We love some of our tried and true student travel destinations – but when there’s a whole world out there to explore, we just can’t resist visiting new places. Each year, we send out members of our team to scout new and exciting destinations for our student travelers. They tour the attractions, stay in the hotels and meet with the vendors so we can gather the latest on-the-ground scoop on new locations that probably haven’t made it on your destination radar before. Without further adieu, we present to you our newest BRT-tested and approved destinations – Winnipeg, Manitoba and Portland, Oregon!

Student travel adventures in Winnipeg

Ideally situated at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers (a junction known as “The Forks”), Winnipeg has been a meeting place for traders and travelers for more than 6,000 years. This convenient locale lies just 68 miles from the U.S. border, making it a quick international option for student groups. Beyond it’s easy travel logistics, we see Winnipeg as a hidden gem in the world of student travel – history, the arts and exciting attractions are literally around every corner.

Winnipeg and the arts

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra loves to partner with educators, inviting student groups to dress rehearsals and Q&A sessions with the conductor, in addition to hosting workshops for both musicians and choral performers. Performance venues range from formal to outdoor and everything in between – the Orchestra, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Cathedral, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Studio and Optimist International Band Festival are only a few of the selections in this performer-friendly city.

Attractions for students in Winnipeg

We can’t capture all of the student-perfect attractions Winnipeg has to offer, but we definitely experienced some favorites as we gathered our travel intel. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is fascinating as it is empowering –student groups can easily spend an entire day here. Novice code breakers will love decoding the famous symbols and inscriptions of the Hermetic Code Tour. The Assiniboine Park and Zoo provides an in-depth education on northern animals and even offers a zoo sleepover package.

Explore Portland with students

We have big love for Portland. This eclectic, art-loving, green-living highlight of the Pacific Northwest has it all – a thriving arts community, fascinating tours and attractions and stunning performance venues. And the fact that it’s nestled in midst some of the most breathtaking mountains, coastline and countryside in the country doesn’t hurt either.

Portland – city lights or adventurous outdoors

One of the things we loved about Portland is that it’s a bit unconventional. In one trip, Portland offers the complete “big city” experience and an opportunity to get outside. In the city, enjoy incredible museums (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland Art Museum), farmers markets, amazing coffee shops and a bookstore that takes up an entire city block (Powell’s). Or if your students are craving a bit of adventure, all of nature is at your front door. Beyond the many parks and gardens inside the city limits – including the Portland Japanese Garden, the most authentic outside of Japan – adventurers can experience world-class hiking, skiing, windsurfing and rock climbing within easy reach of the city.

Portland for student performers

While Portland isn’t a hub for music education and world-class performances like some of our other recommended destinations, there are certainly opportunities to learn and perform. Pioneer Square, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Rose Garden and several picturesque downtown churches are all fantastic venues for student performers, if your group wants to include a performance in your itinerary.

These BRT-tested-and-approved destinations are just two of the many places we send students within the U.S. and around the world. For more information about our favorite destinations, visit here, here and here. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to see our next, newly BRT-approved location!