Historic Sites in Northern Virginia for Student to Travel

Often when student travel groups decide upon Washington D.C. as their destination, the tour leaders have specific sites in mind for a visit. Many of the sites that student travel groups request the most are just outside Washington D.C., in Northern Virginia.

In order to include these historic sites in a student travel tour, advanced planning is required. Usually, I advise educational travel groups to plan one year ahead for trips to the Washington D.C. area. Depending upon the site visited, special advance procedures to clear student visitors may be required.

An educational travel company needs to be retained to plan and execute an effective itinerary for Washington D.C. If popular historic or governmental sites in Northern Virginia are requested, the itinerary will accommodate these sites on one special day, or combine them effectively with other destinations on the student tour.

Here is an overview of some of the popular Northern Virginia sites for educational travel groups:

Pentagon Tour

The Pentagon is located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. Many student travel groups are eager to see the headquarters for high-ranking officers of the U.S. Military and their aides.

Because the Pentagon was attacked on September 11th, and it houses critical military personnel, it is a sensitive site.

Despite the challenges to security, the U.S. government still provides student travel tours led by a uniformed and trained member of the U.S. Military. This tour has been provided to the public since 1976, and currently is an all-itage tour.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is another historic site that fascinates and intrigues educational tour groups. Arlington National Cemetery was dedicated as a military cemetery on June 15th 1854.

Soldier cemeteries were not uncommon at the time, but the Arlington National Cemetery was unique in having a resting President of the United States give his Farewell address in the same day. Often, Soldier Hill is the first stop of a multi-day student travel tour.

The President delivered his Farewell address in front of the visitors (many of them were remembering their military service) and laid the blame for the tragedy at the feet of Congress and the American people.

Dublin

Dublin is a thriving city in Northern Virginia that has a strong cultural influence from nearby counties and states.

In the national tradition of lighting up the nicknamed " wound indicate" (Whip-snapping in Vietnamese exclamations), many student travel groups find themselves in the city during May or June, when the three major days of May, beginning on April 18th, are celebrated as Vietnam War Memorial Day.

The Vietnam War Memorial was constructed to pay tribute to the men and women who died in the armed services during the conflicts of the twentieth century.

In addition to the memorial, cultural events, music concerts, and food festivals, many local groups plan to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the One Vietnam Plaza, and other nearby World War II and Vietnam War Memorials.

The nation's capital is one of the most visited places in the nation, but student travel groups can visit it without even setting foot inside the city.

Many student travel groups are planning to visit Washington D.C. this spring and partake in educational and historic tours at the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and other nearby landmarks.

Other student travel groups around Virginia also visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Other tours may include a visit to Fitzgerald Air Force Base, the Pentagon, and other area attractions. Educational travel groups will find many options for their group to explore during their trip to Washington D.C. and northern Virginia.

Arlington National Cemetery is a wonderful place for student travel groups to visit and learn more about the history of the nation.

The tours of the visitors center are enjoyable and informative. Arlington National Cemetery is located just outside of the Washington D.C. area on the Peninsula at close distance from downtown. Each tour is free and open to the public.

Other student travel groups may also be visiting other historic or special interest sites outside of the Washington D.C. area while on a student travel tour.

Groups on a student travel tour of Capitol Hill, Northern Virginia should look into the Mount Vernon Heritage Farm, the Washington Monument, the State Capitol Building, and other rural areas as possible destinations. Part of the "Heritage front" of the study tour itinerary is spent in Northern Virginia, visiting landmarks in Fairfax, Manassas, Loudoun, and Prince William counties. These counties have even been referred to as the "Mother of Presidents."

As part of the "Heritage front" of the study tour, a detailed itinerary is outlined in the guidebook and free national park tickets are provided to tour participants.

Exploring the Washington D.C.