During our group travels we learned how to prepare students for travel. We want to share this information to help you prepare your students for their next travel adventure!
Passports
If your group will be traveling abroad make sure every student applies for their passport far in advance. There can sometimes be delays in processing. So, allow at least six months. Don’t forget adult passports as well! Any parents or teachers traveling with the group will need to have a valid passport as well.
Packing lists
Packing lists are very important. While you may be a pro at packing, most students have not traveled as much as you. Create a checklist of things they will need and give the list to them in advance. Also, make sure to make the list available online in case students or parents need an extra copy.
Teaching them how to travel
This may be the most important tip of all when you’re trying to figure out how to prepare students for travel. Remember, you are teaching these young people how to travel. Lead by example. Teach them the best, most efficient ways of doing things when traveling. Teach them how to be a respectful traveler
Getting school work done ahead of time
Many student trips involve students missing a day or two of school. Make sure that students are responsible and get any work they will be missing. More importantly, make sure they DO the make-up work.
Important contact info on phones and paper
Have students store your contact information as well as that of other trusted adults supervising the trip and the hotel where you are staying. This information is vital in case students accidentally become separated from the group. It is especially important to have paper copies. You never know when cell service will be lost or a phone battery will die. So, record all of the information onto index cards, pass them out to students, and have them store them in their wallet, backpack, or something that will constantly be on their person.
Explain the local public transit system
Before you leave for your destination discuss the public transit system and how it works. Most maps are available online. This will make everyone feel more at ease when using the metro or bus. system.
Siri or Google translate cross the language barrier
Remind students that if they need to translate something or speak to someone in their native language, Siri and Google Translate can be great tools.
Snacks for road trip or plane
Hungry kids = grumpy kids. Well, let’s be honest, this applies to adults as well. Make sure everyone has plenty of snacks. Whether you’re making a roadtrip or flying abroad, keep everyone well fed.
Allergies
Make sure that everyone is aware of any allergies students may have. If the student requires an EpiPen, make sure everyone is aware of the location of the device at all times.
Want to more tips on preparing students for travel? Check out this week’s episode –We Learned How to Prepare Students For Travel
Traveling with students can be a lot of fun. Be sure to check out our post Top Funniest Moments While Traveling With Students
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank.
–Marnie and Jeff
