As the student travel market reboots, follow these guidelines for both domestic and international journeys
Whether it’s an educational trip or designed to be a reward for a year of hard work, planning a trip for students has its challenges. As an educator, you want to make sure your students enjoy themselves, learn something, and are kept safe and well during the experience. If you have been thinking about planning a group trip for your class or the whole year, you must think about it carefully and be prepared to put in the time to research the logistics of the trip. Here are some key factors you need to think about when planning a group trip for students.
Travel Requirements and Transportation
If you’re considering a trip abroad, you will have to determine the cost of visas and any other obligations that the country requires for group tourist travel. You will also need to decide what is the most convenient and affordable mode of transport. In some cases, traveling by plane might be the only option, but you may also be able to hire a coach and drive from the school to your destination. To better understand what your limitations are, find out what kind of budget you can get to work with and how much you will need to ask parents to contribute.
Deals
A good way to stay on budget and keep costs low is by researching deals for group trips. Some travel agents might specialize in educational trips for students and can offer school discounts. Alternatively, look online and find coupons for travel or even for discounted visits to museums, theme parks, and other activities you would like your students to take part in on the trip.
Things to Do
As mentioned above, you will need to find activities for your students and fellow teachers to take part in during your trip. If it’s an educational excursion, you may already have a particular attraction in mind, for example, a visit to historic Jamestown or the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. However, including some recreational activities such as a visit to a theme park on extended trips is also a good idea and will keep your students entertained. Research the area where you’re staying and discover what there is to do nearby to help shape your trip into a fun, memorable experience for you and your students.
Parents
The parents must be kept informed and given all the requisite information on where you’re staying, places your visiting, the coach/flight times, and any costs they need to contribute toward the trip. If you can, try to include them in the planning process as much as possible and allow them the opportunity to share their thoughts about the trip.
Medical Information
Make sure you have emergency contact information for every student that is coming on the trip with you. You should also have details of any medical information, such as allergies and physical and mental health issues that your students may have. Keep this information safely stored away and make sure it remains private – only you and other relevant staff members on the trip need to know this information in case of an emergency.
Taking students on group trips can be a great learning experience as well as a lot of fun. Use these tips as a starting point when it comes to planning your next field trip.
