How to Plan a Student Trip
By Larry Liner
Founder,
American Tours and Travel, Inc.

Planning a trip for a large group of students may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following these easy tips, you'll ensure that travel with your student group will not only be a pleasure, but a musical experience that you and your students will never forget.

Keep your trip (relatively) domestic.

When traveling internationally, groups must pass in and out of customs - not much fun when traveling with musical instruments. As you may suspect, the costs associated with overseas and international travel can be quite high.

Traveling within the United States and Canada is a breeze when compared with the hassles of international travel. While exotic, the costs and hassles aren't worth it to many student groups.

But many schools conclude that safety is the best reason to keep a trip domestic.

Decide "plane or bus."

Planes are more expensive than buses - sort of. Planes are more expensive dollar-wise, but buses are much more expensive time-wise. It's a false savings to use a bus if it means your group will be sitting on a bus for a day or two.

The distance that your group needs to travel can usually crystallize the decision. If the trip would take more than ten hours by bus, a plane is recommended.

Do Your Homework.

Ironically, the number one way that schools get ripped-off is by focusing on price. When schools begin planning a trip, 'price' is often their top concern; they solicit low-ball bids from many travel companies. But when prices are too low, or a company seems too eager to close the deal, something is wrong. My suggestion? Pick the company first and the price second.

First, make sure the travel company you're considering belongs to all the proper associations, such as the National Tour Association and the Student and Youth Travel Association, and of course, the Better Business Bureau. A stellar company won't jeopardize their reputation.

Next, be sure to choose a financially successful company, since they'll be in the best position to use their clout in the industry to your advantage.

If you've chosen a great company, nine times out of ten they will also be able to deliver a great price. Just remember: Company first, price second.

Avoid Surprises.

The travel company that you choose should have many years of experience with groups of your type. This way, you'll avoid surprises, like a stage that won't fit all of your performers.

By picking the right company, one with plenty of experience, all the planning which makes for a successful trip will be taken care of.

The students will take it from there.