Expeditions for schools: Planning a school trip
Going on an expedition as a school group can be the perfect way for students to see new places and develop their understanding of the world around us.
It gives them the opportunity to observe and understand how topics and lessons from the classroom can be applied in real life.
That could be biology, ecology, geography, religious studies and more. You might even be organising an expedition simply as a bonding experience that allows students to have new experiences and develop important life skills like teamwork and communication.
But planning any school trip, especially an expedition, requires a lot of careful consideration to ensure it is safe, educational, enjoyable, accessible and as budget-friendly as possible.
With that in mind, here is a detailed guide to help you plan an exciting expedition for your students.
Choose your expedition destination carefully
The very best expeditions are rarely on your doorstep and typically require a good few hours of travel, sometimes even a plane ride to the other side of the world.
So, the first step is narrowing down your destination. To do this, take some time to define the purpose and educational goals of your expedition and the specific learning objectives you want to achieve.
For example, are you going somewhere with historical or geographical significance? Or do you want to visit somewhere bursting with life-changing experiences and activities?
Where you go will also depend on where is most suitable for the age and abilities of your students, as well as distance, accessibility, safety, budget and facilities.
I suppose what we’re saying is don’t rush this decision. Take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of each place and do some research. You may even want to work with a group travel agent to help you narrow down the best destination for your school trip.
Work with experts (like flight specialists)
Following on from this, we suggest working with experts wherever you can to help make your expedition possible (and easier to plan). If you try to tackle each element of the trip alone, you could be in for a shock.
From group travel agents and tour operators to flight consolidators, there are lots of specialists out there who can help you to find the best destinations, book group flights, plan your itinerary and more.
That way, you can make sure your trip is within budget, that all health and safety regulations are being met and that you can give a detailed breakdown of the information to both students and their parents.
It also means you won’t lose hours of your time trying to make travel arrangements for a large group of students. Whether that’s thinking about accommodation, worrying about whether you’ll all get on the same flight or trying to choose the perfect tours and activities.
For example, flight specialists will be able to assist with booking group flights, so you only have to speak with your dedicated rep and they’ll do all the hard work for you instead.
Similarly, group travel agents can find you places to stay and book you in for the right activities, making your student expedition as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Conduct a risk assessment and communicate effectively with parents
Expeditions tend to involve more physical activities, so it’s vital that you conduct the relevant health and safety checks before you go and that you're aware of any possible risks.
You should also develop safety protocols and procedures, such as emergency communication plans, first aid provisions and supervision guidelines. This will also include obtaining the necessary permissions and waivers from parents or guardians.
On that note, you also need to communicate everything to parents or guardians once the trip has been arranged. Keeping them informed about the expedition details, itinerary, safety measures, packing list and emergency procedures ensures that both you and the students are prepared.
Do your research before you head off
The final planning stage before the big trip is to conduct more in-depth research on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing.
Look into the geography, climate and culture of your destination, this will help you to finalise activities, excursions, transport and even meal planning.
This will also present you with the opportunity to plan some leisure time as well as educational activities and help you to prepare materials like field guides, maps and worksheets.
These will enhance the learning experience during the expedition and encourage students to actively engage with the environment and local communities around them.
Are you ready to plan your school expedition?
By following these tips and collaborating closely with parents, teachers and industry experts like flight specialists, you can plan a memorable and enriching expedition for your students.
If you’d like to know more about how we can help with your trip and more specifically, booking group flights, get in touch with the team at BTG Travel Management today.