17 secondary school group travel ideas
Planning a group trip for secondary school students can be a really exciting opportunity to create lifelong memories while enhancing their learning experiences.
No matter whether you choose to visit a historical site, plan a science-filled adventure or suggest an international cultural exchange, school trips can be both educational and enjoyable.
As a flight consolidator, we specialise in this type of group travel. That is why we’ve put together some ideas to help teachers and school administrators organise the perfect trip for their primary school students.
So, if you’re planning a trip this year but you’re not sure where to start, consider the following locations, ideas and travel planning tips.
Historical and cultural trip ideas
If you’re planning a trip that supports the historical and cultural background of your students, there are so many great places to go. Too many for us to list, in fact! But to help you narrow it down, why not consider the following:
Krakow, Poland - Krakow provides an enriching educational experience for secondary school students, blending history, culture and hands-on activities. This could be the perfect destination for those studying history or religious studies as the city offers unparalleled insights into Poland’s royal legacy, Jewish heritage and World War II history.
Rome, Italy – Rome is a treasure trove of history and culture, from the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, to the Vatican Museum, home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. A walk through the Roman Forum can really bring ancient history to life for your students.
Washington, USA – For students learning about democracy, government and history, a trip to Washington, D.C., could be an excellent choice. Day trips include the Smithsonian Museums, a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and a tour of the US Capitol Building.
Normandy, France - France is an excellent place to study more recent history, specifically WW1 and WW2. From the historic battlefields in the north to the D-day landing sites, there are so many historical tours and sites to explore.
Science and geographical exploration trips
For students with a keen interest in science and/or geography, field trips to some of the world’s most exciting museums, science centres, and architectural hotspots can bring learning to life. Locations like:
Geneva, Switzerland - For students with a keen interest in science, a visit to CERN offers a chance to learn about cutting-edge physics research; in particular, they can visit the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator.
Florida, USA - A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is an unforgettable experience. Students can see real space shuttles, meet astronauts, and even participate in hands-on activities that teach them about space exploration and the science behind it.
Iceland - Offering some of the most incredible geological wonders of the world, Iceland is renowned for its diverse and dramatic landscapes. This includes active volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and waterfalls, making it an ideal location for studying geological processes.
Jurong East, Singapore - Singapore’s Science Centre offers interactive exhibits on robotics, physics and biology, making learning fun and engaging. Not only that, but a visit to Gardens by the Bay introduces students to biodiversity and environmental science through stunning gardens and futuristic greenhouses.
Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona is famous for its urban geography and architecture, focusing on the unique architectural style of Antoni Gaudí. Plus, the city’s location on the Mediterranean coast and its relationship to the sea is ideal for geographical studies.
Wildlife and nature trips
There’s no denying that secondary school children will benefit from time outside the classroom, getting some fresh air. But learning about wildlife and nature also fosters a love for the environment, improves their well-being and develops crucial skills. Some unforgettable destinations to consider include:
South Africa - Kruger National Park, or any other safari destination in South Africa, for that matter, can be both educational and thrilling. Students can learn about conservation efforts whilst getting up close to the incredible wildlife there to understand the importance of protecting endangered species.
Uganda - What better way to learn about wildlife than to meet and study the animals up close? Uganda is home to Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Crocodiles, Hippos and many more species, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students who love the great outdoors.
Morocco - Perfect for school trips and life-changing expeditions, itineraries in Morocco could include desert experiences, mountain treks and visits to bustling cities such as Marrakech, Essaouira and Ouazarzate.
Kenya - Kenya is known for its incredible wildlife, biology, and ecology-related safaris. From Mount Kilimanjaro to Amboseli National Park, there are lots of development projects and wildlife conservancy expeditions to get involved in.
Cultural exchange and language trips
A cultural exchange or language trip allows students and teachers to gain exposure to new cultures, languages and international awareness. It's a valuable and often unique opportunity for secondary school pupils to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom and to develop their foreign language skills. For example:
Paris, France - For students learning French, an educational trip to Paris not only offers a great opportunity to practice their language skills but also to visit great sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Château de Versailles.
Madrid, Spain - For a Spanish-language immersion trip, Madrid allows students to engage with local culture while visiting famous sites like The Prado Museum. They might also enjoy flamenco dancing workshops, tapas tastings, and other fun cultural experiences.
Berlin, Germany - School trips to Berlin are hugely popular because they cover so many subjects, including history, art and culture. This also gives students a chance to sharpen their German language skills.
Florence, Italy - Florence is the birthplace of modern Italy. It is also a great place for students to immerse themselves in the language, along with great food and cultural tours.
Booking student group travel experiences: Tips and tricks
As a flight consolidator specialising in secondary school group travel, we understand the importance of organising seamless and budget-friendly trips. With that in mind, here are some essential tips for booking your next educational experience:
Plan early: Booking group flights and accommodation as early as possible helps secure the best rates and ensures availability for larger groups.
Choose educational programs: Many destinations will offer student-friendly educational programs and tours, so take advantage of these to enhance student learning.
Work with a flight specialist: Booking group flights for upwards of 10 students can be a logistical challenge, but working with a flight consolidator can alleviate some of this stress and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Always inquire about group discounts: Hotels, tours and attractions often provide discounts for school groups, so always inquire about special rates because you never know what you’ll find.
Organise chaperones and safety measures: Lastly, ensure you have organised proper adult supervision and planned safety protocols to the last detail. It’s also a good idea to check local rules and regulations for school group travel when choosing your destination.
If you’re planning a secondary school group trip and you need help getting started, our team of flight specialists can help. We make booking group flights and finding the best group rates possible. So, contact us today to start organising your next unforgettable school adventure.