The words vacation and education have a lot in common.  While they’re spelled remarkably similar, the connection runs deeper.  Vacations are a time to relax, catch up with old friends, make new friends, and visit family, but they’re also a time for learning and growth.

Now if you’re a parent, you may not want to tip your kids off to the educational aspects of travel.  There’s nothing better—speaking as a somewhat recent resident of Kidville—than the carefree nature of a vacation.  Education sometimes implies stress and academic pressure.  Although I’ve always enjoyed the learning process, a vacation during the school year resulted in unparalleled excitement.  It’s the adrenaline rush, the feeling that you’re getting away with something—a rare experience for any kid.

Traveling allows kids to escape the pressures of the classroom.  As if by chance or some miracle, vacations unfailingly result in information gains.  Somewhere along the way, I realized “vacation” is code for “educational learning opportunity.”  The best part is the learning occurs in a passive, leisurely manner.  My parents were true masters of their craft.  Through travel, they tricked me into learning—and LUVing it.

There are countless learning opportunities in all of our Southwest Airlines cities, but I’ve chosen to highlight a few of my favorites:

1. Baltimore, MD:  Baltimore is a great spot for “travelearning.”  The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends Museum is an excellent resource for sports history.  Walter’s Art Museum showcases medieval armor and mummies, among other works of art. The National Cryptologic Museum is a short drive away, and offers a chance to learn about early American ciphers, the Navajo Code Talkers, and see Enigma—a working encryption machine (think National Treasure).

2. Boston, MA:  Boston is the fertile crescent of American nationhood.  Visitors can tour Faneuil Hall where prominent figures such a Samuel Adams met to discuss important issues of the day.  While in Boston, don’t pass up the chance to see Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church.  A worthwhile commute from Boston is Salem and Plymouth.  While in Salem, learn more about the Salem Witch Trials and visit The House of Seven Gables (made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne).  At Plymouth Plantation, visitors can interact with employees who remain in colonial character.

3. Chicago, IL:  The Museum of Science and Industry is a must-see in the Windy City.  It’s a guaranteed fun time for all ages and the learning possibilities are endless.  Of note are the working coal mine and German submarine captured during WWII.  In addition, Shedd Aquarium is a great place to explore marine life and the aquatic architectural details are impressive.  Chicago is also a great city for theater.

4. New York, NY:   What can be said about NYC that has not been said already?  Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are great stops for any tourist.  Perhaps more fascinating is Chinatown, with its secret underground passageways or the historic Five Points area (think Gangs of New York).  There are more educational opportunities in New York than I could possibly list, proving why it’s perfect for travelearning.

5. Omaha, NE:   Nestled along the Missouri River, Omaha is a great place to learn about Western history.  Visit the Lewis and Clark Landing for a variety of Lewis and Clark exhibits and to learn about the National Park Service or visit the Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park.  The Durham Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, is housed in Omaha’s former Union Station and contains a wide variety of exhibits.

While this short list is by no means exhaustive, it gives a glimpse into the enrichment opportunities traveling affords.  The knowledge one receives while traveling is obtained firsthand and can be applied in other educational settings.  In my experience, traveling has a unique ability to enhance classroom learning.  Although summer is drawing to a close, vacations are appropriate at any time of the year.  A vacation is truly a classroom without walls.  Please share your own "travel learning" experiences on our Travel Guide.