Updated guide for teachers planning curriculum-linked geography field trips.
Geography is, by its very definition, a subject about the outdoors and the natural world. That’s why a geography field trip makes so much sense to students, teachers and parents. What better way to apply classroom learning to the real world than by getting out there and immersing yourself in it?
Geography school field trips offer the perfect opportunity for students to observe, study and understand natural phenomena and environmental processes, and how they interact with the culture around us. From the sandy Sahara and the rocky American West to the volcanic peaks of Tenerife and Sicily, we’re going to explore the world’s best destinations for geography trips abroad. Trips that your students will never forget.
Sicily, the football to Italy’s boot, is perfect for a geography school trip. Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano towers over the eastern side of Sicily, but its effects and impact can be felt on the geography of the entire island. From the distinctive peak, various rock formations and ancient cave systems, to the fertile volcanic soil that has contributed to and shaped millennia of human activity, students can explore the island and learn about how natural processes shape our lives.
We recommend visiting Etna itself as well as Alcantara Gorge, Vulcano Island and the rocky, majestic Cyclops Riviera. For some culture, the capital city of Catania boasts famous street markets and a range of incredible places to eat, while the towns of Giardini Naxos and Taormina offer a relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches and historic buildings.
Click here to find out more about Kipling Tours Sicily Geography Tour.
Iceland is arguably the world’s best destination for geography school trips abroad. Breaking through the waves atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is the perfect example of how tectonic plates interact.
Students can witness geysers, hot springs, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. A visit to Thingvellir National Park allows students to take in the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge. Additionally, the Solheimajokull Glacier offers a firsthand look at glacial processes and climate change impacts.
In the winter months, students and teachers might get lucky as the stunning Aurora Borealis provides a spectacular natural light display overhead. Whereas in the summer months, the midnight sun is the perfect example of the seasons in action.
Click here to learn more about Kipling Tours School Geography Trip to Iceland.
The Bay of Naples is one of the most geologically active regions in Europe, dominated by the imposing Mount Vesuvius. Students can explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities perfectly preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption in AD 79, offering insights into everyday Roman life. Comparisons can be made between the opportunities living so close to a volcano can bring, as well as the devastating risks.
The region’s rich volcanic soil supports vineyards, citrus groves and the famous San Marzano and Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio tomatoes, highlighting the relationship between geology and agriculture. Campania is also famous for producing buffalo mozzarella, which along with the tomatoes above is used to this day to make traditional Neapolitan pizza.
The beautiful island of Capri offers a change from the bustling city of Naples, but both combine to create an unforgettable trip.
Why it earns the budget sign-off
Click here to learn more about Kipling Tours School Geography Trip To The Bay of Naples.
While separate destinations, both offer a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about volcanic formations, geothermal activity and coastal geomorphology on a geography school trip abroad.
Both located in the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal’s Azores provide a unique setting to study volcanic and geothermal activity. On São Miguel Island, students can explore volcanic craters, hot springs, and fumaroles. The Sete Cidades Massif offers a striking example of a caldera lake, while visits to geothermal power plants highlight sustainable energy practices.
Part of The Canary Islands, Spain’s Tenerife is an excellent field study location. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, provides opportunities to study volcanic formations and lava flows, while the island’s rugged coastline and unique flora and fauna offer insights into coastal geomorphology and island ecosystems.
Click here to learn more about Kipling Tours geography school trips to Tenerife and The Azores.
Morocco offers a rich tapestry of geographical features and cultural history shaped by millennia of human activity. Among the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, students can visit Berber villages, immersing themselves in the culture to learn first-hand about traditional agriculture and irrigation methods.
The famous dunes of the Sahara Desert provide firsthand experience of arid landscapes, dune formations, desert ecosystems, and how humans have survived in one of the world’s most inhospitable places. Students can meet and stay with the Bedouin, the traditional and semi-nomadic people that have called the Middle East and North Africa home for centuries.
Compared to the peace of the desert and the mountains, exploring the souks of bustling Marrakech and the historic port of Essaouira adds cultural and human geography experiences to the trip.
Curriculum links
Click here to explore our geography school trips to the Sahara Desert and our Atlas Mountains educational tours.
The American West boasts some of the world’s most iconic geographical wonders including Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Joshua Tree, Bryce Canyon, Zion and more.
Visits to the iconic Grand Canyon provide students with real world examples of fluvial processes and geological time scales. Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, provides examples of desert geomorphology, while Zion, Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley showcase incredible rock formations and natural processes.
Students can also explore hydroelectric dams and how Las Vegas, the city in the desert, supports millions of residents and visitors every year
Click here to learn more about Kipling Tours School Geography Trip to the American West.
Costa Rica’s dramatic landscapes and biodiversity make it one of the most exciting destinations for geography school trips abroad. On our Costa Rica school trips, students glide through the rainforest canals of Tortuguero, spotting caimans, monkeys, and sloths, while gaining first-hand insight into fragile ecosystems and their interdependence. Pupils can join turtle-monitoring patrols, contributing to local conservation efforts and seeing sustainability in action.
From the humid lowlands of Tortuguero, the tour climbs into the contrasting micro-climate of Monteverde’s cloud forest, where students explore biodiversity hotspots, learn about eco-tourism, and walk through the forest canopy via suspended bridges. They’ll meet local environmentalists and farmers to understand how human activity interacts with natural systems.
As part of these GCSE and A level geography trips, students develop deeper understanding of topics like climate zones, conservation, and the impact of tourism, all while immersed in Costa Rica’s unique natural classroom.
Click here to learn more about Kipling Tours educational geography school trips to Costa Rica.
Geography school trips provide students with unique opportunities to step outside the classroom and into the landscapes they study. Whether exploring active volcanoes, observing coastal geomorphology or immersing themselves in local cultures, these trips bring geography to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t replicate.
If you’re interested in taking your students on a Geography School Trip, contact Kipling Tours today to find out more.
We help teachers take learning beyond the classroom through immersive geography trips across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
October 20, 2025 by Andy Broom
Take your students somewhere truly extraordinary with fully supported school trip along the road less travelled.
October 20, 2025 by Andy Broom
Residential visits for schools are packed with learning, adventure and lifelong memories. With the right planning and packing, your students will be ready to make the most of every moment.
September 11, 2025 by Andy Broom
Washington DC school trips offer a rare mix: world-changing political history, incredible museums, and immersive experiences that go way beyond the classroom.
Our tours are financially protected by our ATOL Licence and your payments are held in our trust account with the Travel Trust Association
If you are planning a tour with us, we can arrange an inspection trip so you are able to familiarise yourself with the destination and conduct any risk assessments your school may require.
Many tours travel with a full-time guide who will look after your group in the destination, and you will always be able to contact our UK office which is manned 24/7.