Are your students studying civil rights? Then you cannot miss the opportunity to take them on a school trip to Atlanta!
School trips to the USA are increasingly popular and surprisingly affordable. Your students will love exploring a country that they will in many ways be familiar with, thanks to TV and films, but may not have had the opportunity to visit.
Whatever your subject, a school trip to the USA is one that your students will never forget, making it the perfect option for inspiring in them a passion for your subject.
Read more
Why visit the USA?
The influential culture
School trips to the United States are always a hit with students because American culture is so far-reaching. Your students will have grown up watching American films and TV programmes and listening to American music. So if you’re looking for a school trip to inspire performing arts or media studies students, then the USA could be the perfect answer!
Why not discover the history of American music on a school tour of the South, from Nashville to New Orleans? Or learn more about the media in North America on a trip to Los Angeles?
And you can even explore the American fashion industry and art scene on a school trip to New York City.
The huge choice of destinations
The hardest thing about a school trip to America is choosing which of its incredible cities to base your group in.
New York is a city that always makes a great impression on students of almost any subject and, being on the East Coast also offers some of the shortest flight times.
Also on the East Coast, Washington D.C. really is a must for any groups interested in the history or politics of the USA.
In the South, you could choose to visit Atlanta, where your students will have the opportunity to explore the civil rights movement and its most famous figures. Or take a tour of some of the most important cities in the South, such as Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, where your students will learn more about the country’s musical heritage.
And don’t forget about the West Coast, where you can choose to experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles or learn more about the USA’s fascinating geography in San Francisco.
The perfect destination for any school trip
America is a huge, diverse country and this is reflected in the variety of educational opportunities it offers for school trips.
New York City offers educational opportunities for most subjects, including food technology, business studies, maths and religious studies.
Perhaps you want your students to see science in action on a science school trip to Orlando, where you’ll explore the physics of rollercoasters and learn more about space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center?
Why not head out west to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park to explore the USA’s spectacular geography? The possibilities are almost endless, which also makes the USA a great choice for cross-curricular trips.
We’ll tailor your trip to meet your specific learning requirements so, whatever the motivation for your educational tour to America, we’ll ensure that your learning objectives are supported by a well-designed itinerary.
Browse our trips
Political History & Civil Rights School Trip to Atlanta
School Media Studies Trip to Los Angeles
Inspire your media studies students with a school trip to Los Angeles, where they'll explore all that Hollywood has to offer!
£999PP
School Performing Arts Trip to Los Angeles
Known as the 'Creative Capital of the World', Los Angeles is the perfect setting for your next performing arts school trip!
£1099PP
Political History & Civil Rights School Trip to New York
Explore the diversity of New York and how various communities have affected the city's politics on your school trip to New York!
£1249PP
School Art Trip to New York
Looking for the ultimate art school trip to inspire your students? Look no further than the Big Apple - New York City!
£1249PP
School Business Studies Trip to New York
Considered the world's premier financial centre, where better than New York for business students?
£1249PP
School Performing Arts Trip to New York
Explore the incredible theatrical scene around Broadway on your unforgettable performing arts school trip to New York!
£1249PP
School Media Studies Trip to New York
Explore film and TV locations and visit working studios on your unforgettable media studies school trip to New York!
£1249PP
School Fashion Trip to New York
One of the world's major fashion capitals, a school trip to New York will be an unforgettable experience for your students!
£1249PP
- 1
- 2
- 3
Activities in USA that your school group will love
Guggenheim New York
The original Guggenheim museum, conceived by Solomon Guggenheim in 1937 as an exhibition space for twentieth-century art, is a must
Financial District Walking Tour
This four hour guided walking tour, weavestogether history, events, architecture and the people of Downtown - the birthplace of New
Broadway Workshops
We can arrange a selection of Broadway related workshops from the Audition Process, Singing and Choreography, Stage Combat as well
Alcatraz Cruises
Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that
Kennedy Space Center
Just 45 minutes from Orlando, NASA’s headquarters is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.
Universal Studios
You’re the star at Universal Studios, the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world. At this
Smithsonian Institution
The world's largest museum complex and research organization is composed of 19 museums, 9 research centres and the National Zoo.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial stands at the west end of the National Mall as a neoclassical monument to the 16th President.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular sight and not to be missed on any trip to Utah. The name
NatureBridge Yosemite
NatureBridge Yosemite gives your students the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, among the stunning surroundings of Yosemite National Park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is surrounded by the towering cliffs andis known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows, which attract
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., chronicles
Space Center U
Get closer to outer space at Space Center U.
Baybrook Mall
Enjoy a spot of retail therapy at Baybrook Mall.
Kemah Boardwalk
Take a stroll along the Kemah Boardwalk to enjoy waterfront restaurants and thrilling rollercoasters.
Indoor Skydiving Houston
Enjoy an indoor skydiving session - and explore the science behind your flight.
Galveston Oil Rig Tour
Discover the science and technology behind offshore drilling in Galveston Harbor.
Where to visit in USA
Atlanta
A school trip to Atlanta offers your students the exciting opportunity to explore the Deep South!
Atlanta school trips are most popular with political history groups studying the civil rights movement. Atlanta was an important city for the civil rights movement and was home to Martin Luther King Jr. and many other key figures who fought for desegregation and racial equality.
Los Angeles
A school trip to Los Angeles will provide your students with the exciting opportunity to experience the glamour of Hollywood!
Los Angeles school trips are a great option for both media studies and performing arts groups. There are many exciting activities to enjoy here, including being part of a live studio audience and taking a tour of the Sony Pictures Studios.
New York
A trip to New York is an unforgettable experience for any student and one that will be remembered forever.
New York is a great destination for many different subjects, including art, business studies, design and technology, fashion, food technology, maths, media studies, performing arts, politics and religious studies. And with so many options, it's ideal for cross-curricular tours too!
Orlando Florida
School trips to Orlando, Florida are an incredible, unforgettable option for any science group!
If you're looking for a school trip that will inspire your young scientists, Orlando will take some beating. Visits here can include the Kennedy Space Center, as well as STEM workshops offered by some of the theme parks Orlando is famous for.
San Francisco
School trips to San Francisco are a hugely exciting option for geography groups!
With its history of devastating earthquakes, San Francisco is the perfect option for any group interested in how populations in seismically active areas can prepare for earthquakes and prevent damage. And a school trip to San Francisco also offers the opportunity to visit Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon
A school trip to the Grand Canyon offers your students the unmissable opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating landscapes on Earth!
Grand Canyon school trips are very popular with geography school groups who come here to find out how physical processes have affected land formation in the area. You can also visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Washington DC
School trips to Washington D.C. are ideal for any politics group interested in US political history!
Your students will love this opportunity to explore how the US federal system works. They'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. And they'll deepen their understanding of the civil rights movement.
New Orleans
School trips to New Orleans are an exciting opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history and diverse culture of the USA!
Ideal for performing arts groups keen to explore the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is a fantastic choice of destination for any history or politics groups learning about slavery or the American Civil War too.
Nashville
A school trip to Nashville offers your students the exciting opportunity to discover America’s musical heritage!
Nashville school trips are really popular with performing arts groups who want to learn more about the USA’s incredible musical history. One of the highlights will be a visit to the studios where Elvis first recorded.
Houston
Inspire the next generation of rocket scientists on a school trip to Houston.
Your STEM school trip to Houston will give your students the chance to see behind-the-scenes at NASA, take part in exciting engineering-based activities and get a taste of Texas.
Learn more
07 Jun 2024
Exploring New York and Washington D.C.
Some of our team have just got back from New York and Washington D.C. Check out their top tips here.
10 Jul 2024
Five Free Activities to Enjoy in New York City
Here's 5 of the best free activities to enjoy while in New York to make the most of your trip.
18 Feb 2020
5 Interesting Facts For Your School Trip to New York!
Zoe Campbell, Halsbury Travel's Head of Long-Haul Tours, knows New York inside out! Here are her top 5 interesting facts about one of her favourite cities!
21 May 2019
Alex and Zoe's American Adventure
Here Alex tells us about his and Zoe's trip to New York and Washington DC.
Why choose Halsbury?
We build your trip around you
Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.
Contact usWe’re trusted for a reason
We’re members of ABTA, ABTOT and the School Travel Forum. We also hold an ATOL and the LOtC Quality Badge.
Read moreOur Education specialists
Laura Lucas
Tour Consultant
Paul Hudson
Tour Consultant
Laura Martin
Language Sales & Product Manager
Emma Gray da Silva
Tour Consultant
Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be.
FAQs
I can't see the exact destination I want to visit in the US, does this mean you can't help me?
Definitely not. The destinations featured on this page are our most popular trips to the USA.
However, we have great relationships with suppliers across America, so there shouldn't be any problem for us to arrange whatever it is you want to do. Just get in touch and we'll see what we can do for you.
And remember, all the trips featured here are examples of what can be achieved - your itinerary will be totally tailored to you, you can go for longer or shorter durations and you can do different activities. Just let us know what you want to achieve with your school trip to the USA and we'll make it happen.
Do my students need a visa to visit the USA?
To travel to the USA on a school trip, you will usually require a Electronic System for Travel Auuthorisation (ESTA) visa waiver. This can be applied for online and costs $14. There may be different requirements for members of your group travelling on a non-British passport. You can find out more on the [US state department website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html).
Do you offer travel insurance?
We do. Travel insurance is an optional extra and you can find out more about it in our travel insurance resource (which includes the policy documents and FAQs).
If you decide against arranging this insurance through us (which is absolutely fine, by the way), please just remember you must have suitable travel and medical insurance to cover your group.
Can the trip itinerary be adapted to my curriculum and requirements?
Every single trip we arrange is tailor-made, so yes, the itinerary can be adapted.
Our Tour Advisers and Itinerary Coordinators are all experienced school travel specialists. They'll work closely with you to make sure your itinerary supports your learning objectives. They'll be able to offer suggestions and advice to make sure you make the most of your time.
So, when you're browsing through our school trips, just remember that the itineraries and activities you see are there for inspiration only - your own itinerary can look as similar or as different as you want.
Equally, we've suggested trip durations based on what groups usually request - if you want to go for a shorter or longer duration, just let us know.
How far ahead should I be planning my trip to the USA?
So, generally, we recommend 12-18 months to plan any school trip. This just means all the key tasks are spread out a bit so you don't get totally overwhelmed (after all, you're already extremely busy), and parents have plenty of time to pay for the trip.
And we've put together a useful resource explaining the key events in a school trip planning timeline if that helps.
For any long-haul destination, like the USA, we definitely recommend planning your trip as early as possible. For one thing, it will be more expensive than a trip to Europe, so you do need to give parents a bit more time to pay for it.
If you do want to travel sooner than this and you're sure that students' families will be able to pay for the trip comfortably in that timeframe, we can certainly arrange this for you, so just get in touch. Just note that availability will be more limited and prices may be a little higher (although where we see opportunities to keep costs down, we'll certainly point them out to you).
What accommodation options are available in the USA?
As you'd expect, a wide variety of accommodation options are available in the USA. It will largely depend on where you want to go as to what exactly is available.
But rest assured that wherever you go, we'll only suggest accommodation we believe to be suitable for school groups, as we're an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum and have a rigorous Safety Management System in place.
Let's chat!