In a classroom, one might be compelled to study. But they say the whole world is just a giant classroom and learning is ceaseless! While an educational trip can be to any part of the world, some cities remain all-time favourites, with an ideal mix of some of the world’s best learning centres and leisure activities.

London

Centuries of leadership in literature, science as well as political and colonial history makes London and its surroundings one of the most attractive destinations for students from around the world, be it for pursuing their higher studies for several years or simply coming for a few days to see the places where world’s most famous English authors and poets created their masterpieces or famous scientific discoveries and inventions were made.

Beyond inspiration from the campus or labs, London is also attractive as a tourism destination, with its historical landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge or Westminster or its shopping hubs like Oxford Street, Bond Street and Mayfair. London’s iconic places have merged leisure with educational tourism.

Singapore

Singapore’s reputation for academic excellence extends beyond the Asiatic borders and across the world with the quality of its education system. At the same time, its recreational activities are just at par, making the tiny southeast Asian island nation an ideal hub for educational trips. Its tourist attractions like the Sentosa that is home to Universal Studios theme park or the Orchard Road and the numerous Quays makes Singapore very popular for Indian students and schools. A short-haul flight and ease of access also makes it very attractive.

Paris

The French capital, also known as the City of Lights, was the second most important centre of book publishing in Europe after the Renaissance. No wonder, an abundance of museums, theatres, architecture, the River Seine and idyllic cafes add to the whole Parisian experience.

Paris is more than buttery croissants and pastries. While Paris’ creative scene is well-known, the city also features some of the most prestigious institutes in the world with more than 200 business and engineering schools of high merit. Beyond academics, its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Grévin wax museum and theme parks like Disneyland Paris or Parc Asterix add to Parisian glamour.

Hong Kong

Whether leisure travellers or knowledge seekers, Hong Kong has carved its name on the world map with something that appeals to every age and every stream.

Besides Singapore, it is another top educational centre in Asia Pacific and it also flaunts recreational hubs such as Maritime Museum telling rich seafaring tales, jellyfishthemed interactive ocean experience at the Cube O Discovery Park to Disneyland, majestic light shows from cruise, ferry rides, hiking trails and opulent racecourses. About 75 pc of Hong Kong is in the form of protected areas of picturesque hills, woodlands, reservoirs and coastline.

Geneva

As the headquarter of various international organisations especially of the United Nations, Geneva is also a good option for educational tours. A major attraction is the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) headquarters, located at Meyrin which operates the largest particle physics laboratory. This giant science house has two permanent exhibitions, guided tours and a cycle route to engage visitors in the discovery of particle physics.

But the Swiss city is also a great destination for tourists, sitting beside the eponymous lake, amidst the massive Swiss Alps. Geneva has the largest private collection of arts of Africa, Oceania, Asia and various ancient civilisations in the Barbier-Mueller Museum, medieval architecture in the Maison Tavel and popular museums in the ‘arty district’ of Bains like Mamco, Patek Philippe Museum, and more.

Orlando

With Kennedy Space Center as its biggest magnet for students and space fans from all around the world, Orlando in Florida is one of the top destinations for Indian school trips. It helps that as ‘theme park capital of the world’, Orlando also has numerous other tourism attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Houston

America’s fourth-largest city, Houston in Texas, US, is bustling with history, art, fine dining, shopping and culture for that summer excursion. The Houston Space Centre, perhaps by far the most famous of all the Houston attractions, is NASA’s official visitor centre for its Johnson Space Center.

Reason enough for student trips to Houston to be a learners’ paradise. Shopping, in particular, is a rewarding experience in Houston as Vintage Stores in the 19th district at Heights are hyped for retro décor and quirky old collectibles.

Among many of its other attractions are Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Menil Collection to Holocaust Museum and Children’s Museum.