As a school trip planning company, we know how challenging and time-consuming planning a school trip can be so that’s why we’ve taken the time to write ‘The Complete Guide to Planning a School Trip With EducationalVisitsUK.com’. Our website and Educational Visits Guide are designed to help make your life a little easier. You can find the best attractions, activity centres, accommodation and find out what each place offers in terms of subjects and age groups. Here’s a breakdown of how to plan your school trip using EducationalVisitsUK.com, the Educational Visits Guide and using other resources. 

Step 1: Visit EducationalVisitsUK.com

Begin your journey by visiting our website at www.educationalvisitsuk.com. Our user-friendly interface will provide you with a wealth of information and resources to assist you in planning a successful school trip.

Step 2: Explore the Attractions & Activity Centres

Start by exploring the attractions section on our website. You can browse through various regions, counties, subjects and age groups, and you can even view the attractions on a map. Each attraction listing page provides detailed information about its educational value, suitable age groups, and specific subjects covered. Take your time to read through the descriptions and assess their relevance to your curriculum.

Step 3: Research Accommodation

Finding suitable accommodation is crucial for a comfortable and convenient school trip. On EducationalVisitsUK.com, we provide a dedicated section for school trip accommodation. Browse through the options available, considering factors such as proximity to your chosen attractions, availability of group facilities, and safety measures. Also, can the accommodation provide catering for breakfast, pack lunches and evening meals. Don’t forget to find out all the dietary requirements of your students and make sure that you inform your accommodation or restaurant with this in advance. 

Other than using our website, do your own research and find out the largest hotels and youth hostels close to your desired location and contact them to see if they accept school trips. Some places do not allow children under a certain age to stay in their rooms without an adult. Don’t just settle for one quote, be sure to contact multiple accommodation providers to find the best deal for you in terms of price, dates and anything else you may require such as catering needs. 

Step 4: Utilise the Search Function

To streamline your search, make use of the search function on our website. You can enter specific keywords, such as subject names or locations, to find attractions and accommodations that match your requirements. This feature will save you time and help you find the most relevant options.

Step 5: Download the Educational Visits Guide

To assist you in your planning process, we offer a downloadable Educational Visits Guide on our website. This handy guide is packed full of inspirational ideas to help you plan you school trip. There’s school trip itineraries and information on the very best school trip attractions for each region. It serves as a valuable tool to help you plan and organise your school trip effectively.

Step 6: Consider Curriculum Relevance

When selecting attractions, prioritize those that align with your curriculum objectives. Look for educational activities, exhibits, or workshops that directly relate to the subjects or topics your students are studying. This will maximize the learning outcomes and reinforce classroom teachings.

Step 7: Check Availability and Pricing

Once you have shortlisted attractions and accommodation, check their availability and pricing. Peak times of the year will most likely be more expensive and harder to book so make sure you plan your trip well in advance, or plan your trip for off-peak times if possible. Look for group rates, any available discounts, and special offers. This will help you determine the feasibility of each option within your budget and schedule.

Step 8: Make Bookings and Reservations

Once you have finalised your choices, it’s time to make bookings and reservations. Use the contact information provided on the attraction or accommodation pages to get in touch directly. Confirm availability, discuss any specific requirements or special arrangements, and secure your bookings.

Step 9: Prepare for the Trip

As you prepare for the trip, refer to the downloadable resources available on our website, such as worksheets, lesson plans, and educational materials. These resources can enhance the learning experience and engage students before, during, and after the trip. Ensure all necessary permissions and paperwork are completed, and communicate important information to students, parents, and fellow teachers.

By utilising the resources and features on EducationalVisitsUK.com, you can easily find and research the best attractions and accommodations for your school trip. We are here to support you at every step, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team if you have any questions or need further assistance. In addition to finding attractions and accommodations, planning transportation is a crucial aspect of a school trip. Here’s how you can plan and book a coach company for your desired school trip location:

Step 10: Transportation

Determine Transportation Needs

Consider the number of students and teachers participating in the trip, as well as any additional requirements such as wheelchair accessibility or storage for equipment. Determine the pickup location, dates, and times for departure and return. Having these details ready will help you communicate your needs effectively to the coach companies.

Research Coach Companies

Start by researching coach companies that specialize in school trips or group transportation. Look for companies with positive reviews, a good safety record, and experience in handling school trips. You can utilise search engines, online directories, or even ask for recommendations from other schools or educational institutions.

Request Quotes

Contact several coach companies to request quotes for your specific trip requirements. Provide them with the details you have gathered, including the destination, dates, group size, and any special considerations. Ask for a breakdown of costs, including any additional charges for extra stops, waiting times, or overnight stays if applicable.

Compare and Assess

Review the quotes you receive and compare them based on pricing, services offered, and reputation. Take into consideration the company’s safety measures, the quality of their vehicles, and any additional benefits they provide, such as onboard amenities or experienced drivers. Ensure that the company has the necessary licenses and insurance coverage.

Check Availability and Confirm

Once you have narrowed down your options, contact the preferred coach company to check their availability for your desired dates. Discuss any specific requirements or questions you may have. If you are satisfied with their response, proceed with confirming the booking and inquire about their payment and cancellation policies.

Provide Necessary Information

Upon confirming the booking, make sure to provide the coach company with all the necessary information, including the exact pickup and drop-off locations, departure and return dates and times, and any special instructions they need to be aware of. Maintain open communication with the company leading up to the trip to address any last-minute changes or concerns.

Prepare for the Journey

Prior to the trip, ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as insurance information and emergency contact details, readily available. Communicate the pickup and drop-off arrangements to students, parents, and teachers, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and safety during the journey. Consider assigning staff members or parent volunteers to assist with supervision and organising the students during boarding and disembarking.

By following these steps, you can effectively plan and book a coach company to transport your students to and from the desired school trip location. Remember to plan well in advance to secure the availability of the coach company and to have sufficient time for any necessary adjustments or arrangements.