Published on February 1st, 2012

The Experience Of A lifetime, Educational Travel Can Change your Life!

With an endless array of vacation options, travel can be many things- relaxing, exciting, enlightening, fun, even stressful. A vacation can leave you with nothing more than some photos or a tan, or it can be one of the most profound experiences of your life. So how can you make the most out of your travel time? Unlike a typical beach vacation or all-inclusive could be anywhere package, thoughtful, off-the beaten path Educational Travel can actually be life-changing. Educational travel at its best gives pause, allowing you to step back and examine not only the historical, cultural, biological, and academic aspects the place you are visiting, but also how all this relates to your life at home and your place in the world.

As a student, educational travel, when done right, takes you out of the classroom to learn about the world and yourself in the most powerful way possible. Meeting inspiring visionaries working for change in their communities and connecting in depth with the stories behind the language, culture, ecology, conservation, service (and more!) interwoven with active engagement can move students to discover their passions and can give direction to their future course of study or even career choices. From orienteering in the Andes, to learning a traditional cultural dance, to building a classroom to serve an indigenous school, students on Educational tours are challenged to try new things, learn new skills, grow, reflect, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

For families, inspiring Educational Travel can refresh and recharge, allowing for bonding and deep connections in ways not possible in hurried day-to-day life. Unplugging and sharing unique and enriching experiences during vacation time can bring families together, even far away from home. Somewhere between snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos to cooking a traditional meal with your homestay family in the Ecuadorean highlands, you will realize that educational travel has taught you more not just about your destination, but about each other, than you ever imagined. So whether you are thinking of joining a school trip or planning your next family vacation, the next time you think about travel, think about going beyond the ordinary for a life changing experience on an inspiring, exciting, and adventurous Educational Tour!

BIo: Crawford Hill is the owner and director of Chill Expeditions, an educational travel company focused on cultural immersion. An expedition leader, former biology teacher, and educational innovator, Hill has been guiding students and adults on wilderness adventures since 1974.