Destination Spotlight

2024 Teacher Appreciation Week Winner Review | Our Life-Changing Trip to Rome!

Eighth grade math teacher Mr. Brandon Johnson was our 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway winner! WorldStrides gifted him along with his son, brother, and nephew, a roundtrip ticket to Rome! They had a blast and experienced so many life-changing moments. Keep reading to hear about his time with us!

“Thank you to WorldStrides for taking me to Rome with my son, brother and nephew. It was amazing! We are grateful for the WorldStrides team, for the Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway, for the parents that nominated me, and for the strike of luck that had me win.

We did so much! We toured the Colosseum and the Forum, we marveled at Raphael’s frescoes in the Vatican Museum and at Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, we compared the dome of the Pantheon to the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica, and we ate the best carbonara and gelato.

It was an incredible few days! It was only possible through the team at WorldStrides who was there for us every step of the way – from booking our flights and hotel to coordinating with our local guide, Emiliano, who picked us up from the airport and showed us some of his favorite hidden gems in the city.

The trip was especially meaningful for my wonderful eight-year-old Tate. Third grade has been tough for Tate. He works so hard – with his teachers, with his tutor, with his mom and me – but for those who learn to read differently than others, third grade can just be tough no matter what.

For over six months, we hyped the trip to Tate. We went through tons of books about the Greek and Roman gods (he especially likes Percy Jackson). We explored the history of the Colosseum and the Roman Empire. His “reward” was to see it in real life. He was so proud and could not stop smiling.

I love how travel can widen our kids’ horizons. Seeing it in action with my own son (and nephew) was touching. After throwing a coin into Trevi Fountain, Tate said his wish was to be nicer to me – but he’s already the nicest kid! I know that he was really saying ‘thank you for Rome.” That’s a moment, like so many others from our trip, I’ll never forget.”

Do you know a teacher that deserves a special gift? Follow us on socials to stay updated on our 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway in May!