Family vacations are a fun way to present your distance learner with interactive educational opportunities. From researching destinations to helping you plan the travel route and budget, distance learners can gain practical knowledge from summertime travel. The trick is finding a destination that fits your budget. Here are three low-cost destinations that pack an educational punch.
1. Tour your state capitol for an inside look at how government works. This simple, day-long or weekend trip can provide lessons in both government and architecture, as many state capitol structures are quite grandiose. A quick online search can tell you when tours are available and how to schedule them in your state.
2. National parks provide access to abundant wildlife and landscape in exchange for small entrance fees. Some parks also offer free shuttle services, especially in the summer months. Your student can conduct pre-travel research to learn about the local flora and fauna, which will make real-life encounters more exciting. Save a few additional dollars by teaching your student how to pitch a tent and grill out.
3. Brush up on U.S. history in Washington, D.C., where many popular attractions require no admission. From national monuments and memorials to the Smithsonian museums, your distance learner will have a vast amount of rich history and local culture to explore. Tours of the U.S. Capitol are also free and can be scheduled in advance through state Senate or Representative offices.