Avoid Summer Brain Drain with Family Learning Vacations

Research shows that children’s educational development slumps during the inactive summer vacation months — a phenomenon known as “Summer Learning Loss.” In fact, students score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer than they do at the beginning of summer.

However, according to a recent American Express Spending & Saving Tracker Survey, the overwhelming majority of parents believe that learning should continue far after the last school bell has rung.

- Nearly nine-in-ten (88%) of those surveyed with children under the age of 18 said they believe it is important to take an educational vacation in which learning is the main focus.

-45% of parents say their summer vacation plans this year will in fact include an educational component. Specifically:

- 30% will head to a destination to explore its history and culture

- 27% will explore wildlife while on vacation

- 8% will travel to a destination focused on culinary arts

Whether traveling with a three-year-old or a thirteen-year-old, American Express is offering resources to help any parent take their lesson plan on the road with them this summer.

American Express has family travel specialists who can help parents design or find a learning vacation tailored to their interests. They’ll also help parents maximize their travel dollars by ensuring they’re taking advantage of all the value-added benefits available by booking through American Express. Whether they choose a pre-arranged “Brain Boosting” package or design their own learning vacation, families who book through American Express Travel online or over-the-phone will receive perks that make their summer vacation more enjoyable and hassle-free.

One such pre-arranged “Brain Boosting” package is Patriots of America, which takes families through Pennsylvania and Washington DC . They’ll get a close-up look at the first government seat of the United States during a time when electric lights and motorcars were a thing of the future. They’ll visit Amish country and the battlefields of Gettysburg ; the U.S. Marine Corps, Colonial Williamsburg , Mount Vernon and all the great monuments of Washington , DC . The package typically includes 14 meals, a $200 discount for children under 12, and all gratuities. Additionally, American Express Cardmembers also receive a $250 discount per child under 18.

Alternately, families can plan their own vacation without the service of an American Express travel specialist, but still take advantage of hotel perks available in historic cities through the Destination Family program. For example, families visiting Chicago can explore the Chicago Children’s Museum, visit the Hancock Observatory and discover the wonders of Shedd Aquarium in Grant Park. When they take advantage of the Destination Family program, they can also enjoy perks at the Park Hyatt Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago or Hyatt Regency McCormick Place such as: