The senior Europe trip is being finalized for summer 2026, set for June 10–17. Graduating seniors, led by Mrs. Wright and other chaperones, will visit several European countries to explore cultural and historical sites.
Every year, the trip is planned based on student input. There are usually two options: one plan explores the north of Europe while the other explores the south. This year, based on the seniors’ preferences, the trip heads south, visiting several locations throughout France, Monaco and Italy and ending with a Greek island cruise.
On Sept. 25, Mrs. Wright held an informational meeting with students and parents to discuss the trip itinerary. A common concern regarding the Europe trip is safety, especially in such a distant location. As such, the meeting was also held to reassure potentially concerned parents and seniors that students can enjoy their trip while staying safe due to the preplanned group nature of the trip.
The senior trip provides an opportunity for students to get a firsthand look at culture and history. Mrs. Wright, AP Art History teacher here at Aliso, says, “Of [the] 250 pieces of art [that we study], we see so much of what we’re talking about… We’re gonna see probably 100 of the pieces.”
As the trip is for graduated seniors, it is not sponsored by the Capistrano Unified School District or Aliso Niguel High School; it is planned through Explorica by WorldStrides, a company specializing in educational travel experiences. According to their flyer, Explorica provides airfare, lodging, food and activities throughout the entire trip. This results in a trip that balances structure and planning with flexibility for seniors to enjoy their time abroad.
“This is highly controlled; every single day we have something to do,” says Mrs. Wright, “but [the seniors] also have freedom. It’s not like they have to stay with us the whole time.”
According to the agenda, the trip has optional excursions to locations like Versailles and the Eiffel Tower that offer opportunities to visit some of the most famous locations in Europe. These excursions are often more efficient and convenient than self-planned ones because they are all preplanned through Explorica. However, they are not mandatory, and students can instead choose to explore the tour locations safely and at their own pace.
As planning for the trip continues, seniors will be deciding whether or not they attend and preparing their personal list of what to do and see.
