Milo’s article is among a series of news stories that were recently completed in Ms. MacMillan’s journalism class.
Five destination options, one teacher, a tour guide, and as many students as possible; this is the recipe for English teacher Renée Vanlandingham’s 2026 educational summer trip, led by the company Explorica by World Strides. Since the pandemic is over, she said it’s time to travel again.
“My inspiration for organizing this trip is my love of travel and learning about new cultures,” Vanlandingham said. “I’ve taken students to Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, New Zealand, Fiji and Spain.”
On Monday, March 31, a club callout meeting was held to discuss the trip. Destination options included Japan, South Korea, or a combination of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Students interested in attending voted to decide on a location.
“I encourage students to get a part-time job, especially this coming summer to save for [the trip],” Vanlandingham said. “While Explorica doesn’t offer scholarships for those who might be in need, they do offer a variety of payment plans so the trip doesn’t have to be paid in one lump sum.”
Japan, the selected country, has the tour scheduled from June 22 to June 29, 2026. It will cost either $5,048 for students or $5,443 for adults aged 23 or older. In addition to acquiring funds, Vanlandingham recommends obtaining a U.S. passport this summer to ensure readiness. This process typically takes four to six weeks.
“Implementing other cultures’ ideas can improve parts of your life,” sophomore Sam Hankins, who is interested in attending said. “I think seeing other places can help me see how privileged we are in the USA.”
Beyond sightseeing, the trip provides opportunities for personal growth and cultural engagement. In addition to encountering religious, artistic, musical and behavioral customs, the guided tours and interactions with locals enable students to deepen their appreciation for global diversity.
“Traveling is an amazing way to dispel myths about various people and places and have unique experiences getting to know those who live differently, but also similarly, to ourselves,” Vanlandingham said.
Students eager to make this a reality—regardless of their grade or whether they are in Vanlandingham’s classes—can obtain more financing and trip logistics in her handouts located in room B236.
