How we offer more for less
As the domestic tour operator of EF Education First, Smithsonian Student Travel is part of the world’s largest private education company that has been helping teachers engage their students outside of the classroom for more than 40 years. EF has helped millions of students participate in school trips, and our volume buying power means that we can negotiate the best deals and pass those savings on to you. Plus, unlike other large companies, we never work through agents so we have direct control over the product we offer our customers.
Use this comparison checklist to make sure you are getting the most complete package from your student group operator!
We publish all of our prices online
We’re proud of our low prices and publish all of our Program Fees – unlike other group travel operators. Find a tour and compare prices.
Groups of all sizes save
Whether you’re a group of 10 or 110, your students will benefit from our low prices. We reward larger groups with our group size bonus and we combine smaller groups of students with similar travel dates and destinations to ensure that every traveler gets the most affordable school trip.
Earn more free spots and safer ratios
We offer flexible student-to-adult ratios, and we suggest teachers travel with a 10 to 1 ratio. We surpass the industry standard by giving you one free spot for every 10 paying travelers and cash back for unused free spots. You can give a free spot to a chaperone who joins your trip at no cost or offer the free spot to a student who cannot afford the trip.
Teachers travel free
We recognize your dedication. That’s why teachers always travel free with Smithsonian Student Travel. We also offer the best teacher rewards program in the group travel industry, including teacher convention tours, gift and travel rewards, and more.
All-inclusive school trips, no hidden costs
Our group travel is all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs when you take a school trip with Smithsonian Student Travel.
Your affordable program fee includes:
- One chaperone space for every 10 students
- Safe and reliable transportation using only major U.S. airlines, or privately chartered motorcoaches
- Comfortable hotels with overnight professional security
- Hearty breakfasts and satisfying dinners
- Licensed guides at most major sites
- 24-hour expert tour director handling all the logistics on tour
- Visits to special attractions
- Educational materials created by the Smithsonian
- Smithsonian membership
- Medical and accident coverage
- $15 million liability policy
FREE Smithsonian Membership for teachers
Our group leaders become members of the Smithsonian Institution. All group leaders receive the following: