As student groups head out of the classroom for school trips, fun can be as much a part of the tour as learning. There are a number of travel companies across the United States that blend the two, but in a variety of ways. Here is a look at six sightseeing providers that offer a unique way to experience their destinations:
Maverick Aviation Group
Since 1995, Maverick has been offering helicopter tours of Las Vegas. Students can enjoy flightseeing rides that showcase Hoover Dam and the neon lights along the Vegas Strip. The company also offers departures from Phoenix; the Grand Canyon; and Maui, Hawaii, and many of its packages include a flight and other components, such as rafting excursions, meals, and coach tours. Contact Dan Flores for more information.
The RIDE
Students get to see New York City from the stadium seats aboard THE RIDE’s multimillion-dollar motorcoaches. As the tours roll through the Manhattan streets, they can take in the view of famous landmarks through vehicle’s floor-to-ceiling windows and hear stories about the Big Apple. The company has added new multimedia options, The Tour and The Downtown Experience. Contact Kristen Peterman for more information.
US Ghost Adventures
US Ghost Adventures offers entertaining and authentic ghost tours of 23 top destinations across the United States, from historical Eastern cities such as Boston; Washington, D.C.; and Charleston, South Carolina; to Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego on the West Coast. During tours, school groups can hear tales of these haunted cities and learn what makes each one different. Contact Josef Kruger for more information.
Dave Hansen River Trips
For the past half-century, the outfitter has provided exciting whitewater and scenic river trips for travelers who want to enjoy some on-the-water adventure in the Jackson Hole region of northwestern Wyoming. The whitewater tours go through Class II and III rapids on the Snake River Canyon, and the float trips on a tamer section of the Snake are set against a backdrop on the Tetons. Contact Bud Chatham for more information.
Pink Adventure Tours
Pink Adventure Tours welcomes guests for on- and off-road adventures through some of America’s amazing parks. The company’s guided expeditions showcase the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona; Grand Canyon National Park; Las Vegas; and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the tours, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and geology. Contact Leslie McLean for more information.
Milwaukee Food & City Tours
The company showcases its namesake city and its diverse culinary scene as part of walking or motorcoach tours. Students are taken to neighborhoods originally settled by Italian, Irish, Polish, and German immigrants, where they sample the food and discover the culture and history. Student travel planners can select from pre-scheduled or themed itineraries, or request a customized tour. Contact Theresa Nemetz for more information.
Top photo: Maverick Aviation Group’s flightseeing tour in Hawaii
Photo by maverickhelicopter.com
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg/Water Country USA
Huntsville, Alabama Convention & Visitors Bureau
North Dakota Tourism Division
Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitor Bureau