5 Tips for Planning a Class Trip to the USA

5 Tips for Planning a Class Trip to the USA! There are many places to visit stateside! Welcome to the USA!

Overview

One of the activities that many students look forward to during a school year is going on a field trip. Interestingly, many teachers, parents, and school administrators get easily overwhelmed by organizing and executing field trips. A well-planned class trip to any destination, whether domestic or international, should be fun for both the students and the school. The United States of America (USA) has one of the best school-friendly class trip packages. With so many learning and fun activities to do, it is no wonder thousands of students visit the USA annually for a class trip. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful trip that is fun, educational, and memorable.

1. Have Detailed Plan of Where to Visit in the USA

Weeks, possibly months, before your class trip to the USA, gather as much information as you can about the trip. Agree on the places you want to visit, the time of year, and the cities. One pitfall many organizers fall into is failing to check with those locations if they can accommodate your students for your chosen dates. Chances are other schools are planning a trip to the same location. Check that it is all within the school’s budget for the trip. Once verified, run it by the school’s administration to avoid any last-minute changes that might disrupt your plans. Once you have the final approval, begin immediately to make all the necessary reservations. Book your flights and charter a coach bus rental.

2. Book Your Transportation and Accommodations Ahead of Time

Booking way ahead of time is not only cheaper but it gives you peace of mind which allows you to focus on other aspects of your trip. Compare flight rates with other airlines and try to get a group discount for the round trip. 

Charter a coach bus, especially if you will be spending a lot of time on the road. A coach bus is without a doubt the comfiest transportation, perfect for any class trip. This 55-seater bus is equipped with air-conditioner, an on-board restroom, a TV/DVD, and Wi-Fi. It has reclining seats with individual reading lights and lots of storage. And it is wheelchair accessible. 

Do not forget to make hotel reservations. Much like booking the flight, request for a group discount. A few days before your trip, call to verify that your reservation is still valid and that everything is in order. 

3. Organize a Safety System 

Safety is a major concern for everyone involved especially when traveling internationally. Parents need to know their children will be safe as much as your school administrators do. Use a buddy system to pair up classmates who are friends. This will make them comfortable and more likely to adhere to the system. Also, assign a chaperone to a group of buddies. Most importantly though, give a security briefing of what to do in case of any emergencies. Ensure everyone is familiar with ‘911’, the USA emergency number, and their chaperone’s phone number.

4. Take Breaks along the Way 

As fun as a bus ride is, take breaks along the way. The USA has beautiful open fields along all major interstate routes. Stop for a short picnic when you find the perfect field. Stretch a little and take memorable pictures. This will reignite the travel spirit of the students.

Summary 

Whether you are planning a class trip to Washington DC, the capital of democracy in the USA or a sightseeing trip in sunny Florida, ensure to plan every step of the way. Plan the movements, book your flights, charter a coach bus, ensure everyone is safety conscious, and don’t forget to have fun. With proper planning, your class trip to the USA will be the highlight of the school year.

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