The current junior class found out their senior trip location

By Rory White, STAFF WRITER

Sept. 12, 2024

SANFORD, Maine – On Sept. 10, Sanford High School (SHS) Abroad Advisor, Kelly Foley, announced the Class of 2026’s senior trip location: Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and London.

SHS Abroad is Sanford High School’s travel abroad program, where seniors have the opportunity to travel to Europe during February break of senior year. This is in partnership with Education First, a Massachusetts-based travel company.

Members of the Class of 2026 interested in learning more about this opportunity must RVSP to attend the Parent Information Meeting on Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. A parent/guardian must accompany an interested student traveler.

This is the fourth trip SHS Abroad has launched. In the first year, they went to Italy and took 72 travelers, says Foley. The second year they went to Greece and this year the Class of 2025 is going to France. 

When researching itineraries for the fourth year, she found one that provided four major cities in four major countries. She liked the idea of four for four, but not her Wendy’s order, she clarified.  

“This [2026] trip is fast-paced and will be our biggest challenge yet, but I’m hoping it’ll check off a lot of bucket lists,” says Foley. 

Like the trips before it, the 2026 trip was approved for February vacation, spanning nine days and eight nights. Three cities, Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paris (France) and London (England) will be explored for two days, while Brussels (Belgium) will be for one day.

Aside from flights overseas, the main form of transportation will be coach buses and trains, according to Foley.

First, travelers will visit the Netherlands and within that, visit Amsterdam. The itinerary brochure (which will be handed out at the Parent Information Meeting) explains visits to the Anne Frank house, Flower market, the Jewish quarter, the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), the Dam Square, and then Westerkerk (West Church). 

Next, in Brussels, Belgium, travelers will tour the European Union buildings; Grand’Place; Atomium and enjoy a Belgian food experience, most notably including waffles and chocolate. 

In Paris, also known as the city of light, travelers will ride down the Champs-Elysees, visit high fashion boutiques, pass the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. They will see the Ecole Militaire, a military school where Napoleon found his power and call to fame. Additionally, travelers will visit the Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, home of the Mona Lisa. There will also be a half day visiting Versailles.

Lastly, in London travelers will catch a glimpse of the London Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, the Baroque Domes, and Spires of Saint Paul’s Cathedral. We’ll also visit the Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Banks of the River Thames, and ride the London Eye. There is even a possibility that we will be able to witness the changing of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace. 

There is much to be excited about and all families curious about this trip are again encouraged to attend the Parent Information Meeting on the 23rd, where the following will be discussed:

• How this opportunity will benefit students
• What travelers will see and do on the trip
• Everything that’s included in this experience
• How students can earn academic credit
• How SHS Abroad is keeping this safe and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period

Ultimately, Foley started this program in hopes of sharing her love for travel with her students. She’s been overwhelmed by the number of interested families and grateful for the positive and helpful feedback she’s received over the last few years.

“I was someone who didn’t get to experience travel until my mid-twenties,” she said. “I wanted to be able to provide the amazing experience of travel to students so they can see the world sooner than I was able to, and I hope they choose to continue exploring for the rest of their lives.”