In today’s world, the pressures of rising living costs, fluctuating exchange rates, and ever-increasing travel expenses can make international educational trips seem out of reach for many schools and students. However, with a little creativity, careful planning, and strategic thinking, you can make the life-changing experience of school travel possible for your students.
Here are our Top 5 Tips to make overseas educational travel more affordable without compromising the quality of the experience:
1. Less is More: Consider Shorter, In-Depth Trips
It’s tempting to dream of a multi-country, three-week whirlwind tour, but extended travel between destinations and lengthy tours can quickly add up in cost. Instead, consider focusing on a shorter, more in-depth experience in a single location or a smaller region.
A shorter trip gives you the flexibility to explore your chosen destination in greater detail, and often, students benefit from a slower-paced itinerary. This allows for more immersive experiences, such as visiting local schools, engaging in community projects, or discovering hidden gems that might not make the cut on a busy multi-city tour. Additionally, shorter trips are easier to fit into school holiday schedules (such as two-week breaks), leaving some extra time for students—and teachers—to rest and recharge.
Be inspired by this 10 USA NASA Trip and this 10 day London Performing Arts Tour.
2. Combining Subjects for a Cross-Disciplinary Adventure
When planning an educational trip, consider combining subjects. This not only increases student numbers (and as a general rule, the more students, the lower the cost) but also promotes a holistic learning experience. After all, in the real world, subject boundaries often don’t exist. By blending subjects, students can experience the intersection of disciplines in a way that’s both enriching and practical.
This approach encourages students to think outside the box, challenge stereotypes, and even discover new passions. For example, combining history and geography can give students a deeper understanding of the places they visit, while blending science and art can spark creativity in unexpected ways. The diversity of experiences often leads to a more engaging and memorable trip for all involved.
Check out this cross curricular Vietnam History and Geography Tour as well as this Italian Food and Language Tour.
3. Off-the Beaten Track
Exploring lesser-known activities or destinations can not only cut costs but also offer incredibly rich and unique learning opportunities. Hidden gems—whether it's a small town with historical significance, a lesser-visited museum, or an alternative country altogether can provide just as much educational value as more commonly visited places, often with a more authentic and less touristy experience.
Another way to beat the crowds, and cut costs is to travel off-peak. While this may not be possible depending on your school’s schedule, it is always worth investigating if there’s some flexibility with dates.
Consider this Literature Tour to UK/Ireland in January or jump off the beaten track and explore WWII history on our Human Rights and Remembrance Tour of Poland.
4. Join Forces with Like-Minded Schools
When it comes to educational travel, more students usually means lower costs. If your school is small or the group numbers are low, partnering with another school can significantly reduce the price per student. By pooling resources, you can access better deals on accommodation, transportation, and tours.
But the benefits don’t end there. Joint trips provide students with the unique opportunity to broaden their social networks and interact with peers they may not otherwise meet. This fosters collaboration, builds friendships, and enhances the overall social experience of the trip, making it even more valuable for students.
Collaborate on a China Immersion Tour or a NZ Ski Trip.
5. Fundraising: Turning Students into Entrepreneurs
Fundraising is not only an excellent way to reduce costs, but it also gets students, parents, and the wider school community involved in the journey. Fundraising builds excitement and anticipation for the trip while providing students with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial and organizational skills. Plus, when students contribute to the funding process, they gain a sense of ownership and pride over the trip.
From bake sales and car washes to hosting trivia nights or even crowdfunding online, the possibilities are endless. Fundraising efforts can also be a fun and collaborative way to bring the school community together, making the trip feel like a collective achievement.
Have a read through our Fundraising Tips and Tricks.
To start planning your budget friendly school tour, contact our team today and one of our School Travel Managers will be in touch.
