Geography in the USA

Day 1: Welcome to Texas!

Your geography trip to the USA begins! You’ll be met at the airport by our enthusiastic Adventure Leaders, who’ll be waving the TLA flag.

You’ll transfer to your accommodation, and then when you’re all refreshed, meet you Leader for a trip briefing. They’ll explain what’s coming on the days ahead, will give you advice on how to adapt to American culture, and will outline how to stay safe during your travels.

Then, after dinner, you’ll head to bed ahead of a busy morning tomorrow!

Day 2: Exploring Austin

After breakfast, you’ll begin your adventure with a walking tour of the city of Austin. On this, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich history, and will visit key sites like the Texas State Capitol and the Cathedral of Junk.

Then, after breaking for lunch, we’re heading to Zilker Park. It’s known as the ‘Soul of the City’! Here, you’ll hike and visit the botanical gardens before refreshing yourself with a dip at the Barton Springs Pool. The Pool is filled with water from the nearby natural Main Barton Spring, which is the fourth-largest in Texas.

Once you’ve had dinner, we’ll take you to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Though it looks unassuming during the day, it comes alive at dusk, because between March and October hundred of bats take flight in the evening sunset.

Day 3: Caverns & Cowboys

On day 3 of your geography school trip in the USA, it’s another early start as you head to Long Horn Cavern State Park. Here, you’ll head 130ft below the surface, because you’re following the path of an ancient underground riverground. Explore room after room of incredible geological wonders as you follow it, and learn about the people who’ve been shaped by this incredible natural landmark.

We’ll drive through the beautiful Texas Hill country, famed for the canyons, cowboy towns, and springs within it. But we’ve got an end destination in mind – Fredericksburg. This historic town dates back to 1846 when the first German settlers arrived, and we’ll visit the Pioneer Museum to learn more about this unique town.

Then it’s back on the road again, and you’ll be gawping out the window until we reach Bandera – the cowboy capital of the world! Then you’ve got an incredible overnight experience planned, as you stay overnight at a ranch guesthouse. Anyone for a s’more by the campfire?

Day 4: Hey, Chihuahua!

After breakfast, we’re off to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, where you’ll take a hike to Modesta Canyon or Clayton’s Overlook. Once you’ve taken in the spectacular sights, you’ll end up at the Botanical Gardens, where you can explore the Cactus and Succulent Greenhouse. Once we’re back at the centre, we’ll here from staff there who’ll tell students about the mining that’s taken place in the area, and the effects on the natural world around them.

A quick stop for lunch, and then we’re into the rocky landscapes of the Rio Grande river. Take in the incredible geological sights of the surrounding mountains, and then float gently downstream on a river tour. Here, your guide will tell you all about the natural area, pointing out interesting desert plants and unique geological formations.

Once dinner is done, students have another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They’re camping under canvas like the cowboys of old, as they’re sleeping in tents under the stars at Big Bend National Park.

Day 5: Fossils & Fuels

This morning, students will be exploring the Fossil Discovery Exhibit at Big Bend National Park. They’ll peek through fossil records, giving them an idea of just how the local flora and fauna has changed in the last 130 million years! There’s also a trail nearby which highlights the sediment that’s protected these fossils – with the added bonus of some amazing views.

We’ll stop for lunch before we’re off to an enduring American image – a mining ghost town! In the 1800s, these towns were thriving centres of the mercury (quicksilver) industry, and students will get to see what these places looked like.

After dinner, we’ll wait for it to get dark because we’re taking a night sky constellation tour! At the Rebecca Gale Telescope Park, students will take part in a workshop where they’ll learn the effects of light pollution – and what they can do to combat it.

Day 6: Austin – via the Cretaceous Period!

We’re heading back to Austin today, but not before we take a visit to Canyon Lake. Students will walk along fault zones, identify fossils, and explore the Early Cretaceous limestone formations, which were deposited over 110 million years ago. They can grab a snap of dinosaur footprints, and even follow aquifer waters as they course through the Canyon Lake Gorge.

After lunch, you’ll continue your journey back to Austin. Once we’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted with an authentic Texas BBQ feast to celebrate the end of your amazing tour.

Day 7: Farewell

Sadly, it’s time for your geography school trip to the USA to come to a close. As you settle back in your seat to fly home, we hope you’re going to be left with memories of some truly amazing experiences.