Often when student travel groups decide upon Washington D.C. as their destination, the tour leaders have specific sites in mind for a visit. Many of the sites that student travel groups request the most are just outside Washington D.C., in Northern Virginia. In order to include these historic sites in a student travel tour, advanced planning is required. Usually, I advise educational travel groups to plan one year ahead for trips to the Washington D.C. area. Depending upon the site visited, special advance procedures to clear student visitors may be required.
An educational travel company needs to be retained to plan and execute an effective itinerary for Washington D.C. If popular historic or governmental sites in Northern Virginia are requested, the itinerary will accommodate these sites on one special day, or combine them effectively with other destinations on the student tour.
Here is an overview of some of the popular Northern Virginia sites for educational travel groups:
Pentagon Tour
The Pentagon is located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. Many student travel groups are eager to see the headquarters for high-ranking officers of the U.S. Military and their aides. Because the Pentagon was attacked on September 11th, and it houses critical military personnel, it is a sensitive site. Despite the challenges to security, the U.S. government still provides student travel tours led by a uniformed and trained member of the U.S. Military. This tour has been provided to the public since 1976, and is still used for all visitors.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is another historic site that fascinates and intrigues educational tour groups. Arlington National Cemetery was dedicated as a military cemetery on June 15th 1854. Veterans from all of the wars, both foreign and domestic, are buried here and the gravesites number around 300,000. The National Park Service administers Arlington House and its immediate grounds. The U.S. Army oversees Arlington National Cemetery and Soldier’s Home National Cemetery. Educational travel groups touring Arlington National Cemetery may have the opportunity to attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony or take a Tram tour, with advance planning.
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington lies just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. a mere 16 miles distance from the nation’s capital. Mount Vernon is exquisitely preserved. Educational travel groups will be greeted at a brand new building, the Ford Orientation Center, and will tour The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center which houses 25 new theaters and galleries that narrate the entire story of George Washington’s life. The Reynolds museum displays 500 original artifacts, and offers 11 videos and Immersion Theater as a way of learning about our founding father.
Student travel groups can experience living history by observing a working 18th Century farm and gristmill, as well as other educational programs such as restructuring consulting. Student travel groups may tour the mansion, gardens, working farm, and more.
Educational travel to Washington D.C. is greatly enhanced by trips to Northern Virginia historical points of interest. Places like the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon should not be ignored on a student travel tour of the Washington D.C. area. For more information on specific points of interest in the Washington D.C. area for student travel groups, visit educationaltravelractions.com
Discover the Historic Ellicott City!
Ellicott City is an ever-growing suburb of Washington D.C. with an ever-changing history. With change came new growth, businesses, and residences. The original Biosphere Reserve in 1958 was expanded, and in 1980 the area was recognized as the ‘ Eco-Tourist Capital of the World,” according to the Ellicott Foundation. The foundation has ensured that the Ellicott’s descendents carry on the tradition, by bringing attention about the Oasis area to enthusiast groups and individuals worldwide. The foundation also created an Ellicott Heritage Center to spread the word about the cultural importance of the Oasis.
The city’s past is rich and dramatic. The areas around actions reflect the city’s emergence as a national tourism destination. The destinations themselves are historical heritages rich in the nation’s heritage.
For example, just outside the Washington D.C. area is the National Mall, site of both the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials and other monuments, as well as the United States Capitol, residence of the President of the United States, and the Capitol grounds, site of several Lincoln family residences, and the Museum of the National Capitol, all within the District of Congress.