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How to Plan A School Trip

The school year is now on fast forward. You have a curriculum to cover, testing to complete, and a million tasks waiting on your desk. Oh- and it’s time to think about next year’s class trip! Relax… we’ve got you covered with five easy tips to get you started. Here’s how to plan a great school trip.

1. Choose Your Destination and Travel Dates

Decide where you want to go with your group. Are you traveling for the curriculum? Performance? Fun? There are tons of great student destinations (link to destinations page) to meet and exceed your travel expectations.

Boston makes an ordinary history lesson extraordinary with unique tours and “revolutionary” attractions.

Cleveland is picking up “STEAM” with science groups.

Orlando is a premier performance destination for bands, orchestras, and choral groups. There are so many fantastic destinations your students will love!

Top 10 Student Travel Destinations

Once you know where you’re going, decide when you’re going. The best travel times depend on the specific needs of your group. Consider weather, school schedules, rates, tournaments, etc.

Some destinations like Washington D.C. have lots of student groups in the spring. You may want to think instead of how to plan a great school trip in the fall.

If your destination gets cold ( Chicago , anyone?) you might want to travel in the spring or summer. Some destinations’ rates vary by season as well.

2. Communicate the Details with Parents and Students

Once you’ve figured out where and when you’re going, it’s time to get parents and students on board . According to SYTA’s independent research study 60% of teachers agree that student travel increases a student’s willingness to know/learn/ and explore. What parents wouldn’t want to help their child increase their willingness to learn?

Build excitement for the school trip using social media or hype it in class. See if your trip planner can put together a website just for your trip to send information out to your students and parents.

Plan a parent meeting (and be prepared to answer LOTS of questions!) or see if your trip planner can come and facilitate this! The more information you share, the more successful your trip will be.

3. Set A Schedule

Setting a schedule is one of the most stressful parts of planning a school trip. You may not know when to book attractions, when to take payments or make payments, or when to book transportation. Creating a checklist and timeline will help you manage the process. We’ve included some general benchmarks to help you plan successfully !

4. Make A Safety Plan

I take it back. THIS is the most stressful thing about planning a school trip. It’s a bit daunting to realize you are now responsible for the health and well-being of a group of poor decision-makers- I mean, students. In an age of cell phones and instant communication, parents often know when something goes wrong before you!

A solid safety plan and open communication are the keys to a successful student trip. We can’t guarantee that nothing bad will happen as you travel. After all, Mother Nature doesn’t always care that we have plans, buses occasionally break down or students get sick. The good news is that excellent safety resources are available to help inform you as you create a safety plan for student travel.

The Student Youth Travel Association is a superb place to start. This organization is committed to providing student and youth travelers with safe, rich, and rewarding travel experiences. A Safety Resource Guide and Safety Tips Brochure is available to download.

Creating a clear safety plan and method of communication will go a long way in helping to alleviate that all-encompassing anxiety associated with student travel. Parents will breathe easier knowing there’s a strategy for dealing with the unknown and students will clearly understand the safety procedures.

5. Choose Kaleidoscope Adventures as Your Trusted Travel Partner

If this abundance of information is starting to make you feel more anxious about how to plan a great student trip, RELAX.

Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you simplify the process. KA has been a leader in student trip planning for more than 25 years. Kaleidoscope’s founder and CEO is a former teacher and understands your challenges and time constraints.

The team at KA is accessible, competent, and incredibly knowledgeable. They have the inside scoop on the very best student destinations and performance venues. They’ll work with you to create an itinerary that meets your curricular goals and budget needs.

Planning your student trip with KA is easy and convenient – especially when time is not on your side! Contact Kaleidoscope Adventures today. They’ll handle the details of your school trip while you handle, well, everything else!

Get Started Planning Your School Trip

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Why Kaleidoscope Adventures?

As a leader in the student travel industry for 30+ years, Kaleidoscope Adventures exceeds expectations for student and performance group travel.

We’ll work with you to plan an exceptional travel experience and provide impeccable customer service from start to finish

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Top 20 School Trip Ideas

Written by Dan

Last updated February 13, 2024

Teaching can be a gratifying job, and it’s even more fun when you get the chance to take your students on a school trip. Trips are a great way to connect with your students while they learn something new outside the classroom—something that will stay with them for years to come.

But as any teacher knows, planning a successful school trip can be challenging in terms of organizing transport and activities and finding one that fits your budget.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of top 20 school trip ideas, which are full of fun learning opportunities for all ages at different price points so teachers everywhere can take their classes on an unforgettable educational journey!

Related : For more, check out our article on  Top 20 Assembly Ideas  here.

Table of Contents

School Trip Idea 1: Local Museums.

A day spent exploring a local history museum, art museum, science centre, or planetarium can be both educational and fun. Students can learn about different cultures and periods, as well as gain an appreciation for the work of artists and scientists past and present.

School Trip Idea 2: Outdoor Adventures.

Nothing gets students outdoors like a school trip to a campground or state park. Kids can explore nature while learning about the environment, and they’ll get to try new activities like canoeing, rock climbing, zip-lining and more!

School Trip Idea 3: Cultural Destinations.

Embark on an educational adventure at a cultural destination such as a historic site, a cultural centre, or an archaeological site. Students can explore the customs and beliefs of different cultures, gain insights into people’s lifestyles in other countries and periods, or even participate in interactive workshops to learn about various topics.

School Trip Idea 4: Farm Visits.

One for younger kids! Farms offer the perfect opportunity to explore nature up close and personal. On a farm trip, students will learn about the importance of sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry, and healthy food choices. Plus, they can have plenty of fun collecting eggs or feeding animals!

School Trip Idea 5: Aquariums & Zoos.

Aquariums and zoos offer a wealth of educational opportunities for students. Kids can learn about animals in their natural habitats and uncover the ocean’s mysteries and inhabitants. Plus, it’s always a treat to see some incredible wildlife up close!

School Trip Idea 6: Art Galleries & Historic Sites.

Immerse yourself in art and history by visiting an art gallery or historic site. Here, students can explore the works of famous artists, view unique artefacts from centuries past, and gain a greater understanding of different cultures and traditions worldwide.

School Trip Idea 7: Theater & Dance Performances.

Encourage appreciation of the performing arts by taking your students to a theatre or dance performance. Not only will they be exposed to different forms of art, but they’ll also pick up on important lessons about collaboration, communication, and expression.

School Trip Idea 8: Amusement & Theme Parks.

Give your students a thrilling educational experience at an amusement or theme park. Here they can learn about physics and engineering while riding rollercoasters, find out what it takes to run a successful business by exploring different attractions and practice mathematics by figuring out the cost of rides and food.

School Trip Idea 9: Sports & Recreation Facilities.

Take your students to the sports facility for a day of physical activities. Not only can they get some exercise, but they’ll also learn about teamwork, competition and fair play. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to develop skills like problem-solving and coordination.

School Trip Idea 10: Factories & Industrial Sites.

Bring your students to a factory or industrial site and watch how things are made. Here they’ll learn about the manufacturing process, discover the importance of safety measures, and gain insights into the production of everyday items.

It’s an eye-opening experience that can help them understand the value of hard work and effort.

School Trip Idea 11: STEM Centers.

A trip to a STEM centre is an excellent opportunity for students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a hands-on environment. Kids can participate in interactive workshops, build robots or learn about coding—all while having fun!

School Trip Idea 12: National Parks.

Give your students a chance to experience nature in all its glory at a national park. Here, they can observe the wildlife, explore different ecosystems and gain insights into conservation efforts. Plus, there are usually plenty of activities for them to try, like camping, hiking and canoeing.

School Trip Idea 13: Local Rivers and Streams.

To help kids understand the importance of conservation, take them on a trip to a nearby river or stream. Once there, they can collect data about water quality and identify different species of fish and plants. Plus, it’s always fun fishing or playing water games!

School Trip Idea 14: Transport Museums.

Give your students a fascinating glimpse into transportation by taking them to a transport museum. Here they can learn about the history of different modes of transport, explore how vehicles are made and operated, and gain insights into the science behind motion and energy.

School Trip Idea 15: Planetariums & Observatories.

Take your students to a planetarium and observatory for an unforgettable experience. Here they can learn about the stars, planets and galaxies, as well as fascinating facts about solar systems and astrology. Plus, they’ll have a chance to use telescopes and gaze up at the night sky!

School Trip Idea 16: World War Historical Sites.

To help your students understand the impact of World War II, take them to a nearby historical site. Here they can learn about important battles and key figures from that era, better understand different political ideologies and gain insights into how wars are fought and won.

School Trip Idea 17: International Trips.

Take your students on an international trip and give them a taste of another culture. Here they can explore different customs, sample exotic cuisines, learn about foreign languages and appreciate the beauty of other countries. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone!

School Trip Idea 18: Profesional Sports Games.

Bring your students to a professional sports game and give them a chance to cheer for their favourite teams. Not only can they learn about the game’s rules, but they’ll also experience the energy and excitement of watching live sporting events. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

School Trip Idea 19: Charity Events & Fundraisers.

Let your students give back by taking them to a charity event or fundraiser. Here they’ll learn the importance of helping others and gain insights into how even small contributions can make a big difference.

Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to develop teamwork, competition and public speaking skills.

School Trip Idea 20: Business Tours.

Take your students on a business tour and let them explore the world of entrepreneurship first-hand. Here they can learn about different industries, gain insights into how businesses are run and even meet entrepreneurs who can share their inspiring stories. It’sIt’se to be an invaluable experience for all!

School trips are an excellent way to help students develop essential skills and gain fresh perspectives. From national parks and observatories to charity events and business tours, plenty of exciting options can create an educational and unforgettable experience.

With careful planning and consideration, you can make a successful school trip that will benefit your students in many ways.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next school trip today!

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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How To Write A Report On Your School Trip Experience

We know what it’s like in teaching these days: everything needs a write-up. And school trips are no exception: from writing permission letters to parents, to the post-match analysis that are school trip reports.

Fortunately, the experts at NGT are here to help. Our tour planning tools page and Trip HQ hub contain all sorts of teacher resources, from letter templates to packing checklists. So you can get a head start on all that admin, and build a school trip your students will never forget.

As for how to write a report on a school trip, we can help with those too. Just read on for our handy guide.

The school trip report format

When reporting on a  school trip , there are no ‘set’ ways to get started.

However, we’ve included some school trip report examples below, and outlined a few essential sections to help you out.

As for the length of your school trip report, you should aim for about two to three pages. This might sound quite long, but once you’ve filled out the key elements, it should come together fairly easily. 

The School Trip Aims and Objectives

Every school trip should have some solid objectives behind it: from allowing  geography  students to see coastal erosion in action, to letting your French class practice their language skills at a real  Parisian  market.

Hence, the aims and objectives should be the first and most important part of your school trip report. A bulleted list will suffice.

The school trip location

In your analysis of your school trip, it’s also important to explain why you chose that location.

Was it a once in a lifetime chance to experience other cultures? Or an opportunity for students to get to know their local area?

It’s also worth noting down why this place, in particular, is relevant to your specific  study topics . From museums and art galleries to sights and sounds, what is it about this  destination  that makes it the perfect spot to enhance your pupils’ classroom learning?

The school trip diary

A good school trip report should always include some diary-style entries. If it was a day trip, write up what your students did in the morning and afternoon. If you enjoyed a longer visit, you can separate out the activities from each day. 

However, rather than simply writing down the itinerary, make sure you explain how students felt, and what they learned. Adding little details like what the weather was like, and all the sights and sounds you noticed, can really help to bring your experience to life.

A top tip is to use the daily entries within  WST’s Trip HQ , therefore all your notes are securely kept in one place.

The school trip outcomes

This section is all about the educational impact of your adventure. Did your students fulfil their original objectives? What little surprises did you encounter along the way? Was there anything they learned that they didn’t expect to?

Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to establish the impact this experience will have in the classroom. For  modern foreign language  students, this might be improved fluency in their chosen language. For  art students , it might be inspiration for their coursework. For geographers, a case study they can use in their exams.

Whatever it is, write it down – it’s a crucial part of your school trip report.

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Planning a School Trip: What to Consider and How to Plan

Planning a school trip can be daunting, but with the right company and a good checklist it can even be enjoyable follow this guide and you can embrace the excitement of taking your students anywhere in the world., start planning early.

There are numerous things to consider with a school trip, and to ensure the trip runs smoothly it is essential to start planning early on. A year in advance for the majority of trips is plenty, however if you are going further afield then there is no harm in planning around 18 months in advance.

Not only will this reduce the stress surrounding the trip, but it means the teachers and students can get excited about the prospect of the travels without worrying or stressing !

Find a Good Tour Operator

A good tour operator is essential to your school trip. They can make or break the experience, and you want to be able to trust them to get the most out of the trip you can! 

A good tour operator will plan a full itinerary for you based on yours and the students’ needs. This can include taking into consideration the subjects studied, the amount of students and what you want to get out of the trip. 

The Learning Adventure personalises every schools’ itinerary and creates an original, fun and unique trip experience. We listen to exactly what you are looking for and deliver!

Risk Assessment

A detailed and well thought out risk assessment is essential to planning a school trip. This is when the tour group operator can really help. Operators usually offer 24 hour emergency support throughout the trip, however it is good to ask a few questions to make sure you are with the right operator:

How do you deal with emergency situations?

Are there testimonials from schools that have used you in the past?

Do you offer 24 hour emergency support?

There are plenty of resources online to help you build a risk assessment, take a look HERE for a good comprehensive guide to risk assessments.

Consider Additional Costs

When you receive a quote from a tour operator, look in depth at what is covered and what is not, for example: meals, entrance costs, travel, ETC. 

By knowing your budget inside and out and what is being spent and where, you will be able to cover unexpected costs that inevitably crop up. 

It is also a good idea to ask your operator about currency. As the exchange rate fluctuates the price of the tour can as well, so it’s good for the operator to buy currency in advance.

Be Experimental

We know it’s easy and tempting to run the same school trips year after year, but there are endless possibilities for your school and its students! Be experimental and brave, push the boat out because it will be well worth it. 

We offer school trips all around the world, so drop us an email or give us a call if you want to discuss your ideas and we can work together!

We offer a wide range of trips for schools and universities. We tailor the adventure to your school’s priorities and the subjects being studied, so if you’d like to start planning drop us an email or give us a call! In the meantime take look at our services here!

Download the learning adventure brochure >, related posts.

Where to go on a Korea School Trip: The Best Educational Sites in Korea

How to Prepare for a School Trip to Korea: Korean Basic Phrases, Customs & Schooling 

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260+ Field Trip Ideas for Grades Pre-K Through 12 (In-Person and Virtual)

Get out of the classroom and explore the world!

Field trips are a quintessential school experience. You usually only get one or two a year so it’s important to do it right! Our roundups of unique field trip ideas have something for every age, subject, and interest. We’ve even got resources like permission slip forms and chaperone tips. Get ready to leave the classroom behind to take learning on the road!

Preschool Field Trip Ideas

Early-grade field trips help kids learn about the world and also teach them good field trip behavior. These are our top picks for the pre-K crowd, but many of the options on our kindergarten list are perfect for this age group too.

• Library: Not every student’s parents take them to story time. Schedule your own trip, and show kids that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!
• Farm: Whether you learn how vegetables are grown or where milk and eggs come from, the farm is always a hit.
• Grocery store: Go behind the scenes at the supermarket, and use this trip as the foundation for lessons on healthy eating.
• Park: From local playgrounds to majestic national parks, it’s always worth getting kids into the great outdoors.
• Children’s museum: This is the age group most children’s museums were designed for! They’ll love all the hands-on fun and excitement.
• Post office: Learn how mail is sorted and shipped, and teach students about stamps and other mail-related items.
• Bank: Money is a new concept for these kiddos, and they’ll be fascinated to step inside the vault and learn other bank secrets.
• Fire station: There’s just something about a fire truck that gets every little one excited.
• Nursing home: Is there anything sweeter than watching seniors and wee ones spend time together?
• Animal shelter: For kids who don’t have pets at home, this can be a good introduction to animals. Others will just enjoy the time with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

Elementary School Field Trip Ideas

@mjdstoronto

These are the prime field trip years! Here are our favorite trips for every grade.

• 14 Kindergarten Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 First Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Second Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Third Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 23 Fourth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 22 Fifth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)

Middle and High School Field Trip Ideas

@salinasvalleybasingsa

For this age group, you’ll need to step up your game a bit. (They’ve probably already been to the zoo, the aquarium, and the art museum.) Try some of these locations, which offer educational, social-emotional, and real-life learning opportunities.

• Food bank: Hold a food drive, then arrange a trip to your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Volunteering makes for truly meaningful field trips.
• Recycling facility: In a time when reducing landfill waste is more important than ever, a trip to a recycling facility can help drive home the message.
• Theater: Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours for schools and discount pricing when you buy tickets in bulk. (Want to go virtual? Check out the Hamilton Education Program !)
• Community college: Parents sometimes take kids on college visits, but a community college trip offers opportunities for even more students to see themselves getting a higher education.
• TV station: Kids interested in communications or technology will find this completely fascinating.
• Courtroom: There’s no better way to understand the justice system than to see it in action.
• State or county capitol: Every government class should visit a local capitol to meet with officials and see how the government works.
• Local business: This can be a cool way to learn about managing a business, working with customers, or discovering how products are made.
• Wildlife rehab facility: Introduce students to the people who help injured wild animals recover and live free once again.

Virtual Field Trip Ideas

@edtech_tusd

The terrific thing about virtual field trips is that they eliminate so much of the hassle. No need to collect permission slips, arrange for buses, or recruit chaperones. Plus, they’re usually free!

• 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips
• 20 Terrific Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
• 18 Incredible Virtual Zoo Field Trips
• 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips
• 3 Science Virtual Field Trips Let Kids Travel the World

Field Trips by Location

If you live in one of these cities, check out some of our favorite spots.

• 16 Cool Field Trips in Houston, Texas
• 21 Terrific Field Trips in Chicago, Illinois
• Top 10 Washington D.C. Field Trip Ideas

Field Trip Tips and Resources

There’s a lot to do when you’re organizing an off-site field trip. These resources are here to help.

• Preparing Parent Chaperones for a Field Trip
• Free Printable Field Trip and School Permission Forms To Make Your Life Easier
• Things To Do Before Taking Your Students on a Major Field Trip
• Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Field Trip for Students
• Why I Hate Field Trips (And How I Learned To Deal)
• Help! Is There Any Way I Can Get Out of Our End of the Year Field Trip?

Bonus: Looking for a laugh? Check out  Ways School Field Trips Are Like The Wizard of Oz !

What are your favorite field trip ideas? Come share your thoughts in the  We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus,  virtual college campus tours to explore from home ..

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The Best Field Trips for Fourth Graders (In Person and Virtual)

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Top 12 Educational School Trip Ideas for Student Success

Table of Contents:

Learning is a never-ending process. It’s not only an educational institution that teaches you! And when it comes to students, what better way than a fun and engaging field trip!?

After all, who doesn’t enjoy a great field trip? It allowed students to leave life’s routine and experience something completely different. And, when it serves the purpose of an educational trip, students can’t wait!

But planning a school trip is more than just fun and excitement! It must add value to the students learning! If you have ideas for student educational trips, this article is for you!

Here, we list the 12 best school trip ideas to help students enhance their learning journey.  

We are your companions, like the best essay writing websites that help you prepare the paper by offering abundant ideas, knowledge, and understanding of your requirements.  

We’ve listed the fun learning opportunities for students of all ages at different price points that teachers can have a look at. Let’s get started!  

Idea 1: Local Museums

What better way than spending a day at the local museums that hold the history of the places?  

It doesn’t have to be a history museum; it could be art, science, or a combination!  

Museums and school trips are both fun and educational. Students get to learn about different cultures, periods, and history and gain appreciation for the work of artists and scientists.  

It is also a great approach to give a sense of belonging to them about their place’s history.  

Museums are also a great way to help students write a paper about it. Instead of having to reach out to a research paper writer who already holds the ideas and expertise to write the best essay, students can do the job on their own with a bit of help from them.  

Idea 2: Outdoor Adventures

Often surrounded by four walls and classes, why wouldn’t students love a fun outdoor activity? Nothing gets students outdoors like an educational trip. A trip with the teacher ensures that they are aware of what to do and what not to do, but in all, they will have great fun.  

An idea of the campground or state park sounds excellent. Students will get to explore nature while learning about the environment. Further, other activities include rock climbing, zip-lining, and hiking. With, outdoor adventure trips seek additional care from teachers!  

Idea 3: Cultural Destinations

When planning a school trip, consider embarking on an educational adventure at a cultural destination that speaks history and culture. It could be a historic site, a cultural center, or an archaeological site.  

In such trips, students explore customs, beliefs, and cultures. Museums are also a great idea, but the cultural destination holds its value! Students can gain insight into the people’s lifestyles in other countries and the periods they lived through, and even participate in workshops to learn more about them.  

Idea 4: Farm Visits

Educational trips for students , especially younger children, demand simplicity and fun learning. They barely understand the history of exploring around the museums. Here, a fun farm visit is both exciting and educational!  

Farms are perfect for exploring nature closely. Such a trip with the teacher will help students learn about the importance of sustainable farm practices, healthy food choices, and animal husbandry. Plus, they’ll enjoy watching and feeding animals.

Idea 5: Aquariums and Zoos  

Next on our list of school trip ideas are Aquariums and zoos. They offer many educational opportunities for students, especially the younger ones! Here, they will be able to learn about animals and their habitat.  

In fact, it is a way for them to see the animals they’ve always seen on screen and paper.  

In aquariums, they can uncover the ocean’s mysteries and lifestyles. Plus, it is always great to see some wildlife close!

Idea 6: Art Galleries

Art has its own way of expressing itself. It speaks differently to everyone. With art gallery trips, students can immerse themselves in art and history.  

They can explore the work of famous artists, view unique art, and get a deeper understanding of cultures and traditions worldwide.  

Idea 7: Theater and Dance Performance

A bit of entertainment included in the learning process does no harm. A field trip for students to theater and dance performances encourages appreciation of performing arts.  

To ensure that these cultures stay extinct, the student must know what theater and dance performance is! They will be exposed to different forms of art. Further, it can be an essential lesson to them on collaboration, communication, and expression.  

Idea 8: Theme Parks

The theme park is also a great field trip suggestion, depending on the subject. You can give students a thrilling educational experience at amusement or theme parks.  

They can learn more about physics and engineering while riding and playing! Further, from a business perspective, they get the idea behind what it takes to run a successful business . Amusement parks are also a place to practice mathematics by calculating the cost of food and rides.  

Idea 9: Industrial Sites

If your students are more into business, visiting factories and industrial sites can significantly help them.  

Here, they can learn how things are made from scratch. They can learn the manufacturing process, discover the importance of safety measures, gain insight into the product, and more.  

Factories can be eye-opening experiences for students to help them understand the value of hard work and effort.  

Idea 10: Charity Events and Fundraisers

A learning journey towards sympathy and affection teaches a lot. When you let your students attend charity events and fundraisers, you teach them the importance of helping others.  

Charity events provide great insight into how a small contribution can make a big difference. Further, charities and fundraisers can be something other than a school trip. Students can volunteer in these activities.  

Idea 11: Business Tours

Business tours are a great initiative to explore the world and entrepreneurship firsthand. On such a trip, students learn about different industries and how they operate, and they even meet entrepreneurs who can share inspiring stories.  

Going on a business tour and exploring a part of the world they want to become familiar with can be an invaluable experience for students.  

Idea 12: International Trips

While it might be a bit costly, compared to other ideas mentioned on the list, an international trip gives the students the taste of another culture.  

Here, they can explore different customs and businesses, learn about foreign languages and foreign cultures, and accept the beauty of the places. International trips are an unforgettable experience for everyone!  

Wrapping Up

This summarizes our list of the top 12 best school trip ideas for students.  

We have listed some of the most popular ideas, from museums and art galleries to amusement parks and international tours. Depending upon the subject, curriculum demand, and students’ wants, you can go with the trip that best suits the student.  

Further, consider the age and learning perspective of the students. A school trip is a significant responsibility for teachers and must be carried out carefully to be a success. With these ideas, you can come up with the best suit!

Have you ever planned any of the school trips? What ideas did you move forward with? Do let us know!

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Step by Step Guide to Planning a School Trip

It's no secret that teaching is a stressful job and you put in countless hours outside the classroom that goes unnoticed by many.

If you've taken on the extra responsibility of planning a school trip, this step-by-step process will make this as simple and pain-free as possible. ‍

‍ Step 1: Decide where to go and what the focus of the trip will be

Understanding the curriculum and educational goals of your trip as well as the interests of your students is the first important step. Shortlist two or three destinations that fit your educational goals while keeping in mind that it needs to be something parents will support, and students will want to go on.

Step 2: Obtain Approval

Getting approval is an essential step, and if you’ve done a thorough job with step one, this will assist you now. Going to your relevant school officials with an outline of what you achieve and a sample itinerary is the best way to do this. You can download one of our sample itineraries here .

Step 3: Set a Budget

Once approval has been granted request a quote for the itinerary that you have selected, keeping in mind that you can make changes to it to suit your school’s individual interests. To get the most accurate quote, have approximate dates ready and your best guess at teacher and student numbers. It makes sense to add a buffer to the price you quote to parents as numbers can unexpectedly change. ‍

Step 4: Information Evening

An information evening is the best way to gauge an idea of how many students are going to sign up for this trip. You will be joined either online or in person by our expert team who will be able to answer any question that parents or teachers have. This evening is pivotal to the success of the trip and it is best to right away ask for expressions of interest once the evening is complete. ‍

Step 5: Make the Booking

Once you have a clear idea of the numbers it is time to make the booking. You just let us know you want to proceed and we will make all your bookings from flights, accommodation, attractions, and specified meals. Any information that we need from you will be clearly communicated with timelines outlined so there are no surprises along the way. ‍

Step 7: Risk Assessment

Plan for safety and emergencies by creating a detailed risk management plan. Your school will likely have a template for you to work off and should include such things as emergency contact information, medical needs, and contingency plans.

‍ Step 8: Enjoy Your Trip

While it may not quite be a holiday for you, it is still rewarding to get out of the classroom and get to know your students in a different environment. All the planning and work will be worth it as you see the trip come to life. Also, you’ll have our tour manager with you the whole time, which means less stress and more time to take in the experience.

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• Plan A School Trip

School trips – The ultimate teacher guide

There’s lots to think about when organising and leading an educational excursion, but these pointers will help set you on the road to success…

Find the perfect school trip

Start planning school trips early, educational and learning value, the cost of school trips, helping parents budget for school trips, free uk school trips, risk assessments and school trips safety, school trips insurance, accredited providers of school trips, getting assistance from the school trip venue, inspection visits, adult to pupil ratios, preparing the children, make time for reflection, school trip ideas.

Find perfect school trips in an instant with our school trip finder . Explore school trips by subject , region , type or simply browse our extensive school trip directory until you find something your pupils would love.

It falls under the category of ‘common sense’, but in teaching, where time is often in short supply, it bears repeating: allowing adequate time for planning a school trip is essential, as rushed school trips , planned days or weeks before rather than months in advance, will be both a more stressful experience for you as organiser, and at risk of underperforming educationally. 

One of the key findings of Ofsted’s 2008 Learning outside the classroom report was that learning outside the classroom (LOtC) was “most successful when it was an integral element of long-term curriculum planning and closely linked to classroom activities”. 

Gill Harvey, chief executive of the School Travel Forum , says that many school trips don’t get beyond the planning stage because teachers “haven’t gauged parental interest and got approval from the headteacher first.”  

Making an enquiry with school trips venues or providers should be “the last step in the process”, she continues.  

As the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) highlights in its guidance , “the objectives for [your] visit should be defined carefully and must relate closely to classroom work.” 

In its 2008 report , Ofsted noted that, “Too many residential and other visits […] had learning objectives which were imprecisely defined”.  

When thinking about educational school trips, headteacher Tracey Bowen stresses that its “vital to be clear about why you’re going. What’s your intention? What do you want to get out of it?”. 

She continues: “We spend a phenomenal amount of time planning school trips, checking what the content of a workshop is, explaining what our needs are.” 

It’s important to think carefully about where you choose to go – as Tracey points out: “You can get brochures through and think, ‘Oh, that looks great – we’ll go there!’, but unless you’re careful, you can end up thinking, ‘That’s not what it said on the tin!’.” 

“Unless you’re careful you can end up thinking, ‘That’s not what it said on the tin!'”

More fundamentally, for a successful school trip, your choice of destination should be informed by your learning objectives . 

The CLOtC advises that if your outcomes can be “successfully achieved in the grounds of your school, or within easy access in the local area, then it is unlikely that travelling for hours to reach a more distant venue will enhance the learning experience” – but of course there will be many instances in which an external provider located further afield will be essential. 

Steve Craven, director of NST Travel Group, recommends being flexible with your travel dates, transport options, departure points and accommodation location to get the best price for school trips, and recommends not being afraid to ask for advice on making your financial resources stretch a little further. 

Consider the length of your school trip, too – the longer the trip is, the more expensive it will be. If you’re going on a residential school trip, filling your itinerary with a mix of free and paid-for options will help to keep the cost down.  

When it comes to the cost of transport, Sylvia Holland, a KS4 lead practitioner at Impington Village College and Impington International College who regularly organises MFL school trips abroad, says, “Since Brexit and the pandemic there has been a noticeable increase in the costs of flights, but being flexible with our travel dates has enabled us to benefit from the best prices available.” 

Her school has also benefited from community and charity funding, government grants and school fundraising. She recommends looking into The Turing Scheme . 

Schools usually take pride in offering an array of trips – but that may ring alarm bells for some parents, says Nikki Cunningham-Smith…

According to figures from Gingerbread, a national charity supporting one-parent families, lone-parent families are five times as likely to have an income of less than £200 per week. This makes it very difficult for them to cover the cost of school trips.

The cost-of-living crisis can’t help but loom large in this kind of conversation. And it’s not likely to be going away any time soon.

One demographic it hits particularly hard are, of course, parents of nursery and school-age children. The National Foundation for Educational Research recently found that over the past year, there have been significant increases in the  numbers of pupils requiring additional welfare and financial support . This is simply so they can access basic learning, social and extracurricular provision.

As you’d expect, the financial pressures are greatest in special schools and the most disadvantaged mainstream schools. Special school senior leaders are reporting especially high increases in need for pupil welfare support (from 28% to 36%) and financial support (33% to 43%) over the last year.

Spikes in support

Households are now under strain when paying household bills. This is combined with food costs soaring to their highest point in 45 years. Plus there’s the impact of rising interest rates on mortgage repayments and rents. This has resulted in households everywhere having far less disposable income.

Many more households hence have less in the way of savings. They’re increasingly living pay cheque to pay cheque, affording little wriggle room for unexpected expenses. (Though one thing that hasn’t changed is the threshold for Pupil Premium in light of these developments, in a way that might enable more families to become eligible for it).

Because it’s not just children currently eligible for Pupil Premium who are receiving extra support. In 63% of secondary schools, leaders report that just over half of those pupils receiving additional support from their school weren’t PP-eligible.

The same could be said for around 42% of special schools. This suggests that the current eligibility criteria for free school meals may be too restrictive.

SEN children

One parent of a SEN child once highlighted to me how difficult it can be to access trips due to the additional costs incurred from having a pupil on the SEND register. This is something other parents and teaching staff may not realise.

The example she gave me was having to buy three sets of ear defenders priced at £30 each at the start of a school year. This is one cost that not all parents will face.

Another parent told me how she had previously tried to keep her daughter off school in the week leading up to one trip. This was specifically so that she’d miss the building buzz and excitement, and hence not know the extent to which she’d be missing out because the parent couldn’t afford to pay.

In a post-pandemic climate, where pupil attendance is still giving us significant causes for concern , how can we tackle these anxieties that seem so closely associated with paying for school trips?

Parental finances

One thing we can do is provide parents with clear timetables at the start of the academic year that record proposed trips and upcoming costs. This help with parents’ budgeting.

If your capacity extends to it, you could even look into setting up financial literacy support sessions for any parents needing to improve their ability at budgeting successfully.

Where possible, look to provide a monthly payment system. Here, parents regularly deposit small sums in a dedicated account, before then making withdrawals once a trip has been arranged.

There’s scope to subsidise the trips themselves using Pupil Premium and/or SEND funding. Or you can approach your PTA about supporting funded places.

A good way of getting parents to engage can be to research any local financial support organisations. Share details of these in your school newsletters and parental forums.

The onus is on schools to embed these kinds of practices into their daily routines. If a school can demonstrate that their parents’ financial status is an area they’re sensitive to, this will help build a sense of openness.

Because we all want schools to be places where no child need miss out on exceptional learning experiences – whatever their socioeconomic status.

Support for parents

• Consider helping parents access financial literacy workshops from a local support organisation. Or provide them yourself in after-school sessions
• Ensure that parents feel able to inform you in the event of financial concerns or shocks that might be affecting them and their families
• Engage with charities that might be able to offer financial support to struggling families. Pass on any useful advice or guidance
• Some LAs can provide support with additional school expenses in ‘exceptional circumstances’

Nikki Cunningham-Smith is an assistant headteacher based in Gloucestershire

Of course, you don’t always need to travel far to find an appropriate setting for your school trip. Staying local helps you save on travelling time and costs but also helps children to engage with the local history of their community. Check out a great range of free school trips here . 

The very thought of being responsible for the wellbeing of 30+ unleashed kids can be enough to put teachers off school trips for life, but there has never been more guidance available for those responsible for carrying out risk assessments. 

So what exactly is a school trip risk assessment?

According to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, a risk assessment is “an essential element of any school trip – not to mention a legal requirement.”  

The DfE’s ‘ Health and safety on educational visits’ resource , which draws upon the work of both the CLOtC and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel (OEAP) , is a useful starting point. 

“If you are the group leader, always be prepared to trust your own judgement”, advises the NEU.

“If you think that to continue an activity or a school trip would compromise the health and safety of the group, you have the authority and responsibility to cancel it. 

“The teacher/group leader is expected to apply the same standard of care as would a ‘reasonable parent’ acting within a range of reasonable responses.” 

If you need help with your risk assessment, each local authority has an outdoor education advisor who is there to help and support you. 

It’s vital that all staff and pupils are fully and correctly insured for your school trip. NEU says that it’s important to “study insurance policies carefully – they should include cover for possible personal liability and ‘third party insurance’ for all responsible adults. 

“Group leaders must ensure that they do nothing to jeopardise their insurance cover. 

“When negligence is alleged, the case will nearly always be taken against the employer, who is vicariously liable and carries insurance for third-party liability. 

“Claims are seldom brought against individuals and, if individual employees are sued, they may bring in their employer as a co-defendant.

“Some employers provide a specific indemnity which protects staff against any liability if a claim is made against them personally.  

“The courts do not rush to find schools and teachers negligent, they accept that accidents do happen. 

“However, schools must demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to plan school trips thoroughly and assess and control risks, and individual teachers must demonstrate that their responses to an incident were within the range of the reasonable responses of a parent.” 

It’s easy to underestimate the time and energy needed to organise a school trip, especially if you’re taking a ‘DIY’ approach and arranging all the separate elements yourself.  

Using an accredited provider or tour company gives you financial protection in the form of ABTA or ATOL bonding, but another benefit, as Gill Harvey from School Travel Forum explains, is that reputable tour companies will have “first-hand knowledge of your destination and a good ‘bank’ of suppliers from which to choose appropriate services for your school trip, and can offer 24-hour help and support in the unlikely event that anything should happen – from flight delays to last minute cancellations.” 

Using an accredited provider can save you time when it comes to paperwork and “gives you peace of mind that the elements of the school trip have all been carefully checked on your behalf”, according to Gill. 

Jamie Walls, product development and delivery manager at YHA , recommends looking in particular for the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge .

He says: “It’s the only nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision and effective risk management.  

“Having this quality standard means the red tape associated with a school trip is reduced.” 

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for when browsing school trip ideas, don’t be afraid to ask venues for assistance, advises deputy headteacher Grace Shaw. 

Many museums, galleries, zoos and the like are more than willing to be flexible.

Grace says: “Rather than picking off the menu, you can tailor-make what you need. Museums in particular are usually very happy to adapt their offer, because they’re so thrilled to share what they’ve got to share.” 

On school trips where venue staff are taking the lead in guiding students, don’t be tempted to switch off. Grace says: “Some teachers think, ‘I’ll get to my workshop, then the workshop leader will have the children and I’ll get them back at the end.’ 

“Actually, you need to work with staff, because while they’re experts in their field, you’re the expert in your children. You’ve got to develop a partnership.” 

Gill Harvey adds that to maximise the positive impact of your trip and help gain approval from parents and the school to run the trip in the first place, ask your operator how they can support you to promote the learning benefits of the trip to your stakeholders. 

Planning a school trip checklist

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers lays out the following checklist for planning a school trip. 

• Obtain approval from your school and the local authority, if applicable 
• Undertake or obtain a risk assessment
• Detail staffing, supervision and training needs 
• Ensure that the trip is adequately insured 
• Plan transport 
• Obtain written parental consent for medical treatment and brief parents 
• Conduct an exploratory visit 
• Prepare contingency and emergency arrangements 
• Brief staff in preparation for the trip, including responsibilities and emergency arrangements 
• Prepare children for the trip discussing arrangements, expectations and safety 

Making time to head to your destination ahead of the trip proper can help clarify issues as trivial as where you need to park, as well as more important issues relating to health and safety. 

In its National Guidance, the OEAP notes that while accreditations and other sources of information provide essential assurances, “they are not a substitute for a preliminary visit and being able to clarify issues face to face.” 

Jamie Walls from YHA says that by arranging a pre-visit, group leaders can get a feel for the residential destination. “They can also talk to staff, get assistance with any paperwork necessary and see the activities first-hand,” he says.  

If you’re planning a school trip residential, a visit will allow you to assess catering and sleeping arrangements. “Ensure that your groups have dedicated rooms and that the catering is not only offered but of good quality, with any dietary requirements catered for too”, suggests Jamie. 

According to NEU, there’s no precise formula for the ratio of adults required on a school trip. “It’s down to reasonable judgement”, it explains.

“You should take into account the nature of the expedition, and the number, age and aptitudes of the children. School trips which involve hazardous activities require more adults for a group.”  

“There’s no precise formula for the ratio of adults required on a school trip”

Many venues will state their own ratios for school trips on their website. 

Government guidance on ratios

On its website, the Health and Safety Executive states that pupil to staff ratios for school trips are not prescribed in law. 

It states that “those planning a school trip, on the basis of risk assessment, should decide the ratios, taking into account the activity to be undertaken and the age and maturity of the pupils.” 

Before embarking on your trip, set out your expectations about behaviour and lay out your learning outcomes and how they will be used in the following weeks. 

It’s also important to set out to children what will happen on their school trip – emphasising the times when they’ll need to focus and the opportunities for free time available. 

Giving children a clear idea of what will happen on your trip and when can help to alleviate anxieties about the unknown, according to experts at PAC-UK . 

They propose providing a timetable of the trip, breaking it down into its component elements, the more visual the better. 

Other ways to help anxious children include:

• Looking at images or the website of your destination
• Arranging a pre-visit with a caregiver, if possible
• Giving pupils the chance to discuss any worries with a key person in school 

Read more advice from PAC-UK about reducing trip trauma . 

Another important aspect of preparing children for a trip is making sure that they already have a basic knowledge of the topic you’re looking to focus on. 

Teacher Sylvia Holland says that many school trip venues “have a plethora of resources available online that are designed to support learning in the classroom, for use either prior to or after your visit. 

“Use videos to set the scene and excite pupils ahead of their trip or use worksheets to help with follow-up lesson planning and allow them to apply new-found skills.” 

Making the most of a school trip isn’t just about ensuring its smooth-running on the day – the point, after all, is for the visit to have a measurable positive benefit on students’ learning when they return to the classroom. 

As such, it’s equally important to give due consideration to how you plan to continue the learning – in some cases post-visit resources may be available to help you – and to reflect, in partnership with students, on the experience: evaluate its effectiveness in terms of improving educational outcomes, and learn lessons for next time. 

Whether you’re looking for help planning a primary school trip, a secondary school trip, a free school trip or just something a little out-of-the-ordinary, we’ve got you covered with this mega list of school trip ideas!

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Residential trips for schools

Manor House & Ashbury Hotels

The Manor House & Ashbury Hotels , in the heart of Devon, offer a fantastic choice of over 50 sport, craft, leisure and spa activities.

A dedicated schools coordinator can create a bespoke programme to meet your group’s individual requirements, plus all equipment and use of its fantastic facilities is included in the price.

All sessions are delivered by experienced tutors with a child-led approach. With workshops, accommodation, full-board dining and generous group discounts you’re guaranteed a great value break that ticks every box.

Rock UK has been working with schools for nearly 100 years. Its four nationwide activity centres offer tailor-made programmes of challenging activities to build resilience, confidence and independence – you can choose from over 40 instructed activities, from watersports to abseiling, bush craft to archery and much more.

All centres hold the LOtC quality badge, testament to the company’s high standards for safety, activity provision and learning outcomes.

Bursary places are available for children who would otherwise be left behind.

Ringsfield Hall

Ringsfield Hall is an innovative centre for outdoor learning and nature connection, with 14.5 acres of woods, meadow and a homely Victorian house.

On offer are crafted forest school and earth education programmes, infused with imagination, drama and magic, all delivered by experienced practitioners with a child-led and eco-therapeutic approach.

You can opt for a day visit or residentials, with facilities including an art barn, music studio and sports pitches.

Other highlights include farm animals, fantastic home-cooked food and the freedom to explore!

Go Wild Adventures

Bring your students out of the classroom and immerse them in the great outdoors at Go Wild Adventures .

Go Wild’s philosophy is that great things can happen in young people’s lives when their horizons are widened, and its team will work to help you achieve this.

Pupils are invited to embrace living under canvas and inspired to explore the world around them.

With campfires, woodlands, fields and an on-site field study classroom on offer, Go Wild can help you put together a package to suit your specific needs.

Cumulus Outdoors

Cumulus offers action-packed residential programmes on the stunning Jurassic coast in Dorset, tailored to your requirements and fully supported by a team who will guide you every step of the way.

You can choose either the exclusive Tented Village option for an authentic outdoor experience – featuring 24/7 pastoral care, spacious tents, a large communal tipi and dedicated teachers area – or the Residential Centre for dormitory accommodation, plus dedicated teacher and classroom facilities.

Programmes can include coasteering, a visit to a waterpark, a mud run, kayaking, mackerel fishing, rock climbing and abseiling, and more.

YHA School Trips

Whatever your subject and whatever your desired learning objectives, when you choose YHA School Trips you can be assured of a safe, fulfilling and unforgettable residential that will stay with your pupils long after their coach journey home.

What’s more, as a leading youth charity, YHA believes that every child should have the same chance to discover, explore and grow – to that end it creates unique opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to experience amazing places, share extraordinary journeys and take a different path through life.

TYF has been running for over 30 years, delivering adventure residential school trips for schools. Pupils are taken out of the confines of the classroom and immersed in adventurous and experiential learning in the natural world.

Its core activities are coasteering (which it pioneered in 1986), surfing, climbing and abseiling, and kayaking.

The programmes link adventure and problem solving, helping pupils to find meaning and inspiration whilst building the ‘backpack skills’ for a lifetime of adventurous play.

Mill on the Brue

Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre boasts over 40 activities in the idyllic river valley in Bruton, Somerset.

Each programme is individually written in consultation with the party leader, who can choose activities based around team-building, problem-solving, high energy or just plain fun, with experienced and qualified instructors who stay with the group throughout the week.

Food is also an important part of the trip, with child-friendly meals and all diets catered for.

Children are taught about the environment and teamwork, and gain a comprehension of healthy living and life skills.

The School Journey Association

The School Journey Association’ s activity school trips are suitable for all age groups and are a fantastic way to motivate pupils, whilst teaching them independence, self-belief and many other important life skills.

They offer both day and residential school trips to accredited activity centres throughout the UK and France, as well as visits to Belgium and Spain.

NST has been creating tours that inspire and educate children for more than 50 years. It chooses its destinations with school groups in mind. Safe, secure accommodation options and a range of engaging visits provide an ideal introduction to the world outside the classroom.

It’s the travel company of choice for over 35,000 group leaders, and NST is committed to doing its absolute best to provide schools with the experience and support they need to create school trips pupils will remember long after they return to the classroom.

Dunfield House

A proud LOtC-accredited provider, Dunfield House offers an outstanding residential experience – a place to call home where students can improve their confidence, resilience, wellbeing and life skills.

Its friendly team offer a personal service, with 24/7 onsite managers, three-star accommodation and healthy, wholesome meals with unlimited refreshments and biscuits.

Varied lesson plans, developed by teachers, are available for self-directed learning.

Dunfield caters for groups of 30–95, offering sole use of the house and/or stables accommodation.

Most importantly, it offers a sanctuary where young people develop their true potential, taking memories and new skills back to the classroom.

The Outward Bound Trust

As an educational charity, the Outward Bound Trust ’s mission is to make its residential programmes available to as many young people as possible.

With the philosophy that money shouldn’t stand in the way of opportunity and that everyone can achieve more than they think they can, it raises funds thanks to the generosity of donors, its fundraising events and early careers development programmes.

The trust puts this towards appropriate funding for schools, colleges and youth groups.

UKSA specialises in introducing people of all ages to the great outdoors through watersports and sailing.

Its water-based activities are a great way to build confidence, teamwork and resilience. On offer are a variety of disciplines, from dinghy sailing and kayaking, to windsurfing and standup paddleboarding.

Team building and multi-activity programmes are also available. UKSA’s 3.5-acre fully residential campus is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight – just a short hop over from Southampton, Portsmouth or Lymington.

There are regular complementary preview weekends for anyone who wishes to experience what’s on offer, first hand.

YMCA Lakeside

YMCA Lakeside is one of the largest and most scenic outdoor education centres in the UK. Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, this iconic centre has been hosting school residentials and transforming young lives for over 70 years.

Its state-of-the-art schools facility, opened in 2019, created an additional 200 beds and more opportunities to provide outstanding learning outside the classroom activities.

Belchamps Scout Activity Centre

If you’re looking for something different for your next educational venture outside the school grounds, try this activity centre set amid 30 acres of camping fields in the Essex countryside.

The site includes a choice of five indoor accommodations and two tented villages with a cooking hut, and a range of different experiences to try.

Available activities include abseiling, bridge building, bushcraft days (which involve fire lighting and shelter building) and indoor/outdoor climbing, among many others.

Essex Outdoors

Essex Outdoors is situated across four stunning locations in Essex, ideally located to provide an outstanding school trips experience.

Whether you’re looking for a residential stay or a day trip, its fully trained and dedicated staff will ensure that your students develop lifelong memories.

With over 40 different activities on offer – from archery to crabbing, quad bikes to zip wires – there’s certain to be something that will engage and inspire your pupils.

The wide range of accommodation options, including residential blocks, pods, cabins and tents, means you will be able to plan a trip that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

Active Escape

Active Escape is based in stunning North Devon and provides a variety of stimulating and unique experiences, including coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, party SUPs and its very own ‘Adventure Challenge’.

All of the activities on offer encourage team-building, boost self-confidence and fulfill a number of educational purposes too.

You can choose to spend half a day with Active Escape or a whole week, thanks to a campsite equipped with bell tents for your students.

Conway Centres

With four locations across north Wales and Cheshire, Conway Centres are the perfect location for schools to come together and make life-long memories.

Conway Centres combines real-life outdoor adventure with unique creative and performing arts activities, which increase achievement and inspire individuals.

Whether children and young people are canoeing on the private dock in Anglesey (with the stunning Snowdonia mountain range as a backdrop), taking centre stage in the outdoor woodland theatre or exploring all that Delamere forest has to offer, there’s something to inspire everyone at Conway Centres.

Brathay Trust

Situated in the stunning Lake District National Park, Brathay Hall is home to Brathay Trust . Each year the site hosts hundreds of young people on immersive, memorable and life-changing residential programmes that promote resilience, leadership and wellbeing.

A Brathay residential programme offers a powerful learning experience in an inspiring location, using outdoor activities and a creative approach to enable a wide range of outcomes to be achieved.

As the director of services at Aspired Futures put it, “The changes we saw in young people on the residential would take us a year to achieve in our community setting.”

Epic Outdoors

Epic Outdoors is an adventure activities licensing service and Duke of Edinburgh approved adventure provider specialising in developing personal and group skills through multi activity programmes.

It currently delivers activities in the Lake District, North Wales and the Peak District – everything from gorge walking, canoe and climbing to mindfulness, wild camping and traditional storytelling – to over 2,500 young people each year.

Schools receive full support, from pre-visits for staff, students and parents to curriculum blending and post residential review trips – and most importantly, genuine adventures built around learning outcomes.

A Kingswood adventure brings out the potential in every child. With award-winning programmes focused on building confidence, boosting resilience and developing key life skills, your class will enjoy a breath of fresh air, a taste of independence and make memories to last a lifetime.

Choose from 11 adventure centres across the UK, where the Kingswood team will deliver activities from abseiling to zip wires, while providing learning outcomes and so much more.

Introduced in 2022, the new unique Confidence Tracker also helps you to measure and demonstrate the outcome of your trip.

Plus, you’ll be able to explore pre- and post-trip activities from Kingswood’s partners, Enrich Education, to help extend the value of your trip.

Oaker Wood Leisure

Oaker Wood Leisure Adventure Centre in Herefordshire specialises in school activity residentials for groups of up to 120 students.

Accommodation comes in the form of wooden ‘glamping’ pods based in glamping villages for the exclusive use of each school group, complete with campfire, barbecue hut, kitchen and dining facilities, showers and toilets.

On-site activities include team-building, high ropes, a zip wire, quick jump, paintball, raft-building, quad trekking and more.

You can book residentials for between one and four nights. Day trips and in-school team-building days also available.

Llain Activity Centre

Llain Activity Centre is a short drive from New Quay, West Wales and a short walk to the secluded Cei Bach beach.

The nine-acre former farm is packed with various accommodation options, a one-and-a-half-acre lake and a one-acre mud assault course as well as a climbing tower, high ropes and zip line.

Having specialised in residential school trips for over 20 years, the centre prides itself on its pre-visit communication and parent presentations.

Scout Adventures

With over 100 years’ experience in character education, Scout Adventures has helped thousands of young people enjoy a range of adventure activities while learning new skills and becoming active citizens of the future.

At Scout Adventures it’s all about helping young people to reach their potential – understanding that learning away can have a powerful, positive impact on young people’s academic achievement.

With its expertise in informal outdoor learning, and world famous Scouting heritage and values, Scout Adventures has inspired generations of young people to reach their potential and learn skills for life.

It also provides free resources to schools.

Calvert Trust Exmoor

Calvert Trust Exmoor offers a unique opportunity for students of any age and any disability to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable adventure activities in a safe, accessible environment.

On a residential break, children can overcome challenges, build confidence and enrich their lives through improved self-esteem and a sense of achievement.

The Trust also promotes physical activity, helps with social interaction and gives pupils and staff a shared point of reference that can aid engagement when back in the classroom.

It works with numerous UK educational establishments, both specialist and mainstream, and can tailor breaks to meet your needs.

PGL has been successfully delivering high-quality learning experiences for 65 years, amassing a wealth of experience within outdoor education.

As the largest outdoor learning provider in the UK, over 350,000 young people benefit from a PGL trip each year.

With 15 centres across the UK, most schools are no more than two hours away from their next PGL adventure. There are also four centres in France and a ski programme in Europe.

Residential school trips offer unforgettable experiences at the well-equipped adventure centres and with PGL, you get round-the-clock support from experienced instructors and a dedicated member of staff to look after you and your group during your stay.

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SEA LIFE London

Inspirational for all ages, SEA LIFE London offers pupils the opportunity to explore the creatures that live in our rivers and oceans.

They will walk in awe through Pacific Ocean tunnels, tropical rainforests and an Antarctic penguin point.

Younger children’s curiosity will be piqued as they become top rock pool explorers while older students can observe, first hand, ecosystems, environmental changes, evolution and marine conservation.

Pupils will learn about the different oceans around the world, explore creature characteristics and differences in their adaptations to survive, and compare and contrast the life stages of mammals, amphibians, insects and birds.

Tour for Muggles

Show your students the magical side of London with this award-winning Harry Potter tour . This is a really engaging way for students to delve into the Harry Potter series while learning about London’s rich history.

The Tour for Muggles team have worked with many school groups and their excellent guides will make it a memorable experience for you all.

The team reserves the best prices for school groups. Teachers can attend for free. Multi-award winner of the TripAdvisor Award of Excellence and Scoot Awards, this tour is truly Potterific!

Imperial War Museum London

IWM London tells the story of conflict from 1914 to the present day. School groups can choose to take part in one of IWM’s learning sessions with an expert educator, or opt to explore the museum on a self-guided visit. The Documentary Challenge gives students the chance to explore IWM’s galleries, find objects and tell the stories the world needs to hear by making short documentaries.

We Were There sessions provide a unique opportunity to meet veterans who have all experienced conflict first-hand.

Holocaust Learning sessions support students as they learn about one of the most difficult subjects in history. New technology guides pupils through IWM’s Holocaust Galleries, critically considering why the Holocaust happened, why we study it, and what it means in our world today.

Jewish Museum

At Jewish Museum London , students will learn about the history of Judaism and the culture of the Jewish community here in Britain.

All workshops are interactive and, depending on what you have planned, students might handle precious objects with important and personal stories, watch films, listen to stories and sound clips, or participate in craft activities. The museum also provides the opportunity for students to hear from a Holocaust survivor speaker who will tell their personal story.

The Living Communities gallery offers a space for craft activities and group work. Students may even get the chance to practise calligraphy skills and learn some Hebrew.

Asking questions is an important part of your visit – The Jewish Museum London offers a safe space to ask anything about Judaism or Jewish people that you ever wanted to know.

KidZania London

Visit KidZania London in Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush and your pupils will experience experiential learning at its best. KidZania is the indoor city for kids with endless, exciting, real-life career activities.

The range of activities available is designed to link back to the curriculum across PSHE, literacy and STEM.

KidZania also runs unique educational events throughout the year to bring careers learning to life. These include Parliament Week, STEM Week and its Careers Fair.

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum explores how the post has changed the way we live. Interactive sessions explore communication stories across the curriculum for all key stages. Meanwhile, its exhibition galleries are jam-packed with intriguing objects charting 500 years of social history.

Pupils can hop aboard Mail Rail, travelling on a tiny train through the tunnels of London’s hidden postal railway and testing their engineering ingenuity in the original train depot.

Younger visitors can learn through play in Sorted! and have sack loads of fun delivering the post in the mini mail town.

Lee Valley Regional Park

Help your class to experience a range of outdoor adventure activities with a trip to a 10,000 acre classroom in Lee Valley Regional Park , spanning London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

The learning service provides real-word experience of topics on the KS1 and KS2 curriculum. Immerse pupils in the history of the Stone Age, help them discover the natural world, or teach mindfulness practices in the outdoors.

Looking for something more? The forest school activity programme is available in six-week blocks for children to develop physical and social skills. In-school programmes are also available.

Science trips for schools

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum is a 32-acre site steeped in history and linked with world-famous achievements.

Its collections of historic cars, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles and artefacts tell fascinating and inspirational stories.

From its creation in 1907, through two World Wars and for most of the 20th century, Brooklands was a centre for breaking speed records, motor racing and advances in science and technology. Thousands of aircraft were tested and flown.

Today, students can:

• sit inside real aircraft
• drive a Formula 1 simulator around Brooklands race track
• design their own aircraft
• step on board a real Concorde

Magna Science Adventure Centre

Magna Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.

Pupils can explore the wonders of science, technology and industrial history in four pavilions: Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

These are crammed with over 100 exciting activities. Invite your group to discover the amazing nature of water, operate real diggers, witness a fire tornado and even explode a rock face.

There’s also a chance to discover South Yorkshire & North East England’s steel-making heritage in ‘The Big Melt’ experience. This is a thunderous pyrotechnic show.

Kent Wildlife Trust

Kent Wildlife Trust is the leading wildlife charity in Kent. Its aim is to bring people closer to nature and ensure wildlife is protected and restored in the future.

Activities enable young people to connect with nature and learn outside the classroom.

Learners will explore different habitats, learn new skills and have fun while meeting curriculum objectives.

Expert tutors are on hand to deliver a wide range of interactive sessions at sites across Kent. These range from pond dipping to forest school programmes.

Staff are committed to ensuring high quality provision and have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge.

The Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) is a charity set up to support children’s understanding of the natural world.

Working with young people, schools and parents, it aims to give children a real awareness of environmental issues. These include:

• climate change
• deforestation
• the plight of endangered flora and fauna

Your pupils need to know all of the facts in order to make their own decisions about how they want to shape their world for the future. The YPTE helps to equip them with the knowledge they need.

The Field Studies Council

The Field Studies Council (FSC) is the UK’s leading charity sector provider of outdoor environmental education.

Much of its work is based at one of its 17 field centres. These have an international reputation for high standards of primary school, secondary school and university teaching by expert staff and associated facilities.

A broad range of courses are available, from fieldwork residentials and adventure school trips to one-day experiences. These Field Studies Council courses immerse pupils in the natural world, taking in its sights, sounds and smells by bringing subjects to life in the outdoor classroom.

Godstone Farm

Godstone Farm opened its doors 40 years ago as an educational attraction for school children. Over the years it has developed into the farm countless visitors enjoy today.

Its schools programme has been designed to complement the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stages and both the KS1 and 2 programmes of study, mixing in a whole heap of fun.

Children with SEND are welcomed, with semi-structured visits on offer.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm offers an excellent opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to become jungle explorers and learn about rainforest environments. They can also learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, and Mayans KS2 topics.

KS1 and 2 curriculum subjects are covered, with all tours tailored to meet your group’s needs.

Tours include an introductory talk and a ‘Meet the Mini-Beast’ handling session.

With plenty of hands-on, close observation and activity, this is an immersive and educational day out for your class.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

From art to geography, science to literacy, whether you want an educational talk for your pupils or are just coming for a visit, Cotswold Wildlife Park has plenty to offer.

Home to over 260 different animal species, and comprising 120 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, it is the perfect place to bring the National Curriculum to life.

Your pupils can get eye to eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the manor house lawns, walk with lemurs, take a ride on Bella the train or explore the adventure playground.

Free coach parking is available.

West Midland Safari Park

Located in Worcestershire, West Midland Safari Park has been welcoming educational groups for over 40 years. And with over 140 species of amazing animals on show, pupils can immerse themselves in a truly unique learning environment.

In 2017 the park’s purpose-built Safari Academy opened. This is a sustainable, state-of-the-art education centre, dedicated to providing learning opportunities for all ages.

A variety of educational sessions are on offer to complement the curriculum. These are delivered by an experienced education team who aim to inspire a future generation of conservationists.

Monkey World

Whether your pupils are learning about primate rescue work, the impact of deforestation or how woolly monkey use their tails, Monkey World ’s experienced education team can enhance your trip and support learning in the classroom.

As well as curriculum-linked sessions and workbooks, Monkey World offers visitors the chance to see over 250 monkeys and apes. This includes the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, Europe’s only orangutan crèche and a breeding group of woolly monkeys – all in one day!

Amazona Zoo

Amazona Zoo in Cromer, Norfolk, is home to over 200 animals from tropical South America. These include:

The zoo features a 30-foot yurt for viewing educational films and other learning activities; an expansive outdoor play area, Rainforest Springs, with two large jumping pillows; and a spacious, well-equipped indoor play area, Jungle Tumbles.

There are opportunities for visitors to see the animals being fed, meet the zookeepers and learn about the history of South America and the rainforest.

Longleat is home to a wide range of attractions, so can easily tie in with a variety of topics, act as a case study, or be the inspirational starting point to a project.

Science and history have intrinsically strong connections but Longleat also presents wonderful opportunities for subjects such as English, maths, art and design. These can be given a real-life context.

There’s a huge selection of workshops and resources, for EYFS through to KS4+. Longleat is committed to continuously improving through expanding their variety of activities on offer.

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo has an award-winning education programme and offers free sessions to support many subjects across the curriculum.

As well as covering traditional science and geography concepts such as adaptations and conservation, it also extends to English debating skills, art, maths and wildlife forensics. These support curriculum areas not traditionally associated with a zoo visit.

Schools looking for a general zoo visit are also very welcome to attend and use any of the zoo’s free online resources to focus self-guided or group learning.

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo in Devon features 2,500 animals across 80 acres of natural habitat.

It has a comprehensive education offering to tempt schools. Primary students can access a range of interactive, curriculum-linked workshops. These take place in themed classrooms containing a host of artefacts and specimens.

Options include Evolution, Endangered animals and conservation, and habitats and adaptations. Qualified teaching staff will deliver these.

The team can also help visiting teachers to develop an itinerary for their visit. This can span a wide range of subjects, including maths, art, English, geography, and more.

The Deep is home to 3,500 fish and welcomes over 30,000 students every year to its purpose-built Learning Centre.

Start your amazing aquarium experience with the breath-taking coral reef in the Lagoon and some impressively large sharks in Endless Ocean. Or take a look at the creatures of the Amazon in the Flooded Forest.

A team of experienced in-house teachers deliver workshops, presentations and hands-on activities to school groups. They cover a wide selection of topics, including:

• citizenship
• customer care
• travel and tourism.

Flamingo Land Resort

Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire offers a great day out for school students. Your group will be able to enjoy the thrills of amazing theme park rides and explore an award-winning animal collection.

They can tour the zoo and attend keeper talks. These provide fascinating information about a variety of animals, including:

• Sumatran tigers
• African lions
• Black and white rhinoceroses

Business studies students can also take the opportunity to learn how a major leisure attraction operates, with information on a range of topics covering HR, customer services, finance and marketing.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is the largest public aquarium in the UK. It offers an amazing aquarium experience for more than 300,000 visitors per year (including 30,000 school students).

Its range of exhibits features marine animals from near and far. There are zones dedicated to the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef and Plymouth Sound.

Of particular interest will be JustAddH2O, the aquarium’s award-winning Learning Space. Its dedicated Discovery & Learning team operate in partnership with other education experts to provide a continuously developing programme that supports all teachers, from Foundation Stage to university and beyond.

Wingham Wildlife Park

There’s not an animal-based education destination in Kent that can offer more variety than Wingham Wildlife Park . At the park you’ll find:

• Over 170 species
• 190 talk topics. This includes everything from individual species to recycling, palm oil, dinosaurs, reptiles, invertebrates, nocturnal animals, birds and much more
• Pre-designed itineraries
• An outdoor play area
• Free lunch lockers
• Plenty of picnic areas (both open and under cover)

London & Whipsnade Zoos

If you’re looking to take your students on an inspirational school trip, look no further than ZSL’s two fantastic zoos .

London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, home to over 650 species of animals. On the other hand, Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo. It’s set in 600 acres of beautiful scenery with some of the largest, rarest and most majestic animals alive.

Schools receive fantastic discounts for self-guided entry and educational sessions. You can choose from a range of curriculum-linked sessions, delivering a unique interactive learning experience. You can book these as part of your education visit.

A visit to either zoo is ideal for children of all ages, from Foundation through Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum delivers educational programmes using digital technology, survivor testimonies, hate crime specialists and artefacts to challenge prejudice.

The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum

This venue displays over 60 motorised pieces of automata and kinetic art. These have all been handcrafted by outside-the-box thinkers and inventors from across the globe.

The museum encourages students to interact with and witness a diverse range of engineering and physics principles as well as clever design elements. The museum offers:

• hands-on learning
• discounted tickets
• support materials for teachers
• sketching and photography sessions
• KS3 activities and automata construction kits

Groups usually spend two hours experiencing everything on offer.

The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum teaches much more than just a game. Its fun and inspiring programme uses unique objects and amazing stories to enthuse and engage school students, employing football to bring the curriculum to life.

Pupils will journey back through time and chart the game’s development and place in society across the generations; score points with the museum’s approach to maths; get creative with words in poetry and commentary workshops; and get hands-on with real football artefacts in science and design sessions.

De Havilland Aircraft Museum

Your pupils can experience fun and engaging workshops at the UK’s oldest aviation museum , dedicated to the preservation of the de Havilland heritage.

They can get close up and inside many of the exhibits and aircraft, and enjoy bespoke workshops. You can tailor these to your topic, with many cross-curricular elements as well as opportunities to practise soft skills such as:

• critical thinking
• following instructions

British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum offers a range of interactive museum walks, hands-on workshops and self-led activities that allow pupils to experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry. This is all while engaging in a fun learning programme linked to the National Curriculum.

There’s a coach drop-off point outside the museum entrance, accessible toilets and dedicated learning spaces, including a lunch area.

International tours

Halsbury Travel

Founded by former teachers, Halsbury Travel specialises in tailor-made tours for schools designed to inspire.

Its philosophy is that education should be an exciting adventure. And, as such, it offers some incredible activities that students will never forget.

You can walk on glaciers in Iceland, hike up volcanoes in Naples and Costa Rica, and explore the vastness of the Grand Canyon. There’s so many school trip destinations on offer.

You can travel to any number of far-flung destinations. These include India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and China. Here your students will experience exotic landscapes and ancient, rich cultures.

Galina International Study Tours

Established in 1989, Galina is an independent, family-run tour operator providing curriculum-relevant primary and secondary school trips to destinations in the UK and Europe.

You can tailor the tours to cover your students’ specific learning objectives. Get in touch with a member of the team to discuss your requirements and start planning a school trip adventure.

WorldStrides

With WorldStrides you can experience the natural wonder of Iceland with your students, and use Geography Association-approved materials linked to the GCSE curriculum.

Begin in Reykjavik, then spend four days exploring the land of fire and ice – from explosive geysers and giant volcanoes, to glaciers and magnificent waterfalls.

Travel to Vik and the South Coast and then on to Gullfoss before enjoying a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon.

The team vets every hotel and restaurant to ensure it meets your expectations. And WorldStrides will work with you every step of the way to make your experience a smooth one.

School trips to New York City

European study tours.

European Study Tours is a leading educational tour operator trusted by teachers to organise educational tours and experiences since 1982.

Catering for destinations all around the world, European Study Tours also holds curriculum-focused conference events in New York. The LIVE! conferences bring students together with high-calibre industry professionals to provide subject insight and inspiration that can’t be found in text books or the classroom.

Art & Design LIVE! and Business LIVE! are held at the iconic MOMA museum, where students can hear first-hand accounts and exclusive insights from leading industry specialists. Q&A sessions give students the opportunity to put their questions to the experts. Then finish the day with a trip to Top of the Rock to see the city sparkle at night.

History school trips

Historic Royal Palaces

With 1,000 years of history to uncover, a visit to some of the country’s most iconic historic palaces offers pupils the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history where it happened.

Children can take part in interactive sessions led by expert, costumed presenters, including: Tudor kitchens revealed at Hampton Court Palace; crime and punishment at the Tower of London; Queen Victoria’s toys at Kensington Palace; and the roles of servants uncovered at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

And for those wanting a self-led visit, activity trails linked to the national curriculum allow teachers to shape a visit to suit their students’ needs.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Head to Leicester and you can discover the incredible story of a king’s life and death, and explore one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told.

Great for educational visits, the King Richard III Visitor Centre stands on the site where Richard III’s remains were buried for over 500 years.

A complementary learning programme is available for teachers. This provides different options for schools and educational organisations planning a visit to the centre. This includes a range of workshops for both history and science.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle has played a prominent role in English history for over 1,100 years. Today, schools can explore its Medieval towers and ramparts; roam grounds designed by famous landscaper Capability Brown; and marvel at the great hall and state rooms with their Tudor influences.

They can also be awed by the daily shows that can include an archery demonstration, a working trebuchet and a brand new bird of prey show, ‘The Falconer’s Quest’.

In addition, there is a plethora of curriculum-linked workshops that you can book to bring history vividly to life.

English Heritage

Whether you choose an expert-led tour at Kenilworth Castle; an interactive Discovery Visit at Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield; or explore the rich history of sites such as Dover Castle, Carlisle Castle or Stonehenge, English Heritage school trips are guaranteed to bring learning to life.

You can also download free resources from the English Heritage website. A team of qualified teachers, educational experts and historians have developed these, in partnership with AQA and OCR.

Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle educational tours and workshops immerse students in the turbulent and fascinating history of this long-standing gatehouse. It offers a fun, informative and hands-on way to learn about the past.

Visiting pupils will experience a vivid recreation of the sights, sounds and excitement of the castle in the 13th century. This includes:

• a visit to the basement store and the armoury
• joining the garrison for supper
• climbing to the top of the battlements.

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle provides fantastic opportunities for educational visits. Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, founded the castle at the end of the 11th century. Today it’s the family home of the 18th Duke of Norfolk.

Its colourful, near-1,000-year history lends itself to many aspects of the national curriculum, whether your group is in Key Stage 1, 2 or 3.

Staff have developed the Arundel Castle Educational Programme to help students with their study in an informative, enjoyable and memorable way.

At Beamish , students can engage in a real-life setting and, by asking real people, gain a deeper understanding than that offered by a textbook.

Its active learning experiences encompass investigation of both facts about the past and also attitudes.

Students must think critically, weigh evidence, make informed decisions and develop perspective in activities such as:

• Medicine Through Time
• Joe the Quilter Murder
• Suffragettes on the High Street
• Mayday Mayday

They must stand up and make their opinions known, argue, analyse and act out becoming informed, independent investigators.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park Resort Theme Park welcomes schools from all over the country for a school trip like no other.

At Thorpe Park you’ll find a full day’s worth of thrilling rides and attractions for students and teachers.

To make booking a trip as easy as possible, there’s a variety of resources on the resort’s website for download. These include checklists, risk assessments, permission slips and lesson plans.

The park also has a dedicated school team to help you every step of the way.

Cadbury World

With more than 30 years’ experience and more than 2,000 school groups attending each year, Cadbury World offers unique educational school trips that provide a fascinating insight into the nation’s favourite chocolate brand.

There’s an assortment of interactive chocolatey zones to explore and a variety of informative curriculum-linked talks and workshops. These include Marketing, Investigating Business and Geography.

The one-hour talks and workshops complement your group’s day out perfectly, expanding pupils’ knowledge on a huge range of topics. Self-guided tours are also available.

All of this makes Cadbury World the perfect destination for school trips.

Flambards Theme Park

Flambards Theme Park can be found in Helston, Cornwall. It combines a wide range of rides with indoor recreations of different historical eras. These include educational experiences aimed specifically at schools.

The latter include a life-size Victorian village featuring 50 explorable locations. There’s also a ‘Britain in the Blitz’ attraction. Schools can book ‘living history characters’ to help bring these to life, for example, an Air Raid Patrol warden.

Meanwhile your thrillseekers will enjoy the Skyraker and experience up to 3G with the giant white-knuckle experience that is ‘Sky-force’.

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

LEGO’s resort is an exciting venue for learning outside the classroom and most suitable for Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 pupils. There are also experiences available for preschool and younger school pupils.

Schools can use a National Curriculum Map to navigate their way around the resort. This ensures that it’s a simple matter to tie in all of your learning objectives whilst students enjoy the over 55 rides and attractions.

Alton Towers

The Alton Towers Resort Theme Park welcomes schools from all over the country.

Alton Towers Education has a dedicated schools team to help you every step of the way. This is from booking your trip to delivering memorable educational experiences.

There are even special Teacher VIP days that allow you to meet the team and explore what Alton Towers Resort has to offer your school.

Chessington W o rld of Adventures

Schools visiting the Chessington World of Adventures Resort can expect a truly wild adventure.

Students can enjoy expeditions around its zoo in ‘walkshops’, or embark on fact-finding missions to learn all about Chessington’s four new resident endangered Amur Tigers, who live in ‘Land of the Tiger’.

The fantastic Wild Learning Centre has five immersively themed zones. It’s sure to give your pupils their wildest lesson yet!

Paultons Park

Set within 140 acres of parkland on the edge of the New Forest, Paultons Park is a family theme park with an extensive educational offering.

School groups can take advantage of a range of interactive workshops (suitable for Key Stages 1 to 4) in Professor Blast’s lab. This is focused on topics such as rollercoaster physics, dinosaurs, animal encounters and even theme park marketing.

Teachers can apply for free tickets, to see what’s on offer in advance.

There are more than 70 rides to enjoy too, plus go karts and even some moving dinosaurs…

Theatre and drama school trips

Ambassador Theatre Group

ATG’s Creative Learning and Community Partnerships provide dynamic cultural education. It works with top West End professionals to encourage creative thinking, problem solving, resilience and the ability to find solutions via engaging bespoke workshops. These include acting, singing, stage combat, technical theatre and more.

Whether your trip is part of the curriculum or a well-earned treat, the workshops are grounded in subject knowledge and understanding. Pupils’ creative capacity will be nurtured and their personal, social and academic development greatly enriched.

Frozen the Musical

Escape into the wonder-filled world of Arendelle to experience stories of love, hope and self-discovery. This is all delivered with groundbreaking set design and special effects, exquisite costumes and sensational stagecraft from the producers of The Lion King and Aladdin.

Frozen is brought to the stage by a multi-award-winning creative team. This is led by Tony® and Olivier Award-winning director Michael Grandage, with a book from Academy® and BAFTA Award-winning Jennifer Lee. The show features the cherished songs from the original film, alongside a brand-new score from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. These are the Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning songwriters behind the global phenomenon ‘Let It Go’.

M&M Theatrical Productions

M&M Theatrical Productions ’ enchanting Classic Literature Adaptations are presented in an easily digestible and interactive format, creating an inspiring way to promote reading for pleasure and to learn about the past, while engaging the children in tales involving characters from many different social and cultural backgrounds.

These productions are followed by a Stagecraft workshop – an exciting way to further enhance the experience of the visit by offering older children a practical and unique view behind the scenes of the production they have just enjoyed, broadening their knowledge of the arts in combination with STEM subjects.

The Birmingham Stage Company

The Birmingham Stage Company is one of the world’s top companies creating theatre for children. Its award-winning productions tour the UK and internationally, most recently performing on Broadway, selling out the Sydney Opera House and regularly triumphing in London’s West End.

They work with Britain’s top children’s writers including David Walliams, Liz Pichon, Terry Deary, Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman.

Nominated for the Best Entertainment and Family Olivier Award, the company stages spectacular shows that are tailored specifically for children. There’s amazing sets and costumes, plus fantastic effects. The company aims to make every production a truly memorable event.

Galloway School Tours

Did you know your local coach operator may be able to organise a complete day out? This includes travel and attraction tickets.

East Anglian operator Galloway School Tours , for example, offers packages for groups looking to visit London’s West End.

Using its extensive experience and network of contacts, Galloway can provide schools travelling from East Anglia a package including travel, show tickets and a theatre workshop.

It’s a great opportunity for students to work with professionals and enjoy top quality entertainment.

Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court is a leading force in world theatre for finding writers and producing new plays that are original, contemporary and provocative.

Its education programme encourages young people to investigate, enjoy and participate in the craft of making theatre. It opens up the world of the rehearsal room as well as backstage, and offers practical learning opportunities for students.

From study days, production workshops, INSET sessions and community projects, the organisation offers a fascinating insight into the professional process of staging Royal Court productions.

Disney’s Aladdin

Breathtaking sets, mindblowing special effects, over 350 lavish costumes and a fabulous cast and orchestra bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life on the West End stage.

This spectacular show, which is packed full of dancing, music and storytelling, is a fantastic stimulus for creative work. It will inspire primary and secondary pupils alike.

You can enhance your visit with free online resources. These include a nine-part video library.

Or take advantage of a range of pre-show workshops led by Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists. Prepare to escape to a whole new world!

Shakespeare’s Globe

Every day hundreds of students take part in curriculum-linked workshops and lectures at, or delivered, by Shakespeare’s Globe .

Visit with your group and you’ll also be able to benefit from an exploratory tour of the theatre.

Workshop options include interactive storytelling sessions for Key Stages 3 to 5. These include a 45-minute performance by a Globe Education practitioner.

Longer study days, exploring topics such as language or contextual influences on performance, for Key Stages 4 and 5, and GCSE study days are also available.

The Globe has extensive experience of working with children with SEN and EAL, too.

Told By An Idiot

Told by an Idiot is an acclaimed professional theatre company and an Arts Council England NPO organisation.

The company has 25 years’ experience of creating exciting, innovative productions and participation projects across the UK and internationally. Venues include north west England’s Manchester Royal Exchange, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Lyric Hammersmith London and National Theatre Wales.

It also offers a range of exciting, highly practical drama workshops for teachers and students. These are led by experienced practitioners who are all professional theatre performers and directors.

Themes include Working with Mask, Devising, Commedia dell’arte and Physical Theatre, as well as CPD sessions for teachers.

The Emmerdale Studio Experience

The Emmerdale Studio Experience takes place at the former ITV studios in Leeds, where selected filming still takes place. It allows students to step into the drama and experience the television production process from ‘Script to Screen’.

The education programme is tailored for Key Stages 2–5. There are links to the national curriculum and exam board specifications for English, film and media studies.

ATG Creative Learning Workshops

ATG’s Creative Learning team understands the value of learning through a creative process and the many ways in which it can engage and inspire students, bolstering the hard work of teachers and their schools.

All of ATG’s group workshops are bespoke. They can be tailored to offer an exploration of any English or drama text, on the GCSE and A Level curriculum or otherwise.

Best of all, students taking part will be working with truly inspiring West End professionals at a competitive cost.

Wicked The Musical

Voted ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ by teachers at the School Travel Awards two years running, Wicked ’s topical story of friendship, acceptance, integrity, peer pressure and propaganda is relevant for PSHE and citizenship teaching, and whole-school anti-bullying strategies.

The show is highly pertinent for all students studying BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts, as well as a wealth of additional subjects. The song ‘Defying Gravity’ is also a set work for the Edexcel GCSE Music qualification.

Visit the website for details of the schools’ workshop programme. These are run by current and former members of the cast and creative team.

Curve is a state-of-the-art theatre based in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter.

As well as live performances, it offers a wide range of inspiring educational workshops. These are designed to open up the world of theatre and reveal the hidden process of a rehearsal room.

Students are afforded the opportunity to engage more deeply with the artists, subject matter and processes in the theatre’s artistic programme. Links are made to the curriculum.

Mayflower Theatre

Mayflower Theatre delivers a diverse range of creative workshops, theatre tours and events tailor made for schools, colleges or groups. They can take place either at the theatre or at your own setting.

It also supports talks and workshops on a variety of creative careers. Conference-style events for young people explore entering the industry, in particular non-performance based careers. These draw on the expertise within the marketing, sales, technical and FOH departments, as well as industry professionals.

Outdoor activities and experience day trips

Willen Lake

Looking for a trip in central England? There’s no better place than one of Milton Keynes’ most popular destinations, Willen Lake . Whether you’re looking to visit as part of your enrichment programme or as part of an activity day or physical education session, there’s something for everyone.

The land and water-based activities on offer are run by qualified instructors and cater for students aged eight and above.

An extensive range of packages covers everything from a single activity through to a full schedule of multiple activities. Plus, groups of all sizes are welcome.

Chill Factore Indoor Snow Centre

Chill Factore , Manchester, runs an exciting range of unique adventure days based around skills development, puzzle solving and team building, to offer an exciting new alternative to summer reward trips and transition initiatives.

The most popular package, the Chill Adventure Day, gives students an adrenaline-filled indoor adventure experience. Here they can enjoy rock climbing, sledging, tobogganing, snow tubing and ski or snowboard tuition.

Icebreaker Challenge is an indoor, snow-based sports day. Alternatively, the Arctic Explorer Package is a snow-based problem solving break out game.

Stubbers Adventure Centre

Based on a picturesque 130-acre site, Stubbers Adventure Centre is a registered not-for-profit organisation that has helped hundreds of schools provide students with the opportunity to develop social and interpersonal skills and build confidence. This is done through participation in adventurous activities.

The centre offers lots of water sports. This includes kayaking, jet skiing, sailing and raft building. Other activities include archery, fencing, orienteering, laser tag and rifle shooting.

‘The Towers’ section, meanwhile, offers climbing, abseiling, high ropes and zip wire, and motorsports including quad bikes and 4×4 driving.

Shropshire Raft Tours

Shropshire Raft Tours offers services to accommodate school trips, as well as facilities to receive coaches in the Wharfage car park where its Little Green Kiosk is based.

Its River Severn Tours are a compelling educational experience, and lots of fun too. Passing through the Ironbridge Gorge, they provide a fantastic opportunity for students to learn the history of the river during the Industrial Revolution. Students will also acquire river safety skills, explore how the Severn valley gorge was formed, and much more.

• Browse hundreds of school trip ideas Check out our directory where you can browse venues and filter them via trip type, subject, location and more.
• Council for Learning Outside the Classroom  CLOtC’s website is a trove of information, inspiration, resources and training, including details on how the LOtC Quality Badge accreditation can help you plan your next school trip. It also offers a range of CPD opportunities and the LOtC Mark, for schools that want to demonstrate their commitment.
• Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel OEAP ‘s National Guidance is a must-read for any teacher planning a school trip. Downloadable checklists and training are available.
• Department for Education View the DfE’s latest health and safety guidance .
• School Travel Forum STF offers information for the organisers of school trips as well research on the benefits of learning outside the classroom.
• Learning Away For help with planning a brilliant residential, visit learningaway.org.uk .

A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

Download a school trip proposal template

Find a school trip near me

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the school travel people

Your step-by-step guide to planning a successful school trip

School trips and educational visits are hugely beneficial teaching tools that help students develop social, personal, and emotional skills. Taking a school trip abroad can be a fun and rewarding experience, not to mention a great opportunity for your students to enhance their knowledge outside the classroom.

However, we know planning a school trip can be a challenge. As the party leader, you’re put under an immense amount of responsibility, and the list of tasks you need to complete can be seemingly endless. From planning to payments, and everything in between. 

At Equity, we want school travel to be seamless and enjoyable – for everyone involved – which is why we’ve compiled this handy guide to planning your first school trip. Read on and refer back to this blog as a checklist, to assist you from the earliest planning stages all the way through to your departure date.

☐ Set a timeline

There’s a lot to consider when you’re planning a school trip for your students! From initial promotion and making sure all those slots are filled, to making first deposits and final payments, you should set aside plenty of time to make sure all of this is feasible alongside your usual workload.

Most trips can be planned in 6-12 months, giving you plenty of time to make any deadlines you set for the trip while your hotel and flights are still available. However, for longer, further flung or pricier trips, setting aside 18 months to two years will help relieve the pressure for everyone. Not only will this make the entire process less stressful for you, it also gives parents more time to save for the trip.

☐ Outline your objectives

To help you manoeuvre the many decisions you’ll be faced with in the early stages of planning a school trip, we recommend writing down your tour objectives and using these as a central reference point during the process. Your tour objectives should be focused on what you want your school travel experience to deliver. Do you want your students to develop a broader understanding of a key area of the curriculum? Are there cross-curricular opportunities that you think your group would benefit from?

Once you’ve ascertained what your trip objectives are, pass these on to your shortlist of tour operators, who will know their destinations inside out and be able to recommend locations, excursions, and activities to help your trip achieve its objectives.

☐ Estimate your budget

One of the largest considerations you’ll have to make, your budget will have a huge impact on the tour you’re able to deliver to your students. Make it too big, and you may have a brilliant trip, but you’ll also risk alienating some students who can’t afford such an extravagant experience. Make it too small, however, and you’ll leave little room for the excursions you’ll want for making an exciting, engaging itinerary.

As a general rule of thumb, we suggest considering the going rate for the trip you have in mind, then budgeting a little extra per student to account for any additional excursions or treats.

☐ Get the headteacher’s sign off

To make sure your trip goes ahead, you’ll need the final approval from your headteacher or SLT team. We’ve put together a template for a letter to the headteacher to help make sure this doesn’t add more admin time to your planning.

☐ Choose a tour operator

Your objectives are laid out, and you’re well on your way to mapping out your trip. Now it’s time to decide who to place your trust in! You’ve likely already whittled your options down to a shortlist by now, and have built some rapport with tour operators. But who do you feel has your (and your students’) best interests at heart? We’d recommend seeking out accreditations in the travel and school travel industries, such as ABTA, ATOL, and Learning Outside the Classroom.

If you’re thinking of heading to a new destination, most tour operators offer an inspection visit when you book. This might include 1-3 nights in the location free-of-charge, and offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the destination. Not only will this help with your risk assessments, but experiencing the location first-hand can help you frame your itinerary.

☐ Review your options

When comparing tour quotes from different providers, it’s important to look beyond the price you’re given at face value. Instead, make yourself aware of what your quote includes – is everything on your itinerary covered? Meals, local transport, guides, entrance fees, taxes, and tips can all add up, making your school trip cost more than you’re initially led to believe. It goes without saying that this could lead to some difficult conversations with parents later on, so it’s generally better all round to know the final price upfront.

☐ Add any final touches to your itinerary

Once you’ve made your decision, you can work with your chosen operator to finalise your school trip itinerary, referring back to your objectives to make sure all your excursions and activities align with your group’s needs. Share your learning outcomes checklist with any operators and activity hosts if you haven’t already. Then, if any excursions have been added, double check with your tour operator whether any additional charges have been added to your trip’s base price, so you have the final price before promoting to your students.

☐ Promote your trip

After all this planning, the last thing you’ll want is for your school trip to fail to get off the ground. To effectively encourage students and secure sign-ups, you’ll want to create a bit of a buzz around your plans. Popular methods used by our schools include a presentation and/or promotional video in assemblies, posters around the school, and handouts for students to take home. These are quite simple to create if you’ve run the trip previously, as you can show all the photos and videos from previous years and show students how much fun they’ll have! However, we also have poster templates for promotional materials to help.

☐ Carry out a risk assessment

For the safeguarding of your students, you’ll want to verify the credentials of your chosen provider. Do they have the proper policies in place? Are they audited for their standards? For your peace of mind, always demand transparency regarding your operator’s credentials.

☐ Collect group information to your tour provider & deliver deposits

With all the practical planning passed, it’s now time to collate the travel information of your group and make sure everything is in place for your trip. Spreadsheets, or shared databases like our Travel Manager, are a particularly useful way to collect your students’ passport details, and can function as a checklist for keeping track of information given, payments made, and visa checks.

Speaking of visas, now is the time to make sure everyone has everything they need to travel! Ensuring both the visas and your students’ passports are valid for the duration of your journey – and apply to each child’s nationality – will avoid any upset at the airport, and make sure your trip goes without a hitch. Remember that some destinations require six months’ validity after the duration of your stay.

☐ Reassure parents

For many children, this may be the first time they’ve gone on holiday away from their families. They’ll likely be feeling nervous – and their parents will too! It’s likely you’ve been keeping parents updated throughout the planning process, but at this point hosting a final parents’ evening prior to your trip with your tour operator can go a long way. Here, you can share details regarding accommodation, itinerary, and your flight plan, as well as your tour operators’ safeguarding and health and safety policies.

Many schools also opt for a dedicated private social media page to update with photos and videos while travelling, which we know parents really appreciate. Use this time to set up an account solely for your trip, and share it with your students and their parents and guardians to make sure everything’s ready ahead of time.

☐ Depart on your trip, and have a great time!

The moment you’ve all been waiting for, it’s now time to depart on your school trip. Check in with your tour provider to collect entrance tickets, local transport tickets and any other paperwork you may need (or keep your travel packs to hand, if your tour operator has already provided them), and have a fantastic time!

☐ Ease students back into the classroom

It’s really important to make some time to reflect on your trip when you’ve returned. Set aside some class time to discuss your learning objectives, and get students to recall their favourite excursions or activities of the trip. Not only will this feedback enhance your students’ memories of the trip – really reinforcing that learning – but it will also prove valuable for shaping future trips too.

Some of our schools also create photo collages from school trips to decorate a corridor. This provides a visual reminder of what was learnt on the trip, and provides the students with fun reminders when they pass it. It can also serve as a promotional tool for the following year, as well as be on show to prospective families at open evenings, should you wish to run the same (or similar) trip again.

Rest assured, you’re ready to go!

We’re hopeful that our school travel guide has left you reassured and relaxed about the planning of your next trip, safe in the knowledge you have a handy reference to look back on when needed.

The experience of our party leaders is incredibly important to us here at Equity, and we consider it our role to support you in creating an unforgettable and enriching school trip for your students! From your very first enquiry to your return home, you can trust that our team is available to support and guide you each step of the way.

To discuss your school travel plans further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01273 648248 . You can also fill out our webform , and our school travel experts will get back to you as soon as we can.

100% Financially Protected School Trips

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office covering health, security, local laws, passport and visa information as well as much more visit Foreign travel advice . This advice can change so make sure to regularly check for updates or sign up for email alerts for your destination(s).

The Ultimate Field Trip List for Teachers

• By Mandy Neal
• Holiday/Seasonal , Organization , Uncategorized

Field trips are the highlight of our students’ school year and offer them a change of scenery. But behind the scenes, we are the conductors juggling various factors to ensure a smooth and successful field trip. Preparing for the field trip, executing it, and culminating the experience takes a lot of organization! After years of experience, I’ve compiled a list of tips to help you plan a successful field trip.

Pre-Trip Preparation

1. research your destination.

Understanding the goals of your trip and how you can incorporate an educational component is essential. This includes researching the venue’s educational value and potential safety concerns. Contact the site to confirm availability and any rules or requirements for visitors.

2. Permission Slips

Compile and distribute permission slips with clear instructions. Ensure all necessary contact and medical information is included and that parents fully understand the nature of the trip.

3.  Keeping Track of Permission Slips and Money

After permission slips are sent home, they will begin to trickle back in. 

Use a student checklist to track who has returned their permission slip and money. Keep the money and permission slips in a safe place. 

4.  Transportation Arrangements

Book transportation well in advance with your school district. Determine how many buses are needed to transport all the students and teachers. Take into consideration how many students you will have per seat.

Will students bring their lunch, have a school lunch, or eat at a destination? 

Once lunch has been determined, if students bring their own lunch, you will need to devise a plan to transport the lunches. Taking a cooler to keep food and drinks cold may be required. 

6.  Emergency Protocols

Develop a comprehensive plan for potential emergencies, including a schedule for check-ins and contacts. If you have parents attending who are serving as chaperones, share the plan with them and ensure everyone carries a list of important contacts.

Packing and Preparing for Success

7.  teacher essentials.

A bag or backpack to carry all your stuff, a whistle, and contact numbers for the school secretary and principal nurse. 

8.  First Aid Kit

Carry a well-stocked first aid kit. Be prepared to handle common field trip injuries and ensure someone on the team is trained in basic first aid.

9.  Medication Documentation

Bring a list of students with medical needs, along with their medications and instructions. You may need to administer medication during the trip, so have a clear protocol in place.

10.  Dietary Requirements

Collect information on any student dietary restrictions and plan meals accordingly. Bring non-perishable snacks in case of delays.

11.  Clothing Considerations

Remind students to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain of the destination.

12.  Communication Devices

Carry fully charged cell phones or walkie-talkies for easy communication. If you are going to an area with poor reception, consider using other forms of communication, such as whistles.

13.  Roll Call Sheet

Prepare a roll call sheet with the names of all students. Do a roll call before leaving the school and leaving the field trip destination to ensure everyone is accounted for.

14.  Field Trip Itinerary

Have a detailed itinerary outlining the trip’s timing—from departure to return. Share this with students, parents, and administration, and review it before and during the trip to maintain schedule adherence.

On the Day of the Trip

15.  grouping plans.

Decide on the group sizes and designate leaders for each. Ensure each group has a chaperone and has received the necessary materials and guidance.

16.  Student Expectations

Review behavioral expectations with the students, emphasizing the importance of respecting the venue, abiding by the safety rules, and listening to the instructions of their teachers and chaperones.

17.  Bus Ride

On the bus ride to and from your destination, monitor your students’ behavior and voice levels so that the bus driver can safely transport them.

18.  Sign-out sheet

If your school allows students to leave the field trip destination with parents, have a sign-out sheet prepared for parents to sign their students out.

19. Thank-You Notes

Show appreciation to the chaperones and any staff or guides at the field trip site. This strengthens the school’s relationship with community partners and sets an example for students to express gratitude.

Optional Items to Consider

• Name tags/lanyards for students
• Matching school shirts
• Remind students they can bring spending money.
• For you, get a good night’s sleep the night before!!

Conducting a successful field trip takes time, effort, and a lot of planning. With this checklist, you’re well-equipped to lead your students on an adventure that will impact their learning and memories. 

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The parents’ guide to school trips

Q. What can I expect from my child’s school trip?

Anything from a daytrip to a museum to a week’s skiing holiday. ‘Primary schools tend to favour places within two hours’ travelling distance,’ says Ian Pearson, general manager of the School Travel Forum . ‘Adventure centres, field study centres, RSPB centres and farms are all popular, although more adventurous schools venture further afield, for example to the Isle of Wight, France, Belgium and Holland.’ Often, schools offer a one-night residential for children at the start of Key Stage 2, and a longer trip in Year 6.

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Q. Do school trips really enrich my child’s learning?

Absolutely, says Frances Bartlett, headteacher of Radley Primary School in Oxfordshire. ‘Not only do residential trips provide experiences that we can’t offer on-site, such as canoeing, caving and abseiling, but children are extended in a way that doesn’t happen in the classroom,’ she explains. ‘They participate in team-building activities, develop stronger peer relationships, and grow in confidence before our eyes.’

Janie Burt, managing director of school trip provider JCA , agrees. ‘In our independent survey, 99% of teachers say students are more animated and engaged in learning on school trips than in the classroom,’ she says.

Q. Are school trips compulsory?

In 2010, the Department for Children, Schools and Families called for educational visits to become part of the National Curriculum , but there’s currently no obligation for schools to offer trips – or for your child to go. ‘We work hard to reassure parents and children who are anxious about school trips, so that no one misses out,’ adds Frances Bartlett. ‘If children aren’t happy about going away for a whole week, for example, we can suggest they come for one or two nights. However, if students choose to stay at school, we provide alternative activities for them.’

Q. What if I can’t afford it?

Schools are allowed to charge for board and lodgings for residential trips. They can’t charge for activities during school hours, but most request a ‘voluntary contribution’ of anything from a few pounds for a local daytrip up to hundreds for a residential visit. If you can’t afford to pay, write in confidence to the headteacher; costs can usually be covered in cases of hardship.

Q. Will my child be safe?

‘Schools have safeguarding as their highest priority, and conduct rigorous risk assessments for every activity,’ says Frances Bartlett.

A risk assessment must be carried out if the trip involves greater risks than there would be in the classroom. This could be due to:

• The distance from school
• The type of activity
• The location
• Needing staff with specialist skills.

They must adhere to correct staffing ratios and ensure that children’s individual physical, medical, social and behavioural needs are considered. High-risk activities such as climbing, abseiling and watersports must always be risk-assessed.

Schools should also hold a pre-trip parents’ meeting where you can raise any particular concerns.

Many schools use either local authority residential centres, which are strictly audited and inspected, or independent providers that have achieved the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge . ‘All Quality Badged centres undergo an annual audit covering health and safety and the facilitation of good learning experiences,’ says Ian Pearson.

If an outside organisation doesn't have a Learning Outside the Classroom badge, schools must check that it's appropriate and safe to use that organisation. This involves looking at aspects such as their liability insurance, the competence of staff, and the quality of accommodation.

Schools must also have an emergency response plan to follow if an accident or incident occurs during a trip.

Q. Will my child be homesick?

‘Many children have moments of homesickness, and we talk about that possibility before we go,’ says Frances Bartlett. ‘It’s rare that a child is inconsolable, though, but if it happens, we’ll phone the parents and put a plan in place.’

‘Don’t do what I did and pop little notes in your child’s suitcase,’ advises Helen, mum to Mary, 12. ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time, but the teachers almost had to send my daughter home as she was so overtired and my note tipped her over the edge.’

Chances are, though, that your child will surprise you. ‘My daughter went on her first residential at the age of five, and although she was anxious beforehand, she tumbled off the coach at the end saying she hadn’t missed me at all,’ says Sara, mum to Phoebe, nine.

Q. What if I fall apart?

It’s natural to miss your child and worry about how she’s coping, but try to put on a brave face until the coach has left. ‘I always jokingly say to my girls, “I shall be too busy to miss you,” give them a hug and a smile, and off they go,’ says Sarah, whose children Lolly and Bethany first went on residential trips at age five and six.

Many schools prefer children not to phone home, but they must have a communications plan in place that sets out how routine communications will be handled, including regular check-ins and calls to reassure parents and carers.

If schools don't allow contact with home, there are other ways to keep in touch. ‘We have daily phone contact with the group, so parents can call the school if they’re concerned, and we also update our website every day with photos,’ says Frances Bartlett. And there’s nothing like seeing your child smiling out from your computer screen to put your mind at rest.

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My school trip essay 6 models

My school trip essay ,School trips leave a great impact in the mind of the student where he goes without his family accompanied by friends and colleagues, which allows him to rely on himself and take responsibility to enjoy the activities of the trip.All this will be here in My school trip essay .

My school trip essay

School trips leave a great impact in the mind of the student, where he goes without his family, with his friends and colleagues, which allow him to rely on himself and take responsibility and enjoy the activities of the trip.

Each school planning for trips is as a recreational and educational way, supervised by social workers and school supervisors, who planning visits, ticketing, bus booking, etc.

I went on a school trip to (name of the city) of (Governorate name). of (city area in km) and (population number) approximately.

I prepared my small bag and put sandwiches, juice and water for the trip. I went to sleep early to wake up early to be full of energy on the journey.

We rode the bus in front of the school in the early morning and we left our parents and friends who did not come with us.

The bus driver displayed a documentary about the city we were going to visit and the tour supervisor told us about the directions and instructions we should follow and how to act in case of lost. He provided us emergency numbers and asked us to write them in a paper and keep in our pocket.

We arrived at our destination and started visiting the (museum name) which is a large museum featuring many important items that tell us the history of the city.

Then we went to visit the open museum which is an open area with many beautiful items.

Then we went to visit the important landmarks of the city.

The last stop of the trip was to visit the amusement park, a recreational city with lots of games.

The supervisor gave us two hours to enjoy our time, play the games we want and assemble before the door of the amusement park in preparation for riding the bus and back to our city.

We gathered two hours later in front of the amusement park door, the supervisor checked everyone’s presence and then we boarded the bus and returned to our city.

It was a beautiful day we enjoyed it a lot and we saw many of the city’s famous sights.

We learned a lot about its history and the history of its inhabitants.

Finally, we reached our city late at night. Our families were waiting for us.

We thanked the tour supervisor and went to our homes to sleep and prepare for school the next day.

a memorable school trip essay

It’s great to enjoy a little bit away from school and home for rejuvenation and energy, and this is exactly what happened. After working hard and excelling in school, I was able to go out on an unforgettable school trip. Through this trip, I was able to define my goals and benefit greatly from them.

This was an excursion to one of the seminars of the great Steve Jones. Just being in the midst of this huge crowd of scientists, inventors and businessmen made me know what I want to become in the future, and what are my upcoming priorities.

On this journey I was able to find answers to many of my questions and found the inspiration I wanted. Now I want to become in the future an inventor of something useful that benefits humanity and achieve great success for me, whether material or moral, through fame.

It is wonderful to know the importance of technology to society and how we inevitably go to it and the development of all means of services around us. And with just a little bit of clinging to the dream and fighting for it like Steve did, I can certainly succeed too.

simple essay on school trip

I feel very happy to go on a trip to the football stadium. This was a big surprise for us, to be able to watch an important match with friends.

Of course, I watched many matches with my family before, but this time the experience is different because it is with my friends and I was able to express and launch my enthusiasm, without feeling any pressure.

I enjoy this experience so much, and for sure I want to repeat this experience in other activities. Now I can’t wait to go home and tell my brother about this experience, and that in the future he should try going out with his friends on school trips and enjoying this holiday. It gives great psychological comfort and a boost of activity that helps to return to study with full vitality and activity.

essay on school trip to a park

Oh my gosh, I can’t describe the beauty of nature that I enjoyed during my last school trip. There is a very big difference between the constant presence between the big and fast industrial life and the relaxation in the vast gardens and parks that do not contain any noise.

It is great to go through this experience and go to one of the most beautiful parks that contain very beautiful gardening works and organized views of trees and roses.

The wonderful engineering work that I saw in the park is one of the best landscapes that my friends and I enjoyed watching.

And certainly immediately we felt the amount of interest and love from the people responsible for this place, and how they can preserve and show this place this beauty.

Of course I would love to go back on a school trip to the park and enjoy physical games with my friends like we did. This was one of the things I enjoyed in nature. It is great to find large green areas. This helped me relax a lot.

school tour experience essay

I would very much like to write an article about my experience in the last school tour, and point out the things I liked the most.

I find this tour very different from many of our previous tours. Previously, the tour was in only one place, and curiosity and enthusiasm ended before the tour ended.

But certainly this was different when we were able to visit many places in the same tour, such as the museum, the garden and the library. All of these places had a different effect.

We find when visiting the museum and meeting one of the guides working in the museum that he has that interesting and funny way of explaining the holdings. It makes you want to know more about its origin and the civilization it comes from.

But due to the lack of time, this made me even more excited, eager to listen. I am also eager to see another place and enjoy. This made it more beautiful and did not leave any way for boredom.

When visiting the library, I was able to sign one of the famous books and see some of the authors of these books. I always watched this event through movies only. It is great to try this experience and get some interesting and useful books.

But certainly nothing is so wonderful after a long day of listening and paying attention as visiting the park and walking around it to release all that energy.

I cannot describe the beauty of how I felt in the experience of the games and activities that we did inside the park. I can say this was the best school trip experience I’ve ever had.

a school field trip essay in English

One of the great school field trips I enjoyed was this trip, this weekend we were able to go on a school field trip to the zoo.

And there were a lot of interesting animals that wanted to feed and take pictures, many pictures with them. But of course, every field trip cannot pass without new experiences, some of which you will benefit from and others that delight you.

I can’t stop laughing whenever I remembered the monkeys, and how they used to behave, I can’t believe how smart this animal is, and how it can make you happy at any time. And also watching the peacock, what a beauty!, I did not feel the consistency and beauty of the colors, as I saw in this bird.

It was wonderful to learn some information about the habitat of many animals, which made me very eager to read about them, how they live and how important the group is to them, and how to unite among them, such as the blue whale and other collective animals that live in groups and like the wolf as well.

Certainly this field trip was very wonderful and contained a lot of information that I benefited from.

In this way we have given you  My school trip essay, and you can read more through the following section:

•  English essay

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12 comments.

A school trip essay is very excellent and writing way is also perfect

A very good essay. Need more like this.

Yeah. A very good way of writing

Awesome Schools trips are always full of fun and interesting moment. Nice construction, fantastic essay. keep it up.

babi school trip xbagi alamat,tarikh,etc bodo writer

Nice 👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂

This information is truly valuable. I appreciate the practical tips you’ve shared.

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The school trip.

Look at the information about a school trip and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the texts and do the other exercises.

Preparation

School trip

Join us on a school trip to Cardiff on Saturday 13th May .

We will spend the morning in the city centre . For lunch we’ll have a picnic in the park . In the afternoon we will visit the Science and Technology Museum .

Meet in the school car park at 8:00 am . Please arrive on time. We will return to the school at 5:30 pm .

IMPORTANT: SCHOOL TRIP UPDATE

Dear Students,

We hope you can come on our school trip next weekend . Unfortunately, the Science and Technology Museum is closed for building work on Saturday, but we have got tickets for St Fagans National History Museum instead. The good news is that entry is free so the trip will now cost £10 each.

Arrival and departure times are the same.

Mr Stuart Noble

Head Teacher

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School Trip Blog

5 top tips for a successful school trip.

If asking any students for their best memories of school, it is not difficult to find the same answers by a great number of students: a school trip. Undoubtedly, the best memories are often some special things that occurred outside the typical school day. It is necessary for students to take part in a school trip that is a real highlight for them. These school tour experiences can help students see how the lessons in class are applied to real-life and witness wonderful things in amazing nature. Having time out of school, students have a fantastic opportunity to spend time with their friends as well as teachers in completely new environments to explore different cultures without being anxious about homework, exams or tests. However, teachers can face up to a wide range of daunting challenges when planning an educational trip . The useful top tips following can provide practical information and key steps, so teachers can ensure that school trip will run smoothly and be enjoyable experiences for students.

Top Tip 1: Make a Detailed Plan For School Trip and Stick to It

Good planning is the key to success. First of all, teachers should start planning early. Ideally, teachers should start planning one month before the trip, because teachers have a lot of things to organize. This tip will make the process less stressful. Write down tour objectives on a piece of paper. What exactly does the school trip bring to the students? It can lead to focus on the key area in the curriculum or provide a wider understanding of a subject, etc. School tours can get into some emergencies such as delayed flights, sick children, traffic jams, severe weather, so teachers should contact a tour provider and ask for emergency support they can offer during the tour. Teachers should know everything about where students are going. If possible, visit the destination yourself ahead of time and ask residents for local knowledge. If not, finding out useful information about that destination on the Internet. Understanding the local area has many benefits. Not only can it determine how much students learn, but also how much they appreciate their new environment. A schedule of activities is an essential thing. List what students need to be completed, what activities in the educational tour, when and where to locate the restrooms, to eat lunch and to leave, etc. Review this schedule in class before the tour and have multiple copies for the students in case they can’t remember all of the things. Besides, teachers should keep medical information about students and copies of class/ group lists, reservation, transportation information. Remember to keep a checklist all the time.

Top Tip 2: Students’ Preparation The School Trip

Top Tip 3: Setting “School Trip Rules”

Teachers should prepare a set of “School Trip Rules” to teach and review appropriate educational tour behavior for students at least a week before the trip. Inform students that the same disciplines of proper behaviors are applied in both school and the trip, which help students achieve the social and educational objectives of the trip. Students must bear in mind that the school trip is not the time and site to mess around. They will get bad and serious consequences if doing something wrong. There are some rules to have a safe and amazing tour such as students are always subject to the authority of teachers; students have to take part in all fixed activities, except illness or family emergencies; students must respect teachers, managers, tour guides, drivers, fellow students, and service staffs, no one should go anywhere alone, etc.

Top Tip 4: Ready For The Departure Day

Punctuality is very important for all activities. Make sure that both teachers and students arrive at school early and are not in a hurry. Teachers should check attendance and give any late-comers a few minutes. Some students are excited and eager to go, but teachers should review the rules and give them some crucial instructions or useful advice. Furthermore, teachers should check to be sure that students bring all the things that they need for the school trip. Some students could suffer from travel sickness, so teachers ought to have an eye on them if anyone gets travel sick. Teachers need to prepare medications and know directions for taking the medications for students. Especially, don’t forget to encourage students to ask any questions and express their thoughts during the trip. As a result, students can get more knowledge and apply it to enhance their studying in class, which contributes greatly to the success of the educational tour.

Top Tip 5: Safety And Security of Student Tour

Naturally, some parents become nervous when their children are far away from home for a while. The thing teachers should do is reassure parents that the tour is safe, their children are very excited about this interesting tour, and they will gain learning objectives for the trip. Before the school trip, parents should be invited to a meeting where they can get the detail information about the tour. During the tour, teachers need to make sure that students are safe and no one should go anywhere alone. They also should have appropriate emergency numbers in case there is a need for them. It is suggested that teachers should always carry cell phones and take an emergency first aid. The safety and security of students on the tour are the top priority for a great school tour.

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12 Best Destinations for School Trips

Home » 12 Best Destinations for School Trips

With international travel again on the table, picking a destination for your school trip abroad is exciting and probably a little daunting. There are so many intriguing places to visit that it can be hard to know where to start. 

Here we have compiled a few of our top destinations to inspire you and help you narrow down your options. Through exposure to different cultures, students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and an appreciation for other peoples’ ways of life. Not to mention that traveling with your students can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you can have as an educator. So enjoy the following list and let your imagination run wild!   

School Trips in Europe

Discover the many wonders of prague.

Known for its diverse architecture and world-class museums, Prague is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The fortitude and determination of the Czech spirit are alive and well, and the city has many options to inspire students to delve deeper into Service Learning. Unfolding among well-preserved castles, Baroque and Gothic cathedrals, medieval squares, and captivating bridges, a visit to Prague is guaranteed to be an eye-opening and enriching school trip. 

Be charmed by the many sides of Edinburgh 

Edinburgh ‘s unique architectural charm is the perfect setting to engage students in history and culture. With a spectacular Gothic UNESCO-listed old town playing host to some of the most dynamic and varied art schools and community projects in the world—Edinburgh is the proud home of many young people seeking to make an impact on the world around them. Here you can discover the ancient art of Scottish storytelling, visit unique local arts projects, kayak through the mountains, dance the night away in a traditional Cèilidh, and get involved with some fantastic charities. 

Go from cosmopolitan bustle to alpine tranquility in Zurich  

Located in an Alpine setting on the northwestern banks of Lake Zurich, the sophisticated metropolis of Zurich is a sight to behold. Constituting the heart of Switzerland and situated in the center of Europe, the Swiss capital is ripe with opportunities for CAS activities and experiences. And for lovers of nature, alpine mountain ranges, rolling hills, and lakes are all just a few steps away from this dynamic and multicultural city.

Soak up the spirit of Lisbon 

For students, Lisbon is the perfect setting for an exciting adventure that includes authentic Portuguese culture, a variety of fascinating neighborhoods, and astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lisbon is an all-year destination, so its laid-back culture and robust sense of history are available to you at any time. The Portuguese people love sharing their unique and fascinating homeland, so be prepared to be greeted by a friendly smile from a local. 

Get sustainability inspiration in Copenhagen 

Well-known for being a multicultural hub, Copenhagen is the perfect city to visit when it comes to getting sustainability inspiration. This fascinating school trip destination is filled with the newest technologies, sustainable solutions, and iconic architecture. Danes are recognized across the globe for their innovative approach to sustainable living – from growing organic produce in their many urban greenhouses to promoting cycling culture across this highly liveable city.

Teach students about the history of Berlin

The stage for many a significant historic event, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin became synonymous with freedom, tolerance, and creativity. As such, Berlin is a particularly interesting destination for subjects like history and cultural and artistic studies. It offers plenty of opportunities for practical assignments and allows pupils to experience the theoretical material firsthand.

Explore the Unique Geography of the Azores 

A school trip to these stunning islands allows students to get out of the classroom and get closer to nature. Created at the junction of three tectonic plates, the nine Portuguese islands of the Azores make the perfect destination for an educational and inspirational geography trip. Here you will have the opportunity to visit natural hot springs and lava tubes, learn about the operations of a tea plantation, and perhaps even spot whale or two emerging from the Atlantic Ocean.

School Trips in the Americas 

Be carried away by the magic of colombia in medellín.

Among the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombia is bursting with different species of birds and flowers. The locals are known for their cheerful and openhearted demeanor and love of showing off the place they call home. Over the last two decades, Medellín, in particular, has transformed into one of the most sought-after travel destinations in South America. The bustling city incorporates industry and commerce while thriving in agriculture and creativity – making it an exciting destination for your next student trip. 

Feel the rhythm of the city in New York 

A city that needs no introduction, it is with good reason that New York has been immortalized through art repeatedly. From the stunning skyscrapers of Manhattan, the immaculately-preserved greenery of Central Park, and the majestic grandeur of Brooklyn Bridge, few cities on earth stimulate the senses quite like NYC. This city celebrates its multicultural spirit and is the perfect place for students to witness people from all around the world, and from very different walks of life, sharing a city they love. 

Witness a wealth of biodiversity in Costa Rica

When planning your next school trip— Costa Rica offers thrilling adventures, rich cultural experiences, and endless opportunities to learn. In a country with 6 percent of the biodiversity in the world, you’ll find beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and fascinating wildlife. Explore the possibilities of CAS through animal and conservation projects, experience the delicious local cuisine, and explore the lush Costa Rican jungle by canal, foot, and even zipline. 

School Trips in Asia

Unlock the mysteries of cambodia .

If it is a more adventurous school trip you are after— Cambodia is a fascinating pick. Ancient and modern worlds collide in this stunning location, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. The remains of the Khmer empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivaled in scale and grandeur in Southeast Asia. You can also take in the rhythms of rural life, be dazzled by the shimmering the landscapes of rice paddies, and witness the swaying sugar palms in Cambodia’s countryside.

Experience a rich cultural tradition in Thailand 

Thailand offers students a rich culture and a beautiful landscape. Dive into customary Thai traditions and folklife while experiencing the country’s spectacular temples, extraordinary architecture, ancient cities, and delicious cuisine. There is also an abundance of service project opportunities in Chiang Mai that go towards aiding the local communities. 

Do you think you have found the perfect destination for your next school trip? Find out more about what CAS Trips can do for you by downloading one of our destination brochures or getting in touch with us directly .

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Educational Tours

School trips to New York City are a great way to have students discover this fantastic metropolis.

 carefully planned educational tours to New York City for middle and high school student groups. We have seen them all, and there are none better.

Students on New York City field trips ( pictured right in Times Square ) will also visit American icons that they’ve been learning about since they started opening books, including the Statue of Liberty ,  Rockefeller Center ,  Central Park , the Empire State Building , as well as  Ellis Island , the September 11 Memorial , the World Trade Center , and many other places of cultural and historical significance.

Visit New York has a series of carefully planned itineraries for three and four day educational tours to New York City. They have been consciously crafted, based on the interests, attention spans and feeding habits of tens of thousands of middle and high school students on its trips over 30 years. Field trips goals are to promote learning and bonding, while giving the students the most out of every minute spent at the destination (but without running them or their adult chaperones ragged).

One of the bets tips we can recommend is the use of New York City’s top, licensed, professional guides. They are hired for their ability to engage, educate and entertain middle and high school students. School groups should always be accommodated in clean and safe first-class hotels that have been inspected and re-inspected by senior management.  Every activity and virtually every meal in every restaurant has been checked and rechecked to make sure that each group’s experience is positive, educational, memorable and consistent.

If there are better educational tour programs anywhere, Visit New York has never seen one.

For additional information about class and school trips to New York City call

617-744-4337

NYC School Trip Information Form

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How to plan a school field trip

Steps to planning a school field trip

• Commit to early planning
• Decide on your destination
• Get buy-in from administrators
• Contact the site
• Arrange transportation
• Plan food options
• Recruit chaperones
• Prepare students for the trip
• Get permissions from parents

Students love field trips — especially since they break up the normal school routine — but they’re often stressful for the educators who have to plan them. Pulling off a successful school field trip requires an enormous amount of preparation and organization, but it all translates into a rewarding educational experience for participants that has a long-lasting, positive impact.

According to a study cited by the National Education Association , students who took part in school field trips had better grades and graduation rates from both high school and college. They also eventually earned a higher income than their counterparts who hadn’t participated in such trips as students.

The hands-on, experiential learning students get from school field trips delivers a lot of other benefits — like increased knowledge retention, a more developed sense of independence, access to other cultures that broaden students’ horizons, and the chance to bond with other students and create life-long memories.

And the planning part? It doesn’t have to be daunting if you start early. Plus, we’re making it a little easier by giving you nine tips for organizing a successful school field trip and 23 field trip ideas.

9 steps to planning a successful school field trip

1. commit to early planning.

The earlier you begin planning, the less stressed you’ll be if and when obstacles arise. There are a lot of details to iron out, such as

• Researching and selecting a destination
• Getting feedback from administrators, parents, and students on the destination
• Planning the educational portion of the trip
• Getting parental permissions
• Arranging transportation
• Figuring out a meal plan
• Recruiting chaperones

Giving yourself a long lead time will help you tackle any unexpected snafus along the way.

2. Decide on your destination

Do some initial research and brainstorm potential school field trip destinations based on your learning objectives and curriculum goals. Consider location, cost of entry and parking, the ages and number of participants, the duration (e.g., a day-long excursion or an overnight trip), and any other key details that factor into the selection of an appropriate field trip destination.

Once you come up with a couple of good options, get feedback from colleagues, administrators, parents, and, if appropriate, the students themselves.

3. Get buy-in from administrators

Once you’ve decided on the ideal location for your field trip, be sure to get clearance from the appropriate administrators before you discuss trip details with students. You don’t want to get their hopes up if the administration rejects your carefully laid out plans!

Share the costs, the benefits of the trip for students, the days and times for the trip, and any other relevant details to help get the administration on board.

4. Contact the site

Once you have a “yes” from the powers that be, get in touch with the site and confirm that your preferred days and times are available. Make reservations if necessary, find out about group rate discounts and cancellation policies, pay any required deposits, and verify the site is accessible to those with disabilities. You can also share the number of children that will be in attendance and the special needs your students have, if any.

If it’s possible, conduct a site visit before the trip to get the lay of the land, locate the restrooms, note where students will be eating lunch, and any other relevant information it would be helpful to know before the field trip.

5. Arrange transportation

Now that you know where you’re going and when, it’s time to plan how you’re going to get there. You’ll likely travel by school bus, but if your group is smaller, you might get there in staff vehicles or even via public transportation. If you’re using school buses, you’ll need to reserve them in advance to be sure they’re available the day of your excursion, and you’ll have to fill out the required forms.

6. Plan food options

Of course, a day-long outing is going to require some serious planning, because no one wants a bunch of hungry kids on their hands!

There are a few options for food. Students can bring their own lunches, which can make things easier for everyone. Or you can make plans to eat at an onsite restaurant or cafeteria if one is available (which you may be able to reserve in advance).

Then there’s the option of eating at a restaurant, which might be the least palatable choice, given that kids might get unruly, you or they will have to handle money, and ordering could take a long time.

7. Recruit chaperones

Depending on the age of your students and the activities you’ve planned, it’s best to have a ratio of at least one adult to every 10 kids. If the students are younger, you may want more adults present.

You’ll need to recruit and confirm chaperones at least two to three weeks in advance, and be sure you have a list of alternates in case a chaperone has to drop out for any reason. Be clear with your chaperones that this is an educational trip and clearly share what you need them to do.

8. Prepare students (and parents) for the trip

Once all of your plans are in place and everyone’s excited, it will be time to share trip details with students and parents, and let them know what’s expected of them.

Hold an informational meeting for parents to discuss trip details, chaperone information, and rules and expectations regarding students.

Share trip rules with students and be clear about appropriate behavior. Let them know what the day’s itinerary looks like, what to bring, what to wear, and what not to bring (for example, anything of value that could get lost or stolen).

9. Get permissions from parents or guardians and automate the process where possible

Gathering permission slips from parents for school field trips is essential. Jotform can help simplify the process. If you want some tips to make this easier, check out our guide on how to collect online permission slips from parents .

We’ve also made it easy to automate your field trip planning with all the forms, tables, and templates you need for a successful school field trip:

• Field trip interest form
• Field trip permission form
• Field trip approval request form
• Field trip signup sheet
• Field trip permission slip template

And last, it probably goes without saying that you should be prepared in case you run into any emergencies. Bring along an emergency or first aid kit, and keep a list of parent contact information on hand.

Now that you have your planning to-dos sorted, how about some field trip ideas?

23 field trip destination ideas

Here are a few destinations that would make ideal learning experiences for students, depending on your curriculum goals and objectives:

• Botanical gardens
• Nature centers, bird sanctuaries, and wildlife refuges
• State and national parks and other natural attractions
• County and city parks
• Farms, orchards, greenhouses, and nurseries
• Community gardens
• Historic sites
• Planetariums
• Art galleries
• Cultural centers
• Radio and television stations
• Newspaper or local publication offices
• Police and/or fire stations
• Animal shelters
• Behind-the-scenes theater tours
• State Capitol Building and/or county buildings
• Local businesses
• Colleges and universities

If an onsite field trip isn’t feasible, you can plan a virtual school field trip as an alternative. Many of the organizations above can provide this service via video, guest speakers, demonstrations, or other presentations. Our handy virtual field trip registration form can get you started.

Try Jotform

Because Jotform loves educators, we have special pricing plans just for you. Get started today and receive a 50 percent educational discount for any paid plan . We have three plans to suit your needs:

• Bronze costs just $34 per month and includes 25 forms and 1,000 monthly submissions.
• Silver is $39 per month with 50 forms and 2,500 monthly submissions.
• Gold costs $99 per month and includes 100 forms and 10,000 monthly submissions.

We also offer a 30 percent discount on Jotform Enterprise for educational institutions. This powerful multiuser plan allows you to create beautiful, customized forms and protect response data securely online.

Hopefully, these nine steps, plus Jotform’s many resources for educators, will help you plan a stress-free school field trip that has a long-lasting, positive impact on everyone involved.

Photo by Norma Mortenson

Thank you for helping improve the Jotform Blog. 🎉

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School trips to the USA

Elevate learning beyond the classroom with our school trips to the USA, unlocking the diverse wonders of North America. From the dazzling lights of New York City to the historical significance of Washington, D.C., our carefully curated itineraries promise an enriching experience that blends education and exploration seamlessly.

Voyager's school trips to the USA

A school trip to USA with Voyager School Travel is like no other. With its bounteous landscape, our USA school tour destinations include New York City on the east coast to the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. Our experience long-haul team can create you the perfect school trip to suit your teaching objectives. 

Read on below to find out more about our US school trips.

New York City School Trip

What better way to absorb the electric atmosphere of The Big Apple than with Voyager’s New York City school trip? Our school trip to New York features a variety of highlights that will inspire your students. Whether it’s a stroll down the famous Wall Street and surrounding financial district of New York, a drama workshop, or a visit to one of the many art galleries based around the city, a New York school trip will not disappoint.

View our school trip to New York

Washington D.C School Trip

Uncover the politics and history at the heart of the buzzing US capital, Washington, D.C. Our Washington D.C. school trip is a favourite with history and politics students, with itineraries that can include visits to the US Capitol Building and even the White House. Most of the famous site can be reached on foot, making Washington, D.C. a very accessible city to navigate around.

View our school trip Washington D.C

What You Can Expect From Us

We understand that a school trip should be the perfect mix of education, immersion and fun! Our US school trips can offer all of the above, and our team will work with you throughout the whole process to ensure your trip meets all the curriculum and requirements you need. Whether you want to focus on History, Art, Geography, Music, Science or any other subject, you can be sure that your students will return home with a great amount of knowledge as well as fantastic memories to cherish!

Book your school trip to the USA today

Are you interested in a school trip to the USA? Click the button below to request a quote! Our expert team are ready to answer any questions you may have, contact us today.

Get a Quote

Discover these spectacular stateside school trip to the USA

Cross-curricular school trip to New York

We have so many exciting experiences waiting for your students in the Big Apple

History & politics school trip to Washington, D.C.

Uncover the politics and history at the heart of the buzzing US capital

Need help booking and organising your school trip to USA?

We have created a number of useful guides that can help you plan and book your next school trip with Voyager School Travel.

• School trip travel hub
• How to book your school trip
• How to promote your school trip
• Create a more affordable school trip
• Fill places on your school trip
• The essential school trip kit list

We're the best bet for your school trip across the pond

You are in specialist hands

Our team use their teaching, language & destination experience to organise educational trips that are not only enriching but hassle-free.  Read more →

Safety assured, bonded & accredited

As a member of the School Travel Forum & protected through ABTA & ATOL you can be sure of our high standards.  Read more →

Trusted by teachers

Schools trust Voyager School Travel to organise the educational trips for over 32,000 passengers a year.  Read more →

We deliver the educational elements

Signature educational experiences with our own language & activity instructors allow  teachers to enjoy the trip too.  Read more →

Stay at our own residential centres

Groups staying at our own residential centres in France will benefit from high quality learning, safety & service. Read more →

Our own overseas teams

Peace of mind knowing our French m anagers, instructors, coach drivers & support team will look after your every need. Read more →

For teachers who are serious about the educational outcomes of their school trip.

N.B. high school students trace steps of North Shore Regiment for D-Day 80th anniversary

Soldiers in the regiment were among 14,000 from canada who took part in the landings at juno beach.

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As the 80th anniversary of D-Day is marked on Thursday, about 270 students and teachers from the eight Anglophone North high schools are part of the event as they retrace the footsteps of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.

On June 6, 1944, Canadian, British and American soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy in what is considered to be the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

The soldiers the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment were among 14,000 from Canada who took part in the D-Day landings on Juno Beach.

Brandon Savage, a Miramichi Valley High School teacher taking part in the trip, says there have been a lot of memorable stops.

"We ... have students individually who have identified loved ones who are buried [over here] — in some cases that none of their family or descendents have ever had come over to see them," said

On the first day of the invasion alone, 381 Canadians were killed, with more than 5,000 dead by the time the Battle of Normandy, codenamed Operation Overlord, concluded three months later.

France's Carpiquet is remembered as the graveyard of the North Shore Regiment , where the regiment faced the heaviest losses.

Leading up to the trip, Savage said many of the students studied the North Shore Regiment and its impact on the war.

Carly Guitard, a Dalhousie Regional High School student, said being part of the delegation has had an impact on her.

"Seeing it and walking where they walked and being here in all of these places, it really means a lot," she said.

Savage said the trip actually follows the regiment's steps in reverse, starting in Amsterdam, then into the Netherlands and Belgium. The last part of the trip is spent in France, with the students at Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary. 

Savage said when they were in the Netherlands, they participated in a march to honour American paratroopers who were killed in Operation Market Garden, an attempt to create a corridor for the Allies in the Nazi-occupied region.

That march, he said, was done in silence out of respect.

"It's about a two-kilometre walk across this walking bridge and if you can imagine, all 270 students and teachers are quiet the entire time, and it's just a shuffling of feet," he said.

"This generation doesn't get a lot of credit, I think we can become critical. These kids are great, and they really get it.

"I know it really blew away the veterans the level of respect that these students are bringing to the table."

• Intimate commemoration in Normandy remembers North Shore Regiment's D-Day contributions
• Trudeau to travel to France for 80th anniversary of D-day at Juno Beach

Savage said it's always great to see students learn and grow throughout a semester, but when taking the students on a trip like this, that growth happens almost instantaneously. 

He said the hope is that the students will return from the trip understanding the importance of remembrance and passing that on to their friends and family.

And for Savage, the experience holds a personal spot in his heart. His grandfather, Bill Savage, would often speak about his experiences as a D-Day veteran with the North Shore Regiment.

"His experiences and his willingness to share that with me has led me to … the career choice that I have as a history teacher and has really driven me to want to create these experiences for our students."

Guitard, too, has a personal connection to the trip. She had three great-uncles who fought in the Battle of Normandy, one of whom died in the Netherlands defending a bridge.

She was able to visit the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands on this trip, where her great-uncle is buried. There, she met a gravekeeper, who she said  instantly knew her who her great-uncle was upon seeing his grave number. 

"I was amazed that he knew so much about these soldiers and that really reinforced … why I'm here," she said.

Guitard said it was emotional for her being there and recognizing that her great-uncle died to liberate real people who have real stories. 

Afterwards, she said her family was overjoyed when she shared the story and sent them photos. 

"My grandfather passed away a few years ago and that was his brother, and I really wish that he would have been here to see me go on this journey," she said.

"But it's really amazing. I feel like I'm honouring him and all my family by doing this."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Rudderham is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick. She grew up in Cape Breton, N.S., and moved to Fredericton in 2018. You can send story tips to [email protected].

With files from Information Morning Moncton

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Best places to plan a school tour during summer vacation in india.

Nowadays, summer vacation in India for schools usually lasts for around one month, starting from May or June and ending in July or August, depending on the state and the educational board. The exact dates may vary between schools and educational institutions. During this time, students are given a break from their regular academic schedule and are encouraged to pursue extracurricular activities, take up internships or workshops, or engage in community service.

This period is also an excellent opportunity for students to travel with their families and friends, explore new places, and learn about different cultures. And when we are talking about trips with families and friends, there is nothing more exciting than to have a group tour with school friends to some top destinations in the country. Well, with summer break fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning an exciting trip for the children. India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a plethora of opportunities for students to learn and grow outside the classroom.

In this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the best places for school summer trips in India, as well as the benefits of taking students on such trips. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, we hope this blog will inspire you to plan an unforgettable summer vacation for your students!

List of the Best Places for School Trips in India:

Also Check Out: Popular All Inclusive Holiday Packages

Popular Summer Vacation Places in North India

• Corbett National Park

Rishikesh – Fusion of Tranquility and Excitement

Beautiful location on the banks of River Ganga, pleasant weather, rich cultural heritage, world-class yoga institutes, excellent camping facilities and a variety of adventure activities including rafting and cliff jumping make Rishikesh one of the best places for summer school vacation trip in India for school students. This holy land provides the much-needed respite from the daily classroom routines and imparts knowledge about Indian culture in a sensuous way. Adding more to Rishikesh’s popularity is its closeness to Haridwar.

Places to Visit for Students: Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfall, Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, Shivpuri, Swarg Ashram, Shivpuri and Rajaji National Park.

Major Activities: Yoga, Camping, Rafting, Cliff Jumping, Bungee Jumping and Rock Climbing.

Nearby Major Cities: Delhi, Haridwar, New Tehri, Dehradun, Panipat, Chandigarh.

Manali – Striking Snow Splendor

Pretty good elevated location (around 2,050 metres), lovely climatic conditions, views of deodar and pine trees with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop simply make Manali a spectacular place to fall in love with. It’s a hub for adventure activities such as camping, river rafting, paragliding and skiing, which can be considered some of the perfect vacation activities for students in summer. Adding more to this, the place offers wonderful camp bases for trekking expeditions to Kangra, Lahaul, Spiti and Zanskar ranges. Other two reasons for choosing this hill station for students are that it has a rich cultural heritage, and students can experience the local culture and customs by visiting ancient temples, attending local fairs and festivals, and exploring the traditional handicrafts and cuisine. Another reason is, Manali is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Students can learn about the local ecology and environment by visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the region.

Places to Visit for Students: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Jogini Falls, Manali Sanctuary, Old Manali and Vashisht Hot Springs.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, skiing (only in winters), rafting, trekking and adventure camps (for school students).

Nearby Major Cities: Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Ambala and Amritsar.

Dalhousie – Summer Delight

Dalhousie , a beautiful place located about 341 km from Manali is undeniably one of the best places for school trip in India. Dalhousie lies on the western periphery of Dhauladhar Mountain Range and is a place for peace-seekers and nature lovers. Dalhousie is mainly a summer delight and is an excellent hill station for people of all age groups. Also, because of its proximity to a number of popular places like Khajjiar, Kalatop Sanctuary and Chamba, Dalhousie is one of the top summer vacation ideas for students too. The place offers a range of adventure activities like trekking, camping, river rafting, paragliding, and rock climbing. These activities are popular among students who are looking for some thrill and excitement during their trip. Moreover, it has a rich history and cultural heritage, with several colonial-era buildings, churches, and temples. Students can explore these historical and cultural landmarks and learn about the rich cultural diversity of the region.

Places to Visit for Students: Khajjiar, Panchpula, Dainkund Peak, Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, St. Francis Church and Subhash Baoli.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, rock climbing, river crossing and camping.

Nearby Major Cities: Shimla, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Dehradun, Delhi, Ambala and Amritsar.

Shimla – Gateway of Himachal Pradesh

It is true that Shimla has undergone lots of makeovers in every aspect since the past. Whether it is its connectivity with other places, attractions, number of hotels or other contemporary charms, Shimla can be called the modern face of Himachal Pradesh. But what makes it so popular is that almost every school included it in their tours for summer vacation. The reasons are Shimla is dotted with a number of popular attractions, giving school students multiple options for sightseeing. It serves as the main excursion gateway for other destinations like Chail, Kufri, Kasauli, Narkanda and Rampur (the biggest commercial and market area of the region). Moreover, the favourable climatic conditions and several recreational activities including camping definitely make it one of the best places for school tours in India.

Places to Visit for Students: Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Kufri, Christ Church, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Shimla State Museum, Annandale and Tattapani.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, trekking, ice-skating, golfing, river rafting and camping.

Nearby Major Cities: Chandigarh, Patiala, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Panipat, Amritsar and Delhi.

Srinagar – Amalgamation of Beauty and Fun

When you are thinking of school summer vacation options for tours in North India, Srinagar routinely makes the travel itinerary. A perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and recreational activities, it always fascinates the playful mind of youngsters. There is much to know on the eco-tourism aspect in Srinagar. The Nehru Botanical Garden, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh and many other beautiful gardens enrich your knowledge of flora in a memorable way. Similarly, bird watching, golfing, horse riding, shikara rides, leisure walks in apple orchards, cultural trips, excursions to destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yusmarg and Sonmarg, are things students can do during their school trips in Srinagar.

Places to Visit for Students: Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens, Nehru Botanical Garden, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Pari Mahal, Wular Lake and Jamia Masjid.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, horse-riding, golfing, fishing, nature walks, shikara rides and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Jammu City, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Patiala, Hisar and Delhi.

Corbett National Park – A Distinct World of Wild

Corbett National Park as a summer vacation destination? Yes, it is perhaps one of the best places to visit for students who want to explore nature and its elements. Enriched with varieties of flora and fauna species, a trip to Corbett National Park gives golden opportunities to know about the exotic bio-diversity of India. As far as school trips are concerned, the park offers special summer camps for students. Children can enjoy a wide range of fun-filled activities like bird watching, animal spotting, fishing, trekking, and river crossing during their stay. In addition, these summer camps conduct yoga sessions, cultural programs and camp fires as well as painting and craft making workshops which are aimed at developing a child’s creative skills. If you want to add a touch of luxury during your stay then Leela Vilas is an excellent choice to go for.

Places to Visit for Students: Bijrani Zone, Dhikala Zone, Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Waterfall, Kosi River and Sitabani Forest Reserve.

Nearby Major Cities: Chandigarh, Ambala, Sonipat, Meerut, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Rohtak, Panipat and Delhi.

Nainital – Worthy Option for Unlimited FUN

Nainital not only provides a rejuvenating atmosphere but is also quite close from Delhi and other plain areas thus reducing the journey time, especially for kids. The other reason for its popularity as one of the top destinations for school summer vacations is due to the availability of large numbers of summer camps in the region. The camp organisers focus on the overall development of a kid’s personality in a fun-filled and relaxed environment while making them aware of our rich biodiversity. The last but not the least reason is that Nainital, in comparison to other far-flung places, is quite affordable and most of the schools can easily manage a tour to this awesome place without any constraint.

Places to Visit for Students: Naina Devi Temple, Nainital Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, Gurney House, Governor’s House, Hanuman Garhi and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, boating, horse riding, aerial ropeway, camping, bird watching, rock climbing and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Haldwani, Haridwar, Dehradun, Delhi, Agra and Lucknow.

Top School Trip Summer Vacation Places in South India

Coorg – An Eternal Splendor for Tired Souls

Misty hills, vast spreads of tea and coffee fields, and green views of sandalwood and teak wood forests – Coorg is simply spectacular. Adding the rustic charm are its villages and hamlets that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. As for school trips and the fun-loving nature of teenagers, Coorg is laced with several outdoor activities like angling, trekking and white-water rafting. There is much to learn about coffee plantations and procession in India’s coffee bowl. Nagarhole National Park is a must-see attraction for people of all age groups.

Places to Visit for Students: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talacauvery, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park and Madikeri Fort.

Major Activities: Nature walks, trekking, angling, rafting, quad biking, boating and bird watching.

Nearby Major Cities: Kasargod, Kannur, Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore.

Thekkady – Serenity amidst The Wild

With a bountiful treasure of evergreen and deciduous vegetation, it is not possible to escape the breathtaking beauty of Thekkady . But what makes it one of the best places for school’s summer trip in South India is Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India. You don’t need to be a youngster to get excited at the sights of elephants and on the roars of wild cats. It will simply rock you! Taking the excitement to new levels is picturesque spice plantations that provide beautiful treks and the surrounding hills that are good for adventurous mountain expeditions. A trip to Thekkady also lets students know about a variety of flora species as the reserve has over 1,900 flowering plants including Podocarpus wallichianus, the only south Indian conifer that grows in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Places to Visit for Students: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Mangala Devi Temple, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Spice Plantations, Chellarkovil and Vandiperiyar.

Major Activities: Nature walks, elephant rides, bird watching, boating and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Alleppey, Kottayam, Kochi, Kumarakom and Madurai.

Kodaikanal – An Eye-catching Forest Beauty

With a name that means ‘The Gift of the Forest’ in Tamil dialect, Kodaikanal is a wonderland blessed with immense natural beauty. A stroll through its wooded forests or a bath in a splashing cascade, everything about this lovely destination is captivating. Sitting pretty at an elevation of about 7,200 feet above sea level, Kodaikanal is not only meant for honeymooners and nature lovers. It equally attracts schools to organise summer vacation trips as there are several interesting things to do and explore like exotic flora species, hilly treks to trail down and bird watching for students. Kodaikanal is also a wonderful destination for weekend trips.

Places to Visit for Students: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Pine Forest, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Dolphin’s Nose, Guna Caves and Shenbaganur Museum.

Major Activities: Nature walks, bird watching, boating, horse riding, trekking and yoga at Kodaikanal Yoga Center.

Nearby Major Cities: Dindigul, Madurai, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Kochi, Thrissur, Tiruchirapalli, Thoothukudi and Salem.

Munnar – Dewy Drop Magnificence

If you are thinking about where to go in summer vacations then Munnar is a perfect choice for people of all age groups. It is another emerald beauty from the treasure of Idukki district. Its elevated location (1,600 metres above sea level) at the union of three mountain rivers gives Munnar a dew drop demeanour. Adding prettiness to this dewy-drop look is its sprawling tea gardens and winding lanes that altogether make Munnar an oasis of tranquillity and eternal magnificence. Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Chinnakanal and Anayirangal are some of the main highlights of this striking destination. Along with them, the Tea Museum in Munnar and the hydro-electric power station at Pallivasal are great spots to enrich our knowledge.

Places to Visit for Students: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Fun Forest Adventure Park, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Blossom International Park.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, jeep safaris and boating (at Mattupetty Lake).

Nearby Major Cities: Madurai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Alleppeye and Mysore.

Ooty – Visual Treat of Nilgiri Hills

When it comes to choosing the best places for a school group picnic tour in South India, Ooty is the most common preference like Shimla and Nainital in North India. And like other hill stations, it is fully loaded with scenic natural vistas. Then what sets Ooty apart from others and makes it one of the most sought-after hill stations in India? Here lies the answers. Well, Ooty is a land of beautiful sights that are great for picnic outings and school trips like Jolly World. The hill station is dotted with distinct flora species, native to Nilgiri Mountains, and enhancing this beauty are sprawling tea and coffee gardens and vegetation of eucalyptus, conifers, pines and wattle trees. A ride in the historic Ooty Mountain Train, which wends through various curves, tunnels, tea plantations and deep gorges, sets it apart from other destinations.

Places to Visit for Students: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Thread Garden, Tribal Museum, Tea Factory, Pykara Waterfalls, Avalanche Lake, Rose Garden and St. Stephen’s Church.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, bird watching, toy train ride, horse riding, boating, fishing, hang-gliding, hiking and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Bandipur, Bangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Coonoor, Coorg, Ernakulam, Kannur and Palakkad.

Best Destinations for Summer Vacation School Trips in East India

Tawang – Blend of Natural and Cultural Allure

If you are deciding to throng the North-east states of India during this summer vacation, especially with your students, then Tawang is a wonderful choice. Placed at an altitude of over 3,000 metres from sea level, it is a peaceful abode tucked between snow-covered peaks. Tawang is an ideal summer retreat that provides a beautiful blend of sightseeing and summer vacation activities for students. The breathtaking views of Chong-Chugmi and Gudpi ranges along with Tawang Valley and river give the entire landscape a heavenly feel. Besides being gifted with the best of nature, Tawang is also culturally important. Tawang Monastery, Urgyelling Monastery, Ani Gompa, Sangetsar Lake and Tawang War Memorial are some must-see attractions.

Places to Visit for Students: Tawang Monastery, Bumla Pass, Tso Lake, Tawang War Memorial, Gorichen Peak, Nuranang Falls and Jaswant Garh.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, trekking and hiking.

Nearby Major Cities: Guwahati, Siliguri, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawal, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga.

Shillong – The Heart where Lies the Rhythm of Meghalaya

It is undoubted to leave Shillong , the capital of Meghalaya, from the itinerary of your summer vacations expeditions in East India. It is the only hill station in the state that can be accessed from any side. Presence of large numbers of educational institutions makes the city an educational hub for the entire northeastern region of India. From the natural attractions like Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak to man made marvels such as Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Shillong Golf course and Ward’s Lake, this lovely destination has all the ingredients that make it a popular choice for travellers. Even for school students, the city is a dreamland offering multiple activities to enjoy like boating, rappelling and mountain cycling.

Places to Visit for Students: Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitlum Canyons, Mawphlang Sacred Grove and Umiam Lake.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, boating, rappelling, mountain biking, trekking and caves exploration.

Nearby Major Cities: Guwahati, Siliguri, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawal, Bhagalpur and Kolkata.

Darjeeling – A Walk on the Clouds

Darjeeling is a mesmerising hill station nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, which should definitely be on every student’s bucket list for a summer vacation. One of the beautiful places to visit in India for a summer vacation, the quaint town boasts of lush green tea gardens, stunning mountain vistas, and a vibrant local culture that will leave you enchanted. The cool and pleasant weather of Darjeeling during summer is perfect for students looking for a refreshing break from their routine academic life. The town also offers a plethora of adventure activities like trekking, camping, and paragliding, which are perfect for students seeking an adrenaline rush. From the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to the breathtaking sunrise view from the Tiger Hill, Darjeeling has a lot to offer for every kind of traveller. The town’s rich history and colonial charm also make it an ideal destination for students who are keen on exploring different cultures and traditions. With its breathtaking beauty, serene atmosphere, and thrilling adventures, Darjeeling is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for students looking to make unforgettable memories during their summer vacation.

Places to Visit for Students: Tiger Hill, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Ghoom Monastery and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, boating, paragliding, trekking, rafting and mountain biking.

Nearby Major Cities: Siliguri, Guwahati, Gangtok, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Kolkata.

Gangtok – Mirror of Sikkim

With a ‘HAPPY-GO-LUCKY’ Tag, Gangtok is more functional, more urban and more bustling in comparison to other places in Sikkim. But still, it appeals to a large number of travellers who love to explore its rich cultural heritage hidden inside its magnificent monasteries. From shopping complexes to local eateries and from Buddhist peace abodes to adventure activities, Gangtok, in short, is a potpourri of experiences. Nathu La Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake and Hanuman Tok are some of the famous attractions in Gangtok. Don’t miss the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat for having a bird’s eye view of Gangtok.

Places to Visit for Students: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok Ropeway, Flower Exhibition Centre and Ganesh Tok.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, yak safaris and hang gliding.

Nearby Major Cities : Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga.

Bomdila – Dazzling Himalayan Beauty

For most of us, except locals of the northeastern region, Bomdila appears like a foreign land. But it’s not. Bomdila is a small yet beautiful town situated at a height of around 8,000 feet above sea level. The jagged white peaks of Himalayan Range in the backdrop, favourable climatic conditions during summers, breathtaking views of apple orchards and a tranquil world imbibed inside Buddhist monasteries as well as number of exciting activities to do and enjoy-what more it requires to be a wonderful holiday destination to spend the summers. The town also has the Orchid Research and Development Station and two other orchid conservation sanctuaries at Sessa and Dirang making it quite favourable for school trips. These sites help students to gain knowledge about orchids and other floral varieties.

Places to Visit for Students: Bomdila Monastery, Apple Orchards, Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Bomdila Viewpoint, Dirang Dzong and Sela Pass.

Major Activities: Sightseeing and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Siliguri, Guwahati, Itanagar, Aizawl and Shillong.

Best Places for School Tour Summer Vacation in West India

• Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar – The Rejuvenation Point

Situated in the Western Ghats range, Mahabaleshwar soars high with an average elevation of about 1,353 metres. Lush evergreen forests, panoramic valleys, fresh breeze and numerous sightseeing points including Sunrise Point (the highest peak of the hill station) are the major highlights of this beautiful destination. Its pristine beauty never gets unnoticed among travellers visiting West India, especially from Mumbai and Pune. School students can also enjoy a number of fun-filled recreational activities like fishing, trekking and camping here. However, the hill station gets very crowded during weekends and vacation breaks.

Places to Visit for Students: Arthur’s Seat, Lingmala Waterfall, Elephant’s Head Point, Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panchgani, Mapro Garden, Kate’s Point and Wilson Point.

Major Activities: Paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, fishing, boating, camping and nature walks.

Nearby Major Cities: Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Thane.

Matheran – An Escape from Fast-paced Life

A perfect getaway to escape the humid and scorching summers! Matheran is another best location for a school tour during summers. Pleasing weather, serene atmosphere, good connectivity with cities like Mumbai, Pune and Thane, and old-world charm make Matheran a well-known summer retreat for holiday seekers and schools opting for an excellent destination for summer breaks. The reason why the place is perfect for a nature explorer is that vehicles, even bicycles, are totally banned in Matheran so that the environment remains away from the confines of noise and pollution. You have to explore the place on foot only. Another attraction is its toy train that slowly chugs into the valley and gives an old-world charm. Do not miss valley crossing activity between Honeymoon Point-Louisa Point.

Places to Visit for Students: Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, Echo Point, Panorama Point, One Tree Hill Point, Porcupine Point and Garbett Point.

Major Activities: Horse riding, trekking, valley crossing and nature walks.

Nearby Major Cities: Mumbai, Pune, Bhiwandi, Kolhapur, Kalyan, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Thane.

Mount Abu – A Green Cool Oasis amidst Heated Desert

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and that’s why it is quite popular. When the rest of Rajasthan is reeling under heat waves during the summers, Mount Abu brings the much-needed respite to the people. Situated at an elevation of about 1,220 metres above sea level, the hill station is quite picturesque. Thanks to various streams, waterfalls and evergreen forests that provide this rocky plateau a green carpet look. Along with these natural points, there are several ancient and mediaeval sites too depicting the historical sagas of bygone years. Pleasing weather and diverse flora mean that school trips organizers in India can organise trips for students to Mount Abu with the intent of increasing their knowledge pool and building curiosity in them to know their country better. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a major sightseeing spot in Mount Abu.

Places to Visit for Students: Dilwara Jain Temple, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Achalgarh Fort, Sunset Point, Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum.

Major Activities: Sightseeing, horse riding, bird watching, wildlife tours, camping, rappelling, rock climbing and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, Vadodara, Ajmer and Ratlam.

Silvassa – Reflecting the Beauty and Richness of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Silvassa, the capital city of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a former Portuguese colony that still retains its old-world charm in the form of churches and historical ruins. There is everything that schools look for a great holiday trip, from wildlife sanctuaries to beaches and from cultural sites to exciting water sports activities. Along with these, Silvassa is also a great place to learn about the culture of the WARLIS, an indigenous tribe that lives here. Students can also enjoy lion safaris at Vasona Park. Hirwa Van Garden is another major attraction where you will be welcomed by roaring cascades and eye-catching flowering gardens.

Places to Visit for Students: Lion Safari Wildlife Park, Dudhni Lake, Vanganga Lake, Tribal Cultural Museum, Bal Udyan, Hirwa Van Garden and Madhuban Dam.

Major Activities: Nature walks, lion safaris, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and trekking.

Nearby Major Cities: Surat, Nashik, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thana, Bhavnagar, Malegaon and Mumbai.

Saputara – A Jewel of Gujarat

Enclosed by the dense woody vegetation of Sahyadris, Saputara is an ultimate tranquil beauty. It is located in the Dangs district of Gujarat and is a place that will give a new definition to your holidays. This exotic hill station experiences uniform weather throughout the year and temperature hardly exceeds 28 degree even in summers thus making it one of the best places to enjoy summer holiday packages in India. It is also one among the few well-planned hill resorts in the country and is dotted with a variety of hotels, theatres, parks, ropeways and swimming pools. Along with that, Saputara also has a boat club and a museum that exhibits tribal objects. In addition, there are several wonderful places around Saputara that add more fun to your trip. Notable ones are Gira Waterfalls, Mahal Forest, Vansda National Park and Ambapada village.

Places to Visit for Students: Saputara Lake, Sunset Point, Step Garden, Gira Waterfalls, Vansda National Park, Artist Village, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple and Purna Sanctuary.

Major Activities: Nature walks, ropeway rides, trekking, camping, boating, horse riding and camel safaris.

Nearby Major Cities: Nashik, Surat, Bhiwandi, Malegaon, Thana, Bhavnagar, Manmad and Mumbai.

Also Read: Where to Go on a Summer Vacation in India with Family?

School vacations are much eagerly awaited by students who spend most of their time buried in books. These vacations help students to unwind and release frustrations that may accumulate over time. But the selection of the ideal destination for the impressionable students is never easy; things like the cost of the trip, how to travel, and how to plan the itinerary need good research. This is where Tour My India Pvt Ltd with its vast expertise can play a significant role. Be it affordable packages, the most eligible tour guides, or booking tickets, Tour My India, one of the leading school trip organizers in India delivers everything you want. To know more about the company and our School Group Summer Vacation packages, just give a call at 9212777223/24.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top destinations in india for school tours.

Some of the top destinations in India for school tours are Delhi, Agra, Manali, Shimla, Jaipur, Corbett National Park, Mount Abu, Saputara, Matheran, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Ooty, Coorg, Srinagar, etc.

How to plan a school tour itinerary?

The important steps to plan a school tour itinerary are:

• Determine your objectives
• Choose your destinations
• Plan your activities
• Determine your budget
• Create a timeline
• Finalise your itinerary
• Review and revise

What are some cultural experiences students can have on a school tour?

There are many cultural experiences that students can have on a school tour, depending on the destination and focus of the trip. Here are a few examples:

• Visiting museums
• Attending cultural festivals
• Touring historical landmarks
• Participating in language immersion programmes
• Sampling local cuisine
• Watching performances
• Meeting local residents

What are the top places for Summer Vacation trips in North India?

Some of the top places for summer vacation trips in North India are Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, Dalhousie, Nainital, etc.

What are the best places for Summer Vacation trips in South India?

Some of the best places for summer vacation trips in South India are Thekkady, Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, etc.

Published: 03 Mar, 2023

About the author

An adventure aficionado from New Delhi, Rashmi is a travel writer who loves to share her expeditions’ memoirs with other travel junkies. She has a special place for India and its rich legacy. With a fascination especially towards adventure activities and delicious aromatic food, she desires to explore every nook and corner of India. Rafting, trekking and paragliding is her favourite activities while Ladakh and Rome are her dream destinations.

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When is it OK to take your kids out of school for vacation?

"We can’t keep taking trips during the school year because you’re getting older, and it’s getting harder to miss school," I told my daughter. But here’s the thing: I’ve been telling my 11-year-old daughter this for at least the past three years.

Every year, like so many other families, we struggle to decide whether we should take our children out of school for a family vacation. Whatever the reason might be – smaller crowds, lower prices, a great opportunity – families have lots to weigh before pulling kids out of school for a vacation during the school year.

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What educators think about taking kids out of school for vacation

Mom of three and longtime educator Holly Hatcher-Frazier sees both sides of the coin. When she was in a school leadership position, she discouraged parents from taking family vacations during the school year.

“It is disruptive to learning and the curriculum is designed to account for regularly scheduled school vacations set by the administration," Hatcher-Frazier said. "Taking additional vacations throughout the school year can hinder academic progress for a student because there may be gaps in instruction due to absences.”

Easy planning: 15 family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning in 2024

However, the Pittsburgh mom who gained fame when she starred with her daughter Nia on the reality show "Dance Moms" said the emotional side creeps in when you're looking at it from the other side of family travel.

"I can find valid reasons to justify that decision and there is no denying family vacations can be incredibly educational, worthwhile experiences. However, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of pulling kids out of school for family vacations, I would still err on the side of resisting the urge. Of course, there are extenuating circumstances that may be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities which need to be considered."

That’s exactly what happened to my family. We were given a chance to travel on an Adventures by Disney trip to South Africa. The 10-day trip was packed with amazing experiences , including safaris, first-hand accounts of apartheid and Nelson Mandela, and African cultural experiences. It was an opportunity we couldn't pass up, even though it meant taking the kids out of school to do it.

Tips for taking your kids out of school for a trip

The problem was the trip was scheduled for right after the school year started. In situations like this, Hatcher-Frazier said if you decide to take the trip, you should talk to school officials as soon as possible.

"Telling the school the day before that your child will be missing school for a week for a family vacation does not usually sit well for many," she said.

Hatcher-Frazier also noted that it's not a fair expectation to assume teachers will prepare work ahead of time for your child for unexcused absences.

"Curating lesson plans for an individual child is creating more work for a teacher in addition to the teachers' regular responsibilities, lesson plans and workload," she explained. "If parents treat the school officials with reasonable expectations, courtesy, and respect, then I think most schools will try their best to work together with parents to ensure the success of the child."

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Once I saw the itinerary for our trip to South Africa, I knew there would be no time for schoolwork. It was a jam-packed family trip, but it was filled with activities that included some extraordinary form of learning every single day. And from the first day of the trip I knew we made the right decision to experience this family vacation, even though it meant missing school.

Every day was filled with educational experiences, from something as simple as learning that traffic lights in South Africa are called robots to finding out the meaning behind all the colors of the South African flag. The animal interactions on the trip were unreal, and with them came lessons on the lions, giraffes, monkeys, and everything else we saw. 

By the end of our first safari ride, my three kids were even able to tell which animal left the droppings we saw. They were also taught how to make a toothbrush out of tree branches and what tree bark can be ground down to make toothpaste. There was tons of information thrown at my children, and I do wonder what they will retain. My daughter kept a daily journal, which I know we’ll all continue to look back on to help remind us what we learned and how we learned it.

The benefits of trusting your gut

Once we returned home, there was some makeup work that needed to be done, but everyone, including my kids' teachers and school administrators, agreed this was an incredible experience. 

Hatcher-Frazier said, in the end, trust your gut.

"You know your child best and whether or not this is a vacation that can't wait until an upcoming school break. Parents need to consider the consequences of their child missing school. Does your child work independently? Most likely, your child will have to do work on their own without the help of an instructor or in-class discussion if they miss class. Does your child take initiative?"

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Truth be told, in the weeks after the trip, my daughter struggled a bit with all the makeup work. There were some nights when I questioned if we made the right decision because I hated seeing her so stressed. In the future, I’m not sure we’ll be so quick to take our children out of school for a trip we can easily reschedule. However, if another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises, we’ll give it careful consideration.

Once all the work was made up, my daughter told me she would 100% do the trip again. As a family, I think we made the right choice. We have amazing memories we talk about daily. The family vacation allowed us to make friends with people from all over the world whom we otherwise would have never met, and it taught my children to differentiate between rhino poop and zebra poop – a lesson I don’t think they’ll ever learn in the classroom. 

The story When is it OK to take your kids out of school for vacation? first appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 28 best places to go with kids in 2024 . 
• Why every family should try an all-inclusive resort at least once.
• 9 skip-gen destinations perfect for grandkids and grandparents .

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. FamilyVacationist covers family vacation ideas ; family vacation spots ; all-inclusive family resorts ; and theme park vacations for families. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is it OK to take your kids out of school for vacation?

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Help! A Gas Station Charged Me $1,500 and My Bank Won’t Believe It’s Fraud.

After returning home from a wedding in Mexico, a traveler found a huge charge on his credit card and suspected a gas station attendant was responsible. Wells Fargo didn’t believe him.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

Last October, my extended family spent a week in Todos Santos, in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, for a wedding. All went well, but when I got back, I noticed an unusual charge on my credit card: $1,500.49, made on the day we flew home to the United States from San José del Cabo. The merchant appeared to be a restaurant in Mexico City. I recalled that when we went to fill up the rental car at a Chevron station near the airport, the attendant placed the card in a hand-held machine and then told me it had been rejected, requiring me to use a second card. Nothing else unusual happened that day, and reviews on Google for this gas station contain eerily similar accusations of fraudulent charges from other tourists. I disputed the charge, but Wells Fargo repeatedly denied my claim, even when I asked the Better Business Bureau to intercede. Can you help? Nate, Wayland, Mass.

We cannot be sure the fraud occurred at the gas station, but if so, it’s a clever scam. The worker presumably slipped your card into a bogus card reader and charged you $1,500 just as you were rushing to return your rental car and catch a flight out of the country, knowing you were unlikely to report the crime to Mexican authorities. It’s a good reminder for travelers that we need to be ever vigilant on vacation, even when we’re cranky or tired or stressed or otherwise out of our element.

It’s also a good excuse to consider how dependent we have become on our credit card issuers to save the day in such situations. As you found out, that doesn’t always happen.

Humor me while I consider the situation from the perspective of a bank like Wells Fargo. What might seem like obvious fraud when it happens to us is not necessarily a crystal clear crime to a fraud claims team tasked with sifting out their clients who are honest vacationers from others who may themselves be fraudsters.

Since I trust you are in the former camp, I reached out to Wells Fargo and soon afterward, a representative got in touch with you by phone and agreed to refund the charge, plus interest. A week later, you received a check for $1,609.96.

“We take customer concerns seriously and seriously investigate all customer claims,” wrote Jennifer Landan, a spokeswoman for the company, in an email statement to me. “We worked directly with our customer on this matter, and it is resolved.”

But, of course, it should have been resolved earlier and without my intervention. Was there anything you should have done differently? Was there anything Wells Fargo should have done differently?

The answers are yes and yes.

Though you explicitly gave your permission for Wells Fargo to discuss the incident with me, Ms. Langan told me the company would not talk about the particulars of your case. But she did leave a clue, writing to me that Wells Fargo encourages customers to act “when they receive a fraud alert, phone call or correspondence about a transaction.”

So I asked you to look through your phone and email messages with Wells Fargo at the time of your travel, and the bank did send you a fraud alert, via text, at about the time of the transaction. You didn’t get it at the time, you said, because you had not been able to receive messages while in Mexico. And you somehow missed it when you got back home.

Though I encourage everyone to disconnect while traveling, I will henceforth recommend an exception for text messages so you can monitor your credit card transactions. (You might even consider having your bank alert you every time a transaction occurs, even if it is not suspicious, which can also be helpful in monitoring what exchange rate you’re getting.)

What happened on Wells Fargo’s end that led them to reject your claim multiple times? Though I couldn’t get specific details from Ms. Langan, we do know exactly what the Wells Fargo representative said, since you recorded the call with her permission.

The agent told you it was “normal procedure” for Wells Fargo’s fraud teams to deny fraud claims if a chip card was in the owner’s possession the entire time, which you told them it was. But technically speaking, that was incorrect: The card was briefly out of your hands when the station attendant took it and inserted in a hand-held machine at your car window.

OK, so you didn’t see the text alert and didn’t correctly parse exactly what “in your possession” meant. But given your continued appeals and the online reviews of the gas station and others in the area that corroborate your account, it’s disappointing Wells Fargo continued to be so stubborn.

The representative you spoke to conceded the team who worked on your case could have done better. “We are going to try to revise our procedures,” she said, noting that she had coached the person who made the decision on how to do “better, thorough research.”

That’s good to hear, although I’d feel more confident if I had heard it straight from an official company source rather than on a recorded phone call.

Here’s another piece of advice for travelers as mobile card readers become the default form of payment in many places: When possible, ask for the machine and to insert (or tap) the card yourself, watching the screen carefully. In much of the world (though for some reason, not in many American restaurants), the days of a merchant taking your card to the back to run it through a machine (and potentially a skimmer to steal your information) are long gone.

Though you were quite reasonably frustrated with Wells Fargo, let’s be clear here. The real villains are those who committed this crime in the first place and somehow, whether at the gas station or elsewhere, managed to charge $1,500 to a business called Comida Corrida in faraway Mexico City.

I got in touch with Grupo Horizon, which operates the Chevron Emerald gas station you went to, as well as dozens of Chevron stations in the states of Baja California Sur and Sinaloa.

Gilberto Gómez, the company’s business director, responded by email, saying he was unaware of such issues and encouraged you to send him details. “We take follow-ups to this kind of complaint very seriously and meticulously,” he wrote in Spanish. “If there is any harm to our customers attributable to the gas station, we address it.” (I’ve given you his email address and you told me you would follow up with him.)

But considering the Google reviews at this location and several other (non-Chevron) gas stations in the region, I am skeptical that Grupo Horizon is not aware of the problem. Mr. Gómez did not respond when I followed up twice about whether he had seen the Google reviews.

I also got in touch with the Los Cabos Tourism Board. When its managing director, Rodrigo Esponda, got back to me, he said he was “deeply concerned about the situation,” and had spoken to the Baja California Sur state attorney’s office, which told him it was investigating the matter. He also recommended that tourists who have complaints about a business in the region should register them with Mexico’s federal consumer protection organ, Profeco.

In the meantime, could the solution simply be to pay cash at Cabo-area gas stations? Alas, no: There are also reports of gas station attendants switching out large bills customers pay with for smaller ones and demanding more. And don’t even get me started on the Tripped Up complaints that come about the poor customer service travelers encounter in car rental agencies near Mexican beach destinations. The best solution for sun-seekers may be to skip the car rental altogether and hire a driver, use car-share services or take public transportation.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

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