Best Places for Students to Travel in Groups

Want to make a lasting impact on Christian middle and high school students? If you’re thinking about planning a tour and are looking for the best places for students to travel that combine fun, history, and a Christian worldview, we have some great recommendations. Discover how students can learn in a way that shapes their faith in ways they’ll never forget.

Choosing Places for Students to Travel

Educational tours are valuable tools for taking student learning to the next level. Studies show that students who participate in meaningful field trips perform better academically, and teachers agree that these experiences positively impact student engagement and retention. 

When you combine these realities with a Christian-based focus in unique travel destinations, you give students the opportunity to see faith in action across history and culture. Some of the best places for students to travel are:

1. Washington, D.C.

Washington isn’t just the heart of American politics. It is also a meaningful destination for students to learn to connect their beliefs to the nation’s past. From monuments honoring the Founding Fathers to museums that showcase our country’s biblical roots, this destination is full of lessons on how faith has guided our nation’s leaders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: Prayers have echoed through the halls of the U.S. Capitol for centuries. Students can explore the Capitol’s halls, hear its history, and visit the nearby Library of Congress, home to one of the world’s oldest Bibles. 
• Fun: Students can enjoy the wide open spaces of the National Mall, participate in interactive exhibits, and enjoy the Smithsonian museums or the National Zoo.
• Connection to the Christian faith: Many monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, feature Christian inscriptions. These can inspire important discussions making a direct connection between the Christian faith and the values that shaped our country.

2. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most significant events in American history, and this trip offers a unique chance to blend education with faith. The battlefield and surrounding areas represent stories of courage, sacrifice, and the moral struggles underlying the Civil War.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: When students walk the grounds of the Gettysburg battle, they witness firsthand where important history was made. This place of significant conflict signifies the values of equality, human dignity, and freedom.
• Fun: Living history reenactments make the trip educational and entertaining, helping students engage their imaginations and enter the narrative.
• Connection to the Christian faith: Discussions about morality, leadership, and faith naturally emerge at Gettysburg. Students can reflect on how people’s faith influenced historic decisions during the Civil War and how their own faith can guide them when there are differences in conviction.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a goldmine for history lovers. Many historic sites put on display deep Christian roots, making it an excellent destination for students to explore how faith played a role in the founding of America.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum, and explore the churches where early Americans gathered.
• Fun: Several options offer exciting and memorable experiences. Plan a day at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game, Boston Harbor for whale-watching, or visit the Boston Aquarium.
• Connection to the Christian faith: Many of Boston’s earliest settlers were devout Christians fleeing religious persecution. Students can learn how their faith influenced their convictions and how that impacted the new nation.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is another must-see for educators interested in teaching their students about America’s Christian heritage. Known as the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia is full of historic landmarks where students can reflect on how faith has played a crucial role in shaping the nation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: Visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and see the Liberty Bell. Both have deep ties to the nation’s founding ideals of freedom and faith.
• Fun: Students can explore places like the African American Museum or the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. They can also visit the Franklin Institute or enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution. 
• Connection to the Christian faith: Philadelphia’s early Quaker community held principles like religious freedom and Christian service. These offer students a glimpse into how faith influenced early growth and inspire them to consider the values they find important.

5. New York, New York

New York City is a hub of culture and innovation and a place of deep historical significance for Christianity in America. With landmarks connecting national history and Christian faith, students can experience the vibrancy of urban life while reflecting on the spiritual legacies that helped shape the city into what it is today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, where millions of immigrants seeking religious and civic freedoms arrived to build new lives in America. Explore the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to reflect on the power of faith in times of tragedy and resilience.
• Fun: NYC offers a wealth of excitement, from iconic destinations like Times Square to fun group activities like a Broadway show or a boat ride to see the New York skyline.
• Connection to the Christian faith: A visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral or the historic Trinity Church helps students explore the deep-rooted Christian history still thriving in the heart of the busy city. Both churches offer insights into the role of faith in shaping the values and culture of the city that never sleeps.

6. United Kingdom

If you want to take your students on an international trip, the United Kingdom is one of the best places for students to travel. The U.K. offers a rich tapestry of Christian history that spans centuries, from the early church leaders to those during the Reformation. With stunning cathedrals, historical sites, and connections to important Christian figures, students learn how Christianity has influenced Western civilization.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic value: Students can explore Westminster Abbey, where countless Christian leaders and monarchs were crowned and buried, or visit Canterbury Cathedral, the historic heart of the Anglican Church. The Reformation and Christian movements that shaped British society are still very present in these places.
• Fun: From riding the London Eye to exploring Stonehenge or the castles and countryside of England and Scotland, students will find plenty of fun and engaging activities that make learning feel like a true adventure.
• Connection to the Christian faith: Many sites across the United Kingdom tie to key moments in Christian history, such as the spread of Christianity during Roman times, the Reformation, and the rise of global missionary movements. Students will learn how faith shaped the culture, laws, and values that influence much of the Western world today.

Why Choose Forge Christian Tour Co.?

Forge Christian Tour Co. planners and guides help Christian school educators create customized group travel experiences that blend faith, history, and fun in ways that make trips memorable and spiritually enriching. We recommend some of the best places for students to travel. Whether you choose the historical sites in Washington or head overseas to the United Kingdom, we specialize in creating itineraries that leave students, teachers, and parents inspired and grateful.

If you are considering the best places for your students to travel, contact Forge Tours today to see how we can help you plan a faith-filled, educational experience for your group.