Teach-Secondary-Issue-14.5

Advice fromVoyager School Travel on how to focus your trips on what matters most – inspiring students A stress-free trip 1 AVOID THE SUMMER TERM If you’re keen to organise trips for after exam season, you’re not alone. Over half of all school trips take place between May and July, making it the most expensive and crowded time to travel. Autumn trips can be 30–50% cheaper and come with added benefits. Students tend to be more focused, with feedback showing higher satisfaction scores for autumn trips from both staff and pupils. Schools trips that are cheaper, calmer and more impactful? It’s a win-win. 2 BEWARE OF GOING IT ALONE DIY school trips might seem cheaper, but they entail risk. If you book your flights, activities and hotels separately, and one part goes wrong, the rest often won’t be protected. With a trusted provider like Voyager, you’ll have a single point of contact and backup from our own staff abroad, coach company and 24-hour helpline. Plus, if disaster strikes – such as an airport closure – we can step in and get your group home safely. Why shoulder the stress when we can do that for you? 3 DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE We get it, you’re busy – but leaving your planning too late limits your options. For the best flights, accommodation and excursions, book early . Plan at least 12 months ahead and you’ll be getting better value, while avoiding date clashes and giving parents more time to pay. To make the whole process easier, we can provide a free trip planning toolkit with helpful timelines, useful templates and assorted tips. 4 EXPLORE YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION OPTIONS Parents will want assurances that their money is safe and so will you. Before booking, check that your provider is properly accredited – through, for example, the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge and membership of the School Travel Forum. Also ensure that they’re bonded by Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) or the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT), which both guarantee refunds or repatriation if a supplier fails. Otherwise, your school could be liable for costs. Accreditations are more than just logos – they’re a vital safety net. 5 CHECK THE SMALL PRINT Not all quotes are created equal. Some travel companies leave out key costs, like insurance or air passenger duty (as much as £90 for a New York flight), or provide only ‘estimated’ flight prices, leading to awkward conversations with parents later. At Voyager School Travel, our quotes are fully inclusive and transparent. You’ll know the exact accommodation, transport, and total costs before you commit – with no hidden extras or surprises. About Voyager School Travel Truly educational trips – We specialise in immersive language residentials and curriculum-focused tours that help students build confidence and cultural capital Expert support – Our experienced teams in the UK and France can support trip leaders with everything from bespoke itineraries, to safety management and leading activities Peace of mind – With our own accommodation centres, coach fleet and transparent pricing in place, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands A proven reputation – 90% of teachers who have previously used our services have in turn recommend Voyager School Travel to their colleagues TIPS FOR… 5 30 SECOND BRIEFING Voyager School Travel provides overseas trips and immersive language residentials with our own accommodation, resort teams and coach company, delivering safe, stress-free adventures for over 32,000 passengers a year. Contact: 01273 827 327 | voyagerschooltravel.com PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 44 teachwire.net/secondary