Brightspark Travel

05/24/2021

Let the world be your classroom! Discover how students can engage with diverse cultures while traveling, and learn about the impact ethnic groups have had on some of our favorite destinations.

https://bit.ly/37pwOvQ

Discover how diverse communities impacted major cities as we explore 5 ethnic neighborhoods in Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and more.

05/18/2021

Happy International Museum Day! Celebrate the day and take a virtual visit to museums listed in our partner resource database.

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

05/12/2021

Last week, we had an amazing and enlightening Teacher Appreciation Week (virtual) tour of the world! But the fun hasn't stopped. Our friends at WorldStrides are excited to share recordings of many of last week's sessions, so you can tour Venice by boat, hear about an astronaut's time in space, and much more!

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

05/09/2021

Every mother leaves her mark on history. Today, we celebrate all mothers across the globe, and remember some of the "Founding Mothers" of the United States. Happy Mother's Day! 💐 https://bit.ly/3aXoNjJ

Everyone knows the founding fathers. But what about the founding mothers of the U.S? Here are a few of the women who made distinct contributions that helped shape our country in its formative years.

05/07/2021

What a week of awesome activities for hard-working educators! Today’s Teacher Appreciation Week finale includes yoga at Chichén Itzá at 8am ET, a French baking lesson at 11am ET, an African dance experience at 12pm ET, and a Sangria & Spanish workshop at 4pm. Wrap up your week with a super fun international experience! https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

05/07/2021

It’s hard to top a Venice canal tour or the calming effects of Tai Chi, but we have more exciting experiences to come this Teacher Appreciation Week! Today at 10am ET, educators can tour a Tuscan Farm. And tomorrow, we have a jam-packed day, including yoga at Chichén Itzá, French baking, African dance, and Sangria & Spanish. Don’t miss your chance to sign up! https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

05/05/2021

So far this week, educators have traveled (virtually) to Mount Vernon, Madrid, New Orleans, and Space (kinda)! Today for Teacher Appreciation Week, you can experience the canals of Venice at 12pm ET, the songs of Broadway at 2pm ET, and Chinese Tai Chi at 8pm ET. Sign up for these experiences and more! https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

05/03/2021

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week we’re celebrating educators by providing virtual experiences around the world. Sign up today for experiences throughout the week like a tour of a Tuscan farm or yoga at Chichén Itzá. Today, you can have lunch with Astronaut Don Thomas at 12pm ET and try out Flamenco dancing! https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

05/01/2021

Monday marks the start of Teacher Appreciation week, and we want to give teachers amazing experiences from around the world...virtually! Monday kicks off with lunch with former Astronaut Don Thomas at 12pm ET. Then put on your dancing shoes at 3pm for a Flamenco dance lesson. Sign up for these and other amazing experiences here: https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

04/29/2021

Happy International Dance Day! Today, choreographers and performers around the world bring people together with performances and events.

Move to the beat with these inspiring theatre & dance itineraries!

International Dance Day was created in 1982 by UNESCO’s performing arts partner to celebrate the importance of dance. Each year, on April 29, choreographers and performers around the world bring people together with performances and events.

04/28/2021

Coming soon – A week of free Teacher Appreciation Week Events!

Our partners at WorldStrides are getting creative with global contacts and resources to provide you with a menu of free options that give you a well-earned break from routine and a fun escape to a different part of the world.

Flamenco in Spain. Yoga at Chichén Itzá. Cooking in New Orleans. Broadway dance workshop.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and there’s plenty more. Sign up for one or all of them!

Click the link below for the full schedule, including dates, times, and details on their roster of expert presenters: https://bit.ly/3tN4MDR

A BYO meal you won’t soon forget, NASA Astronaut Don Thomas hosts a discussion about his journey beyond Earth and the future of space exploration, food prep in space, plus what’s behind landing humans on Mars and the specific roles that teachers play today that will help enable it to happen in 2...

04/27/2021

Friday is International Jazz Day. Schools, artists, communities, and music enthusiasts will celebrate and learn about the genre's past and future.

Follow the history of jazz through these three cities, and share the joy of music with your ensemble!

International Jazz Day was created in 2011 by UNESCO to celebrate the role jazz plays in bringing people together. This Friday, schools, artists, communities, and music enthusiasts will celebrate and learn about the genre's past and future.

04/22/2021

Celebrate Earth Day and the great outdoors with these STEM tours. See how STEM trips can engage your students with their natural surroundings!

Our STEM destnations provide opportunities for students to get in touch with nature and engage with our planet's future at a wide variety of attractions.

04/19/2021

From Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry, one choir director keeps finding once-in-a-lifetime experiences for his young performance. Read about Andrew's previous trips and experience with his students.

Explore more success stories from group leaders.

Hear from Brightspark Group Leaders as they share their success stories and tips for engaging students and planning successful school trips. Download our testimonials.

04/16/2021

When students participate in a fundraiser, they learn essential business skills like teamwork, sales, and leadership.

Explore our resources to help you plan and execute successful fundraising events for your next class trip.

As a student travel company, we encourage group leaders to plan fundraisers to make school trips more affordable. Find resources to help you raise funds for your student tour.

04/12/2021

Our teammates at WorldStrides have created lessons and activities around central themes and popular attractions. They give teachers, students, and parents tools and resources to use in an online classroom or at home.

Browse their curriculum resources to inspire students.

Browse lesson plans and activities from our Curriculum & Academics teammates to keep students engaged in at-home, virtual, or in-person classrooms.

04/08/2021

Watch musicians and dancers from Auditorium Theatre perform from their homes with their At Home Series.

Explore more performing arts resources with our partner resource database.

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

04/06/2021

Did you know we're in the middle of National Library Week?

Get to know classic American authors and the cities they called home with these virtual resources from libraries and educational institutions across the country!

Get to know classic American authors and the cities they called home with these virtual resources from libraries and educational institutions across the country!

04/02/2021

Brightspark orange is in the air and the sun is setting on another week. 🌆

03/30/2021

Let the world be your classroom! Discover how students can engage with diverse cultures while traveling, and learn about the impact ethnic groups have had on some of our favorite destinations.

Discover how diverse communities impacted major cities as we explore 5 ethnic neighborhoods in Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and more.

03/29/2021

Engage and uplift all learners through arts education with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Browse performances, classroom lessons, and digital learning resources for all grade levels.

Explore more resources and tools from our partner resource database!

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

03/26/2021

Maps! Coloring! National Geographic Education! Kara enjoys the National Geographic Education resource because it provides hands-on classroom activities like printable maps and more.

Browse our partner resource database for additional tools to use while teaching.

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

03/25/2021

World Theatre Day is this Saturday! it was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute to honor theatre arts and artists' role in entertainment and culture?

Browse more facts about theatre and performing arts.

03/23/2021

We sat down with group leaders who shared their experiences planning TRIO trips with us. Travel veteran Tiffany opened up about her years partnering with Brightspark—and she shared her tips for successful travel!

TRIO travel veteran Tiffany opens up about her years partnering with Brightspark—and she shares her tips for successful travel!

03/18/2021

Are you excited to get back to travel in the future? Group Leader Scott is here to help with tips and advice. He led his first Brightspark trip in 1975! We recently sat down with him to hear his travel memories, trip planning tips, and the many lessons he's learned over 45 years on the road with us.

Group Leader Scott led his first Brightspark trip in 1975—at 23 years old! This past December, we sat down with him to hear his travel memories, trip planning tips, and the many lessons he's learned over 45 years on the road with us.

03/17/2021

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀 the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in America? The parade took place in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.

Explore more interesting facts about the holiday.

Who was the real St. Patrick? Was that legend about the snakes true? And why did so many St. Patrick's Day traditions start in America?

03/15/2021

Mary, on our team, enjoys the Smithsonian's History Explorer resource because it is a neat way to show artifacts from the museums. It helps get students excited about art and history once we’re back to travel!

Browse more resources and tools from our travel partners!

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

03/12/2021

Sunshine meets science in central Florida! Access virtual, educational, and fun activities from Orlando Science Center.

Get the latest news and updates from the Orlando Science Center blog! Enjoy experiments and maker projects you can try at home, science trends, and more!

03/11/2021

We sat down with group leaders who shared their experiences planning TRIO trips with us. Anthony talks about what led him to work with a tour operator, the collaborative trip planning process, and the benefits of having a travel partner on the road.

Last fall, we sat down with two Group Leaders who shared their experiences planning TRIO trips with Brightspark. First up, newcomer Anthony talks about what led him to work with a tour operator, the collaborative trip planning process, and the benefits of having a travel partner on the road. Keep re...

03/10/2021

Tour consultant, Kris, enjoys the Broadway Teaching Group resource because it brings a theatre clinician right into your home or classroom.

Browse our partner resource database for additional tools!

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

03/05/2021

, the Boston Massacre occurred. Many historians credit the events of the day, and the aftermath, as a catalyst for the American Revolution.

Explore student travel destinations where the Revolutionary War and the birth of the nation come to life.

https://travel.brightsparktravel.com/american-revolution-student-travel

Did you know tomorrow is the anniversary of the Boston Massacre? On March 5, 1770, a confrontation between colonists and a British soldier ended in bloody violence. Many historians credit the events of the day, and the aftermath, as a catalyst for the American Revolution as colonists increasingly op...

03/04/2021

Today is Marching Music Day! Let's celebrate performers of all backgrounds bringing us music in motion.

"March fourth" to the rhythm with these inspiring student travel destinations!

https://travel.brightsparktravel.com/marching-music-day-2021

Established by Drum Corps International, Marching Music Day is when we celebrate performers of all backgrounds bringing us music in motion.

03/02/2021

Senior Travel Specialist Matt enjoys the Virtual DC Museum Exhibits, Arlington Cemetery, and Virtual NYC Tours because they help get students excited about their trips once we’re back to travel!

Browse more resources and tools from our travel partners!

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

02/27/2021

TRIO directors and staff: Thank you for your hard work supporting and inspiring students! We’re proud to work beside you on and every day!

02/25/2021

Cathy on our team enjoys using the Talking About Race resource because it is thought-provoking and has good suggestions for starting discussions that can be difficult to approach.

Browse our partner resource database for additional resources and tools.

Browse hundreds of curriculum resources, lesson plans, and more virtual tours from student travel partners & destinations across a wide range of subjects.

02/22/2021

Music teachers: Check out these performing arts webinars from our teammates at WorldStrides Performing Arts. Become inspired with sessions that provide advice, discussion, and connection within the music education community.

Sign up today for free online sessions providing real-world advice from industry leaders and thoughtful discussion with colleagues.

02/18/2021

TRIO Directors: click through to access our webinar recording and get answers to top questions when planning your next trip! See where other groups are traveling, get tips from colleagues who have led trips, and learn how planning early makes your budget go even further.

https://www.brightsparktravel.com/student-travel/educational-tours-trio

Let Brightspark plan your next TRIO college tour. With almost 20 years experience planning TRIO tours, we know what you need to inspire learning. Request a TRIO trip quote today.

02/16/2021

Powerful individuals weren’t always the ones powering the Civil Rights Movement. “On the contrary, many grassroots organizations and behind-the-scenes leaders mobilized throughout the South, eventually thrusting these now-historic figures into the spotlight.”

We recently partnered with our teammates at WorldStrides on a blog post shedding light on some of these unsung heroes.

When you think of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-twentieth century, you likely picture Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and other iconic figures. This Black History Month, take a closer look at some of the unsung, everyday heroes and community organizations who fought fo...

02/15/2021

Band directors: Did you know that aside from our Outback Bowl Music Festival, we now have access to 6 more Bowl Games and Parades thanks to our teammates at WorldStrides Performing Arts? Find out which trip is right for you, and step into the spotlight next winter!

Give your marching band the chance to perform and compete at bowl games and parades in top student travel destinations.