New York City is our most popular long-haul group destination, so we wanted to visit to make sure we had first-hand experience of what our groups will find when they get out there.
It’s also always great to meet our partners and suppliers in destinations, so we can continue to build on the strong working relationships that allow us to make sure trips run smoothly for our groups.
Similarly for Washington D.C., we visited some of the most popular attractions we arrange for our groups. We also met with the Washington D.C. tourist board who gave us their top tips for visiting the city, and took us for a tour of the city to help us make the most of our visit.
Tom’s top tips for school trips to Washington D.C.
Firstly, wow, what a city. I’m not sure what I expected, but boy did it beat all expectations.
We only spent two days in the city but we certainly made the most of our time there.
Washington D.C. is a beautiful city and remarkably clean. There were loads of tourists from all over the world, including loads of school groups.
Where to visit?
As Washington D.C. is most popular with history and politics groups, I would definitely recommend a visit to the US Capitol for a guided tour. It’s an important symbol for the American people and is steeped in rich history.
On your guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of the United States, the U.S. Congress and how the government’s formed and the importance of democracy to Americans.
Once inside, you’ll visit the Rotunda – a large, circular room located in the heart of the Capitol building. The Rotunda is full of historical paintings and sculptures representing important events and people in the nation’s history.
Where to eat?
Located two blocks south of the National Mall, L’Enfant Plaza is the perfect place for groups to grab a bite to eat during their busy day. With over 20 restaurants, groups have the option to visit again and again to try a variety of different cuisines. And next to the food court is a retail mall – in case you’re in need of some retail therapy or have some free time.
Ben’s Chili Bowl was also incredible and a great option if you’re after some really authentic chili, smokes and hot dogs.
And Pinstripes is a really great Italian American restaurant that serves some really nice pasta dishes and pizza.
Anywhere else we should check out?
If you've got time, I’d also highly recommend the Library of Congress, the International Spy Museum, the Museum of African American History and Culture, the Mansion on O Street, Arlington Cemetery.
We visited all of these on our trip, so feel free to get in touch if you’d like to chat about whether they’d be a good fit for your trip.
Where should we stay?
We checked out the Cambria Hotel, which is ideal for school groups. In the heart of the city, it’s within easy reach of all the main attractions including the White House, the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial.
Tom’s top tips for school trips to New York City
Where do you even begin with New York City? It really does have something for everyone, which is why it’s the perfect choice for school groups who want to visit the USA.
From the vibrant lights of Times Square to the grandeur of the architecture and the bustling markets, to the tranquillity of Central Park, New York is a city like no other and simply has to be seen to be believed.
Where to visit?
It’s so difficult to pick one, but I'd say my highlight of our trip to New York had to be the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and has taken pride of place in New York Harbor since 1886.
You’ll start your visit at Battery Park, where you’ll take a ferry across to Liberty Island. Once you dock, you just need to head straight for the audio guide pick-up point to collect your audio guide. Included in the ticket price, it’ll tell you all about the history of the statue as you make your way around various points of interest around the island.
Alongside the audio tour, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the panoramic views of the lower Manhattan skyline. This is the perfect place for a photo opp.
The Statue of Liberty Museum opened in 2019 and boasts three interactive galleries offering an immersive experience of the history of the statue, from inception through to designation. The museum also houses the original torch and a life-size replica of Lady Liberty’s face – which is a lot bigger than you’d think.
Moving on to Ellis Island Immigration Museum, this was a former immigration station and the gateway to the United States. Here, your group will explore the role that immigration has played in American history by following three immersive exhibitions following in the footsteps of over 12 million immigrants who arrived in New York City between 1892 and 1954. Audio guides are also available here.
Where to eat?
It’s difficult to pick just one standout eatery when quality food can literally be found on every corner in New York. However, my personal favourite (and the most popular among our groups) has to be Yard House. It boasts a prime location in Times Square, making it easily accessible for groups no matter where their day takes them.
Yard House offers a group menu with a variety of mains to choose from, including chicken bowls, mac & cheese, BBQ chicken burgers and more. They can also provide takeaway lunch boxes for groups that can be delivered to your hotel each day – super convenient.
Where else should we visit?
We also visited Little Island, Chelsea Market, the Highline, Top of the Rock and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, so if you’re interested in visiting any of these on your trip, drop me a line and I’ll be pleased to tell you more.
Where should we stay?
We visited a whopping 14 hotels during our time in New York as it’s important to have a good variety available for our groups in such a popular destination.
We visited a wide range of hotels, from the more cost-effective to higher-end options. The great thing about the US is that there's generally accommodation available to suit all budgets.
In New York, the hotels we work with are spread right across the city so, depending on the main focus of the trip, we can place you in a hotel that’s within budget and works well with your itinerary.
In New York, our most popular accommodation is the Freehand Hotel on Lexington Avenue. It has over 400 rooms with a variety of rooming options, including singles, twins, doubles and quads.
Because it has more than 44 quad rooms, it’s ideal for school groups looking for a more cost-effective option.
All rooms are fitted with wardrobes and fridges, as well as en-suite bathroom facilities. And quads have under-bed storage for luggage, lamps and charging points for each bed, a TV and safety deposit boxes.
In terms of breakfast, there are to-go options or breakfast can be delivered directly to the hotel.
Why visit New York and Washington D.C. on a school trip?
Whether you choose to visit both destinations individually, or combined into one trip, they’re both vastly different and offer something for everyone.
A visit to Washington D.C. will further your students’ history and politics knowledge, while a visit to New York will immerse your students in a city like no other.
Both are incredibly easy to navigate and, while the subway is easy and convenient, I’d recommend walking as much as possible, as you miss out on so much when you’re underground. But be prepared to walk some distance - we covered 83 miles and 156,000 steps over 8 days.
Ready to start planning your trip to New York and/or Washington D.C.?
Let’s start planning today. Request a quote or contact Tom for more information.
