From Parry Sound to Europe: On A Mission to Remember and Inspire

In the heart of Northern Ontario, at Parry Sound High School, European commemorative tour experiences have taken a foothold in the hearts of teachers, students, and the greater community. Meet Rick Lund, one of our dedicated Program Leaders, whose passion for providing transformative experiences for students goes beyond the classroom. Rick not only guides students Read More …

5 Tips to Make Your Travel More Memorable

By: Kurt Wicklund 18/02/2020 I love to travel, so part of the reason I love my job at WorldStrides Explorica so much is that I get to help others see the world. I also get to travel with them on occasion! Recently, I had the chance to visit Costa Rica, which was the 22nd country I’ve Read More …

FAQ: Spending money on tour

We stay in close contact with our group leaders and tour directors throughout the entire trip-planning process; from the first phone call to returning home, we are there every step of the way. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions that we get during the planning process regarding spending money on tour: How Read More …

2019 Commemorative D-Day tours

2019 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the most infamous conflicts in our history. The bravery that so many young Canadians exhibited during that fateful summer still touches our lives, and Explorica will be commemorating their sacrifice throughout the 2019 school year with a collection of tours specifically focused on D-Day. On June 6, 1944, a massive Allied force crossed the English Channel Read More …

Canadian history travel guide

The conversations we start on Remembrance Day can and should span all year long. Visitors to modern-day Europe can find ample reminders of a time when the continent was bitterly divided into Allied, Axis, Central and neutral powers. On this Remembrance Day, as a record number of Canadians prepare to visit Europe for the 100th anniversary Read More …

Bringing Canadian history to life

Meet Ron Labrie, a history teacher in Ponoka, Alberta. With years of experience leading commemorative tours with Explorica, Ron has gained some fascinating insight and stories to share about Canadian history, Vimy Ridge, and the impact of bringing students around the world to witness history firsthand.   What are your school’s connections to WWI? Ponoka Composite High School was the Alberta representative at the 90th Anniversary Read More …

Group Leader Spotlight: Phil Cassidy

Meet Phil Cassidy, a history and band teacher for grades 9–12. He has 22 years of teaching experience and has led seven tours with Explorica, with two more in the works. Phil served in the Canadian infantry for eight years—one of the many reasons he believes in the importance of connecting students with Canada’s military history. Has your military experience shaped how you teach Canadian history to your students? Absolutely. I Read More …

Remembrance Day in Ottawa

The Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa is the perfect time and place to show students the value of Remembrance Day and why it’s important to reflect on Canada’s involvement in war and peace efforts and pay tribute to those that served, and continue to serve our country. Students have the opportunity to stand with members of Read More …

Britain and Ireland tour collection

Walk the same path as James Joyce in Dublin on the way to a delicious meal of bangers and mash. Stand in the shadows of the prehistoric construction of Stonehenge, pondering what life was like for our Neolithic ancestors. Revel in the rich literary traditions still flowing through the London theatre district and get the Read More …

Italy, Turkey and Greece tour collection

Take in Rome’s beautiful and unusual Baroque fountains. Observe modern Greek guards in traditional skirts, head scarves and pom-pom-adorned knee bands in the heart of bustling Athens. See some of the most highly regarded relics of Islamic history, including Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword, in the Topkapi Palace. Explorica pro tip “Historians and lovers of Read More …