Top 5 Student Group Travel Destinations for Bennett Travel in 2025
From music ensembles to middle school classes and student groups of all kinds, educational travel continues to be one of the most powerful ways to bring learning to life. In 2025, Bennett Travel worked with schools across the Midwest and beyond to create trips that blended education, exploration and unforgettable experiences. Looking back at this year’s Bennett Travel trips, five destinations stood out as the most popular among student groups. Here’s our countdown of Bennett Travel’s Top 5 student travel destinations, starting at No. 5 and ending with the most-traveled destination of the year.
No. 5 — New York City
A Living Classroom for Students
New York City remains a favorite for student groups seeking immersive, real-world learning. From iconic landmarks to cultural institutions, the city offers endless opportunities for discovery.
Student groups travel to New York City for:
- World-famous museums and historical landmarks
- Broadway performances and behind-the-scenes experiences
- Exposure to art, culture and global perspectives
For many students, a trip to New York City is their first chance to experience the energy and diversity of a major global city.
No. 4 — Mackinac Island
History, Nature and Hands-On Learning
Mackinac Island offers something truly unique: a destination where history feels tangible and distractions fade away.
Bennett Travel groups love Mackinac Island for:
- Rich Michigan and American history
- Car-free streets that encourage exploration
- Educational tours that bring 19th-century life into focus
This destination is especially popular for middle school and younger student groups looking for meaningful, age-appropriate learning experiences.
No. 3 — Toronto
An International Experience Close to Home
Toronto continues to be a top choice for student groups ready to take their first international trip.
Programs choose Toronto for:
- A safe, welcoming international environment
- Cultural districts, museums and diverse neighborhoods
- Easy travel logistics for U.S.-based schools
For many students, Toronto provides an exciting introduction to international travel without traveling far from home.
No. 2 — Orlando
Learning Meets Reward-Based Travel
Orlando consistently ranks near the top for Bennett Travel student groups thanks to its ability to combine education with excitement.
Groups are drawn to Orlando for:
- Educational programs and student-friendly attractions
- Opportunities to reward students after a year of hard work
- Flexible itineraries for a wide range of grade levels
Orlando trips strike a balance between structured learning and unforgettable student memories.
No. 1 — Chicago
Bennett Travel’s Most-Traveled Destination
Taking the No. 1 spot, Chicago was Bennett Travel’s most-traveled destination in 2025.
Chicago stands out for its:
- World-class museums and cultural institutions
- Walkable downtown and student-friendly attractions
- Strong educational value across multiple subject areas
For many schools, Chicago offers the perfect mix of accessibility, affordability and impactful learning experiences.
Why These Destinations Continue to Rise to the Top
Across Bennett Travel’s Top 5 destinations, a few key themes remain consistent:
- Strong alignment with educational goals
- Experiences that engage students beyond the classroom
- Destinations that are both exciting and manageable for group travel
At Bennett Travel, we specialize in creating student travel experiences that are as educational as they are memorable.
Ready to Start Planning Your Next Student Trip?
Whether your group is dreaming of Chicago, Orlando or an international experience in Toronto, our team is here to help.
From itinerary design to logistics and on-the-road support, Bennett Travel partners with educators to create trips students will remember for a lifetime.
