in mind the dietary needs of your students when making these selections.

GroupTools Trip : If your trip allows for some students to be transported by their parents or to pack a lunch, consider making the transportation and meal items on your itinerary optional so that only the students you will need to include in the counts for these are opted in.

Plan for Downtime

Though students will benefit from the educational aspects of the trip, you don't want them to feel like they're in class all the time. Planning to have free time in your trip itinerary is a must to keep your students engaged. Adding in break times at your venue is an easy way to include downtime in your plan. Depending on your school's trip policies, you may also want to spend time at a park, or someplace else, to relax in addition to your official trip destination. Just make sure you can supervise properly, and that everyone knows when to return.

Other Key Considerations

There are real barriers to school and parent participation in field trips when legal actions and unfortunate events can be a concern. Ensuring that you have the right safety and supervision in place as well as the proper paperwork can eliminate these concerns and get your educational group travel plan the buy-in it needs from both parents and the school board.

Super Supervision

To handle your students effectively, you should ensure that you have adequate adult supervision. You might want to ask your administrator about taking your teacher's aide, student teachers, or other appropriate school personnel on the trip. You may need to ask for parent volunteers as well. 

Assignment of one or more adults to each small group of students is an effective way to ensure that proper supervision levels are being met. List the student group members for each staff member and parent volunteer. These lists can be used for roll calls and accurate counts to keep each group properly organized and supervised at every stop along the way.

GroupTools Tip : In addition to ensuring proper supervision, a great way to give parents peace of mind is to keep them up-to-date, especially when you are on the trip. Including parents on the attendee list of your GroupTools event will allow you to easily send them secure messages through both GroupTools and their email quickly and easily before, during, and after the trip. This will help to keep their minds at rest and keep all your trip-related communications organized in one place.

Mission Permission

You should obtain permission forms from the school to be given to each student to take home to their parents. In the absence of standardized permission slips, you can create a form that includes all the details about the field trip, such as the date, time, location, pick-up and drop-off times, food to be taken, money to be carried, dress code and any other details the parents should be aware of before signing and permitting their children to attend.

Planning carefully for all contingencies is especially important in the current climate. The following forms should all be considered for including in your permission paperwork: COVID information, school and venue releases, and student health forms.

GroupTools Tip : You can upload all your permission and important documents to your GroupTools event to eliminate the possibility of students losing their paperwork. As well, once parents complete the forms and upload them they are sent to your email securely and directly giving you a full repository of your needed information while protecting the privacy and important details of your students.

Safety First

Teachers have a great deal of responsibility to ensure the safety of students while taking them on an educational group trip. Here are some tips that are helpful when it comes to ensuring student safety:

• The CDC currently recommends limiting field trips and other in-person interactions, for any planned and approved trips be sure to follow the  current guidelines  in place by the CDC throughout your trip.
• As a teacher, you are aware of the general medication, dietary, and major health needs of your students but, when preparing for educational group travel you should take time to re-familiarize yourself with the health needs of all your students so they are fresh in your mind during the trip.
• Prepare your parent volunteers for the trip with proper safety training to ensure they are up-to-date on the guidelines for the trip, meet the health requirements for participation, and that they can properly guide and aid the students in trip safety goals as well.
• Educate your students about the safety guidelines and provide additional safety tips for the trip and let them know who they are supposed to reach out to when they need any help.
• Let the students know they are going to be divided into groups and also let them know who they are going to be with so that they can be comfortable around the students in their group.
• Consider hybrid or virtual field trip options to accommodate the safety and enrichment of your students and to provide a safe option for the whole class to be able to participate.

Why Plan Your Educational Group Travel with GroupTools?

GroupTools  has all the features you need to safely and effectively plan your class trips. The web-based application is easily accessible from all devices for school staff, parents, and students and can support both traditional classes and online learning scenarios. GroupTools makes it easy to engage parents and students with online registration, surveys, and more keeping them involved in the process. With options for integrated online payment processing or providing your own payment method, funding for field trips is always covered and able to meet school standards, As well, the private event format and secure paperwork options built into GroupTools keep school and student information safe. 

GroupTools can be used individually by educators or be managed by administrators to streamline the process with a unified solution for organizing educational group trips and events school-wide. Finally, GroupTools is a free resource for educational planners fitting it into any school or teacher’s budget. To plan the best field trips for your class, visit  grouptools.com  to learn more, or  click here  to get started for free today.

Related posts

10 Essential Features Every Group Management Tool Should Have

Turn FOMO into Sold-Out Shows: Group Psychology for Ticket Sales

Mastering Group Ticketing: Strategies for Success

• Washington, DC: Monumental Discoveries
• New York City: The Big Apple Expedition
• Chicago: Windy City Wonders
• Teacher’s Guide
• Request a catalog

France & Spain Class Trip

Our Lady of Lourdes High School

June 24 – July 2, 2023

• Included amenities
• Roundtrip flights from New York
• 1 checked bag & one carry-on bag
• 3-4 star hotel accommodations (7 nights)
• Licensed guiding
• Breakfast & dinner daily
• Entrance fees
• Tips for hotel & restaurant staff
• 24/7 emergency support
• 9-5 EST travel support
• Airport taxes & fuel surcharges

Itinerary is subject to change.

Saturday, June 24

Our class trip begins as we depart the United States on an overnight flight to Paris, France.

Sunday, June 25

Morning arrival at Charles DeGaulle Airport. Upon arrival we enjoy a tour of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Elysees. Our final stop before dinner is the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal on the Rue de Bac. Here Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and asked her to have a medal made with the inscription “Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”.

Overnight Paris

Monday, June 26

We begin today with Mass at the Sacré-Coeur Basilica on top of Montmartre Hill, where there has been perpetual Eucharistic adoration for over a century. We then visit Saint Peter’s of Montmartre (where the Society of Jesus was formed), and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. We will enjoy lunch on our own, and finish out the afternoon with a visit to the Place de la Nation where the Carmelites of Compiegne were martyred. We’ll see Cimitiere Picpus where their remains are in a mass grave, followed by dinner and the remainder of the night at leisure.

Tuesday, June 27

After breakfast, we’ll leave Paris to make our way to Lourdes. We arrive later tonight, in time to attend an evening candlelight procession.

Overnight Lourdes

Wednesday, June 28

Following breakfast, we continue our visit at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 when Bernadette was just 14. We’ll have a guided tour of St. Bernadette’s home, the basilica, and her environs that will give us a deeper understanding of St. Bernadette’s life and her relationship with Mary, the Immaculate. This afternoon we walk and pray in the Eucharistic Procession.

Thursday, June 29

This morning following breakfast we visit the Carmelite Monastery in Lourdes, built over the spot where the Blessed Virgin had appeared a final time to St. Bernadette, who described her as “more beautiful than ever.” We see the Cave of Apparitions and the Basilica of Our Lady of The Rosary. In the afternoon we’ll have free time to participate in the ceremonies of the Sanctuary and bathe in the miraculous waters, where many have been healed. After dinner, we participate in the Candlelight Rosary Procession.

Friday, June 30

Following breakfast, we travel to the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat. There we’ll visit the basilica, which was dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat. Following our visit we will continue to Barcelona. Dinner.

Overnight Barcelona

Saturday, July 1

Celebrate Mass at the crypt of La Sagrada Familia, followed by a visit to the elaborate, expansive basilica. Once completed, Gaudi’s masterpiece will have 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the apostles, four to the evangelists, one to Jesus and another to Mary. Later, get to know more of the city’s treasures, including views of Antonio Gaudi’s Mila House (UNESCO), the Columbus Monument and Parc de Montjuic. This afternoon we take an excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. This evening we gather for our Farewell dinner.

Sunday, July 2

With a deeper love for Mary, gratitude to God, and wonderful memories of our trip, we’ll board our plane for our flight home.

Have questions?

We’re here to help! Call or email one of our class trip assistants today.

• (877) 235-0988
• [email protected]
• Frequently asked questions

When do I need to enroll by?

Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis with an enrollment deadline of April 10, 2023.

When is payment due?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel. That’s why we offer the lowest prices possible while also providing our travelers with more choices for managing their payments.

Option 1: Pay in full at enrollment

• Pay the entire balance at the time you enroll. 

Option 2: Payment Plan

• Enroll with a $450 deposit per traveler.
• 75 days until departure: Pay remaining balance.

Payment methods accepted: Apple Pay and Google Pay, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, ATM/debit cards, personal checks. Please note there is a 3% fee to process credit/debit card payments.

What is your cancellation policy?

The cancellation policies outlined below take into consideration the costs ClassTrip.com incurs often years before groups ever depart. Notice of cancellation from a class trip will only be accepted from the traveler, their legal guardian, or the group leader. The date of cancellation will be determined by the date on which ClassTrip.com receives notice.

• Upon booking: Full refund less a $200 cancellation fee per person.
• 75 days until departure: No refund will be issued.

• OPEN MON THRU SAT 9 AM
• OPEN SUN 10 AM
• LAST TOUR DAILY 5 PM
• Questions [email protected]
• GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND [email protected]

• School Class Trips

Immerse Your Students in Amish Culture

Your students will get a first-hand look at Pennsylvania Amish culture and heritage when you take a class trip to The Amish Village in Lancaster County.

The Total Amish Experience

Visiting The Amish Village is a great way for school students to learn about a culture that has remained relatively unchanged for more than 300 years. Your class can get out of the classroom and use all of their senses to fully experience what it means to live like the Amish do in today’s society. On your trip, your students will enjoy multiple educational features, including the following:

• Authentic Amish Farmhouse: Listen to stories about Amish history, culture, and religious traditions.
• One-room Schoolhouse: Compare your school to the Amish schoolhouse, and even see real examples of Amish students’ classwork.
• Windmill & Water Wheel: Get a taste of living off the grid and how these tools make it possible for the Amish to complete certain tasks.
• Blacksmith Shop: Examine the tools and equipment used to keep an Amish farm running.
• Amish Barn: Pet and interact with the animals in our barn. (Be prepared for farm animal smells!)
• Buggies, Plows, and Tools: Sit on a real Amish buggy and see the world from another’s perspective.
• Picnic Grounds: Bring bagged lunches or purchase baked goods at the market to enjoy on our open-air picnic grounds.
• Shops: Purchase an Amish-made or Lancaster-themed souvenir to commemorate this educational experience.

School Class Trip Details

Our staff is dedicated to helping you plan the details of your field trip to make sure your students get the most out of their educational experience. We can accommodate multiple busloads of students, and we are happy to tailor our tours to fit the needs of your specific group. Student tours start out with a 25-minute guided tour of our authentic Amish Farmhouse, where a local tour guide will provide engaging information about the Amish and encourage your students to ask questions about what they’re learning.

At the conclusion of the Amish Farmhouse tour, your local guide will escort the students as they explore the rest of our 12-acre property and outbuildings. During this 30-minute tour, students can ask questions about the Amish lifestyle, how different buildings are used, and more. Wherever your class wants to explore on the property, you’ll always have someone on hand to answer questions and enrich the students’ Amish experience.

Customizing for Your Class Trip

We welcome anyone who is curious about the Amish! Our tours are ideally suited for kindergarten through 6th grade, but we are able to adapt material to older students. You can even send outlines and curriculum ideas to our staff at least two weeks prior to your visit, and together we’ll develop the perfect class trip for you and your students.

Teachers and school administrators who have something specific in mind for a trip to Amish Country should be sure to contact us to discuss their plans. Whether it involves spending time with the farm animals at the barn, or a unique teaching experience in our one-room schoolhouse, we’re happy to customize a Lancaster County Amish experience just for your students.

School Trip Scheduling and Rates

General school tour rates.

Class trips, field trips, and group educational experiences must be scheduled in advance. We require at least two weeks’ notice prior to your arrival. Teachers can create a unique immersion into Amish culture by completing a reservation request. If you have any questions, please contact our Group Sales department at 717-687-8511 or via email at groups@amishvillage.com .

Groups must be 20 students or more and will receive discounted pricing from the standard admission. Pricing is based on the time of year and any specific needs or requests your class may have. Please contact us or request a reservation for specific rates for your student tour or class trip.

Educational and Engaging

I'm a college student studying abroad. I'm shocked at how many luxury trips my classmates take.

• I was excited to study abroad in Florence and to take small, cheap trips while abroad.
• My classmates are not traveling cheaply; they are flying to luxury places like Dubai and the Alps.
• I wonder if they are just doing it for social media, but I'm still enjoying my time abroad.

As a third-year college student attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, I jumped at the chance to study abroad . Trading in a semester of snow and freezing temperatures for beautiful architecture and centuries-old art was a no-brainer.

I was so excited that I filled out the application to study in Florence nearly a year before the day I would depart. Four months in Florence, Italy, was comparable to the cost of a semester at my state school . After talking to my parents and counselor, I believed the cultural experience and travel opportunities were worth it.

I knew that when I arrived, I would have to budget when traveling —doing so through communal hostel stays and low-cost airlines. I was prepared for overstuffed backpacks and bus tickets; upon arrival, though, it became clear that pinching pennies was not on everyone's agenda.

The other students are jet-setting every weekend to expensive locations

The first few days in Florence were comparable to a freshman welcome week. The time was full of activities, including hikes, dinners, and other various ventures to get students to meet one another. My roommates and I attended one of the dinners to make connections before classes began.

Standing among groups of strangers , I expected to converse about majors and hometowns; however, I witnessed a quiet competition between students on who would be going to the most places in the coming months.

Comments such as "I have every weekend planned and booked" or "I would go, but I've already been" were stacked on top of one another as my peers attempted to one-up each other. At this time, I had a total of zero trips planned. When caught in these conversations, I felt oddly pressured to also fill my calendar each weekend, accompanied by the feeling of stress due to not being able to afford travel every five days. I feared I would be left behind.

Related stories

I've been here for over two months, and this conversation hasn't ended. Every Monday, I hear whispers about where my peers had jet-setted to days before. Places like Dubai and Morocco have been mentioned, leaving me just as shocked as that first dinner. I knew studying abroad was a privilege before getting here, but "a weekend in Dubai " was not what I expected.

Nobody is 'roughing it' like I thought they would be

My spring break was only three weeks into the start of the semester, and this was when I decided to take my first trip. When booking, I scoured sites, such as KAYAK and Skyscanner, but plane tickets and hotels were still extremely pricey. Eventually, my roommates and I decided to spend five days in Prague after finding affordable tickets on Ryanair. One of the greatest appeals of Prague was it was walkable, cheap, and had a good nightlife — my top three requirements as a traveling college student.

My three roommates and I booked a studio apartment for around $100 each for a total of five nights. It took us two trains, one bus, a plane, and some walking to get there, but the price was right. I was excited for the following week and felt satisfied with our trip and housing accommodations.

That was until I scrolled through Instagram to see my peers skiing in the Alps and skydiving in Copenhagen. It was almost unbelievable that the people I attend classes with could afford this style of travel while my school backpack was stuffed with a week's worth of clothes cause I opted out of the carry-on baggage fee Ryanair required.

I thought everyone at this stage made sacrifices when traveling, but I was mostly wrong.

I'm convinced people are traveling for the sake of their Instagram

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that anyone can experience a new country in the span of 48 hours.

I do know, however, that people are really good at making their time away look like the best time ever on my Instagram feed . It's as if they're collecting comments like postcards or putting another notch in their belts by showing one another how many stamps they have accumulated in their passports.

Traveling while studying abroad is a competitive sport with a large price tag that no one told me to train for.

I've learned that such comparisons defeat the purpose of traveling. Maybe I haven't flown on the best airlines or stayed in an oceanfront villa, but my experiences abroad have been enriching and allowed me to engage with other cultures. Best of all? I didn't have to spend much money, and my Instagram still looks good.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

• Main content

Bring Back In-Person Field Trips. Here’s Why

• Share article

Just as peak field trip season was set to get underway in the spring of 2020, the pandemic hit. Schools, and the cultural institutions and countless other organizations that normally welcome K-12 students for experiential learning, closed their doors.

“The pandemic was absolutely devastating for field trips. They went off a cliff, even when schools went back to in-person,” said Susie Wilkening, principal of Wilkening Consulting, a Seattle-based audience research firm.

Statistics bear this out. In the spring of 2023, Wilkening Consulting and the American Alliance of Museums conducted a survey of 340 museum directors from around the country on post-pandemic visitation. Forty percent of respondents reported that they continued to experience lower on-site visitation from K-12 teachers and students.

Several factors may be keeping schools from venturing back to in-person field trips. Virtual field trips rose in popularity during the pandemic, allowing students to glimpse educational sites as far-flung as the Egyptian pyramids or the Louvre art museum in Paris from the comfort of their homes or classrooms—and those opportunities still exist.

Logistics and funding may also be preventing schools from returning to on-site field trips. Educational researchers have suggested that some schools prioritize putting resources toward activities that may improve student achievement on standardized tests over experiences like field trips, whose results aren’t as quantifiable. That may especially be the case for schools struggling to help students recover from pandemic-era learning declines.

The argument for doing field trips again

But a growing body of research, advocacy from some district-level officials, and anecdotes from students provide compelling reasons for bringing back in-person field trips.

Lin Tajeken Jeufack, a high school junior at Kenwood High School in Maryland’s Baltimore County schools, vividly recalls how a 6th grade field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore that offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into husbandry of aquatic animals planted an idea in her head about one day becoming a marine biologist.

Lin described testing the water in the animal tanks, peering under a microscope in an onsite laboratory at the aquarium, and learning about a profession she knew little about. The 16-year-old, who is now enrolled in her school’s International Baccalaureate program, volunteers at a local hospital, and says she’s leaning toward majoring in math in college, though she hasn’t ruled out a career in marine biology. Lin still welcomes the opportunity to attend in-person field trips—like a recent outing to the Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, an art museum that features a “Giant Heart” exhibit that allows visitors to walk through the organ’s enormous, lifelike chambers.

“I think students feel safer now [post-pandemic],” said Lin. “We have a really tough course load; we’re always working. It’s good for us to get away from school for a little while.”

Field trips are especially beneficial for disadvantaged students

The lasting benefits of field trips don’t necessarily register in students’ consciousness at the moment of the visit. But these experiential outings have been proven to increase student interest in, knowledge about, and motivation to study subject matter to which they’re exposed, according to a sweeping, decade-old report by Ohio University researchers on field trips. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to reap the biggest benefits from these experiences, as they are less likely to have the opportunity to engage in these activities outside of school-sponsored trips.

That’s not lost on Kadee Anstadt, superintendent/CEO of Washington Local Schools in Toledo, Ohio, who’s committed to ensuring that the students in her high-poverty district take field trips routinely.

“We are quite intentional now about the breadth of experiences we are offering our students,” said Anstadt, who recently established what she refers to as “superinten-dates,” in which she personally takes groups of students on field trips they likely wouldn’t otherwise experience.

“As an urban district, our kids sometimes don’t get to see their larger community. We’ve been to the Detroit Auto Show, to hear a Holocaust survivor, experienced the Toledo Opera, and taken the entire junior class to the Henry Ford Museum,” she said.

Some of the field trips students in the Washington Local Schools take are culturally enriching; others, practical. The district has developed a partnership with two local YMCA branches in which every 2nd grader receives eight water safety lessons.

“This ensures our kids know the dangers of a pool, pond, or lake, and also know how to get help if they need it. Some learn to swim during this time. For so many, it’s the first time they’ve ever been in a pool,” said Anstadt.

Since last year, more than 1,000 of the district’s approximately 7,000 students have received the lessons.

Fish hatcheries, hiking, ice fishing, and Native American landmarks

Laurie Barron, superintendent of the Evergreen school district in Montana, shares a philosophy on experiential field trips similar to Anstadt’s—but with vastly different surroundings to explore.

“We are in northwestern Montana bordering Glacier National Park, a recreation mecca,” said Barron, reeling off a number of recreational and cultural resources available within a quick bus trip: fish hatcheries, hiking, ice fishing, skiing, forestry opportunities, and Native American landmarks.

Barron says administrators aim for younger students in the K-8 district to go on between two and four trips per year, a number that increases to six to eight trips by the time students reach 8th grade.

“We love for them to have several off-campus opportunities each year, experiencing the great west Montana outdoors. It’s very relevant and easy to connect that to our curriculum and content,” Barron said. “And students remember a lot more that way than just reading about places in a book.”

Sign Up for The Savvy Principal

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

855-446-8687

• Plan A Trip

• [email protected]
• 1 (855) 446 8687

• WASHINGTON DC
• NEW YORK CITY
• PHILADELPHIA
• WILLIAMSBURG
• COLLEGE CAMPUS TOURS
• TALLAHASSEE
• SAN FRANCISCO
• QUÉBEC CITY
• Washington DC
• Presidential Inauguration DC 2021
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Québec City
• Williamsburg
• Chattanooga
• Tallahassee
• Costa Rica, Pura Vida!
• Evening Parent Info-Session
• GO – Travel Scholarships
• School Trip Destination Posters
• Air & Space Museum Scavenger Hunt
• GO’s Report Card
• School Trip Packing List
• Trip Portal
• Travel Insurance Coverage
• Trip Cancellation
• Back To School Specials
• Destination Posters
• CFAR – Cancel For Any Reason Trip Coverage
• Travel Insurance
• Daily Safety Review
• We’re Hiring
• Vendor/Partners
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Liability Insurance
• Travel Documents
• Accommodations
• Motorcoach Safety

Boston Classic Class Trip Itinerary

• Destination Highlight

Boston is a very historic destination to visit. It’s perfect for any age group. Our classic itinerary includes all the major hot spots you should explore when visiting Bean Town, including a tour of the Freedom Trail and stopover to Plimoth Plantation.

Sample Itinerary: 3 Days/2 Nights

Choose from the optional attractions below OR customize to your preferred attractions, meals and more! 

Departure (Motorcoach, Train, Plane) 

New England Aquarium 

Group Sit-Down Dinner 

Overnight Hotel Accommodations (2 Nights) 

Overnight Security Provided (2 Nights)

Day Two 

Fenway Stadium Tour or Boston Tea Party Museum 

Lunch Voucher

Freedom Trail Guided Tour 

Exploration of Boylston Street

Plimoth Plantation

Lunch Box 

Add Additional Nights Or Destinations To Your Package! 

*Travel Insurance With CFAR

GO highly recommends all passengers get travel insurance coverage with additional Cancel For Any Reason coverage. Learn more here https://www.goeducationaltours.com/travel-insurance

Plan a Classic School Trip

Build your trip your way.

Choose one of our meticulously pre-designed school trip programs or build your trip your way!

Want to chat? Call us @

855-446-8687 x 123

Learn how to receive a GO Travel Scholarship!

Get More With GO!

1 FREE Student for each 49 paid FREE Group Picture (Printed) FREE Trip Enrollment

Destination Highlights

We have a young team of dedicated travelers ready to make your next class trip a memorable experience for you and your students. GO guides you through every step of the planning process. You can customize all or parts of your trip. Or simply choose one of our Pick,Click & GO trips, our most affordable trips if you wish for an economical and quick trip booking. Planning can be daunting but all our efforts are channeled to make it easier on you.

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]

A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Apr 30, 2024 • 13 min read

Sonoma County is home to 19 distinct wine regions and many different valleys. Here's what you need to know.

Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 14, 2023 • 5 min read

Sep 13, 2023 • 4 min read

Sep 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 2, 2021 • 9 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 11, 2023 • 9 min read

Oct 8, 2021 • 5 min read

Sep 8, 2020 • 5 min read

'My husband upgraded his plane on our honeymoon trip - and left me abandoned in economy'

A dismayed new bride says her honeymoon trip got off to a rocky start after her husband upgraded to business class during their flight - leaving her behind in economy

• 11:05, 4 May 2024

You'd expect a newly married couple to spend their honeymoon flight gazing into each other's eyes - but this isn't always the case.

One new bride says she was recently left in tears after her husband opted to leave her all alone in economy after a fancier seat in business class became available. The 33-year-old woman had been excitedly looking forward to their dream honeymoon in Mexico, and no doubt imagined they'd land together, hand in hand.

Things, unfortunately, didn't quite work out that way. While her husband is a nervous flier, preferring to close his eyes during take-off, the newlywed woman frequently flies for work, and so has managed to clock up plenty of miles.

When booking their flights, she requested to use her points if a business upgrade became available - making it clear she only wanted this if two seats became available. By the time they got to the airport on the day itself, she'd forgotten all about this request - being focused on the romantic honeymoon that awaited her.

While boarding, the person scanning their boarding passes stopped the couple - telling the woman her husband had been upgraded to business class, but not her, asking if that was okay. Immediately, she replied that this wasn't what she wanted at all, explaining that they were on their honeymoon and so wanted to stick together.

Her husband, however, had other ideas...

Taking to Reddit, the peeved wife recalled: "My husband jumps in and says, 'No it's fine, I'll go to business class!' I look at him in complete shock and he tells me that I fly all the time and have been in business class before, but he hasn't. So he deserves a chance to experience it."

Realising they were holding up the queue, the woman felt pressured to just agree and get on the plane, however, she wasn't happy about her 30-year-old husband's shock decision at all. She wrote: "To say I am p***** off is an understatement. He is all smiles, taking his seat and I go back to my seat where they sit me next to an old woman with a baby on her lap where my husband should be sitting.

"Within maybe five to ten minutes of sitting there, trying to hold back tears because my husband left me alone on our flight during our honeymoon (and uses MY points for his upgrade no less), he starts to text me saying he feels anxiety over flying. I ignore the texts and stop looking at my phone."

About an hour into their flight, her husband came to the back of the plane to find her, offering her half of his business-class breakfast and asking me why she was ignoring him. He told her he'd been 'scared' and had needed her comforting reassurances as the more experienced flyer.

Thoroughly ticked off by this point, the wife didn't hold back on letting him know why she felt so sour, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. Reaching out to fellow Reddit users for their words of wisdom, she continued: "I told him maybe he should have thought about that before leaving me alone before our honeymoon even really began. He gets angry and tells me that this may be the only time he gets to fly business class and he was giving me half his breakfast to make up for it so I could at least be supportive of his genuine fear. I roll my eyes, sarcastically say 'thanks' and he goes back up to his seat.

"When we landed I tried to just move on and forget about it so that we could just enjoy our honeymoon, but he guilt-tripped me about not comforting him via text before take-off and now I am wondering if I am being unreasonable and should have just let him enjoy his time in business class and ensure him it'd be okay."

A number of users reassured the newlywed that she hadn't acted unreasonably at all, and felt that her husband had some serious soul-searching to do. One person advised: "Your husband made a really questionable decision and he was essentially having to live with the consequence of the decision. He jumped at the chance to sit - alone - in biz class and I guess it didn't occur to him how evidently very reliant he is on you during flying.

"Regardless of his phobia, he's a grown man, and it seems like he made it through takeoff just fine if he was asking your help when he'd already been served food. It's like he was using his need for you as a weapon, to make you feel obligated to forgive him for making a pretty shitty choice given that it was your honeymoon."

Another commented: "He thinks flying business class is more important than spending time with you at the start of your honeymoon. His priorities aren't straight..."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]

MORE ON Planes Relationships Marriage

Get email updates with the day's biggest stories.

Flights to Hermosillo (HMO) with American Airlines

Popular flights to hermosillo.

London (LON) to

London (LCY) to

Newcastle upon Tyne (NCL) to

*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 24hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Some fares listed may include one or more connections that are Basic Economy, which class is subject to additional terms and conditions . Modifying this information may result in a different fare. To find the most updated fare, please visit aa.com. Additional baggage fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.

More Destinations Together

Our partnership with British Airways gives you access to the U.S. and beyond.  When you fly with American or British Airways, you can earn and redeem AAdvantage® Miles, plus, enjoy the benefits of your AAdvantage® status on both airlines.

Hermosillo routes with American Airlines

• Newcastle upon Tyne - Hermosillo
• London - Hermosillo

What Your Vacation Says About Your Social Class

I n the 1970s, Pan Am promised it would be "America's airline to the world," whisking travelers away to exotic and glamorous destinations across the globe. Now, Pan Am is no more—and the dream of international travel also appears to be a distant one for many Americans.

In fact, more than half believe that taking a foreign vacation each year makes you upper class, according to polling conducted exclusively for Newsweek .

The survey by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found that 58 percent of adults believe those who take a foreign vacation once a year are a part of the upper classes. All current generations—Silent, Baby Boomers , Gen X, Millennials , and Gen Z —living across the U.S. agreed that taking a once yearly vacation abroad is within reach of only the wealthiest.

This is despite dramatic falls in the cost of international travel. In 1970, during Pan Am's heyday, a return flight from New York to London cost around $550, according to research by Simple Flying, the equivalent of around $4,500 today. Now it's possible to get a ticket for as little as $300. However, other costs, such as housing, have far outstripped inflation in the same period.

Ultimately, travel industry experts told Newsweek , foreign travel is seen by many Americans as a luxury they can ill afford, particularly given the huge range of destinations on offer at home.

Read more: Cut Down on Travel Costs

Jasmin Diaz, chief marketing officer at SmokyMountains.com, a vacations rental company, said international travel has long been "associated with wealth and social status" due to the "little freedom and money" provided by a 9-to-5 lifestyle.

"Flights are not cheap, as with accommodation, and you can't just go to Europe for a day. You at least have to stay for a week," she told Newsweek .

"Also, some people don't leave their country their whole lifetime, sometimes because they choose not to, but other times because they financially can't afford to do so."

According to the results, those in Gen X—those born between 1965 and 1980—were most likely to see foreign vacations as a luxury of the upper classes, with 65 percent agreeing when asked: "In what class would you place someone who goes on a foreign vacation once a year?" The group that agreed least was Gen Z, at 50 percent.

During the first part of this century, foreign vacations among Americans were actually highest during the international financial crash, with the number of Americans taking a trip abroad—excluding Canada and Mexico —peaking at 31 million in 2008, according to data compiled by Statista.

However, foreign trips became more common in the latter part of the 2010s, peaking at 44 million Americans travelling abroad in 2019, right before the coronavirus pandemic all but halted international travel in early 2020.

Christopher Flavey, who runs Unique NOLA Tours in New Orleans, said that the attitude toward taking trips abroad was a uniquely American way of thinking.

Read more: The Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access and Other Luxury Benefits

"I believe a lot of the attitude towards foreign travel being just for the rich is a very American idea," he told Newsweek . "Americans travel much more within the expansive United States, and indeed travelling to other countries is more rare.

"However, when it comes to Europeans and especially, say, Australians, travel across the globe beyond the home country is much more common for every class of person. And these trips happen yearly for even people without a large travel budget."

For Gen Z, who agreed least with the statement that a foreign holiday is upper class, taking trips abroad is seen as more of a priority, according to Shiela Walsh, principal at Walsh Wealth and Wellness.

"Gen Z do not want to miss out on experiences and convenience, and can see them as must haves. They will spend money on vacations, Ubers and food delivery," she told Newsweek .

"Even if they don't like the feelings that come with spending their money, many Gen Zers feel some expenses are simply unavoidable."

The results for domestic holidays were strikingly different. Less than half of Americans believe taking more than one holiday within the U.S. per year is an upper class thing to do, with most (52 percent) agreeing multiple domestic trips is a mainstay of the middle classes, according to the poll, which was conducted on February 18 among 1,500 eligible U.S. voters.

Gen Z is more likely to consider several yearly trips a luxury of the upper classes, at 41 percent, compared with 30 percent of those born before 1965. Opinions on whether numerous domestic trips is a marker of being upper class lessened with each generation, at 36 percent of Millennials and 35 percent of Gen X.

Related Articles

• Gen Z Teacher Has Unique Way of Teaching Kindergarten Class About Money
• Teacher Asks Gen Z Class To Write Letters to Elderly, Unprepared for Result
• I Regret Living in Low-Income Housing. The System Feels Rigged
• McDonald's Responds After Shocking Drive-Thru Shoot Out

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial