EdTrips Blog

Educators, travelers, and experienced travel companies use edtrips to expand their learning beyond the classroom.

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Choosing an Awesome Destination for Your Next Family Trip

The summer is a great time for taking a family vacation.  There are so many opportunities for the family to enjoy and explore together.  However, there is a lot to consider when you start to plan your next trip.  The most important of those considerations is where are you going to go. 

Consider a place that reinforces what your children have learned in the school year.  It’s a good idea to look back on what your children have learned while they were in school.  Especially for older children, it can be a great idea to choose a location they’ve studied, so that they can put what they have learned into context.

Choose a place that is family friendly.  Nothing can be worse than choosing a place that is not right for families and for children.  This is why it is important to choose destinations, hotels and restaurants that both children and their parents can enjoy.

Consider talking to your kids to see where they’d like to go.   If your children are old enough, it may be a good idea to ask them where’d they like to go on their vacation.  This will make them feel apart of the family decision and that they have a say in how the family operates.  However, it is best if you and your partner discuss ahead of time how this will be handled.  It may be best to choose 3 locations ahead of time that the children can then pick from.

Consider a place where your kids can have fun and learn at the same time. While vacations should be fun, they can also be great opportunities to educate your children.  This time can provide you with an opportunity to teach your children something, and bond with them at the same time.  It doesn’t have to be all educational though; it is also important to make it fun and relaxing for your children.

There is a lot to consider when choosing the right location for your  next family vacation.  However, it doesn’t have to be hard.  Consider a place that continues your children’s education and can also be fun.  This way you can ensure that everyone has a great trip this summer.

Photo credit:

http://www.condolux.net/

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Safe Air Travel for Children with Special Needs

In our last post, we wrote about the importance of safety for children in flight.  This is because turbulence or problems in flight can be dangerous for children.  This is why it is especially important that when you are traveling with children with special needs, that you are prepared to ensure that they travel safely.

To help you prepare for a safe flight with your student/child, we’ve put together some useful tips to get you started.

Be sure to have the proper CRS (Child Restrain System) for the child, if needed.  The FAA strongly recommends that any child 40 pounds and under should travel in the appropriate CRS.  This includes choosing the right seat/belting system that is appropriate for their weight, and one that is approved by the FAA for use in flight.  For children over 44 pounds and over 40 inches tall requiring upper body support may also use a CRS or CARES system that is specialized for in-flight use and is appropriate for their height and weight. 

Purchase a separate seat not in an exit row.    As with any CRS system, it is recommended that you purchase a separate seat for your child/student that is not in an exit row.  This will provide enough room to fit the CRS and help to keep exit rows clear should an emergency occur.

Find out if you require FAA exemption. Should you decide to utilize the CARES system for older children, teens, and adults with special needs, you will need to obtain an exemption from the FAA from the standard height and weight requirements for the system.  Click here for more information on getting this exemption.  Adults 18 years or older with disabilities requiring a CRS or CARES system will also need to obtain an exemption from the FAA.

Talk to the airline beforehand.  It is a good idea before your trip to check with the airline to see if the aircraft may have any limitations for individuals with disabilities that will have to be accounted for.  It is also a good idea to ask them if they have proper storage for any equipment or mobility devices an individual may need. 

These are just a few simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of your child/student with special needs.  It is essential that you prepare in advance of your flight so that you make the proper arrangements and obtain the proper exemptions.  This way you and your child/student can have a safe and comfortable flight.

For more information on safe air travel for individuals with disabilities, check out this information from the FAA.

References:

"CARES for Special Needs Flyers" by CARES

"Top 10 Child Travel Safety Tips" by AirSafe.com

"Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability" by the FAA

Photo credit:

http://www.faa.gov/

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Tips for Stress-Free (or at Least Less Stressful) Travel with Children

For both educators and parents, traveling with children can be both stressful for you and the child.  This is why it is so important to take certain precautions to limit the amount of stress and discomfort that can come with extended travel.

Here are some tips to help you make it travel more comfortable for children:

Feed children before getting on a plane.  Feeding children before they get on a plane will limit their hunger through at least the first hour of the trip before the in-flight snacks/meal goes around. 

Break up the trip into smaller bits, if you can.  If you are traveling for a long period of time, it is a good idea to break up the trip into smaller parts with pit stops along the way.  This will not only give children and adults a chance to stretch their legs, but it will also give them a chance to take a bathroom break or get some food.  By breaking the trip up, it will also keep everyone from getting restless and make the trip easier for everyone involved.

For longer travel, make sure you have all that you need.  For when it is impossible to take pit stops, it is a good idea to bring snacks, drinks, and entertainment with you.  This will help children to stay amused and will ensure that they are properly fed and hydrated. 

On longer trips, give children a treat every hour after a certain time has passed.  Particularly for younger children, it is a good idea to keep them entertained along the way.  By providing them with something to look forward to every hour, this will help the time pass much faster and will help them keep calm on their long journey.

Use the time after the trip to relax.  After you have spent some time traveling, it is a good idea to ensure that you take some time to relax.  Make sure that there is a comfortable place to stay, and that everyone has had time to unwind.  This will help everyone will be well-rested for the remainder of the trip.

Be realistic about your expectations.  It is important that you keep yourself calm, along with your children/students, while traveling.  By avoiding their questions or getting angry, you can create further misbehavior and stress.  Set expectations for appropriate behavior for your trip and let the children know.  This way both of you will know what to expect.

It is important to keep both yourself and your students calm during your travels.  This will ensure that everyone is remaining calm and behaving appropriately, and that everyone has a safe and healthy trip.

  References:

“9 Trips for Traveling with Children Without Falling Apart” by Susan Stiffelman

“Bus and Train Travel with Kids” by Cathy Lanigan

Photo credit:

http://seattletimes.com/

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Food and Beverage Safety for Student Travelers

When you are traveling with students, one of the major considerations teachers and parents must have is safety.  However, safety doesn’t always just have to be about making sure they don’t talk to strangers or that they fall and hurt themselves.  It can also be about the food and beverages that they are consuming, especially when they are traveling abroad. 

According to the World Health Organization, everyday millions of people become ill from a foodborne illness, and thousands die.  This is why it is so important to teach your students, especially if they are younger children or if they may have compromised immune systems, that is so important to be conscious of the foods they consume.  This is why we've put together some tips to make your next trip healthy and safe for your students.

Keep your hands clean.  Make time on your trip for students to wash their hands before they eat.  Preferably this should be done with warm and soapy water, however, sanitizing liquid can be used to replace regular hand washing, if needed.

Avoid tap or well water.  This is especially important for when you are traveling in developing countries.  It is essential that you avoid drinking or consuming tap or well water, as it can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites or even harmful viruses.  This is why it is important to instruct your students to avoid drinking from the tap and drinking beverages with ice made from tap water.  Instead, it is best that they consume bottled water or boiled water.  Remember, too, that is important to check bottles for tampering or damage, as these can also be issues.

Avoid raw fruits and vegetables.   All fruits and vegetables should be cooked and served hot, or rinsed with safe water and peeled.  This will help prevent any consumption of contaminants or other bacteria that may be on the skin of the produce.

Avoid raw and undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, as well as unpasteurized milk and milk products.   This is a standard rule of thumb for any food consumption, as raw, undercooked, and unpasteurized foods can contain harmful bacteria.  It is important that you ensure that all the food is prepared in such a way as to kill off these bacteria before you and your students consume it.

Avoid foods prepared by street vendors.  Foods prepared in this fashion can be risky, as you may not know if the food was prepared properly.  Food also prepared this way will often sit out for long periods of time, which can cause them to become contaminated with harmful bacteria. 

Avoid condiments made with fresh ingredients.  Again, like with raw vegetables and fruits, they can be susceptible to all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants.   It is best to avoid these foods, as they can be risky.

It is important to keep these tips in mind when you are traveling abroad with your students.  This is due to the risks associated with consuming unsafe food and drinks.  However, by educating yourself and your students on the proper ways to prevent foodborne illnesses, especially abroad, you can ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy trip abroad.

  References and To Read More: 

“Food and Water Safety” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Avoid Foodborne Illness when Traveling Abroad” by Robin Woo, FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

“A Guide on Safe Food for Travelers” by the World Health Organization

Photo credit:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

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What Travel Documents Do I Need?

This is a question that can often confuse teachers and students looking to travel in other countries.  However, it is essential that you have the proper documentation prepared in advanced before your departure.  This is why we've given you a few tips to help you get ready for your trip: 

Check your passport a few months before you leave.  This is one of the most important documents you will need when it comes to traveling abroad.  Even if you are traveling to another North American country like Mexico or Canada, you will need to carry a valid passport.  This is why it is a good idea to check ahead of time to make sure that your passport is valid.

If you do not already have a passport, you should apply as soon as possible.  Again, you will need to carry a valid passport with you whenever you are traveling outside the country.  This is why you should apply for a passport as soon as possible so that you can ensure you receive it before your trip.  Usually it will take a few months for you to receive your passport after applying, however, a new expedited process can get you your passport within 3 weeks time.  Despite this change, it is still a good idea to give yourself enough time before your departure date.

Make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork.  When you are applying for a passport, there are certain documents that you will need.  To see what documents you will need to apply and how you can apply, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_4855.html.

Check to see if you’ll need a specific visa.  In some cases, there may be country-specific visas that you will need to travel in abroad.  Luckily, the Department of State has put together all of the information you’ll need for educational travel.  To find out what other documentation you’ll need, visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov/traveldocs/visas.php

Overall, it is important that you come prepared when it comes to traveling abroad.  For both students and teachers it is important to have the proper documentation prepared before you leave.  This is why checking your passport in advance, applying as soon as possible, making sure you have all the necessary paperwork, and checking to see if you need a specific visa are important steps to take.  By following these quick tips and regularly checking the Department of State’s website, you can ensure you are prepared for a safe and exciting trip abroad.

  For more information, visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov/traveldocs.php

Photo credit:

http://crashplan.com/

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Health and Safety Apps for Student Travelers and Teachers

At edtrips, we love apps.  Especially apps that can help keep student travelers and teachers healthy.  Here are just a few that can help you eat healthy and stay safe while traveling.

AllergyEats.  This app offers menus, nutritional information, allergen lists and more for over 600,000 restaurants and eateries in its database.  This way you can ensure that what you and your students are eating is healthy and within their dietary restrictions.  

Restaurant Nutrition.  This app offers nutritional information for over 100 restaurants and over 15,000 food items.  The app also provides a map feature that can help you find the nearest restaurant destination.  It even offers you a chance to track your calorie totals for the day.

   StreetSafe.  StreetSafe provides student travelers a safety line when they are traveling alone.  By accessing the app, they will remain on the line with a live Safety Advisor until they reach their destination.  The Advisor will even provide tips to help students stay alert and will track their location when they need it.

bSafe.  This app gives students and teachers an alarm should they require emergency assistance when traveling alone.  By keeping a list of “Guardian” contacts, this app will alert each contact, along with Emergency Services, that you have pressed the alarm when you need it.  It can even track your information as evidence should you need to tracked down after the alarm has been pressed.   

Circle of Six.  This app is specifically made for college students, and allows you to choose 6 friends who can help you out when you need.  Four different icons indicate what type of assistance you need, including needing a ride, needing advice, and a phone call.  This app can even alert authorities before any violence occurs.

These apps are just some of those available that can help both students and teachers remain safe and healthy when they travel.  By making it easy to access this information right on their smartphone, it makes staying safe just that much easier.

  Reference:

“50 Smartphone Travel Apps for the Truly Global Educator” by Terry Heick  

Photo credit:

AllergyEats:  http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

Restaurant Nutrition:  https://play.google.com/

StreetSafe:  http://streetsafe.com/

bSafe:  http://www.frogloop.com/

Circle of Six:  http://www.circleof6app.com/

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Exchanging Currency

One of the most important aspects of traveling anywhere, for any reason, is money.  This is because the U.S. dollar will not be able to get you everywhere like it can at home.  This is why it is so important to know how you can get the funds you need before and during your travels.  Here are some of the best options for exchanging U.S. currency:

Use an ATM.  This is a super simple way to exchange currency during your travels.  However, it is a good idea to check with your bank first before you leave so you know their policies.  Check with them first to see what their requirements are for using ATMs outside of the country and what fees may be incurred.  If it will end up costing you a larger fee to use an ATM, make transactions larger and less frequent so that you can avoid a lot of extra costs.

Exchange money at your bank.  This can be a great option if using an ATM will be very expensive or not an option at all.  By exchanging currency at your bank you can even save a little bit of money because banks can receive slightly better exchange rates.  However, it is a good idea to talk to your bank first to see how you need to go about doing this and how much this will cost you.  Oftentimes banks will tack on fees for exchanging currency this way, so it is in your best interest to check with them first and evaluate if this is the best option for you.

Buy traveler’s checks.  This is perhaps not the most convenient option, as you will have to find a place to exchange the checks for local currency once you’ve landed.  However, using traveler’s checks can give you piece of mind, in that the funds from the check, and the checks themselves, can be replaced fairly easily if they are lost or stolen.  Traveler’s checks, in fact, are a particularly good value in China, as the fees are low and the exchange rate is regulated by the government.

Use your credit card.  This can be a very convenient option for you instead of using cash.  However, it is important that you check your card issuer’s policies on international transactions, as these fees can add on to your bill.  It is also a good idea to let your card issuer know before you leave the country so that your card doesn’t get accidentally shut down for fraud. 

Overall, it doesn’t have to be to difficult to exchange currency before you leave or when you are traveling abroad.  The key is to do your homework and know your options.  This way you can ensure that you are choosing the best options for you.

    References:

"Traveling Abroad?  How to Exchange Currency" by Melinda Page 

"The Best Places to Exchange Currency" by Lily Welsh 

"Nine Tips for Traveling with Credit Cards" by Dana Dratch 

Photo credit:

http://www.mint.com/

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The 5 Most Important Things Students Should Know Before Studying Abroad

For students, studying abroad is an exciting and educational experience; a chance to get to know an entirely different culture, language, and group of people.  However, there is a lot of preparation that has to go into making this experience possible.  This is where teachers, parents, and administrators can help.  But what should they know before they go?

They need to know their school’s requirements.  It is important for students to be clear on their school’s policies regarding studying abroad, including the prerequisites, the application process, credit transfer, course approvals, fees, and other necessary information.  Be sure that the student is clear on what is required of them to study abroad, and ensure that they have all of their "to-do’s" done before they leave.

They need to know their finances.  It is important that students  that they have enough financial resources to study abroad.  This means arranging financial aid (if needed), and saving enough money so that they won’t run out while they travel.  It is also a good idea to encourage students to create a budget for themselves so that they know how much they have to spend.

They’ll need all of the necessary paperwork.  Students should be prepared with all the necessary paperwork before they travel abroad.  This means making sure that they have their passports and other necessary travel documents with them so that they will not run into difficulties while traveling.  For more information on the necessary documents, visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov/.

They’ll need to know what they can and need to bring with them.  Especially if students are studying abroad for a semester or more, they will need to pack certain items with them.  In order to find out what they’ll need, they can contact their school’s study abroad office, their host institution’s study abroad office, the organization who sponsors the program, and/or someone who has studied abroad before.  Ideally, they should really speak to each of these entities so that they can get a wider perspective on what they’ll need.

They need to know how to stay safe.  For students studying abroad, it can be dangerous.  This is why it is important that teachers, parents, and administrators make it clear to students how they can stay safe and who they can contact in the case of an emergency.  To find out how to keep them informed, visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov/.

While studying abroad is an incredibly exciting experience for students, there is a lot of preparation that must be done so that they can make the opportunity possible.  This is where teachers, parents, and administrators can help.  By letting students know the most important things they will need to understand and prepare for before they go abroad, you can ensure that students have the exciting and rewarding they dreamed of.

  Reference:

“Tips for U.S. Students Preparing for Study Abroad” by Brian Whalen 

Photo credit:

http://www.gwhatchet.com/

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5 Awesome Apps for Students Traveling Abroad

For students studying abroad, it can be a little stressful if you don’t know how to translate something or you don’t know what is nearby.  This is where apps can help, and because we love apps at Edtrips, we thought it might be a good idea to give students some suggestions. 

Here is a list of the top apps for students traveling abroad:

Skype.  Skype is one of the best apps for students traveling abroad because it allows you to connect with family and friends for free.  You can add the app to your computer or phone, so that you can video chat anytime and anywhere.  

Google Translate.  Google Translate is another great app for those students traveling to countries that do not speak their native language.  With support for over 71 different languages, Google Translate allows you to instantaneously translate words, phrases, and even entire web pages.  The app also offers offline support, so you don’t have to have an Internet connection to use it. 

AroundMe.  AroundMe is for adventurers looking to find cool spots nearby.  Especially for students traveling in an entirely new place, the AroundMe app can help them find hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and even movie theaters nearby.

  HiConverter.  HiConverter is a comprehensive unit converter app for your iPhone and iPod.  The app allows you to convert currencies and units, along with clothing sizes and more.  This app makes it easy for student travelers looking to exchange currency or looking to purchase clothing in other countries while abroad.

SitorSquat.  We’ve talked about this app before, and while it may seem a little silly, it could prove useful.  This app is great because it not only tells you the location of the nearest restrooms, it also gives you reviews and the hours of operation for the location. 

  For students traveling abroad, apps can be lifesavers.  If you don’t know how to translate something, Google Translate can help, and if you need a piece of home, Skype can connect you with your friends and family instantly.  This is why downloading these apps and more like it can help students ensure that they have an exciting adventure traveling abroad.

References:

"The 32 Best iPhone Apps for Travel" at I Love Study Abroad

"25 Essential Apps for Travelers" by Doug Aamoth

Photo credit:

Skype:  http://www.skypeassets.com/

Google Translate:  http://www.google.com/

AroundMe:  http://a5.mzstatic.com/

HiConverter:  https://itunes.apple.com/

SitOrSquat:  https://itunes.apple.com/

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Helping Students to Decide Where to Study Abroad

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience that students will never forget.  It is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, too, in that they may never get the chance again to spend that much time living, learning, and exploring an entirely different country.  So, how can you help them to decide where they will go?

There are a few questions you will need to ask them:

Can you speak any other languages?  This is a question that can help students narrow down their search.  If they have been studying a specific language, this cannot only help them build on their language skills, but it will give them a chance to immerse themselves in that language.

What countries have you considered?  This question can help you to understand the locations the student has already thought of.   This can mean that perhaps they want to travel to one of those places, or perhaps you can suggest another location that would be similar to one of those suggestions.

What is your major?  If you are working with college students, this is a great question to ask.  This can also help you to narrow down a location based on the availability of programs and where the student might be able to get the experience most suited to their field.

What are your interests?  By explaining their interests, you can determine the location best-suited to pursuing those interests.

What do you want to get from a study abroad experience?  This is also a good question to ask, as study abroad programs can offer different experiences for students.  It is important that you find out what the student really is looking for.

What would you not like?  If students are not looking for cold weather, perhaps locations with those climates are not the proper choices.  By understanding what a student isn’t looking for, you can better understand what they are looking for.

Helping students determine their study abroad destination can be incredibly exciting, however, it is important that you help them make the best decision for them.  By asking them a few simple questions, you can help them narrow their search, and determine the place that will give them the best educational travel experience possible.

  Photo credit:

http://www.chhs.unh.edu/

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Tips for Budget-Friendly Student Travel

When you are traveling with students, it is important that you keep in mind the budget that you are given.  This means keeping it simple for both you and your students.  To help you stay within your budget, we’ve put together some suggestions on keeping your costs low on student trips.

Have students pack their own lunches.  This is a more cost effective option for students, rather than having them purchase their own food or having food provided for them.  This cannot only lower the cost students are spending on food, but it can also reduce the cost of the entire trip.

Do you need a tour guide?  If you can get around it and it will not take away from the trip, it can be more cost effective to not use a tour guide.  Instead, make yourself the guide for your class trip.

Evaluate your options.  Overall, you want to make sure you are evaluating all of your options when it comes to choosing your class trip destination(s).  This means doing a little research as to the expense of the trip, and other costs that may be incurred along the way.  However, it is important that you are not forgoing the experience for your students.

Consider transportation.  What is your most cost effective option for transportation to your destination?  Again, you’ll need to do some research.  You do not want to choose travel that will greatly increase the cost of the trip for your students.  However, you will also want to make sure that your choice is the safest that you can provide. 

Review your expenses.  When you are looking for options on saving money, it is also a good idea to consider what you will be spending it on.  This means reviewing an itemized list of all the costs for your class trip, and evaluating where you might be able to cut down a bit.

Overall, keeping your class trip within budget is essential.  This means that you should keep in mind the areas in which you might be able to reduce your costs and doing some research.  However, it doesn’t take much to ensure an exciting and educational trip for your students to enjoy.

Photo credit:

http://bestfinancenetwork.com/effective-budgeting-strategies.html

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A Strikingly Unique Liberal-Arts Opportunity in China: International Education Management - Xing Wei College in Shanghai

At Edtrips, we partner with a variety of very exciting educational travel companies to introduce our users to new, unique travel programs.  We look for companies who provide students and educators highly academic and niche opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and to explore the world.  One of our most recent partnerships is with a company called International Education Management (IEM), which specializes in offering students educational opportunities abroad.

Since 1994, IEM has been partnering with internationally-focused institutions to help high school and college students get a global education.  Xing Wei College in Shanghai, China is the destination of the trips offered on edtrips.com.

Flexible Academic Travel

Students can decide between fall and spring semester travel.  Xing Wei’s schedule follows the American academic calendar in the fall semester, and the Chinese calendar in the spring.  This provides students the opportunity to choose to study in three different blocks per semester.  This means that students can decide what educational opportunity works best for them and their travel schedule.

First modern, liberal arts college of its kind in China

Founded in 2011 by Harvard grad, Weiming Chen, Xing Wei College was an experiment to see how an American liberal arts style college would function within China.  At Xing Wei College, critical thinking and dialogue are encouraged in the small classes often taught by two professors to further enhance the flow of ideas, and the courses are designed by the faculty themselves.  The first of its kind in China, Xing Wei College strives to alter the educational landscape within the country.

International Relations Opportunities

As part of the program, individuals from the Chinese Executive Leadership Academy, Pundong, will be guest lecturers and students will get the chance to meet business and political leaders who are participating in the “Masters in Residence” program. Perfect for the international business student or international relations student, guest speakers address topics related to Chinese Business, Politics and Culture.

The classes offered at Xing Wei also offer students a chance to get international experience that they might not otherwise have access to.  Classes cover a wide range of topics, including Chinese culture, comparative political theory, environmental sciences, economics, sociology, Asian philosophy, mathematics for business, international business, Shanghai modernism, and cell biology/genetics.

The trips offered on edtrips.com, even provides opportunities for field trips to Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as frequent research visits to museums and other landmarks of cultural significance in Shanghai.

Overall, these trips offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, and to even learn a bit of Mandarin while you live in one of the fastest growing cosmopolitan financial centers in the world.

Help and Guidance Along the Way

At IEM, they understand that students are hesitant when it comes to leaving campus to study abroad.  This is why the professionals at IEM are there to help to guide students through their travel experiences, by helping with Visa applications, travel plans, and helping them to get the classes and credits they need for success.  

In addition to the support students will get at IEM, the faculty at Xing Wei College also remain dedicated to helping students feel comfortable on the campus.  By living in homes right across the students, the faculty at Xing Wei are there for 24/7 guidance when students need.

Interested?  Check out the trip pages below and feel free to get in touch with the Trip Organizer with just one click!

  To check out the trip fall semester trip, visit https://www.edtrips.com/trips/fall-semester-at-xing-wei-college

To check out the spring semester trip offering, visit https://www.edtrips.com/trips/spring-semester-at-xing-wei-college  

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Collecting Trip Funds

Whether it is a school trip or a trip abroad, collecting trip fees from everyone can be difficult. This is because people are quick to forget and it is often difficult for you to keep track of who paid what.

At edtrips, we like to make your life just a little bit easier. This is why we’ve put together some suggestions to help you make trip payments from your travelers easier.

Send reminders early and often. One of the best ways to ensure that you collect all of the fees from all of your travelers is to send out reminders. By sending out these reminders early, you can ensure that your travelers and their families see the reminders in time. By also sending out these reminders often, you can ensure that there is a higher likelihood that your travelers won’t forget.

Plan ahead. Give yourself and your travelers enough time to plan. Especially when it comes to collecting funds for a trip, it is best to leave enough time for you to collect the payments and pay for all of the necessary costs. It is also important that you give your travelers enough time so that they can plan and make their payments on time.

Stay organized. Make sure to write down who paid what and when. It is important that you keep a record of each person’s payments so you know who still owes money for the trip, and who is all set.

For trip organizers, it is important to send reminders to your travelers, to plan ahead, and to stay organized when it comes to collecting payments. This way you can save yourself some of the headache, and spend more time getting ready for your trip.

Looking for an easy way to collect payments for your next trip? edtrips can help! Our site helps you to manage your trip, including the trip payments. To see how edtrips can help you plan your next trip, visit www.edtrips.com.

Photo credit:

http://img.ehowcdn.com/

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School's Out For Summer

It’s getting dangerously close to the end of school, and inches away from summer break.  For many teachers, this means a time of rest and relaxation until the next school year.  However, while this should be a time to recollect your thoughts and kick your feet up a bit, it should also be a time to prep for your next school year and your upcoming class trips.

While you may be cringing at this thought, you should consider the following things:

It will save you time during the most hectic part of your year.  While you are trying to teach your classes, and balance your work and home life, it will be difficult for you to add on planning your class trip.  As you probably are well aware, it takes a lot of time to prep for a trip.  By planning out over the summer where you will take your class during the upcoming school year, you can free up your time for other important things you have to keep up with in the classroom.

It will give your administration plenty of time to prepare.  By starting way ahead of time, you can ensure that your administration has enough time to prepare for your trip, as well.

It will give you time to prepare all of the necessary paperwork.  Paperwork can often be the most draining part of a class trip.  By starting over the summer, however, you can take your time with the paperwork.  This means that if you get a little frustrated or need a break, you can save it until later without the guilt.

This gives you time to examine your options.  By giving yourself extra time to plan, you can also examine the various options and costs.  This will also give you time to prepare funding, if needed.

This gives you time to prepare back-up plans and assignments that go along with the trip.  Allowing yourself this kind of time, you can think about cool and interesting assignments for your students before and after the trip.  This will also give you time to think about your contingency plan, if the trip doesn’t pan out the way you had originally thought it would.

There are a myriad of benefits to starting early when it comes to class trip planning.  By planning ahead, you cannot only save yourself time later, but you also give yourself more options.  This way, you can focus on teaching your classes and taking care of all the other important things during the school year.

Photo credit:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

[edtrips]

The 5 Most Important Apps to Add before Your Class Trip

When you are traveling with your students, it is essential that you are on top of your game.  This includes staying organized, staying on schedule, and planning for hiccups along the way.  This is why adding apps to your phone can be one of the best ways to ensure that you stay on top of all the important things on your next class trip.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most important types of apps out there for you while you're traveling.  You can check out some of our previous posts to see the different apps that are available in each category.

An alarm clock app.   Especially if you are traveling abroad, it is important that you add some sort of alarm clock app to your phone so that you can be sure that wake up on time to start the day for your students.

A weather app.  If your trip has any activities outside, it is important that you know what the weather is going to be like throughout the day.  This way you can plan ahead should an unexpected rain shower be heading your way.

A restroom finder app.  When you are traveling with students, it is important that you know where you can find the nearest restroom.  It may seem a little strange now, but when you need it, it will come in very handy.

A roll call app.  Another important app can be a roll call app.  This will ensure that everyone is accounted for when you meet back up or get on the bus to head home.

 A travel itinerary app.  In one of our previous posts we discussed the importance of travel itineraries.  This is why having some way of keeping your itinerary on you is a good way to make sure you are sticking to the schedule, and if you are not, that you can update the itinerary for your administrators and your students’ parents.

Overall, it is essential that you are on top of your game when it comes to traveling your students.  Coming prepared and having downloaded these five types of apps to your phone cannot only help you to stay organized, but can also help you with changes to the plan along the way. 

Photo credit:

http://www.blogcdn.com/

[edtrips]

Online Fundraising Resources for Your Class Trip

Whether it is a trip around the corner or a trip across the world, traveling costs money.  Especially when you are traveling with students, the costs can become high as there are a large number of people going and all of your budgeting must accommodate for that. 

We were recently inspired by a story of a school trip to New York City where the funds were raised through Facebook.  The Internet now is a pretty incredible place, in that in can be the means by which these types of student experiences to happen.  This is why we thought we’d give you some sites that may help to make these experiences for your students possible, in the simplest and most convenient form out there.

GoFundMe.com.  All you have to do is create a site telling your story, and share it with your friends.  As we can tell from the story we mentioned, being able to share this information on social networking sites can help you get the funding you need to provide your students with opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.

Fundly.  Fundly makes it easy to share your fundraiser on Facebook, either on a large or small scale.  It even allows you post videos and photos about your class trip that can give potential donors more information about your class and the trip.

Razoo.  Razoo offers a few different features, including a mobile app to help you track your fundraising efforts, as well as a way for you to collaborate with others on your efforts.  It even offers you a way to get your fundraiser found by generous people looking to give back. 

These are just a few of the sites that can help you raise the money you need to give your students the class trip experience they deserve. 

To find out other ways to raise money, check out our previous post on class trip fundraising.

Reference:

"Power of Social Media Helps Fund New York City Trip" by Kiki Evans

Photo credit:

http://www.gofundme.com/

[edtrips]

Trouble on Class Trips

When you are on a school trip with your students, there may come a point when someone gets into a little mischief.  Whether it is because the students are testing their limits or they are just bored, it can happen.  However, while you may be prepared for dealing with these types of situations, your chaperones might not.  This is why it is important to put together a plan to help chaperones prepare for these situations.

We have some pointers in helping you put together your plan for when your students get into a bit of trouble.

Mention something when you see it.  This is one of the most important aspects of dealing with students when they misbehave.  You don’t want to wait to say anything because this will not make sense to the student and it will leave the students thinking that they can get away with certain behaviors.

Set ground rules right at the get-go.  It is important that chaperones establish the ground rules right from the start.  You should encourage them to speak with their students about this at the beginning of the trip so that it lets them know what is expected of them.  It can also give the impression that these rules are those that have been established by the chaperone themselves, and will give more credibility to the chaperone.  To find out more about setting expectations with students, check out one of our previous posts. http://edtrips.tumblr.com/post/45453112468/setting-expectations-for-students-on-class-trips

Stick to your rules.  It is important that you remind chaperones to stick to the rules that they set.  This is because remaining consistent with students is one of the most important aspects to maintaining respect and credibility.

Talk to the teacher if you are unsure what to do.  Remind chaperones that they are not alone when it comes to working with the students.  If they have questions, tell them to feel free to ask them.  This will also limit confusion and miscommunication.

It is important to establish a plan with chaperones beforehand for dealing with students who are misbehaving.  Remind them that they need to say something to the student when they see the behavior occurring, that they need to establish ground rules right at the start, that they need to stick to their rules, and that they don’t have to be afraid to talk to you if they have questions.  This will ensure that everyone has a safe, and hopefully a stress-free, school trip.

  Photo credit:

http://langwitches.org/