If Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, the Smithsonian Institution is its museum. Founded by British scientist James Smithson (1765–1829) for the “increase and diffusion” of knowledge in a bequest to the United States, the Smithsonian contains more than 142 million items in its collection.

Student group travelers seeking the ultimate New York City experience can now add Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center to their list. Reopened in November 2005, Top of the Rock welcomes visitors to a unique venue, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Whether you're interested in music or history, Nashville, Tennessee is rich in educational opportunities for student groups traveling to the region. While students are learning a lot in Music City, they're going to learn about Music City at the same time.

Old World charm, and a modern style all its own are trademarks of Montreal, Canada. Here, the old lives alongside the new, comfortably creating a unique experience for student group travelers with an interest in history, culture, or just wanting to sharpen their French language skills in North America's largest bilingual city.

You have planned a school trip and want all of the eligible students to participate. This is a common goal and many school sponsors are using fundraising as a means of achieving it. I recommend you select a reputable fundraising company with a proven track record.

For educators, nothing is more meaningful in student group travel than seeing a student connect with a new culture through a cultural immersion program. Rich destinations such as San Antonio, Costa Rica or the Yucatan Peninsula provide opportunities for student groups to experience the wonders of these countries while learning about their language and the local customs.

Arguably one of the most distinctive places to visit while in Washington, D.C., is the White House, the official residence of the president of the United States and the seat of executive power for the nation.

Whether it began as a scientific experiment or an intriguing sociological test, Biosphere 2 is an impressive world-renowned structure. The 3.5-acre facility, located in Oracle, AZ just north of Tucson, was originally built to serve as an artificial ecological system, but has become an ideal attraction for student group travelers with an avid interest in technology and science.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, located in Chicago, gives teachers a unique educational travel experience that's bound to delight and inspire. Opened in 1999 as part of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is part of the legacy of naturalist Robert Kennicott, who founded the Academy in 1857.

Chicago has museums which are educational and cultural landmarks. If you are planning a student outing or field trip in Chicago, then these great museums should be on your list of places to visit. Here is a brief guide to three of the most important museums in Chicago.