Educational travel companies focus on providing meaningful travel experiences that enhance learning through direct engagement with different cultures and environments. These companies often specialize in student-oriented travel, targeting school groups, educators, and young adults seeking immersion in foreign societies. They mostly organize trips that blend education with adventure, offering programs in areas like community service, language learning, and cultural exchanges. The industry is evolving, becoming more tech-savvy with virtual ventures and sustainability initiatives as important methods. Encouraging curiosity and education through travel drives this industry's potential for growth and innovation in the years ahead.


The companies listed here represent a range of educational travel providers from across the United States. They vary in size, with some employing over 1,000 staff while others have smaller teams dedicated to personalized travel. Founded between 1950 and 2019, these organizations headquartered in locales like Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York offer various specializations. Their services focus on customized tours and programs aimed at students and groups, including hands-on experiences, cultural exchanges, and educational adventures, ensuring that every trip serves a deeper purpose.


Continue reading to discover the standout educational travel companies in the US.


Top 15 Educational Travel Companies in the US


1. WorldStrides

  • Website: worldstrides.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 68%, Mexico 16%, United Kingdom (UK) 4%, Other 12%
  • Latest funding: November 2017
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: worldstrides

WorldStrides, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is an educational travel provider that has been operational since 1967. The company specializes in creating enriching travel experiences for students and educational institutions. Their offerings include study abroad programs, language immersion, service-learning opportunities, career exploration, performing arts, and sports travel. WorldStrides aims to enhance educational outcomes through real-world exposure and cultural immersion. The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that its programs are not only educational but also ethically sound. With a workforce of approximately 1,800 employees, WorldStrides has a significant presence in the educational travel industry, catering to a global audience.


2. Rustic Pathways

  • Website: rusticpathways.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mentor, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 29%, Costa Rica 16%, Thailand 12%, Other 43%
  • Latest funding: Seed, $6.0M, June 2019
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: rustic-pathways

Rustic Pathways, based in Mentor, Ohio, is a student travel agency that specializes in providing enriching travel experiences for students aged 12-22. Founded in 1983, the company has developed a reputation for offering programs that focus on cultural immersion, community service, and adventure. With a presence in over 50 countries, Rustic Pathways aims to promote personal growth and learning through travel. Their programs are designed to foster structured independence, allowing students to explore new cultures while ensuring their safety through rigorous protocols. The company has received $6 million in funding as of June 2019, which supports its ongoing initiatives and expansion in the educational travel sector. Rustic Pathways also emphasizes the importance of community impact, integrating service projects into their itineraries, thereby enhancing the educational value of their travel experiences.


3. ACIS Educational Tours

  • Website: acis.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 68%, United Kingdom (UK) 14%, France 11%, Other 7%
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: acis

ACIS Educational Tours, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private company that specializes in educational travel services. Founded in 1978, ACIS has been dedicated to providing customizable tours for students and educators, focusing on enhancing learning and cultural exposure through travel. The company caters to teachers, students, and parents, offering a range of travel experiences designed to enrich educational journeys. ACIS supports educators by assisting in the planning and execution of educational trips, ensuring a strong emphasis on safety and educational value. With a workforce of approximately 364 employees, ACIS operates primarily in the United States, with a notable presence in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Their extensive portfolio includes over 200 customizable itineraries, which are designed to meet various educational objectives. The company also emphasizes the importance of student engagement and safety, providing resources and support throughout the travel process.


4. Grand Classroom

  • Website: grandclassroom.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: grand-classroom

Grand Classroom, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is an educational travel agency that has been operating since 2002. The company focuses on creating customized travel experiences for students and teachers, facilitating trips to national parks, historic cities, and various international destinations. Their approach prioritizes safety and educational enrichment, ensuring that each trip provides significant learning opportunities. Grand Classroom also offers travel insurance options and donation mechanisms to assist students in funding their trips. With a dedicated team of travel experts, the company guides schools through the planning process, making it easier for educators to organize meaningful travel experiences for their students. Their commitment to educational travel is evident in their tailored services and extensive destination offerings.


5. Travel For Teens

  • Website: travelforteens.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 83%, Costa Rica 17%
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: travel-for-teens

Travel For Teens, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a private travel agency founded in 2003. The company specializes in youth travel programs, offering a variety of educational and cultural experiences tailored for middle and high school students. Their programs are designed to foster personal growth and cultural understanding through community service, language immersion, and cultural exploration. With a focus on providing safe and enriching travel opportunities, Travel For Teens has established itself as a notable entity in the educational travel industry. They have received multiple awards for their commitment to youth travel, emphasizing their dedication to creating meaningful experiences for young travelers. The company operates with a team of experienced professionals who ensure that each trip is not only educational but also enjoyable and memorable for participants.


6. Adventure Student Travel LLC


Adventure Student Travel LLC, based in Kirksville, Missouri, is a private travel agency that has been operating since 1998. The company specializes in educational tours and graduation trips tailored for students. With a team of dedicated group travel coordinators, Adventure Student Travel designs customized itineraries that cater to the specific needs of schools and student groups. Their offerings include a wide array of destinations across the United States, focusing on educational experiences that enhance learning outside the classroom. The company has built a reputation for providing memorable adventures that combine fun with education, making them a notable player in the educational travel industry.


7. Global Works | Travel with Purpose

  • Website: globalworkstravel.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lafayette, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 30%, Costa Rica 30%, Spain 30%, Other 11%
  • Latest funding: August 2010
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: global-works-travel-with-purpose

Global Works | Travel with Purpose is a travel agency based in Lafayette, Colorado, that has been operating since 1990. The company specializes in providing community service and cultural exchange programs primarily for high school and middle school students. Their offerings include a variety of travel experiences that focus on service learning, language immersion, and adventure activities. Global Works aims to instill a passion for service work and humanitarian efforts among young travelers, helping them understand social, economic, and cultural inequalities. The company partners with local communities and non-profit organizations worldwide to co-develop sustainable projects that benefit both travelers and host communities. With a dedicated team of former educators and trip leaders, Global Works emphasizes safety, authentic travel experiences, and impactful service. They have built a solid reputation in the educational travel sector, focusing on personal transformation and global citizenship.


8. Educational Discovery Tours


Educational Discovery Tours, based in Reno, Nevada, is a private travel agency that has been operating since 1975. With a team of 23 employees, the company specializes in creating educational travel programs and custom group tours tailored for schools, educators, and various organizations. Their services include meticulous planning and logistics management for student trips, ensuring that each journey is both smooth and enriching. Over the years, Educational Discovery Tours has developed a reputation for organizing well-structured trips that enhance learning experiences outside the classroom. They cater to a range of educational needs, from performance tours for music groups to historical tours in significant locations like Washington D.C. and California. Their commitment to providing quality educational experiences makes them a notable player in the educational travel industry.


9. Educational Travel Adventures

  • Website: etadventures.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Freehold Township, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: educational-travel-adventures

Educational Travel Adventures (ETA) is a private educational travel company based in Freehold Township, New Jersey, established in 1991. With a dedicated team of approximately 37 employees, ETA specializes in crafting customized travel experiences for students, primarily targeting schools and educational institutions. Their services include a variety of educational tours, performance tours, and faculty-led programs, all aimed at enriching students' educational journeys through immersive travel experiences. Over the years, ETA has facilitated thousands of student trips across various destinations, including North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The company prides itself on its ability to tailor trips to meet specific educational goals, ensuring that each program is not just a trip, but a meaningful learning opportunity. ETA's focus on real-world experiences positions it as a significant player in the educational travel sector, making it a relevant choice for schools looking to enhance their curriculum through travel.


10. ARCC Programs (Adventures Cross Country)


ARCC Programs (Adventures Cross Country) is a family-owned travel program provider based in the United States, specifically Bend, Oregon. Established in 1983, the company specializes in immersive summer and gap year programs tailored for teens. With a focus on cultural immersion and experiential learning, ARCC offers a range of programs that allow students to engage deeply with the communities they visit. Their offerings include 18 unique summer programs and multiple gap year options, covering various international and domestic locations. The company is dedicated to fostering personal growth and community engagement through meaningful travel experiences. ARCC also emphasizes social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that their programs have a positive impact on both participants and the destinations they explore. They have not reported any funding, indicating a stable, self-sustaining business model.


11. Academic Travel Abroad

  • Website: academic-travel.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1950
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: academic-travel-abroad

Academic Travel Abroad (ATA) is a private educational travel provider based in Washington, D.C., with a history dating back to 1950. The company specializes in crafting unique travel experiences for organizations, particularly universities and cultural institutions. ATA offers a range of services, including program development, guest services, and event management, all aimed at enhancing educational and cultural enrichment. They have built a solid reputation by partnering with notable organizations such as The New York Times and the Smithsonian Institution, facilitating group travel programs that are both informative and engaging. ATA operates two public-facing brands: CET Academic Programs, which focuses on study abroad opportunities for students, and Professionals Abroad, which connects mid-career professionals through international exchanges. The company is committed to sustainability, actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. With a dedicated team and a wealth of experience, ATA continues to adapt and innovate in the educational travel industry, ensuring that their programs meet the evolving needs of their partners and travelers.


12. Brightspark Travel USA

  • Website: brightsparktravel.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 83%, Canada 17%
  • Latest funding: November 2019
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: brightspark-travel-inc

Brightspark Travel USA, based in Chicago, Illinois, is an educational travel company that specializes in organizing custom educational and performance tours for students. Established in 1969, Brightspark has built a reputation for creating tailored itineraries that enhance learning experiences through travel. They cater to educators, group leaders, and students, offering a variety of tours focused on education, arts, and culture. Their services include planning trips to significant historical sites, cultural capitals, and performance venues, ensuring that students gain hands-on experiences that complement their academic studies. Brightspark emphasizes safety and security, conducting strict audits and providing 24/7 support for travelers. With a dedicated team of former educators as tour consultants, they understand the unique needs of educational groups, making them a reliable partner for schools and organizations seeking enriching travel experiences.


13. Academic Expeditions, Inc.


Academic Expeditions, Inc. is a private educational travel company based in New York City, established in 2003. The firm specializes in creating customizable field trips and educational expeditions for students, primarily serving schools and educational institutions. They manage all logistical aspects of travel, allowing educators to concentrate on delivering educational content. The company emphasizes safety, offering a multi-level safety network and comprehensive travel protection policies. Their programs are designed to meet school curriculum guidelines, ensuring that the educational experiences provided are both enriching and aligned with academic standards. Academic Expeditions has built a reputation for excellent customer service, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews from educators who appreciate their flexibility and responsiveness. They are also members of several professional organizations, which further solidifies their standing in the educational travel industry.


14. Passports Educational Travel

  • Website: passports.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 71%, Greece 14%, United Kingdom (UK) 14%
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: passports-inc-

Passports Educational Travel, based in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a private company founded in 1992. With a team of approximately 42 employees, the company specializes in customizable group tours tailored for students and teachers. They provide a range of services that include educational tours, travel protection plans, and flexible payment options, primarily targeting educational institutions and organizations. Over the years, Passports has organized tens of thousands of group tours, focusing on destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, and Costa Rica. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their partnerships with educators across the United States, ensuring that travel experiences are not only enjoyable but also educational. The company has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustained operational model.


15. Atlas Obscura

  • Website: atlasobscura.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 92%, Greece 4%, Canada 4%
  • Latest funding: Crowdfunding, $3.9M, February 2024
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: atlas-obscura

Atlas Obscura, founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, is a travel company that curates unique trips, experiences, and educational courses centered around hidden wonders across the globe. With a team of approximately 100 employees, the company caters to adventurous travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and learn about various cultures. Atlas Obscura operates through a combination of storytelling and curated travel experiences, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the places they visit. The company has received funding amounting to approximately $3.86 million, reflecting its growth and the interest in its unique approach to travel. Their offerings include small group trips, online courses, and a wealth of articles and stories that enrich the travel experience, making them a notable player in the educational travel industry.



Educational Travel Insights: Key Companies in the US


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
WorldStridesCharlottesville, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-50001967Private Equity
Rustic PathwaysMentor, Ohio, United States (USA)201-5001983Venture Capital
ACIS Educational ToursBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-2001978Private
Grand ClassroomCharlottesville, Virginia, United States (USA)11-502002Private
Travel For TeensWayne, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)11-502003Private
Adventure Student Travel LLCKirksville, Missouri, United States (USA)11-501998Private
Global Works | Travel with PurposeLafayette, Colorado, United States (USA)51-2001990Corporate
Educational Discovery ToursReno, Nevada, United States (USA)11-501975Private
Educational Travel AdventuresFreehold Township, New Jersey, United States (USA)11-501991Private
ARCC Programs (Adventures Cross Country)United States (USA)51-2001983Family Owned
Academic Travel AbroadWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)51-2001950Private
Brightspark Travel USAChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)51-2001969Corporate
Academic Expeditions, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)11-502003Private
Passports Educational TravelWorcester, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-501992Private
Atlas ObscuraBrooklyn, New York, United States (USA)51-2002009Venture Capital


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