Organizing a school trip can be a lengthy task. It requires a lot of signatures, individuals, patience, and organization. That is why picking your school travel company is one of the most critical decisions. You want one that provides excellent service, personalization, and educational value but also ensures the things not most thought about by participants… like safety, transportation, and best accommodations.
Questions to Ask
When picking out your next Student Travel Company, be sure to ask many questions! We came up with questions below that can help you understand the company’s realiability, saftey measures, educational focus, and if they can to meet your needs!
Safety and Security
- What specific safety protocols do you have in place for school trips?
- How do you handle medical emergencies during a trip?
- Are your tour guides and chaperones background-checked and trained in first aid?
- What is your policy on student supervision during trips?
Experience and Expertise
- How many years have you been organizing school trips?
- Can you provide examples of similar trips you’ve organized in the past?
- What destinations do you specialize in, particularly for educational trips?
Trip Planning and Customization
- How do you tailor trips to meet specific educational goals and curriculum requirements?
- Can you accommodate special needs or requests, such as dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements?
- What is your process for planning and organizing a trip from start to finish?
Cost and Inclusions
- What is included in the cost of the trip (e.g., accommodation, meals, transportation, activities)?
- Are there any additional costs or hidden fees we should be aware of?
- Do you offer any payment plans or financial assistance for students who may need it?
Reviews and References
- Can you provide testimonials or references from other schools that have used your services?
- What is your re-booking rate for schools, and what feedback do you typically receive from them?
Educational Value
- How do you ensure that the trips are educational and aligned with school curricula?
- Do you offer guided tours and activities that enhance the educational experience?
- Are there opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning during the trip?
Logistics and Support
- What type of support do you provide before, during, and after the trip?
- How do you handle unexpected changes or cancellations?
- Is there a dedicated point of contact available 24/7 during the trip?
Characteristics of an Excellent Student Travel Company
We believe there is 5 areas that stick out more than the rest. We will use ourselves as an example here!
Services: Student Adventures offers a comprehensive range of services tailored specifically for school trips. From planning and logistics to on-site coordination, they handle every detail to ensure a smooth and successful trip. Offering the My Trip Wheel for the Trip Sponsor ensuring no critical step from A-Z is ever missed, as well as the TripApp for everyone participating to stay up to date on during the entire trip!
Safety Records: SA prides itself on a stellar safety record, implementing stringent safety protocols to protect students throughout the journey.
Customer Feedback: With an impressive 95% re-booking rate, SA’s customers consistently express high satisfaction with their trips, praising the company’s organization, safety, and educational value.
Experience: Student Adventures boasts over 100 years of combined school travel experience, making them a seasoned and reliable choice for school trips.
Specialization: When you work with Student Adventures, you’re partnering with specialists in domestic educational trips, particularly to iconic destinations like Washington DC.
If the company you are engaging with cannot confidently share these 5 areas with you, you may be better off working with someone else.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel company can transform a school trip into an unforgettable educational adventure. With a strong safety record, high customer satisfaction, and extensive experience, Student Adventures stands out as a top choice for organizing school trips.
We hope this guide gave you the understanding you need when planning your next Washington, D.C. field trip. If you want a personalized experience tailored to your students, please do not hesitate to call Student Adventures at 1-877-873-7550 or email us at info@studentadventures.org!