There’s no shortage of problems to solve when booking an educational field trip. From the itinerary to the lodging, transportation to food, securing all of these necessities for one person—let alone 20 or more—can be an extremely difficult undertaking. So what should you look for when selecting a student travel company?
Cost
Cost is arguably the most important aspect of travel. It’s the deciding factor of where you’ll go, what you’ll see, and how long you’ll be there. So when it comes to choosing a student travel agency it’s important to know how far your money will go.
Always look for a travel provider that wraps every foreseeable cost in the price they quote you. You’ve got enough to worry about as a teacher, so what you pay should include lodging, food, security and transportation.
Finally, does your travel provider offer installment plans or reduced cost for the trips they provide? It costs a great deal to take your students outside the classroom, but the return on that investment can be huge. Book with a travel company that will take your dollar to the fullest and ensure that all students — regardless of their economic standing — can come along as well.
Safety
There’s no surefire way to prevent accidents and mishaps when it comes to traveling. The question is, what systems are in place in the event of an incident and what measures does the company take to reduce them?
The biggest challenge of traveling with a large group is making sure everyone is accounted for at all times. Will your company be using name tags or lanyards to identify who is with the group as well as distinguishing between students and chaperones?
In the event of an incident, medical or not, you need to be sure you have proper on-hand support personnel. Who you choose to trust with your students needs to be prepared for a variety of scenarios, especially situations that require medical attention.
Experience
What makes the travel company you’re booking with qualified to lead the trip? How long have they been in the business? What testimonials do they have to back up their credibility? These are all important questions to answer when it comes to booking an educational field trip.
It’s also a good idea to ask your travel company about the experience they have with prospective vendors. Are the hotels, restaurants and sites suited to handle your group, or were they chosen purely for price or convenience?
Flexibility
Not every traveler has the same itinerary. Whether you want to take the road less traveled or show your students the iconic sights of your destination, your travel company should be able to handle anywhere you want to go.
When it comes to travel, conditions can change in a second, and regardless of how large your group is the student travel company you book with needs to be able to change your itinerary on the fly.
Social Presence
Travel by its very nature makes for fantastic social content. There’s no shortage of pictures and videos produced by those on the trip, so if a prospective student travel company seems to be completely off the grid, there might be a cause for concern. A solid social media presence is the first sign that your travel provider has the right experience in providing top-notch educational field trips. It’s also an easy way for you as a parent or teacher to see what you can expect from a trip if it’s been previously documented.
A top priority for your students on an educational trip should be fun and enjoyment, and if there’s no evidence to assure that, it’s time to look elsewhere.