Tag Archives: California Travel

Exploring Sustainable Practices in Student Travel 

Posted on by

Student travel is a transformative experience, offering opportunities for learning and personal growth. At Forum, we are proud to be able to provide these experiences to enrich the lives of young musicians everywhere. However, amidst the excitement of exploration, it’s essential to consider the environmental impacts of travel choices. We’re happy to work with you to explore small steps in sustainable practices and ensure a brighter, greener future!  

Reducing Paper Waste 

One step we can take in travel planning is reducing paper waste. Instead of printing itineraries, would they be more effective over email? Can permission slips be emailed rather than printed? At Forum, we are very happy to offer DocuSign to collect Participant Release forms and other need paperwork. In 2024 alone, this switch helped save 412 gallons of water and reduced 328 pounds of carbon emissions!  

Minimizing Waste and Consumption 

Being mindful of consumption habits and waste management practices can greatly contribute to sustainable travel: 

  1. Pack Thoughtfully: Encourage your group to minimize single-use plastics and opt for reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags during your travel. 
  1. Reduce Energy Consumption: Conserve energy by turning off lights, air conditioning, and unplugging electronics when not in use.  
  1. Embrace sustainable accommodations: We are happy to partner with several hotels making greener choices by donating unused toiletries to Clean the World  or by reducing the number of times housekeeping will switch out sheets and towels during your stay. 

Educational Opportunities and Advocacy 

Student travelers have the power to influence positive change through education and advocacy: 

  1. Promote Sustainability Awareness: Share your experiences and knowledge about sustainable travel practices with students and peers alike to inspire others to travel responsibly. 
  1. Leave No Trace: We’ve all heard the saying, “leave a place better than you found it.” The same is true for travel!  Minimize your impact by encouraging students to dispose of waste properly,  
  1. Advocate for Change: Support organizations and initiatives that advocate for sustainable tourism policies, environmental conservation, and social responsibility in travel. 

By embracing sustainable practices, students can learn and contribute to a more responsible tourism industry. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet through mindful and sustainable travel practices. 

An Easy Overnight Festival Trip Awaits…in San Diego 

Posted on by

Did you know that Forum Music Festivals produces festival in the San Diego area?  San Diego offers sunshine, beaches, and fantastic sightseeing opportunities.  But another benefit to exploring America’s Finest City is how easy it is to navigate an overnight trip with your students.   

Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight at SeaWorld San Diego

A vibrant city filled with musical and cultural options, in San Diego you will find plenty to attract your students of any grade level.  Check out this sample student itinerary. 

  • Day 1 – 
  •  Travel Day.  Check in to 3-diamond hotel in San Diego, then visit Old Town State Park, the heart of historic San Diego and California’s first settlement.  You’ll find museums, shops, and excellent restaurants here.  Enjoy a Mexican dinner at Café Coyote. 
  • Day 2 –  
  • After a hot breakfast at the hotel, transfer to one of the many college campuses for a music clinic with a college instructor.  Include a possible campus tour and let your students imagine the promising next step in their educational careers. 
  • Transfer to Liberty Public Market in the Point Loma neighborhood for shopping among artisans and lunch.   
  • In the early evening, head to the marina to board a City Experience Dinner Cruise of the San Diego Bay. Cruise ends at 10 PM, then head back to the hotel for the evening. 
  • Day 3 –  
  • Hot breakfast at the hotel is served, then transfer to Forum Music Festivals, where you will receive expert adjudication and feedback on your performance.  Awards are held at the venue, then off you go to SeaWorld San Diego for a full day with amazing animals, educational adventures, rides, shows, and exhibits.  Top off the day with a group dinner at Buca di Beppo, the Corvette Diner, or one of the scrumptious restaurants in Little Italy. 
  • Day 4 –  
  • Following breakfast, head to the Embarcadero to board the USS Midway, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century.  Boasting flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, self-guided audio tours and spectacular views of the downtown skyline, the USS Midway also offers performance opportunities on deck for your ensembles. Following your tour, grab some lunch or early dinner, board the bus, and head for home.   

Other options?  They are limitless… 

  • The Museum of Making Music, in nearby Carlsbad, offers scheduled educational programs sponsored by NAMM.    
  • The San Diego Symphony in historic Copley Hall presents a range of concerts including traditional classical repertoire as well as a pop series featuring famous guest artists. 
  • Exposing your students to Broadway is easy in San Diego – theatres abound featuring musicals at the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe in Balboa Park, and the Balboa and Civic Theatres.  

San Diego offers all of this and so much more.  Let’s customize a festival package that features the interests and budget of your student group.   

From beaches and bays to culture and cuisine, you’ll find it in San Diego.