Learn Something New With 8 Educational Travel Itineraries

There’s lots of ways to connect with Buddhism in Asia, but this is one of the most significant pilgrimages in India. Fly into Bodh Gaya, said to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. There you’ll find Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key Buddhist sites. While you’re there, meditate under the Bodhi Tree.

There’s no better way to learn about geology than in the diverse landscapes of Wyoming. With the picturesque Jackson Hole serving as your jumping off point, check out  the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum where you can  to learn about the geology of the area. At Grand Teton National Park, you can take in the scenic mountains and float down Snake River to take it all in.   

Mexico has a rich history of ancient civilizations including the Aztecs, many of which can be found in Mexico City. You can use the city as a starting point and visit the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can get an introduction to the culture and view a collection of artifacts found at various ruins. Then explore Templo Mayor, one of the main Aztec temples, and visit the museum there. Another Mexico City stop is Tlatelolco, an Aztec ceremonial center with ruins, a marketplace and temples. In Chapultepec Park, a castle contains the National Museum of History.   

You can’t beat the legendary musical history of London. Of course you need to snap a photo in the zebra crossing of St. John’s Wood, as did the Beatles. While you there, say hello to Abbey Road Studios. In the famous O2 Arena, you can explore the British Music Experience with an overview of rock legends of Britain. On Carnaby Street, check out the shops popular with famous bands of the 1960s. At night, see a show at The Roundhouse in Camden Town. While you’re there, hit up the British Music Walk of Fame. In Mayfair, you can dine at the original Hard Rock Café while checking out their memorabilia. A rock walking tour will take your around Soho and Tin Pan Alley and tell you anecdotes of famous bands from the area like The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, and Queen. The Victoria and Albert has a large collection of music-related artifacts in their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Because of the tea tradition in Japan, there is also a lot to learn about pottery. From the history of pottery to new techniques in ceramics, you can journey through the country. Start with the basics by taking in some of the permanent collection at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. Old Tokyo’s Yanaka district has galleries to explore where you can learn about contemporary ceramics. 

You can really get your science geek on in Zurich. Start at the ETH University where Albert Einstein studied and later taught. In Bern, visit the Einstein House where he lived. Next, in Geneva, visit the Einstein Museum. Nearby, the Jet d'Eau,a former hydroelectric power station, where you can also swim and have a sauna. Also in Geneva is the History of Sciences Museum, which houses rare and antique scientific instruments. 

Costa Rica is not only a wonderland of adventure and nature but it can also educate about protecting the greater world too. There’s lots to take in from national parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves. Start your journey at Tortuguero National Park, teeming with wildlife. On the coast, you can observe nesting sea turles (March through October).   In La Fortuna, you can take a guided hike of Arenal Volcano National Park that includes volcanic landscapes, rainforests and hot springs. After a day of zipling, kayaking or horseback riding, soak your tired bones in the hot springs. In Monteverde at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, learn about conservation efforts through guided hikes and a canopy walk. A coffee plantation tour, like the one at Café Monteverde Farm & Roastery will teach you about sustainable coffee production. For your final stop, learn about insects and their impact on the environment at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. During your travels, stay at sustainable hotels, eat at sustainable restaurants and volunteer for a beach or park cleanup to put what you have learned into practice.      

Trace the history of  the civil rights movement through the southern United States by starting in Atlanta, Georgia at the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Birth Home. Two museums of note include the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Apex Museum.