With the start of school, things start buzzing around here again. It’s time to huddle into your committee meetings and type up those letters to the parents, and get your creative juices flowing for the fundraisers. It’s Student Travel time.

Maybe you’re an eighth grade administrator looking for a fresh update to the annual Washington DC educational tours. You might be a high school junior dreaming of next year’s senior class trip. Or maybe you’re in college or something else altogether. If you’re planning group travel of any kind, here are some pointers on how to know which type of trip you’re planning and what to consider.

Educational Tours

1. The name basically says it all. This type of student travel should highlight something the students are learning or have learned.

2. It could also open their eyes to a new subject, event, or theme, which is an amazing kick-start for any lesson.

3. A theme brings focus when you’re headed to cities like Washington D.C. or New York City with so many attractions to choose from. Ideas for educational theme tours include: Black history, Art & Culture, American History, or Literature.

Graduation Trips

1. Start with where you’d all most like to go. Plot out whether your time for fundraising will get you there. Pick the next favorite choice if not, plot again. Repeat until all the pieces fit to make it happen.

2. Pick a Goal: See lots and lots of amazing things and stay busy? Or just be together? Choose a destination fitted to the goal. For instance, NYC for lots to do, the beach for relaxing time together.

3. Have you considered a cruise? Many destinations, one-time unpacking.

Making it Great

With so many considerations – your goals, your budget, security, and the number of people traveling – a travel professional is your next step. Once you’re in contact with a person who can help, keep these things in mind as well:

1. Build space into your itinerary. (For rain delays, crowds, and just plain mishaps plus to allow breathable moments to actually take in what you’re seeing).

2. EVERYTHING TAKES LONGER WITH A GROUP. Don’t ever forget how many people you’re planning for. It affects everything.

3. Give recommendations a chance. You probably have a list of things you want to see, but don’t be afraid to add attractions you hadn’t thought of but that your travel professional (or even better, a local) recommends. The surprises are sometimes the best part of a trip.